May 1, 2006
K-Gr 3 -These books are colorfully illustrated, but the information is trivial and often incomplete. Unlike Justine and Ron Fontes -s "France", "India", and "Italy" (all Children -s Press, 2003), the words for each letter are not standardized across the set, but unique to each title. While this may increase creativity, it also results in inconsistency and in some odd choices (in "France", -K is for Kilogram -; in "Italy", Leonardo da Vinci is discussed and depicted twice, under -A is for Art - and -Ll -). The maps are totally inadequate, ignoring most of the cities, regions, and geographical features mentioned in the texts. The titles conclude with brief facts, general phrases, and glossaries. Younger students to whom these are read won -t understand much of the content, while those old enough to use the books on their own should be referred to the -What -s It Like to Live In -&? - series (McGraw-Hill) or the -First Reports - series (Compass Point)." -Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY"
Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.