The world almanac for kids 2013

Booklist (November 15, 2012 (Online)) Grades 4-6. The World Almanac for Kids, 2013 is a vast resource of fast facts that the fourth- through sixth-grade crowd will devour. Jumping from subject to subject in alphabetical order, the book covers not only facts that happened in the year before but also information on topics such as the water cycle, how to say common phrases in different languages, and a history of fashion. Time lines, pictures, graphs, and other visual aids make the information bright and accessible for children, who will most likely sit in the library flipping through the pages and reading aloud to each other. Parents wont mind stealing the book to sneak a peek and learn a few things, too, which could spark a dinner-table conversation or an educational car ride home. A good pick for school and public libraries, although kids will probably want to take it home and devour it.

Scholastic 2013 book of world records (#0884AA0)

by Morse, Jenifer Corr School Library Journal (February 1, 2013) Gr 4-7-Kids love lists, trivia, photos, and the "latest and greatest" anything. With a lenticular cover and more than 300 pages of full-color pictures, this book will be well used and well worn by curiosity seekers as well as those looking for tidbits of trivia to impress their friends. It's not a tough sell as it packs in plenty of pop-culture factoids (like Adele's record-setting music and Disney's successful films) and a healthy dose of 21st-century technology (plenty of trivia here about texting, apps, and social media sites as well as the hottest video/computer games). The book opens with records concerning social media and the Internet, followed by biggest money makers and pop-culture topics. State records, nature, sports, and U.S. records round out the title, providing both interesting and useful information. Obviously records go out of date even before the book can be released (this one still includes Lance Armstrong's seven revoked Tour de France titles). Still, children will eat this book up; be sure to buy enough copies for your anticipated audience.-Sharon Verbeten, Brown County Library, Green Bay, WI (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Encyclopedia of animals (#06423S3)

by McGhee, Karen Booklist (March 15, 2007 (Vol. 103, No. 14)) With more than 1.5 million species, the animal kingdom is an endless source of fascination, and this beautifully detailed animal encyclopedia, though intended for ages eight and up, is sure to fascinate and enlighten readers of all ages. Color illustrations and photographs of more than 1,000 species dominate the pages. Providing authoritative, up-to-date information on everything from life cycle and survival strategies of major animal groups to fast facts on specific species, this reference also boasts distribution maps and conservation information for many animal groups. Coverage begins with a concise introduction to the animal world, including information on classification, habitats, and a brief mention of conservation and the loss of species. The book then divides into six color-coded chapters, each comprising one of the major animal groups. The first five chapters are devoted to vertebrates and the last to invertebrates. Three to five color photographs adorn the double-page introduction to each chapter. Introductory text summarizes distinctive characteristics and behaviors unique to each group, including evolution, reproduction, differences between young and adult, and communication. Labeled diagrams provide information on particular aspects, such as different types of bird feathers. After the introduction, each chapter is organized by main animal groups and, in some cases, subgroups. Classification data are provided as well as additional information on the physical characteristics, life cycle, and other features. The illustrations of species are labeled with common and scientific names, and many also include icons indicating conservation status. Though not comprehensive, the glossary of almost 150 words is a nice feature. The nicely organized section on animal sizes lists each species shown in the book along with its largest normal size (length, height, width, or wingspan, depending on the animal group). The book concludes with an index of animals and general concepts. This appealing and reasonably priced resource is recommended for school and public libraries.

National Geographic world atlas for young explorers. (#10367T7)

School Library Journal (February 1, 2008) Gr 4 Up-This update is ideal for tech-savvy students. Curious readers can use the related Web site to view photos and videos of animals in their natural habitats, hear audio clips, play games, print color maps, and send e-postcards. The lengthy introduction includes clear explanations of how to read the maps and use the Web site followed by information on the oceans, natural disasters, world population, religions, economies, food, water, and energy, with an emphasis on environmental concerns. Easy-toread, full-color photos, maps, and graphs are included. The midsection of the book divides the world by continents. Each section opens with a crisp satellite image, and continues with an overview that includes a colorful photomontage of the continent's animals, culture, and land, followed by physical, political, and thematic maps of regions and large countries. Sidebars provide area, population, major languages, religions, life expectancy, and literacy rates. Thought-provoking images include the tattooed face of a Maori warrior and a group of Afghan women in contrasting traditional and modern dress. The last section features flags and facts such as area and population for 193 countries and a section of records (the world's hottest place, longest river). The main revisions are the relocation of country flags and statistics to the back of the book rather than the main body; the maps are smaller; there are more photographs and text; the satellite images are clearer; and the Web links bring the information to life in an exciting, new way.-Barbara Auerbach, New York City Public Schools Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

World atlas (#0251BR4)

by Crane, Nicholas Horn Book (Spring 2012) This attractive oversize atlas focuses on oceans, continents, and geographic regions rather than countries. The discussion includes contemporary perspectives on environmental concerns, natural resources, and climate in each region. The index lists countries and their capitals, but this same information is difficult to find on the maps. The book is best used in conjunction with more traditional atlases. A world map poster is included. Bib., glos.

The Britannica guide to inventions that changed the modern world (#5113SX1)
Library Media Connection (October 2010) This series will fill a niche in any high school reference section. It covers social, scientific, political, and intellectual theories, movements, concepts, and turning points that young people frequently do not understand. Each book is illustrated sparsely in black and white. The book on inventions will be especially useful as there never seems to be quite enough on this subject. The book on theories and ideas covers the development of the sciences and arts with such topics as string theory, musical harmony, and contemporary democracy. The series has dozens of insets on leading figures in all fields covered. Librarians will find this series very useful but might want to catalog it under a number of subject headings to help students find the valuable information. Glossary. Index. Recommended. Barbara Foraker, Librarian, Cherokee High School, Rogersville, Tennessee [Editor?s Note: Also available in eBook format.]

Britannica illustrated science library. [16-volume set] (#13819U9)

Library Journal (April 1, 2008) This beautifully color illustrated 16-volume science encyclopedia will stimulate the interest of any middle school or high school student. Written by the reputable Encyclopaedia Britannica staff, the volumes cover a wide range of topics correlating nicely with science curriculums in the fields of the earth sciences, the life sciences, and the physical sciences. Each topic is addressed in no more than two pages with well-organized information and simple language. The editors have carefully linked their scientific explanations to topics of interest and the student's experience. For example, the roller coaster is included as an example of energy and movement, with a discussion about gravity, friction, and centripetal force. But the reader also discovers how the cars stay on the track and how fast they move, along with the history of roller coasters and the general physics of theme park rides. Many articles also include current interest stories, such as some great explanations of biofuels and fuel cells in the volume on "Energy and Movement." Unlike other scientific encyclopedias, such as DK Science Encyclopedia (1998), where small pictures simply illustrate concepts, these volumes contain more than 10,000 engaging pictures and illustrations that fill an entire page and help the reader grasp complex scientific topics. Each also contains a glossary and a detailed index, but the editors do not provide any outside reference sources that might lead students to discover more detail about a topic. BOTTOM LINE This set would make a superb addition to any school or public library. Since it also invites browsing for pleasure, even a single volume would make a great gift for a Grade 5-9 child at home. [Available in print only.]--Hazel Cameron, PACCAR Corporate Lib., Bellevue, WA Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Encyclopaedia Britannica discover America. [51-volume set] (#20772Q8)

Library Media Connection (January 2006) This set of state encyclopedias is a solid overview of each state of the United States, including Puerto Rico. The format is identical in each volume so the reader can easily access the required information. The title on the cover includes the state's nickname. Each book is divided into 17 sections that cover all the basic information: land and climate, natural resources, animals and plant life, industry, politics and government, and the history of the region. There is also a look at the culture, arts, and entertainment and the sports for each state. A page of facts, Web sites, and resources provides much of the information needed for a quick report. A "Brain Teaser" page has some fun facts that readers will have to guess and then turn upside-down to learn. A plethora of color photographs, sidebars, and "Quick Facts" lend to the attractiveness of the package. Most of the information is current and accurate. This worthwhile set would be an excellent addition to any library that needs more books on the states. Glossary. Index. Recommended. Kay Bowes, Youth Services Librarian, Brandywine Hundred Library, Wilmington, Delaware

Encyclopedia of health. [16-volume set] (#02204R0)

School Library Journal (April 1, 2003) Gr 4-8-This expanded edition of the Encyclopedia (Marshall Cavendish, 1995) combines compelling text with remarkable illustrations. Sixteen attractive, slim volumes offer an alphabetic cornucopia of easy-to-read articles on a vast array of specific topics related to physical and emotional health. Approximately 100 articles are new to this edition and include 12 thorough overviews on broad topics such as "Accident Prevention" and "Mental Health." The set is characterized by generally precise and clearly defined medical word choices. The final volume contains extensive, illustrated sections on first aid, a chronology of landmarks in health care and medicine, and thumbnail sketches of "Health Heroes." The 11-page glossary of medical terms is followed, oddly, by a separate pronunciation guide. A list of organizations to contact (though omitting the American Cancer Society), and thematic and comprehensive indexes are included. Clear illustrations throughout the set clarify hard-to-visualize concepts such as the functions of the layers of skin and the process of artificial insemination. The visuals also provide pictures of a cleft palate, various organs and systems, and easy-to-follow exercise models. These excellent volumes will update collections,

ease students into more advanced texts on medical and health issues, and be appreciated for their research uses.-Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.