The following series address a broad range of topics while keeping a close eye on typical curriculum needs. The indexes and other back matter—particularly in the series for younger readers—are seldom better than perfunctory, but the illustrations and informational content that (with some exceptions) ranges from systematic once-overs to detailed and engaging surveys are accurately gauged to satisfy intended audiences and inform study units.

Preschool - Grade 4

BEKKERING, Annalise. Frogs. ISBN 978-1-60596-925-1; ISBN 978-1-60596-926-8. LC 2009050954. DIEMER, Lauren. Cows. ISBN 978-1-60596-919-0; ISBN 978-1-60596-921-3. LC 2009052101. HOWSE, Jennifer. Trees. ISBN 978-1-60596-916-9; ISBN 978-1-60596-917-6. LC 2009052098. HUDAK, Heather C. Robins. ISBN 978-1-60596-922-0; ISBN 978-1-60596-923-7. LC 2010037947. WEARING, Judy. Chickens. ISBN 978-1-60596-913-8; ISBN 978-1-60596-914-5. LC 2009050943. WINNICK, Nick. Butterflies. ISBN 978-1-60596-928-2; ISBN 978-1-60596-929-9. LC 2009052102. ea vol: 24p. (World of Wonder: Watch Them Grow Series). photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Weigl. 2010. PLB $25.70; pap. $9.95. Gr 1-2—Though there is no mention of sex in these introductions to life cycles and citing average life spans is as close as they get to the idea of death or of consumption by humans, the books otherwise do acceptable jobs of providing details on, as appropriate, birth or egg laying and hatching, feeding, growth, metamorphosis, and maturation. The narrative accompanying each full page or larger color photo generally opens with a question ("Did you know that butterflies taste with their feet?"). It goes on to cover a single topic in two or three easily digestible paragraphs of basic facts and memorable comparisons ("Do you ever sit on your hands to keep them warm? Robins sit on their eggs to keep them warm"). Back matter includes a sometimes-complicated craft project. CLELAND, JoAnn. I Hear Sing and Read. ISBN 978-1-61590-285-9; ISBN 978-1-61590-524-9; ISBN 978-1-61741-144-1. LC 2010009274. ————. I See Sing and Read. ISBN 978-1-61590-284-2; ISBN 978-1-61590-523-2; ISBN 978-1-61741-143-4. LC 2010009863. ————. I Smell Sing and Read. ISBN 978-1-61590-287-3; ISBN 978-1-61590-526-3; ISBN 978-1-61741-146-5. LC 2010009276. ————. I Taste Sing and Read. ISBN 978-1-61590-286-6; ISBN 978-1-61590-525-6; ISBN 978-1-61741-145-8. LC 2010009275. ————. I Touch Sing and Read. ISBN 978-1-61590-288-0; ISBN 978-1-61590-527-0; ISBN 978-1-61741-147-2. LC 2010009277. ea vol: 24p. (Our 5 Senses Series). photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rourke. 2010. PLB $22.79; pap. $7.95; ebook $22.79. PreS-Gr 1—These introductions pair single lines or phrases in large type with color photos of easily recognized objects or of young children engaging in a relevant activity. The gimmick is that the narratives in each volume are matched to popular tunes, such as "Muffin Man" or "Farmer in the Dell." The language is often forced, however—try fitting "We see colors with our eyes./Red, yellow, green, blue" to the first part of "Farmer in the Dell," for instance—and in many cases, in order to keep up with the tune, the page turn has to come so fast that there's little chance to look at the accompanying picture. Also the level of factual information is so superficial that there's no hint in I Hear that there is more to an ear than the external part, and in I Taste flavors are characterized as sweet, sour, bitter, and "nasty." Each volume closes with a one-page reprint of the text and two to four websites. Some in Hear, Touch, and See are too advanced for the audience. DICKMANN, Nancy. A Bean's Life. ISBN 978-1-4329-4142-0; ISBN 978-1-4329-4151-2. LC 2009049158. ————. An Apple's Life. ISBN 978-1-4329-4141-3; ISBN 978-1-4329-4150-5. LC 2009049157. ————. A Bee's Life. ISBN 978-1-4329-4137-6; ISBN 978-1-4329-4146-8. LC 2009049151. ————. A Butterfly's Life. ISBN 978-1-4329-4138-3; ISBN 978-1-4329-4147-5. LC 2009049152. ————. A Chicken's Life. ISBN 978-1-4329-4139-0; ISBN 978-1-4329-4148-2. LC 2009049153. ————. A Dog's Life. ISBN 978-1-4329-4229-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-42328. LC 2010000090. ————. A Frog's Life. ISBN 978-1-4329-4140-6; ISBN 978-1-4329-4149-9. LC 2009049156. ————. An Oak Tree's Life. ISBN 978-1-4329-4143-7; ISBN 978-1-4329-4152-9. LC 2009049159. ————. A Penguin's Life. ISBN 978-1-4329-4230-4; ISBN 978-1-4329-4233-5. LC 2010000091. ————. A Sunflower's Life. ISBN 978-1-4329-4144-4; ISBN 978-1-4329-4153-6. LC 2009049161. ————. A Turtle's Life. ISBN 978-1-4329-4231-1; ISBN 978-1-4329-4234-2. LC 2010000092. ea vol: 24p. (Watch It Grow Series). chart. diags. photos. glossary. index. notes. Acorn. 2010. PLB $21.50; pap. $5.99. K-Gr 1—Practically unique among early introductions to life cycles because death is mentioned in each volume, this series follows selected plants or animals from egg or seed to maturity with a set of close-up color photographs, one per page, paired to large-type, one- or two-sentence captions. The texts are written to the same pattern, so there is some repetition (most extensively in the plant titles) and the information, though accurate, is sometimes a bit too sketchy—most notably in Bee's Life, which devotes a page to drones without explaining their function, and uses "larvae" without noting that it's a plural form. Still, the series offers nourishing fare for young naturalists, and every volume closes with a one-page recapitulation and suggested classroom activities (some of which are book-based) to reinforce the presentations. DUGAN, Christine. Bones. ISBN 978-1-4333-1432-2. ————. Muscles. ISBN 978-1-4333-1433-9. GREATHOUSE, Lisa. Brain. ISBN 978-1-4333-1428-5. ————. Heart. ISBN 978-1-4333-1430-8. ————. Lungs. ISBN 978-1-4333-1431-5. ————. Senses. ISBN 978-1-4333-1429-2. ea vol: 32p. (The Human Body Series). diags. illus. photos. glossary. index. Teacher Created Materials dist. by Shell Education. 2010. pap. $8.99. LC number unavailable. Gr 2-3—Addressing readers directly, the authors describe the major parts and functions of each selected body system, as well as health and safety advice in clear, simple language. Each volume closes with directions for an easy project and a brief introduction to a relevant doctor or researcher. Though only four tastes are mentioned in Senses, in general the level of information is deep enough to feature such special terms as "humerus" and "cerebrum" without becoming challenging to less practiced readers. The illustrations on each page consist of simplified anatomical diagrams that mix with, and are sometimes superimposed on, color photos of children in action. A photo of a child in a wheelchair accompanying a discussion of the benefits of regular exercise in Muscles is a particular highlight. ENSLOW, Brian. My Body. ISBN 978-0-7660-3811-0; ISBN 978-1-59845-172-6. LC 2010014874. ————. My Ears. ISBN 978-0-7660-3812-7; ISBN 978-1-59845-168-9. LC 2010014872. ————. My Eyes. ISBN 978-0-7660-3813-4; ISBN 978-1-59845-169-6. LC 2010014875. ————. My Hands and Feet. ISBN 978-0-7660-3816-5; ISBN 978-1-59845-173-3. LC 2010014877. ————. My Mouth. ISBN 978-0-7660-3815-8; ISBN 978-1-59845-171-9. LC 2010014876. ————. My Nose. ISBN 978-0-7660-3814-1; ISBN 978-1-59845-170-2. LC 2010014873. ea vol: 24p. (All About My Body Series). photos. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2010. PLB $21.26; pap. $6.95. PreS-Gr 1—Written to a pattern but not rigidly so, these introductions have a playful tone that will resonate with pre- and new readers. In each small volume a caption and, usually, a question ("Fish body. Is this your body?" "Rabbit ears. Are these your ears?") invite children to compare themselves to an accompanying full page or larger close-up photo of an animal or a vivacious child. Normally this would be board-book material, but a closing page of slightly more advanced print and web resources bumps up the audience level. KORB, Rena. My Brain. ISBN 978-1-60270-805-1; ISBN 978-1-61641-386-6. LC 2009048309. ————. My Mouth. ISBN 978-1-60270-806-8; ISBN 978-1-61641-387-3. LC 2009048310. ————. My Muscles. ISBN 978-1-60270-807-5; ISBN 978-1-61641-388-0. LC 2009048320. ————. My Nose. ISBN 978-1-60270-808-2; ISBN 978-1-61641-389-7. LC 2009048328. ————. My Spine. ISBN 978-1-60270-809-9; ISBN 978-1-61641-390-3. LC 2009048329. ————. My Stomach. ISBN 978-1-60270-810-5; ISBN 978-1-61641-391-0. LC 2009048330. ea vol: illus. by Simard, Rémy. 32p. (My Body Series). diags. illus. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. ABDO/Magic Wagon. 2010. PLB $27.07; ebook $27.07. Gr 1-3—Animated, first-person narratives and simply drawn and -colored illustrations featuring stylized, cutaway views of a multicultural cast of grinning, wide-eyed children provide deceptively cartoony first impressions for these introductions. On closer inspection, the contents are pleasantly specific; in Brain, for instance, readers get a concise but accurate account of the main functions of the cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, and pituitary gland in learning, remembering, and bodily functions, and Stomach covers the entire digestive process from swallow to poop. A gnomish doctor beneath the main scene on each spread adds more detail, and each volume closes with a labeled diagram and additional facts. Web links are available through the publisher's site. LEW, Kristi. Bat Spit, Maggots, and Other Amazing Medical Wonders. ISBN 978-1-4296-4537-9. LC 2009050343. ————. Farts, Vomit, and Other Functions That Help Your Body. ISBN 978-1-4296-4539-3. LC 2009050345. WEAKLAND, Mark. Gut Bugs, Dust Mites, and Other Microorganisms You Can't Live Without. ISBN 978-1-4296-4538-6. LC 2009050346. ————. Onion Juice, Poop, and Other Surprising Sources of Alternative Energy. ISBN 978-1-4296-4536-2. LC 2009050347. ea vol: 32p. (Nasty (But Useful!) Science Series). diags. illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Capstone. 2010. PLB $25.99. Gr 3-5—While gleefully catering to readers who relish references to "snot rockets" and the "living layer of slime" on everyone's teeth, these informative guides also explain relevant chemical processes, medical rationales, and ecological functions in reasonably specific detail. The 10 or 11 short chapters in each volume are accompanied by illustrations that range from stomach-churning close-ups of maggots writhing in a wound to microphotos of earwax, and from algae to a digitally generated diagram of the brain's "vomiting center." A list of relevant web resources is maintained on the publisher's page. MAURER, Tracy Nelson. What's in a...Cactus? ISBN 978-1-61590-282-8; ISBN 978-1-61590-521-8; ISBN 978-1-61741-142-7. LC 2010009255. ————. What's in a...Cave? ISBN 978-1-61590-278-1; ISBN 978-1-61590-517-1; ISBN 978-1-61741-138-0. LC 2010009258. ————. What's in a...Hole? ISBN 978-1-61590-279-8; ISBN 978-1-61590-518-8; ISBN 978-1-61741-139-7. LC 2010009256. ————. What's in a...Log? ISBN 978-1-61590-281-1; ISBN 978-1-61590-520-1; ISBN 978-1-61741-141-0. LC 2010009259. ————. What's in a...Shell? ISBN 978-1-61590-280-4; ISBN 978-1-61590-519-5; ISBN 978-1-61741-140-3. LC 2010009527. ————. What's in a...Tree? ISBN 978-1-61590-277-4; ISBN 978-1-61590-516-4; ISBN 978-1-61741-137-3. LC 2009047304. ea vol: 24p. (What's in a...? Series). illus. photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rourke. 2010. PLB $22.79; pap. $7.95; ebook $22.79. PreS-Gr 1—Written in a question-and-answer pattern, the simple narratives in these volumes are complemented by sets of bright, usually close-up color photos of (mostly) animals in various natural settings. Encouraging audience give-and-take, the questions accompany partial (but easily recognizable) views of each creature, and the answers are placed beneath full images a page-turn away. Each volume ends with a picture glossary that provides further details about the features or creatures depicted and a boilerplate mini-list of web resources. Despite some slip-ups—a graphic of an owl with slit rather than round pupils in Tree and a photo of a cave painting in Cave with no explanation of what it is—these will make good lead-ins to discussions of habitats and ecosystems. NELSON, Robin. Day and Night. diag. ISBN 978-0-7613-4576-3; ISBN 978-0-7613-6259-3. LC 2009020613. ————. Earth's Water Cycle. diag. ISBN 978-0-7613-4581-7; ISBN 978-0-7613-6260-9. LC 2009015249. ————. Hibernation. ISBN 978-0-7613-4579-4; ISBN 978-0-7613-6261-6. LC 2009020609. ————. Migration. map. ISBN 978-0-7613-4580-0; ISBN 978-0-7613-6262-3. LC 2009015248. ————. The Night Sky. diags. ISBN 978-0-7613-4577-0; ISBN 978-0-7613-6264-7. LC 2009020610. ————. Seasons. diag. ISBN 978-0-7613-4578-7; ISBN 978-0-7613-6263-0. LC 2009020611. ea vol: 23p. (First Step Nonfiction: Discovering Nature's Cycles Series). illus. photos. glossary. index. CIP. Lerner. 2010. PLB $21.27; ebook $15.95. K-Gr 1—These small volumes pair one short, declarative statement per page ("You see the first light from the sun at dawn") with color photos of outdoor scenes, city skylines, animals, or children. The concepts are clearly presented and certainly worthy of study, but an error of fact—a picture of fog incorrectly used in conjunction with a discussion of evaporation in Earth's Water Cycle—and such potentially confusing instances of oversimplification as a wakeful skunk in Hibernation and a statement in Seasons that "near the middle of the Earth, it is warm all year," mar an otherwise useful and appealing series. PYERS, Greg. Biodiversity of Coasts. ISBN 978-1-60870-069-1. LC 2009042311. ————. Biodiversity of Coral Reefs. ISBN 978-1-60870-070-7. LC 2009042312. ————. Biodiversity of Deserts. ISBN 978-1-60870-071-4. LC 2009042313. ————. Biodiversity of Polar Regions. ISBN 978-1-60870-072-1. LC 2009042314. ————. Biodiversity of Rain Forests. ISBN 978-1-60870-073-8. LC 2009041732. ————. Biodiversity of Woodlands. ISBN 978-1-60870-074-5. LC 2009042315. ea vol: 32p. (Biodiversity Series). charts. diags. illus. maps. photos. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2010. PLB $28.50. Gr 3-5—Displaying extensive use of duplicated text (though not illustrations), this narrowly focused series profiles the biological diversity and threats particular to each habitat. After lightly customized spreads explaining the meaning and importance of biodiversity, each book provides a number-laced survey of worldwide sites, describes major common or distinctive threats—urbanization, invasive species, and pollution in Coasts for instance, in addition to climate change, which makes the list in every volume. The titles close with a case study, such as the Mediterranean coast, or the California Oak Woodlands, and suggestions for awareness-raising activities and web resources that are similar in each book. Each volume features a world map, but the one in Woodlands shows only woodlands actually mentioned in the narrative. Also, though the author explains what "endemic" species are in each title, only in Rain Forests does he also define "keystone" species. The many charts, side boxes, and color photos are enhancements, but the boilerplate limits the appeal of the series for all but the most well-heeled collections.

Grades 5 and Up

HALL, Linley Erin. DNA and RNA. ISBN 978-1-4358-9532-4. LC 2009046612. HAND, Carol. Introduction to Genetics. charts. ISBN 978-1-4358-9531-7. LC 2009040364. HEOS, Bridget. The Human Genome. ISBN 978-1-4358-9533-1. LC 2009047915. LEVY, Janet. The World of Microbes: Bacteria, Viruses, and Other Microorganisms. ISBN 978-1-4358-9536-2. LC 2009048520. LEW, Kristi. Evolution: The Adaptation and Survival of Species. ISBN 978-1-4358-9534-8. LC 2009046684. LEWIS, Mark J. Classification of Living Organisms. chart. ISBN 978-1-4358-9535-5. LC 2009047624. ea vol: 80p. (Understanding Genetics Series). diags. illus. photos. reprods. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen. 2010. PLB $30.60. Gr 8-10—College-track students will find these meaty surveys just the ticket. The books provide information about codons and anticodons, gametes, alleles, and phylogenetic "domains," and give a detailed picture of the development of the science of genetics and our current understanding of genetic mechanisms. Introduction to Genetics presents an overview focusing on Darwin, Mendel, inheritance, and gene-mapping. The moderately technical language in the other titles discusses significant discoveries, current directions in research and—superficially—ethical and other issues. Illustrations include helpful charts, microphotos, portraits of scientists, and color photos; extensive back matter provides plenty of support for further research. MCMANUS, Lori. Cell Systems. ISBN 978-1-4329-3879-6. LC 2009049974. RAND, Casey. DNA and Heredity. ISBN 978-1-4329-3880-2. LC 2009049978. SOMERVILL, Barbara A. Animal Cells and Life Processes. ISBN 978-1-4329-3877-2. LC 2009049971. ————. Cells and Disease. ISBN 978-1-4329-3881-9. LC 2009049981. ————. Plant Cells and Life Processes. ISBN 978-1-4329-3878-9. LC 2009049973. ea vol: 48p. (Investigating Cells Series). chart. diags. illus. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Heinemann Library. 2010. PLB $32. Gr 5-7—These utilitarian introductions are constructed in a question-and-answer format (frequently abandoned when subjects are too broad for one-or-two paragraph answers), supported by simplified diagrams of cell structures and large macro- or micro-photographs. The authors focus mainly on human cell structures and functions, though most also include brief mentions of single-celled creatures, other animals, and even—despite an entire volume devoted to them—plants and fungi. Each volume features thumbnail side profiles of a few prominent researchers, a generous selection of further resources, and three-to-five suggestions for experiments or enrichment activities. Though there are no duplicate passages or pictures in these volumes, the fine topical divisions make a certain amount of overlap unavoidable. Still, serious students will find the books useful surveys of various aspects of cell biology. MORGAN, Philip. Fighting Diseases. ISBN 978-1-60753-052-7. LC 2009047338. ————. Getting Energy. ISBN 978-1-60753-053-4. LC 2009047340. ————. Moving Your Body. ISBN 978-1-60753-054-1. LC 2009033090. ————. Sending Messages. ISBN 978-1-60753-055-8. LC 2010000659. ————. Sensing the World. ISBN 978-1-60753-056-5. LC 2009047339. PRESTON, Penny. Controlling the Blood. ISBN 978-1-60753-051-0. LC 2009031778. ea vol: 32p. (How Your Body Works Series). diags. illus. photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Amicus. 2010. PLB $28.50. Gr 4-6—Well supplied but not over-weighted with specific terms and detail, these surveys present basic information about all of the human-body systems except reproduction. The texts are given roughly equal visual weight on the uncrowded pages with a mix of large color photos (both macro and micro), clear diagrams, framed side boxes, and—a cutesy feature—occasional small smiley or frowny faces. Focusing far more on what can go wrong than what goes right, Fighting Diseases has an alarmist tone (plus a questionable claim that artificial drugs are more effective than natural ones, and, along with incorrectly dubbing the liver the largest organ, the narrative in Controlling the Blood conflicts with a picture illustrating where blood cells are created. The other volumes make acceptable, if unexceptional, supplementary choices. The Bottom Line

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For younger students Heinemann's "Watch It Grow" leads the pack. Middle and high school students will be well served by Rosen's "Understanding Genetics," and middle grade readers will find much to be delighted and grossed out by in Capstone's "Nasty (But Useful!) Science." The quantity of boilerplate in Marshall Cavendish's "Biodiversity" is a clear sign that the topic has been too finely divided to make the set an economical choice. Rourke's "Our 5 Senses"labors with a contrived premise and the volumes of Lerner's "First Step Nonfiction: Discovering Nature's Cycles" and Amicus's "How Your Body Works"should be selected with care as they vary in quality and accuracy. With the provisos noted in the reviews above, the other series will make reliable additions to classroom and library collections.