(4) K-3 Best Book Of series. Browsers will enjoy this cursory look at animals (from dinosaurs to today's endangered orangutan) and the possible and known reasons for their extinction or endangered status, but report writers will have to look elsewhere for more substantive information. The oversize book is filled with illustrations of many animals. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Barbara Barstow

(4) K-3 Best Book Of series. This book offers basic, chronologically organized information about Rome's beginnings, rulers, buildings, empire acquisition, daily life, capitulation to the Vandals, and legacy; it ends with a brief discussion of the evidence we have to support these facts. The illustrations range from a large-scale aerial view of the city to medallions showing the four layers of Roman roads. The result is an accurate if superficial introduction. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Best Book Of series. With a different topic on each double-page spread ("Growing up," "Finding food," etc.), this junior encyclopedia on wolves, foxes, and other wild dogs worldwide features somewhat bland color illustrations of the dogs and paragraphs and captions describing their habitats and behaviors. The text lacks transitions between topics and can be choppy, but the information is accessible and clear. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 Best Book Of series. This book gives the big picture--how snakes eat, move, and protect themselves--while presenting species from around the world with startling reptilian characteristics. Detailed illustrations, such as a "green anaconda constricting a spectacled caiman," show snake activities and habitats. Briefly mentioned are such threats to snakes as the destruction of their natural habitats. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Best Book Of series. Organized chronologically, the fourteen double-page spreads of this book give discrete synopses of subtopics ranging from the first toolmakers to life in the Iron Age. Captioned art illustrates the several paragraphs of each segment, and careful word usage represents scientific understanding accurately, but the book is slightly disjointed and needs a world map. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Best Book Of series. This broad overview of gymnastics is presented against busy double-page spreads featuring bland, captioned color illustrations. The brief text touches on the sport's history and introduces various jumps, twists, and other movements. The step-by-step descriptions, as of how to do a handspring vault, will prove instructive to those who enjoy watching competitions. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(4) K-3 Best Book Of series. Fourteen double-page spreads explore subtopics of piracy, including "Tools of the trade," "Pirate women," and "Pirates of today." Spreads include a brief introductory paragraph; one or two large, captioned color illustrations; and smaller illustrations and supplemental facts. This superficial treatment struggles to be a balanced book about a cutthroat way of life. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Best Book Of series. Double-page spreads capably introduce various forms of martial arts, including karate, jujitsu, judo, and sumo wrestling. The layouts, overcrowded with mediocre color art and numerous captions, contain some historical background; show various movements typical of the sports, such as throws and blocking; and include facts about the clothing and weaponry sometimes used. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta