This series introduces very young children to scientific inquiry, in this case about the solar system. The accessible main text is supplemented with factual asides in smaller font. Engaging space photographs and other images outlined in white are set on colorful backgrounds. Accessible text and thoughtful design make this an amiable introduction to the subject. A concluding spread includes thought-provoking questions.

Grade 2-5-Vincent is spending Christmas Eve with his Tío Pancho; a retired mariachi singer who lives on an old farm near the border between Texas and Mexico. When Santa Claus arrives at the farmhouse looking for his cousin, Vincent is stunned to learn that his uncle is the jolly one's relative. His surprise only increases as he witnesses Santa transform his uncle into his helper, Charro Claus. Santa's magic powers also enable Pancho's old wagon and burros to fly him back and forth along the border; a border that he considers his home, and on this magic night, neither weather nor walls will keep him from delivering presents to children. Wanting to be part of the adventure, Vincent hides inside the magic sack of presents, not realizing that this act will turn him into another one of Santa's helpers. Garza's original text and bold, full-page illustrations will surely pull readers into the excitement of this new """"border"""" story. A wonderful acquisition for elementary and public libraries, as well as bookstores looking to enhance their bilingual Christmas offerings. Betsy Duarte Shepard, Wakefield Middle School, Tucson, AZ

K-Gr 2 Vincent, a young Texan, is spending Christmas Eve on his uncles farm near the Mexican border. When Santa shows up and asks Tío Pancho to help him out, he uses magic dust to transform an old mariachi outfit into a gold-and-silver sequined marvel and his old burros into lucha libre -masked Flying Burritos. Vincent tags along, helping Charro Claus deliver presents along the border. The text is in English and Spanish, and occasional Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the English version, but there is no pronunciation guide or glossary. The full-spread paintings are bright and energetic, depicting a brunette-bearded and caped Tío Pancho and brown-eyed Vincent enthusiastically distributing toys. A cheerful, if additional, purchase. Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library