Color phot. Brief overviews of the states provide information on their history, environment, and inhabitants. The writing is bland, but the photographs are very attractive. Ind.

Gr 2-4-These titles offer basic introductory material about the history, people, geography, economy, government, and things to see and do in each state. Interspersed throughout are "Fun Facts" (for example, the coldest temperature recorded in Iowa is -47 F) and short biographies of famous people, such as Amelia Jenks Bloomer (Iowa) and Prince (Minnesota). The texts are accessible and flow easily from one topic to the next. Chapters are divided into short blocks of information, with some repetition in the "History" and "People" sections. The clear maps lack attention to detail, with no key to abbreviations. Numerous clear photographs, charts, and sidebars add interest, and the indexes are excellent. Purchase where introductory state books are in demand.-Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.