(4) K-3 Illustrated by Alan Witschonke. From the presidents' powers and responsibilities to their families and vice presidents, this updated edition provides a basic introduction to the executive office. Each section's opening paragraph gives simple facts followed by a bulleted list of examples; facing pages offer portraitlike colored-ink illustrations that support the text. Though it's not very substantive, this book could serve as an adequate starting point for further research. Reading list, websites.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) 4-6 Wonders of the World series. Illustrated by Alan Witschonke. Shah Jahan, fifth emperor of India's Mughal dynasty, built the Taj Mahal as a setting for his wife's tomb. An extraordinary architectural phantasmagoria of bejeweled ornament and symmetrical gardens, it expressed the emperor's idea of an earthly paradise. In this book, vibrant illustrations and art reproductions illustrate the Taj's magnificence while clear text tells its story. Timeline. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 Wonders of the World series. Illustrated by Alan Witschonke. The Empire State Building, which opened in 1931, was the culmination of New York's great skyscraper boom and remained the world's tallest building until 1972. The concisely written text follows the design and construction of the building and explores its early social significance. The book is illustrated with archival photos, color art, and a handsome three-page foldout of the completed structure. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(2) 4-6 Wonders of the World series. Illustrated by Alan Witschonke. Strong on the symbolism of the Hoover Dam ("its dedication meant that the hard times were really over") but weaker on human contributions, the text nonetheless offers a clear explanation of the planning, purpose, construction, and social conditions that influenced the building of the dam. Archival photos complement sidebar oral histories. Diagrams clearly show the inside workings of the dam, allowing readers a virtual tour of the site. Ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2002

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Alan Witschonke. Double-page spreads with separate topic headings explore the history and function of the American presidency. The author couples a general introductory paragraph with a brief sampler of facts that serves to amplify the initial information provided. While not especially illuminating, the book is still helpful. Strong full-page illustrations accompany the text. Bib.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn