(3) K-3 Illustrated by Robin Page. Spreads feature rhyming couplets that introduce ten octopus facts, along with supplemental text and striking computer-generated illustrations of a giant Pacific octopus. (Fact ten introduces ten different species.) The thoughtful use of white space and text placement combined with the fascinating information results in a well-designed, informative book. Directions for octopus-related crafts and edible treats are included. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. This anthropomorphic animal book introduces readers to a variety of patient moms and their "beastly," mischievous children. The babies' playfulness is reflected in the rollicking rhyming text and mixed-media illustrations, both of which have plenty of funny details (e.g., as the little elephants butt into Mom's back: "there goes Mama's noontime nap!"). An ideal read-aloud for similarly active little ones.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Renné Benoit. "Now and then you'll see a few / animals who use tools, too." Alternating between arrhythmic rhymes about animals using tools and more valuable scientific explanations, this book is better read as two different narratives. The watercolor, colored-pencil, and gouache illustrations in muted earth tones feel rather lifeless. A lengthy author's lends additional context. Reading list, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Christine Mannone Carolan. Lovable Booster Bogg the dog is a free spirit who cannot be contained. When mean Mr. Green brings up the leash law, the townsfolk figure out how to circumvent this regulation. The verse has the lilting rhythm of a ballad, and the playful illustrations add to Booster's personality, but readers don't learn why it's so important to maintain Booster's independence.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Bill Slavin & Esperança Melo. A rabbit student daydreaming during geography class envisions seven color-themed bodies of water; for example, the Yellow Sea: "They say it's made of lemonade / and quite all right to sip." Vivid-hued (bordering on garish) textured paintings on gessoed paper illustrate the rhymes. Facts about real seas and oceans complete the somewhat amusing package. Reading list.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Doris Ettligner. Jackson has assembled an assortment of stories to illustrate Lincoln's well-documented love for baby birds, kittens, horses, turtles, turkeys, and the like. The illustrations are undistinguished, but the picture book format will likely appeal to young readers--especially those who share Lincoln's sentiment about animals. Bib.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) 4-6 Scientists in the Field series. Photographs by Nic Bishop. Astronomer Alex Filippenko and his research team employ advanced telescopes in a search for supernovae they can use to explore the nature of black holes and dark energy. Jackson's careful and clear explanations of this cutting-edge science, and Bishop's impressive photographs of objects in the universe and the scientists searching for them, are characteristic of this series. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Ron Miller. A boy keeps a travel journal on his journey through the solar system. Each double-page spread features a dramatic artistic rendition of a planet (Pluto's not included) or a moon--overlaid with amateurish chalklike sketches of the boy and his spaceship--and a "diary entry" that gives facts and impressions about each stop. Quick facts in the back allow for comparisons. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jan Davey Ellis & Jan Davey Ellis. Eleven fictional children from countries including China, India, and Peru describe the first day of school. Special customs (such as the German Schultüte, the paper cone full of sweets, toys, and pencils carried by brand-new students) are introduced. Each tale features decorated borders and carefully detailed illustrations, as well as additional facts about school life in each country. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(2) 4-6 Scientists in the Field series. Photographs by Nic Bishop. Jackson focuses on the work of Jill Tarter, director of the Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence program. The book describes Tarter's daily routine, how she became an astronomer, and the science and technology involved in searching for signs of life in the universe. Tarter's enthusiasm for her work is skillfully conveyed through both text and photos, which aptly portray the multifaceted life of a program director. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2003

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jan Davey Ellis. With bright illustrations and rich borders, this book describes several springtime holidays. Attention is paid to earlier civilizations' rituals as well as modern celebrations, and Jackson also describes planting-time rituals in countries that do not experience springtime changes in weather. An Anglo-Saxon legend and three pages of suggested spring activities end the book. Bib.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Jan Davey Ellis. In simple language this book offers intriguing glimpses of both ancient and contemporary midsummer celebrations around the world. Short explanations of the holiday's history in different countries are followed by related activities that are fairly weak. The book's focus often seems Eurocentric despite its claims, but young readers will glean some information from this quick introduction. Bib.

Reviewer: Lauren Aimonette LIang

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Matt Faulkner. Our argyle-sweater-clad, bow-tie-wearing protagonist goes to the "widder woman" for some "glue stew" to stick his scattered brains together. Country diction in the riddle-rich narrative and Faulkner's crosshatched artwork (which throws plenty of winks to readers) combine for a great tall tale.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jan Davey Ellis. Folk-art-like, earth-toned illustrations accompany a lucid text, which explains the relevance of the autumn equinox and the importance of the harvest. Jackson describes various cultural celebrations and how these customs have evolved into such holidays as Halloween and Thanksgiving. An adaptation of a Native American legend and an assortment of classroom projects and recipes are included. Bib.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Jan Davey Ellis. In first-person narratives accompanied by additional information, eleven children living in Great Britain and America at the beginning of each century between 1000 and 2000 C.E. describe a typical day at the time. Though awkwardly rendered, detailed watercolors with borders provide glimpses into the past millennium.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne

(4) K-3 Accompanied by uneven illustrations of brides in traditional dress, the text presents wedding customs from various cultures and eras in one-sentence descriptions. Longer passages introduce each of the sections, which cover engagement, bridal dress, hair and makeup, the role of family and friends, and other traditions. Although readers may find the facts interesting, the picture book offers only a cursory overview. Bib.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.