Gr 2-5-These glossy titles present fascinating facts in an easy-to-read, large-type format. Each slim volume discusses the geology, climate, plants, animals, economy, history, exploration, and cultures of a major mountain range. Maynard briefly mentions local legends in the first two books, and highlights environmental issues in the Himalayas and the Rockies. The narratives are somewhat formulaic, but the author keeps readers' interest with smoothly flowing writing. Superb full-page, full-color photographs embellish each spread, revealing various scenes of the terrain and the people and animals that live there. However, there are no maps in Rocky Mountains. It is difficult to find information about all of these ranges in one resource and most books on the topic are broad in scope, mainly addressing mountain formation, weather, economy, and the like. With beautiful photographs and child-friendly texts, these books are welcome additions.-Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.