Reviews+

"Art doodle" refers to tightly spaced, ornate patterns made with pens and color media (paint, markers, etc.) that add texture and depth to art projects. Each volume introduces a few projects and techniques (e.g., printing, collage) for young creators. Some volumes are basic (Color Patterns); some more difficult (Portraits); none are for beginners as the directions and examples are too general. Glos., ind. Review covers the following How to Art Doodle titles: Color Patterns, Fabulous Things, Optical Illusions, Portraits & Animals, Printing & Other Amazing Techniques, and Simple Pattern Building Techniques.

Eight endangered species and nine unusual animals are briefly profiled in these overviews. Each two-page chapter provides a limited introduction to a creature and is supported by beginning scientific vocabulary (defined on the page), a large close-up photo, and a fact box. Budding naturalists will enjoy browsing but will need to look elsewhere for depth. Common Core–related questions and range maps are appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these First Facts: All About Animals titles: The Most Endangered Animals in the World and The Strangest Animals in the World.

Clear double-page spreads feature a variety of visual elements including charts, graphs, and maps; reproduced photographs and documents; and sidebars with critical-thinking questions. The series purports to promote the importance of primary source material, though the direct quotes in red font are injected rather unnaturally into the narratives. Still, these are adequate starting points for American history research. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Fact Finders: Primary Source History titles: A Primary Source History of U.S. Independence and A Primary Source History of Slavery in the United States.

These books explore physical science concepts through topics including circuits and shadows and applications such as robots and lanterns. Definitions are followed by activities that demonstrate or extend the topics. The page layouts are uninspired; most steps are accompanied by photographs of the setups. Scientific principles such as fair tests and careful data collection are emphasized throughout. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Read and Experiment titles: Experiments with Electricity and Experiments with Light.

Beginning readers will learn vague, cursory pirate facts, such as "pirate ships looked scary" and "not all treasures have been found." Each double-page spread includes brief, readable chunks of text on the left side and an interesting photograph or illustration on the right. Large trim size and roomy page layouts make this series a good choice for groups. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Pebble Plus: Pirates Ahoy! titles: Pirate Ships and Pirate Treasure.

These graphically pleasing travel guides highlight the top ten sites to see and things to do in each place. Although the books read like brochures and may include quickly outdated information, kids will appreciate the engaging second-person narratives and many photos. A map and facts are appended. There are twelve other spring 2015 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. This review covers the following Our Great States titles: What's Great About Oregon?, What's Great About Arizona?, What's Great About Washington, DC?, What's Great About South Dakota?, What's Great About Maine?, and What's Great About Mississippi?.

Three ancient myths are retold with energetic American comic book–style art that fits the stories' superhuman action. However, Haus's mix of panels with (and often atop) full-page illustrations hinders the books' visual flow. A limited page count makes Trojan War feel rushed, whereas Hercules and Perseus fit somewhat better within the constraints. "Ancient Fact" boxes supplement the narratives. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Graphic Library: Ancient Myths titles: The Trojan War, The 12 Labors of Hercules, and The Adventures of Perseus.