(4) K-3 Illustrated by Nancy Tobin. In simple terms that sometimes oversimplify the complex subject, JoJo reads to and enlightens her dog, Willy, about electrons, static electricity, batteries, generators, etc., to explain the principles and processes of electricity. A power-plant-to-house-outlet diagram pulls things together, and cartoon illustrations in bold colors aid understanding. Three simple experiments conclude the volume.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Nancy Tobin. The simple explanations of the water cycle and water treatment found in this book stick with a traditional journey of water from bodies of water to clouds to rain to the water treatment plant to your tap. The colorful cartoon illustrations include informative factual asides, but the suggested experiments do little to promote scientific understanding.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Nancy Tobin. Adler and Tobin team up again, this time to present methods of measuring in their hands-on, let's-have-fun style. They cover units of measure in ancient Egypt, demonstrate the importance of a standard unit of measure, introduce the customary (inch-pound) and metric systems, and more. Tobin's cartoonishly offbeat illustrations radiate enough pizzazz to motivate even the most resigned math haters.

Reviewer: Mary Burkey | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 1999

(4) K-3 Clearly described hands-on activities with edible materials (pretzel sticks, American cheese, and bread slices) introduce different polygons, including isosceles triangles, rhombuses, and dodecagons. Offering structured exercises rather than open-ended investigations, the text simply guides young mathematicians to learn definitions rather than explore concepts. Clear color illustrations accompany the text.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.