(4) YA History of the World series. These volumes give broad overviews of their topics. So many different peoples and cultures are covered in each book that depth of information is lacking. On most spreads, a short paragraph of main text is accompanied by color illustrations, maps, and photographs, as well as sidebars and more explanatory text, crowding the pages. There are six other fall 2009 books in this series. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these History of the World titles: The Americas and the Pacific, Ancient Egypt and Greece, Early Medieval Times, Asian Civilizations, Beyond Europe, and Mesopotamia and the Bible Lands.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) 4-6 Uncovering History series. Illustrated by Manuela Cappon & Manuela Cappon. Offering a patchwork look at the cultures they present, these books treat nine subtopics, ranging from Celtic burial to a Roman kitchen. Each double-page spread contains a paragraph and numerous captioned illustrations, including photographs and finely detailed art. Several transparent overlays afford exterior/interior views of such features as homesteads and burial sites. Ind. [Review covers these Uncovering History titles: Everyday Life in Ancient Rome and Everyday Life of the Celts.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 Uncovering History series. Illustrated by Manuela Cappon & Manuela Cappon. Offering a patchwork look at the cultures they present, these books treat nine subtopics, ranging from Celtic burial to a Roman kitchen. Each double-page spread contains a paragraph and numerous captioned illustrations, including photographs and finely detailed art. Several transparent overlays afford exterior/interior views of such features as homesteads and burial sites. Ind. [Review covers these Uncovering History titles: Everyday Life in Ancient Rome and Everyday Life of the Celts.]

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jon Goodell. A "weaselly weasel" steals the harvest that he's supposed to share with a small crow. To frighten the weasel, the crow enlists a wolf's help but ultimately doesn't need it. Set in Tuscany, peppered with Italian words (glossary provided), and illustrated with a notably sure hand, this trickster story features clever twists and turns as the crow schemes to get some of her own back.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) 4-6 Spanning from five million B.C.E. to the present, this wide-ranging historical overview provides a glimpse at world cultures, empires, religions, leaders, and everyday life. Photographs, illustrations, maps, and artifacts are dispersed liberally throughout the crowded pages. A "Who's Who" page, which briefly highlights notable figures, concludes each of the five historical divisions. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Kristen Oravec

(3) 4-6 What's Their Story? series. Illustrated by Victor Ambrus. These brief biographies of three authors, two explorers, and one political activist present their subjects in clear and engaging prose. Accomplished half-page and spot watercolors on each page highlight key moments in each person's life. Time lines are appended to all but Eric (which features a source note) and Gandhi (a glossary). Ind.

Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne