Though they're not the most scintillating reads, these books provide plenty of information for report writers. Main texts focusing on history, geography, and people are supplemented with maps, sidebars, photos, recipes (geared toward experienced cooks), events calendars, report ideas, and organizations to contact. There are five other spring 2009 books in this series. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Gr 4-6-Each of these excellent overviews includes a history of the region, as well as information on the people, flora, fauna, agricultural and other economic products, culture, and major cities. Readers are made aware of the similarities due to geographic location, but the unique characteristics of each island are the major emphasis here. The authors' readable styles will capture children's interest as they discover three-foot-long iguanas and cockroaches with antennae that protrude four inches. The books are illustrated with full-color photographs and include quick-facts inserts, easy-to-prepare recipes, helpful glossaries, and useful project and report ideas.-Dorothy N. Bowen, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.