(4) 4-6 Global Cities series. Readers are introduced to the history, culture, economy, environment, and challenges faced by these North American cities. Each section is dense with facts, reading like an encyclopedia entry, but the "case study" sidebars focusing on specific people or issues provide insider views. Well-captioned photographs, charts, graphs, and maps appear throughout the busy pages; Los Angeles has occasional typos. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Global Cities titles: Los Angeles, New York, and Mexico City.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) 4-6 Changing Face Of series. After an introduction to a major city and key country facts, chapters provide background on each country's history and resources. Environmental and diversity issues are superficially explored as they relate to changes in population, work, and home life. Small photos and "In Their Own Words" text boxes (purported quotes from citizens) enhance the country overviews. Map, reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Changing Face Of titles: Italy, France, Spain, and Germany.]

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(3) 4-6 Rain Forest series. Parker presents a comprehensive and clearly written introduction to rainforest trees and plants, the sources for such products as chewing gum and tires. The book covers various plant species, environmental conditions, life cycles, the disappearance of rainforest plants and trees, and conservation efforts. A list of related environmental organizations is included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto

(3) 4-6 Rain Forest series. This introduction to mammals of the rainforest discusses habitats, conservation, and threats from humans. The majority of this volume explores extinction and human influences affecting the future of rainforests and the mammals that inhabit them. The clearly written text is accompanied by attractive color photos. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto

(4) 4-6 Rain Forest series. This book covers the history of indigenous rain forest peoples, their beliefs, integration with settlers, lifestyles, and communities. Exploitation of the rain forest is covered extensively, and relevant information on indigenous people is woven in periodically. This book focuses more on the environmental issues of the rain forest, rather than the people that inhabit it. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto

(3) 4-6 Rain Forest series. This comprehensive introduction to the reptiles and amphibians of rain forest regions is written in clear prose accompanied by engaging color photos. Familiar animals such as the salamander and poison-arrow frog crawl through the pages along with less well-known creatures. The simple text provides just enough information for readers to keep the pages turning. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto

(3) 4-6 Rain Forest series. This introduction to the thousands of species of insects and spiders living in rainforest regions combines clearly written prose and color photos, making for an enjoyable scientific read. This book covers various species of insects and spiders, their habitats, adaptation to life in harsh environments, and reproduction, as well as the depletion of the rainforest and conservation efforts. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto

(3) 4-6 Rain Forest series. This introduction to birds of the rainforest discusses anatomy, habitats (e.g., mangrove forest), different varieties, and threats from humans. The majority of this volume explores environmental issues affecting the future of rainforests and the birds that inhabit them. The clearly written text is accompanied by attractive color photos. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Lauren Rizzuto

(4) 4-6 Country Fact Files series. REVIEW MISSING

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) 4-6 Wide World series. Each book provides an informative overview of these various habitats, examining aspects of lifestyle, transportation and communication, homes and buildings, work, history, and development and conservation in different regions of the world. Extensively photo-illustrated, with multiple sidebars and an easily accessible design, this series will hold appeal for young researchers and geography buffs. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(3) 4-6 Protecting Our Planet series. These books are a good introduction to several global environmental issues, giving simple descriptions of many aspects of the complex problems and connecting the causes and impacts of environmental degredation to our individual lives. The prose is aided by color photographs and clear, interesting graphics. Both metric and English units are used. Lists of relevant addresses and web sites are provided. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.

(3) 4-6 Country Fact Files series. Organized into eleven sections (including "The Landscape," "Natural Resources," "Population," "Daily Life," and "Trade and Industry"), this volume presents a broad but detailed overview of three western South American countries. Maps, charts, and diagrams include additional facts, while clearly reproduced full-color photos give readers a look at the landscape and peoples of these lands. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.