This colorful large-format book offers an introduction to the time line, defined here as "a chart that tells a story." Two- and four-page sections focus on seven types of time lines: picture, vertical, horizontal, circle, map, tabletop, and living. While one or two examples are given for each type, there is little discussion of the differences between the types or when one might be more effective to use than another. The best section is the first, which lays out events in a boy's day through a horizontal display of six photos with brief captions which clearly communicates the concept of a time line in terms a child can understand. The "Tabletop Timelines" section is at the opposite extreme, offering little explanation of the idea. Both the photos and digital artwork vary in quality. From the Displaying Information series, this title may be useful in some classrooms.

Bold color photographs and easy-to-understand texts explain how diagrams and timelines are used to impart information. The books cover the different types of and uses for these visual tools, from charting classroom birth order to sorting buttons. The photos feature friendly looking children engaged in familiar activities. These are useful classroom resources. Reading list. Glos., ind.