The subject heading for these books is cartography, and these map-making directions are indeed simple enough for a new reader. A child narrator shown in a photograph sets up a situation, such as a grandma coming to visit, and creates a map to fit that situation. The maps, drawn with colored markers in a childlike style, follow the same steps in each volume: planning the map and then drawing it. Map My Room explains creating a simple diagram of the locations where a neighbor can find the materials for feeding a hamster, with an understandable key showing the bed, the dresser, and the bookcase. A page at the back of each book offers somewhat random facts on a tangential topic like types of homes. These work best read together to reinforce the concepts and give children ideas for things they can map themselves.

In each small square book, a child narrator works on a mapping project, introducing simple concepts, including symbols, keys, and labels. Short, easy-to-read sentences provide captions for the clear photographs on each page. The formulaic books aren't very exciting overall, but new readers will come away with basic information; an activity reinforces the lesson. Appended "Fun Facts" vary in relevance from book to book. Glos., ind.