This broad view of the civil rights era opens with rhyming descriptions of life in the segregated South (in a familiar cumulative format). Subsequent spreads describe protests and boycotts; final verses reflect today's realities. The history is necessarily simplified, but for young children the book clearly connects the dots. Ransome's bold paintings are well composed; collage borders add emotion and historical context.

HOOD, Susan . Pup and Hound Move In . ISBN 1-55337-674-9 ; ISBN 1-55337-675-7 . LC C2004-900112-4. ea vol: illus. by Linda Hendry. 32p. (Kids Can Read Series). CIP. Kids Can . 2004. Tr $14.95; pap. $3.95. PreS-Gr 1 Two early beginning readers about a basset hound and his young friend. The illustrations are very detailed, yet they do not always support the texts. The inclusion of rhyming words (e.g., sound, ground, round, etc.) is useful, but such pairings as "bone/groan," "shoe/ewww!," and "stare/bear" are not wise choices. Fledgling readers need to see rhyming words that are part of a "word family." Overall, youngsters will be better off reading a nonsensical Dr. Seuss book. Gina Powell, Hidenwood Elementary School, Newport News, VA