George Washington

May 1, 2014

K-Gr 2-These titles are geared to those without much previous knowledge on the subjects; the information is basic but engaging. Each book includes fact bubbles and new words defined on the page, as well as in a picture glossary at the back. A page of picture puzzles highlighting details from the text makes the reading more interactive. Several jokes are printed in Koalas and Plant to Seed, making them especially fun. These two titles also include photographs that are bright and detailed, clearly illustrating the ideas in the texts. George Washington offers a mix of images of period paintings and photographs (including one of false teeth that could have been Washington's). The time line is another useful nonfiction tool for independent readers. While Koalas will likely have the most browsing appeal, all three titles will be useful for first reports and are good additions to beginning-reader collections.-Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2014
This special collector's edition includes two new short stories along with the original first volume of Hiccup and Toothless's friendship. In "How to Train Your Viking" Cowell tells a story from Toothless's perspective, and Vikings band together in "The Day of the Dreader." Cowell's crude black-and-white illustrations demonstrate humor and motion. The book jacket unfolds into a full-color poster.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)