(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Sydney Smith. Achievements in sports, culture, and science, along with information about historic events and famous Canadians, are found in this well-organized chronological survey incorporating excerpts from ten other books by the same publisher. Readers will enjoy browsing the short sections of clear, engaging text. Appealing line and wash illustrations bring Canada's history alive and acknowledge its multicultural population. Ind.

Reviewer: Debora Pearson

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Marie Lafance. Horse Bunny was sent from Canada to Europe in 1914 to assist forces fighting the Germans. He served faithfully and became his battery's sole equine survivor. Although the story line is choppy, this true account is a worthy paean to horses that served in World War I. Strong illustrations in an earthy palette capture the drama. An author's note adds historical context.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Qin Leng. While the title exaggerates a bit and the focus is more on North America and Europe than other regions, this is still a useful compendium of historical information, with glimpses of the arts and sciences. The full-color vignettes add visual interest, and "Ripples" text boxes feature connections to other events and to today's world. There are no sources. Timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Bindon. This volume includes profiles of several flying reptiles, flying and flightless ancient birds, and a winged dinosaur. The facts given for each creature center mainly on its appearance and diet. The toothy illustrations of the fliers in action show field-guide-like details of what they may have looked like. An appended spread provides a scale diagram for size comparison.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Kids Can Read series. Illustrated by John Mantha. This easy reader biography accurately (if superficially) presents Marie Curie's life and achievements. Her birth in Poland, employment and schooling in Paris, marriage to Pierre, groundbreaking study of radiation, and resultant Nobel Prize are covered, as are her later professorship, continuing work, and death. Soft-toned illustrations, some awkwardly stiff, support the narrative.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Kids Can Read series. Illustrated by Jon Mantha. This rags-to-riches story of the escape artist begins with his childhood and outlines many of the stunts for which he became famous, leading to his early death. Somewhat stiff illustrations help readers envision his elaborate illusions and appreciate their impact. Four bulleted additional facts ("Dogs were Harry and Bess's favorite pets") are appended. Sources are lacking.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) 4-6 Answering such questions as "Why do horses roll on the ground?" and "What's a hippogriff?" this slim guide covers standard information (gaits, colorings, and markings) and branches out to the more esoteric ("Why are horseshoes lucky?"). Freestanding text sections with a light and engaging tone combined with glossy photo vignettes of horses vamping for the camera make the book highly browsable.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) 4-6 With its lively text and copious photographs, this title offers readers an accessible introduction to the world of felines. Issues discussed include why cats hate water, why they scratch the furniture, why they have fur in their ears, and why they drink so noisily. MacLeod's interesting facts and anecdotes are sure to keep young cat owners engaged.

Reviewer: Maren Ostergard

(4) 4-6 MacLeod takes an informal approach, casually (and speciously) calling Twain by his first name; a cartoon Mark pops up on the pages to share bits of information. The left-hand text pages are dense with small type. Facing pages include an apt selection of quotations and collages of captioned primary source documents (e.g., Twain's notes on Huckleberry Finn). Timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett

(4) 4-6 An impressive amount of information is packed into this slim biography of the influential botanist and educator. Though the type is small and dense, the facing pages are filled with captioned photographs contributing to the attractive and illuminating presentation. Carver's achievements despite his slave origins, ensuing poverty, and the unrelenting racism he faced are well documented. Timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) 4-6 This admiring biography of the woman who transformed the role of First Lady provides a detailed account of Roosevelt's life. The thoughtfully designed volume includes running text on the verso pages and collages of captioned photographs on the recto pages. Quotations and a caricatured Eleanor (who narrates through speech bubbles) also appear throughout, making some of the pages look crowded. Directory, timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(3) 4-6 The drive and self-sacrifice that enabled Marie Curie to win two Nobel Prizes and become the most acclaimed female scientist to date are explored in this accessible biography, which covers Curie's personal and professional lives. Illustrated with well-chosen archival photos, the text describes how working with radioactive materials both made Curie and her husband Pierre's careers and ruined their health. Timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann

(3) 4-6 Through text, period photos, and graphics, MacLeod tells of Keller's transformation from a bad-tempered child into a woman of influence and advocacy, a remarkable if familiar story. Each double-page spread is a small chapter of the life of Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. Coverage is balanced, and a paper-doll style Helen addresses readers directly throughout. Timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Kids Can Do It series. Illustrated by June Bradford. Step-by-step instructions and serviceable illustrations for thirty-two recipes are divided into four sections: "Holidays," "For Special People," "Seasons," and "Just for Fun." Bakers will appreciate having an excuse to bake (eat) such delicacies as Groundhog Day cookies. Some recipes may require special equipment, such as two different sizes of star cookie cutters, others include helpful tips on how to gift-wrap the treats.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 Organized chronologically, thirteen facets of Einstein's life and major contributions to science are presented. MacLeod's conversational tone and short, balanced explanations make the subject accessible, and the illustrations--captioned photos, cartoons, and brief quotations--help flesh out his character. Details such as his untidy family situations and abandoned pacifism make this a thoughtful introduction. Timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 This concise biography offers a basic portrait of Wilbur and Orville Wright and their accomplishments. Each double-page spread features a plainspoken text and archival images of the Wrights and their flying machines. The layout, which includes unnecessary arrows pointing at pictures and superfluous figure drawings of the Wrights, is a bit much. The book concludes with two timelines. Ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 This slim illustrated biography introduces middle school readers to the author of Anne of Green Gables. Double-page spreads focus on various aspects of Montgomery's life, from growing up on Prince Edward Island to becoming a minister's wife. Despite a fussy design, the photos and other artifacts from Montgomery's life liberally illustrating the volume add appeal. Ind.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) 4-6 Kids Can Do It series. Illustrated by June Bradford. Here are recipes for dozens of treats to give as gifts, from herb mixes and soups to gingerbread cookies, fudge, and chocolates. Although a tight design often crowds the directions, each recipe is joined by a small color photo, drawing, and suggestions for unique and attractive gift packaging. The recipes and wrapping crafts don't describe required skill levels, but the gift ideas are nifty.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Gordon Sauvé. Each double-page spread contains a brief answer to a common question about dinosaurs; captions provide additional information. A wide variety of different types of dinosaurs is included, and a useful chart provides pronunciations for various dinosaur names. The brief text, large type, and numerous illustrations make this an appropriate reference work for young dinosaur buffs.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire

(4) 4-6 Skreslet, who in 1982 became the first Canadian to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, recounts his experiences preparing for, and then undertaking, the dangerous climb. Though inherently fascinating, the narrative is so blandly related that even dramatic events--such as the deaths of four fellow climbers--lose their emotional impact. Average-quality color photographs and sidebars give the book a slightly crowded appearance. Glos.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta