LIFE IN A CASTLE LIFE IN A WATERMILL

K-Gr 3—These interactive books are of limited use for most libraries. In Castle, cartoonlike characters enhance a fictional medieval fortress. An elaborate pop-up structure creates the majority of the contents, and a small foldout book in the upper right-hand corner accompanies the building, though the expansiveness of the fortress's walls minimizes access to it. The brief text highlights the family life of Lord Frederick and Lady Arabella, along with their two young children and numerous servants. Straightforward phrases give an overview of the role of each individual and room. Detachable paper figures allow readers to manipulate them at random. Each section receives its due, including a dungeon, its instruments of torture, and a man shackled in despair. Some cozy details add an insider glimpse into the physical space; there's a pig roasting over the fire while numerous animals move about. Though there are a few detailed word choices to expand the subject at hand ("portcullis," "falconer"), overall the text clunks along without extending the nondescript story line. "The lord and lady's bedchamber has a big bed made of wood that can be taken apart when the lord goes on trips to his other castles and manor houses." Watermill follows a similar cumbersome format to depict the daily life of a working family in the 18th century. All in all, poor choices to bring these vivid time periods to life.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC