With clear color photos and simple interactive text on each double-page spread, the dramatic scenarios in this small, square picture book will spark discussion with young kids about standing up for a friend or family member in trouble. Part of the 21st Century Junior Library Character Education series, the issues are fundamental, drawn from daily interaction in the schoolyard and at home. In a searing photo three girls jeer and taunt a girl bent in pain ("Standing up to bullies can be hard"). With a photo of a child in Muslim dress, the question is, "Do you believe everyone should be treated the same?" Two kids do homework together ("Maybe your brother is worried about a spelling test. You are loyal when you help him study"). Or even: "Maybe your dad loses his job." These questions make clear that being loyal is not easy; the scenarios will spark discussion, and grade-schoolers can go on from here to the many great fiction titles about friends and enemies.

Each book in this series contains nine two-page "chapters" (e.g., "Generosity at School") featuring a staged color photo of kids reinforcing the chapter's theme (a schoolboy shares his sandwich). The writing in all four books is dull. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Character Education titles: Determination, Generosity, Leadership, and Loyalty.]

Gr 2-4-These books first define an individual trait, explain what it means to exhibit it, and finally describe how youngsters can model this behavior. Each page of text faces a full-page, full-color photo of children demonstrating the appropriate action. Each title mentions a famous person who showed that trait, e.g., Walt Disney in Determination. That quality is defined as having willpower, not allowing your attention to move on to something else. In Leadership, Raatma states that "Leaders help people get work done together. But leadership never is about being bossy." Loyalty mentions keeping friends' secrets and sticking up for them when necessary. The examples take place in a variety of settings such as school and home, and in social interactions. "Hands On" activities are included. These titles could be used for character-development units.-Sheilah Kosco, Rapides Parish Library, Alexandria, LA Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.