1, 2, 3 Suddenly in Brazil

Gr 2—4—When eight-year-old Martin is given the key to his grandfather's secret storeroom, he finds a magic necklace that takes him wherever he requests. His first choice is China where he connects with friends of his grandfather, visits the typical tourist destinations, and brings home a small dragon he names "See-me." The remaining three titles begin in the storeroom and follow the same format with Martin and See-me visiting each country guided by a young friend of his grandfather who lives there. Each title introduces a smattering of historical, cultural, and geographic information. The new-location-per-spread pace results in some awkward transitions, and the full-bleed illustrations fail to add detail to the places visited or the plot. Somewhere between an adventure story and a travel guide, these ambitious titles could serve as introductions to the countries with adult guidance but they will be of limited interest to their intended audience.—Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI