Children's Illustrated Encyclopedia

October 1, 2016

Gr 5-8-Heavy as can be, this eighth edition has more heft than substance. But in fairness, this work was never intended to be all-encompassing. Browsability and scope are its forte; it includes basic topics of interest to most middle graders, such as skeletons, oceans, sports, and animals, as well as heavier topics like Hinduism, the Industrial Revolution, and the history of Europe. Even more obscure entries, such as the Habsburgs sneak in. DK's strength has always been its famous scannable and illustration-laden pages; this one is no different, containing more than 3,000 photos and illustrations, maps, graphs, lists, and charts. Each one- to two-page entry is quickly accessible, with a "Find Out More" blurb with related topics for those who want to dig deeper. Older middle schoolers will find this a great source for trivia on popular subjects or for piquing their interest into new areas of exploration. It might suffice as a beginning source for learning more about a research topic. A well-done index and gazetteer at the back elevate the reference factor. VERDICT Ideal for browsing collections or a reference desk in a middle school library.-Sharon Verbeten, Brown County Library, Green Bay, WI

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2016

Gr 5-8-This atlas presents the countries and continents of the world in vibrant full color, interspersed with key information such as capitals, imports, animals, historical facts, and natural features of the individual regions. Grouped by continent, the chapters are divided by country (or region, such as in the case of the UK). Prominent rivers, lakes, mountains, and the seven natural wonders of the world are all given their due in a browsable style with lots of fun statistics and graphics. Each chapter opens with trivia, with answers to be found in the chapter (and at the end of the book). VERDICT This is the ideal first atlas for kids who are just beginning their geographical inquiries.-Sharon Verbeten, Brown County Library, Green Bay, WI

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.