(4) K-3 Illustrated by Sahin Erkocak. It's December twenty-third, and Fawn and her neighbors are convinced that no snowfall means no Christmas. They agree to congregate the following day to "make snow," and their failed efforts bring a different kind of magic. The story works, but the super-stylized illustrations, in which Fawn has pouty lips and a bored-teenager expression, may repel the book's targeted young readership.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Seek It Out series. Illustrated by Simon Smith & Moreno Chiacchiera. In this suitable Where's Waldo?–like book, readers find items pictured in busy scenes set at a zoo, from the entrance ticket booth through a butterfly garden, veterinary clinic, aviary, gift shop, and more. Lists of items become progressively longer as the cartoon illustrations become denser; the pictures include humorous touches (e.g., a spectator wearing snowshoes in the Arctic exhibit).

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Wild World of Animals series. Basic informational text is largely outstaged by crisp, glossy photographs showing the wide variety of both birds. Intriguing, obscure species are also presented (e.g., the New Zealand mountain parrot, the kea). Text and captions occasionally do not explain or support their page's photos and may puzzle readers seeking clearer information. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Wild World of Animals titles: Penguins and Parrots.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(4) K-3 Wild World of Animals series. Basic facts are presented about these animals' traits, habitats, behaviors, and relationships with humans. Report writers will find ample information. A few awkward page breaks mar the otherwise clean design, and the stunning glossy photos seem to leap off the pages. Glossary terms are presented in context sentences, instead of traditional definitions. Reading list, websites. Ind. Review covers these Wild World of Animals titles: Lions and Dolphins.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(3) 4-6 What in the World? series. This book contextualizes da Vinci's most famous painting culturally as well as artistically. Carefully selected artwork and text elucidates the European Renaissance, along with parallel movements elsewhere in the world, then narrows to focus on da Vinci's life, works, and contemporaries, concluding with specifics about such artistic techniques as sfumato and chiaroscuro. Timeline. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Natural Wonders of the World series. A cursory text presents the geography, plant and animal life, climate, and history of the world's highest mountain. Much of the text focuses on the mountain's climbers. Sidebars, captivating color photographs, captions (some unclear), and sufficient white space work well to enhance the overall presentation. Additional facts about the mountain and its climbers are appended. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) K-3 Birds series. In each book, a clear and interesting text and sharp color photos cover physical characteristics, care of young, life cycles, history, and conservation. An overly fussy design detracts from the book's usefulness. Doves includes a recipe for a seed-filled treat to set outside; Eagles contains an activity that clarifies the term eagle-eyed. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Birds titles: Doves and Eagles.]

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(4) K-3 Birds series. In each book, a clear and interesting text and sharp color photos cover physical characteristics, care of young, life cycles, history, and conservation. An overly fussy design detracts from the book's usefulness. Doves includes a recipe for a seed-filled treat to set outside; Eagles contains an activity that clarifies the term eagle-eyed. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Birds titles: Doves and Eagles.]

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) K-3 Let's Investigate series. A short text and large photos of these appealing and shy endangered wildcats provide basic facts about cheetahs and their habitat. Short sidebars with catchy titles like "Cheetah Handles" (how mothers carry babies) and "Cheetah Royalty" (the king cheetah) give a combination of essential and ancillary facts. The photos and design are clean and inviting. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson