The Doctor The Glassblower The Miller The Tailor The Tanner

Gr 2—4—Much better suited to young readers than Edwin Tunis's Colonial Living (1957) and Colonial Craftsmen (1965, both World Publishing), these lively texts and colorful reproductions and photos will engage casual readers and researchers alike. Marsico and Petersen explain how the fledgling nation related to Europe, Africa, and the American Indians. Tracing the history of each trade (for example, The Doctor explains the birth of medical science in the U.S.) and mentioning major historical figures provides a deeper understanding of the importance of the different professions. Large illustrations and thoughtful captions explain complicated scientific ideas, such as how a mill works; photos from Colonial Williamsburg depict common activities of the day. Each volume also includes step-by-step instructions for a related craft project, adding a visual component to classroom presentations. These are must-have titles for all public and school libraries.—Rebecca Dash Donsky, New York Public Library