(3) 4-6 Building by Design series. These books focus on four formidable architectural marvels constructed in diverse regions of the world. Each book details a specific building, giving an account of its unique purpose, history, design, construction, and modern use. Budding architects will find the series engaging. Stock photographs, diagrams, direct quotes, and sidebars provide clarity. "Fast Facts" and critical thinking questions are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Building by Design titles: Engineering the Space Needle, Engineering the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Engineering Burj Khalifa, and Engineering the Taj Mahal.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 Ancient Wonders series. Each volume offers the basic who-what-when-why-and-how for its titular ancient structure and concludes with a quick overview of its current condition and tourism. Color photos, maps, and other illustrations supplement the text; short question-and-answer footers provide additional detail. The brightly designed series is basic, but the content is sufficient for the target audience. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review includes these Ancient Wonders titles: Egyptian Pyramids, Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, Statues of Easter Island, Stonehenge, and Taj Mahal.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(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

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Rahul Bhushan. Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal and a monument to their enduring love. Layering history, politics, architecture, and legend atop the fictionalized love story, the text can be hard to follow. Meticulously rendered miniature paintings framed by gold embossed papers lend cultural authenticity. Extensive back matter is included. Bib.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(3) 4-6 Great Building Feats series. Color photos, architectural drawings, and archival illustrations contribute to this comprehensive overview of this famous tomb, a national landmark that has played a key role in Indian culture. In addition to documenting the construction of this world-renowned structure, the clear, well-organized text explains the rise and fall of the Mughal Empire. Maps, reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo