In this simple natural history lesson on the tiger's physical characteristics and life cycle, handsome paintings and a dual track text highlight typical experiences of a tigress and her two cubs. Rich imagery fills the narrative describing the protective and hunting behavior of the mother and the playfulness and growth of her offspring. Simple nonfiction and good read-aloud fare.

MITTON, Tony . Tremendous Tractors . ISBN 0-7534-5599-4 . ea vol: illus. by Ant Parker. unpaged. Kingfisher . 2003. Tr $9.95. LC number unavailable. PreS Rhyming texts and busy cartoon art introduce these vehicles. A tanker, concrete mixer, garbage truck, and big rig are highlighted in Trucks . Parts such as pistons, a cab, CB radio, and semitrailer are mentioned in the text and depicted on a concluding labeled picture. Unfortunately, the illustrations don't always show the complete vehicle; only parts are shown at a time. Tractors provides solid information on farm equipment. Children learn that a tractor pulls a plow, harrow, roller, seed drill, mower, baler, combine, and trailer and see the roles that these pieces of equipment play on a farm field. Tractors are shown in their entirety, which makes the pictures appear less cluttered and better suited for toddler/preschool audiences. Both books feature the same animal charactersa bird, what appears to be a rabbit or dog, and a mouseand they all have the same expressionless faces (a smile illustrated with a single black line). The rhymes are not exceptional, and the pictures are mediocre. Olga R. Kuharets, Broward County Libraries, Fort Lauderdale, FL