(4) 4-6 Insiders series. This book introduces the dynamics of flight, aviation forerunners and milestones, and specific aircraft. Bold double-page spreads with computer-generated illustrations provide the backdrop for poorly captioned, stock color photographs, sidebars, maps, and diagrams. However, there is an abundant amount of information available for the diligent reader. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. Boldly illustrated with dramatic computer-assisted art and full of information in paragraphs, sidebars, charts, and captions, this book introduces the four main branches of reptiles, then gives specific examples of some of the more noteworthy ones ("Nile Crocodile: Death Roll"). Mostly declarative sentences, sometimes in very small, hard-to-read type, solidly explain the attention-grabbing headings ("Burmese Python: Squeeze Tight"). Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. Boldly illustrated with computer-assisted art and full of information in paragraphs, sidebars, charts, and captions, this book introduces weather and its extreme forms (e.g., supercell thunderstorms), then gives specific examples of weather-caused disasters, such as Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. Mostly declarative sentences, sometimes in very small type, solidly explain the excited headings ("Weather Goes Wild"). Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. This book introduces the geography, climate, and wildlife of the polar regions. Bold double-page spreads with computer-generated illustrations provide the backdrop for poorly captioned stock color photographs, sidebars, maps, and charts. However, there is an abundant amount of information available for the diligent reader. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. The first part of this book introduces the basic concept of invention. The rest of the volume focuses on specific inventions important to human civilization. Each double-page spread includes a block of text and a large realistic illustration with explanatory captions and sidebars. Individual sections are well organized, but the wide variety of topics covered gives the book a lack of cohesion. Timeline. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. This large-format book covers typical astronomy topics (e.g., solar system, space exploration). Double-page spreads include vivid photographs and illustrations accompanied by brief paragraphs, additional facts, and sidebars. The "Stargazing" section includes star maps and directions on how to use them. Though the pages are busy, the package is impressive-looking and can be useful for browsing. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. The first half of this guide introduces readers to the basic physiology of sharks and how they live. What follows is a look at specific types of sharks and their particular habitats and activities. Each double-page spread includes a paragraph of main text and large central illustration. While sidebars provide some structure, the information can otherwise be scattered. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. The first half of this book introduces different types of predators and various ways these animals capture their prey. The second half focuses on specific species, including cats, wolves, and alligators, and their habitats. Each double-page section includes a block of text and a large realistic illustration with explanatory captions and sidebars. The scattered layout makes the book best for browsing. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. The first half of this guide introduces readers to different insects and spiders with an eye toward their biology and physiology. What follows is a look at specific types of insects and spiders and how they live. Each double-page spread includes a paragraph of main text and large central illustration. While sidebars provide some structure, the information can otherwise be scattered. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. The first half of these books introduce general information about the life and times of a particular era with an eye toward culture and architecture. They then focus on specific locations and practices to flesh out the facts already presented. Each topic is explored on busy but well-captioned double-page spreads. The details are captivating, but the information is scattered. Glos., ind. Review covers these Insiders titles: Knights & Castles and Egypt.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. In the first half of this guide, readers are introduced to the origins of the universe, the types of objects it contains, and how we explore space. This is followed by a look at the planets in our solar system as well as other stars and galaxies. Though the information is scattered, double-page spreads flesh out details with well-captioned illustrations. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. This guide delves into the lives of dinosaurs. The first half introduces general facts about when and where they lived as well as how scientists gather information about them. The second half focuses on specific meat- and plant-eating dinosaurs, with details about each one. Though the information is scattered, double-page spreads are richly illustrated and filled out with explanatory captions. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. This first half of this richly illustrated guide introduces general concepts: how the ocean was formed, what lives in it, and how scientists have collected this information. The book then focuses on the various bio-zones and ecosystems supported by and within the ocean (though the information is scattered). Double-page spreads consist of illustrations supplemented by explanatory captions. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. This guide offers insight into the causes and effects of volcanoes and earthquakes. The first half of the book introduces the general science concepts behind the events, explaining how and why they happen, while the second half focuses on historical examples. Though the information throughout is scattered, double-page spreads contain vivid illustrations and well-captioned explanatory details. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Insiders series. The first half of these books introduce general information about the life and times of a particular era with an eye toward culture and architecture. They then focus on specific locations and practices to flesh out the facts already presented. Each topic is explored on busy but well-captioned double-page spreads. The details are captivating, but the information is scattered. Glos., ind. Review covers these Insiders titles: Knights & Castles and Egypt.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo