(3) 4-6 Animals Animals series. This book clearly describes a variety of frog and toad species (there are more than 4,800), from the ten-pound African giant frog to the Brazilian gold frog, which measures just three-eighths of an inch. Also discussed are the effects of development, acid rain, and herbicides and pesticides on the subjects. Crisp photos, which often fill the page, should attract readers. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 Animals Animals series. These books discuss octopus and butterfly physiologies, life cycles, eating habits, and defenses against enemies. Each book ends with a brief chapter about how the animal interacts with humans. The clear writing and crisp color photos, which often fill the page, should hold young readers' attention. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Animals Animals titles: Octopuses and Butterflies.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 AnimalWays series. This book discusses the insects' biology, life cycles, sophisticated systems of communication, and value in agriculture. The conversational tone and vivid, close-up photos of bees at work and in their hives will attract readers to the subject. An animal kingdom chart and species checklist are included. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(4) 4-6 Blastoff! series. The books in this series provide somewhat dry descriptions of what is presently known (and calculated) about these planets and the sun. The photographs, illustrations, and diagrams are well chosen and captioned. The few errors are more unfortunate choices of wording rather than misstatements of fact. A list of related websites is appended. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Blastoff! titles: The Sun, Pluto, Uranus, Mercury, and Venus.]

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) 4-6 Celebrate the States series. Despite the series title, this volume examines not a state but a commonwealth. The clear prose explains this distinction and also examines Puerto Rico's history, geography, and people. A chapter describing places for tourists to explore on the island is particularly appealing. Maps, songs, recipes, and charts supplement the text, as well as a calendar of celebrations, a list of famous residents, and a timeline. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) 4-6 Blastoff! series. The books in this series provide up-to-date descriptions of astronomers' present knowledge of each planet and Earth's moon, with considerable attention given to the sources of information (visiting spacecraft, the Hubble telescope, ground-based observations, mathematical inference). Errors are few, though the texts are rather dry. The many well-captioned photos, illustrations, and diagrams are adequate. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Blastoff! titles: Jupiter, Earth and the Moon, Neptune, Mars, Saturn.]

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(4) 4-6 Animals Animals series. Engaging color photos illustrate these attractive introductions. The writing is lively, and the large print will appeal to the less able readers in this age group. After describing habitat, food, life cycle, mating, and care of young, each book ends with a chapter on human threats. Busy backgrounds make the sidebars in Lions and Elephants difficult to read. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Animals Animals series. Engaging color photos illustrate these attractive introductions. The writing is lively, and the large print will appeal to the less able readers in this age group. After describing habitat, food, life cycle, mating, and care of young, each book ends with a chapter on human threats. Busy backgrounds make the sidebars in Lions and Elephants difficult to read. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Celebrate the States series. A boon for report writers, these ten volumes dutifully provide information on each state's geography, wildlife, history, government and economy, population, landmarks, tourist attractions, and notable residents. A somewhat dull design incorporates readable texts, colorful tour-book-like photos, maps, charts, and historic reproductions. State facts, state songs, annual celebrations, and "fun facts" are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Shelley Woods