(3) 4-6 National Geographic Investigates series. This series discusses how archaeologists' work helps us learn about ancient cultures. Each volume highlights major sites and finds; the text touches on the impact of modern history (the Iraq war, pollution) on priceless artifacts and discusses controversies (Elgin marbles). Sidebars and well-captioned photos expand on the information, as does an interview with a working archaeologist. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these National Geographic Investigates titles: Ancient Inca, Ancient Iraq, Ancient Greece, Ancient Egypt, and Ancient Africa.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(4) PS Illustrated by Leonie Shearing. A very quiet, kindly farmer goes about his daily chores amidst squawking animals, clanging pots, and myriad other raucous farm and farmhouse noises. The text is a bit ho-hum, but children will relish chiming in with their own "cock-a-doodle-doo" and "snee-snort." Chicken-scratch drawings are filled with color and personality.

Reviewer: Amanda Sullivan

(3) 4-6 World in Ancient Times series. These well-written books offer detailed accounts of the rise and fall of ancient Roman and Greek civilization; also provided are short biographies of relevant individuals and their accomplishments. The cleanly designed books, which feature lots of white space, maps, and photos, are impressively well-rounded considering how much information the authors needed to winnow. Reading list, timeline, websites. Ind. Review covers these World in Ancient Times titles: The Ancient Roman World and The Ancient Greek World.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(2) K-3 Illustrated by John Winch. Told by the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem, this anthropomorphic account of Palm Sunday is reverent in tone, restrained in execution, and thoughtfully designed. The text is rhythmic, with an aura of poetic feeling and musical intonation. The illustrations illuminate the donkey's emotions, from fear to love, as he hopes someday that Jesus will come to his home where "my hillside will be a throne for him."

Reviewer: Mary M. Burns | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2002

(3) PS Illustrated by Sam Williams. As morning dawns, a young toddler wakes up and acknowledges the world around him. Simple rhyming text describes the child's daily routine, which he shares with his parents: eating breakfast ("Wake up, legs. / Wake up, feet. / Tummy says it's time to eat"), getting dressed, playing outside, and more. The soft watercolor images work well with the repetitive, chantlike text.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) PS Illustrated by Sam Williams. As the sun sets, a sleepy child is carried up to bed and drifts off to sleep. The drowsy rhyming verse begins with the end of the day ("Sleepy cat. / Sleepy mouse. / Sleepy sounds inside the house"), then moves on through the nighttime routine ("Sleepy story. / Sleepy sighs. / Sleepy Mom will kiss my eyes"). The large, soft watercolors and rhythmic text make this a lulling bedtime choice.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin