(3) K-3 Illustrated by Francesca Chessa. A rubber ducky, whose owner, Jane, laments that he "can't even squeak," falls out the bathroom window. His journey takes him all over town, but will he make it back to the bathroom safely? Will Jane still love him, despite his wonky squeak ("squoo, squoo!")? Chessa's emotionally rich illustrations show the protagonists in a sympathetic light, drawing readers into the story.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 History in Literature series. This series effectively places literary classics in context without simply regurgitating plot and theme. The authors' biographical details are combined with historical and cultural background, some of which is vague (a too-broad overview of the 1930s in Mice) or confusingly anachronistic (a profile of Barack Obama in Mockingbird). All volumes are busily illustrated with numerous maps and archival pictures. Reading list, timeline, websites. There are five other fall 2006 books in this series. Glos., ind. Review covers these History in Literature titles: John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, Willa Cather'sMy Ántonia, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye, and George Orwell's Animal Farm.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(3) 4-6 Sacred Texts series. Colorful strips of symbolic patterns adorn the pages and accent the informative text boxes that supplement the brief chapters of these books. Contemporary translations of Scripture further enhance the discussion of the historical and present-day significance of the holy writings. The clear, captioned black-and-white and color illustrations (photos and historical art) provide additional background. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Sacred Texts titles: The Bible and Christianity and The Torah and Judaism.]

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(4) K-3 Great Religious Leaders series. In both these series books, seven chapters offer a rather superficial overview of the featured religion (past and present), the religious leader, sacred writings and places, and celebrations. Christianity focuses mainly on Roman Catholic and Orthodox denominations. The layout includes text boxes and captioned photos and archival reproductions. A brief list of books and websites is appended. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) 4-6 Starting with the basics ("What Is a Religion?"), this introduction describes the symbols, history, customs, and festivals of eight major religions, with the greatest coverage given to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Cartoonlike children act as guides through the simplified material, with color photographs and additional artwork illustrating each section and adding international flair. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam