(4) K-3 Illustrated by Gilbert Ford. George Ferris wanted a magnificent, moving symbol for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. But Ferris received little encouragement and had to develop his invention without outside financing and by overcoming numerous unforeseen problems. The straightforward account includes some awkward tangential facts. Ford's digital art with ink and watercolor nicely highlights the finished edifice against a night sky. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(4) K-3 Step into Reading series. Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport. A simple text, revised and updated, capably introduces some of the children and teenagers who have lived in the White House, including Tad and Willie Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt's rambunctious brood, the Kennedy kids, Chelsea Clinton, and the Obama daughters. A small black-and-white image begins each chapter; some of the accompanying color illustrations are awkwardly proportioned.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(4) K-3 Step into Reading series. Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport. A simple text capably introduces some of the children and teenagers who have lived in the White House, including Tad and Willie Lincoln, the rambunctious kids of Teddy Roosevelt, and the two Johnson daughters, who were married in the White House. A dark black-and-white photo heads each chapter; the color illustrations are murky and sometimes awkwardly proportioned.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) K-3 Illustrated by David A. Johnson. Double-page spreads with titles such as "Snappiest Pet," "Tiniest Dog," and "Most Pampered" introduce the wide variety of animals that have lived at the White House. Accompanied by well-rendered illustrations, the concise text describes Thomas Jefferson's grizzly cubs, Woodrow Wilson's sheep, and Calvin Coolidge's raccoon, as well as other more typical pets. A list of all presidential pets is included. Bib.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta