(4) K-3 Illustrated by Rob Bolster. Palotta describes twenty-nine construction vehicles and tools (he's so enamored by the subject he starts again at A after presenting Z), including a jackhammer, mobile rock crusher, and X-bracing. The informative text occasionally includes sound effects ("Eeeeee...BOOM!") and some distractingly random diversions and jokes. The watercolor paintings look almost like photographs in their realism and detail.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Rob Bolster. These two picture books feature some questionable choices--e.g., Boat uses "steamboat" instead of "submarine" for S and includes "submarine" under E for "electric boat." Also, sometimes the brief text is a bit esoteric or confusing--e.g., Boat uses "quffa" (a basket boat) for Q, noting it is often spelled with a g or a kh. For most young children, however, the striking pictures will command their attention.

Reviewer: Jack Forman