Earth's Oceans

Gr 3–6—This series offers wide-ranging coverage of water-related topics. Oceans and Droughts are standout choices. Castellano incorporates plenty of maps in his explanations of the political, geographic, and geologic aspects of the five oceans that form one world ocean. Also, a helpful chart compares surface area, average depth, and deepest points. Dramatic photos accompany Rajczak's explanations of meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socioeconomic droughts. Conservation and Wastewater would pair well for lessons on how public water systems work and the need to reduce pollution and curb water usage to assure fresh water availability. Although adequate presentations, Precipitation and Water Cycle don't differ from existing coverage of these popular topics. A drawback to all the volumes are the "Facts on Tap" sidebars that include useful information but are hard to read due to the use of wavy blue type on blue backgrounds.