Reviews
A noteworthy review of True Stories, Real People from Booklist on April 1, 2016
The central library in Basra, Iraq, served its community for years before war threatened not just to end its services but to destroy its collections. In 2003, chief librarian Baker led an impromptu, grassroots effort to save as much of the collection as she and the library’s… View →
A noteworthy review of Titanic Stories from Booklist on April 1, 2016
The Titanic Stories series investigates this maritime disaster from different perspectives, and this volume takes a close look at J. Bruce Ismay, chairman of White Star Line, the company that built the Titanic. Engaging narrative prose describes Ismay’s excitement upon boarding the View →
A noteworthy review of The Spark of Invention from Booklist on April 1, 2016
In this entry in the Spark of Invention series, kids will learn that the skateboards of today are the product of many people’s efforts over time. Beginning with the crude boards of the 1920s, consisting of little more than a plank with roller skate wheels, the text moves forward to View →
A noteworthy review of One World, Many Countries from Horn Book Guide on April 1, 2016
K-3 One World, Many Countries series. These service able overviews for report writers are liberally illustrated with sharp photos. An introductory chapter in each book often highlights a holiday or festival (Israel includes a minor error). Four chapters then focus on land, government and View →
A noteworthy review of On the Hunt with Animal Predators from Children's Bookwatch on March 1, 2016
‘On The Hunt With Hyenas’ is an exciting, accurate, photo -illustrated nonfiction, hard bound library volume from the series, On the Hunt With Animal Predators, for children age 6 and up. Illustrated with many stunning color photographs of hyena cubs and their mothers, in… View →
A noteworthy review of Wonders of Space from Children's Bookwatch on March 1, 2016
‘The Voyager Space Probes’ covers the exciting story of the planning and launching of the twin Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 in 1977, to travel to the outer planets of our solar system Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus, and beyond. Four chapters cover the exciting preparation,… View →
A noteworthy review of The Spark of Invention from Children's Bookwatch on February 1, 2016
‘Inventing the Internet’ is a photo-illustrated educational resource about the source, invention, and impact of the internet, for young readers age 7-8 and up. Tracing the early beginnings of the internet and computers to the 1950’s, important inventors mentioned are… View →
A noteworthy review of Gross Jobs from School Library Connection on November 1, 2015
Initial chapters in each book define what the job does, including a day-in-the-life description. Discussion follows as to why the job is important, and a closing chapter addresses problems and controversies that face the profession. The layout is consistent, with fun fact call-outs; they View →
A noteworthy review of Exploring Dinosaurs from School Library Journal on November 1, 2015
Species facts and paleontology blend effectively in this dinosaur set. Each title starts with a story about a dinosaur in action; these are not especially gripping, but some link neatly to actual fossil discoveries that readers learn about later. A fairly thorough treatment of physical… View →
A noteworthy review of Pet Care from School Library Journal on November 1, 2015
Attractive and well-designed primers. The close-up photographs of the animals’ faces on the covers entice readers, while the content cautions them to make careful choices when selecting a pet. The importance of commitment is emphasized, along with all of the basics on food, health, View →
A noteworthy review of Animals of the Rain Forest from School Library Connection on November 1, 2015
All the ingredients that create a usable easy reference series can be found in these informative books. Vivid detailed photographs show the animals of the rain forest. First, students meet the animals and are given descriptions to recognize them. They also learn about their homes, their… View →
A noteworthy review of Rev Up Your Writing from School Library Journal on November 1, 2015
These slim volumes present solid information and sound advice offered in concise, clearly written sentences printed in a large font. Written in a friendly, encouraging tone, they make for engaging reading. Cheerful, colorful cartoons and photos add to the visual appeal. Each title… View →