(4) K-3 Countries We Come From series. In a visually attractive but superficial introductory series, each volume begins with fairly vague descriptive words (e.g., "Huge," "Historic," "Stunning") paired with bright photos. A smattering of facts about geography, animals, history, language, jobs, culture, and food follow, accompanied by engaging photos. Although a child appears on each cover, no personalizing anecdotes are included. "Fast facts" appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Countries We Come From titles: Russia, England, Germany, and Ukraine.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 See Them Grow series. These substantive texts explain, step-by-step, how the titular insects develop from the time of fertilization (primarily from the time they hatch) to adulthood. Butterfly is the standard metamorphosis-focused fare; Dragonfly has more unusual facts, especially concerning mating rituals. Both are clear and accessible, with illuminating close-up photographs, labeled images, and defined terms. Additional facts about each insect are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these See Them Grow titles: Butterfly and Dragonfly.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox

(3) K-3 See Them Grow series. Each substantive text explains, step-by-step, how the titular animal develops from the time of fertilization to adulthood. Close-up photographs of embryos and developing young are especially illuminating. Turtle incorporates subject-specific vocabulary (scutes, yolk sac, etc.) with particular clarity, and both accessible books introduce the convention of image labeling. Additional facts about each animal are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these See Them Grow titles: Turtle and Frog.

Reviewer: Rebecca Fox