Whether it’s a medieval healer’s approach to treating illness or the use of gene therapy to prevent disease, it’s clear that this season’s slate of nonfiction science books is tech-centric. High-tech contraptions, including drones, robots, and self-driving cars, are featured in several volumes, while simple machines and outdated military technology are given their due as well. Whatever one’s preference, readers will find a wealth of well-researched, well-documented information; an abundance of vibrant graphics; and plenty of hands-on learning opportunities throughout the 19 series highlighted below.

Elementary

Abell, Tracy. All About 3-D Printing. ISBN 9781635170092; ISBN 9781635170658.

––––. All About Drones. ISBN 9781 635170122; ISBN 9781635170689.

Amstutz, Lisa J. All About Robots. ISBN 9781635170146; ISBN 9781635170702.

Blakemore, Megan. All About Smart Technology. ISBN 9781635170153; ISBN 9781635170719.

Mihaly, Christy. All About Apps. ISBN 9781635170108; ISBN 9781635170665.

Richards, Patti. All About Social Networking. ISBN 9781635170160; ISBN 9781635170726.

Sherman, Jill. All About Online Gaming. ISBN 9781635170139; ISBN 9781635170696.

Smibert, Angie. All About Coding. ISBN 9781635170115; ISBN 9781635170672.

ea vol: 32p. (Cutting-Edge Technology). ebook available. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. North Star. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $28.50. pap. $9.95.

Gr 3-5 –Focusing on the latest innovations, this timely set will appeal to tech-savvy readers in addition to those who are interested in learning more about today’s hottest technology trends. High-interest and immensely readable, each volume provides an overview and examines current applications as well as possible uses in the future; potential pitfalls are also addressed, giving students a well-rounded and forthright synopsis of the subject. “How It Works” presents the audience with an up-close look at the technology, complete with detailed illustrations, while the inclusion of numerous vibrant photos demonstrates the tech’s rather ubiquitous presence in the real world. A quiz-based section provides a satisfying conclusion to each book. VERDICT Recommended for libraries with a strong interest in STEAM.

Adamson, Thomas K. Airplanes. ISBN 9781626175990.

––––. Garbage Trucks. ISBN 9781626176058.

––––. Ships. ISBN 9781626176089.

Bowman, Chris. Backhoes. ISBN 9781 626176003.

––––. Bulldozers. ISBN 9781626176010.

––––. Cranes. ISBN 9781626176027.

––––. Fire Trucks. ISBN 9781626176041.

––––. Monster Trucks. ISBN 9781626176065.

––––. Trains. ISBN 9781626176102.

Oachs, Emily Rose. Dump Trucks. ISBN 9781626176034.

––––. Police Cars. ISBN 9781626176072.

––––. Tractors. ISBN 9781626176096.

ea vol: 24p. (Mighty Machines in Action). charts. diag. ebook available. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Bellwether. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $24.95.

K-Gr 2 –Fans of all things transportation will flock to these lively, action-packed titles. Vivid photographs are the stars here, clearly illustrating the work each vehicle does in vibrant detail and affording readers an up-close look at these powerful machines in action. Simple sentences convey the information in clear, concise language, and while there are some challenging vocabulary words in the text, readers should be able to determine their meaning through the accompanying images or, should this fail, the glossary at the end of the book. An amusing chart comparing an average human adult to the vehicle enables students to gain a better understanding of its size and provides an additional wow factor. VERDICT Likely to be a hit with kids fond of planes, trains, and automobiles as well as with reluctant readers.

Alvarez, Pilar. Rocks, Minerals, and Soil. ISBN 9781499425406.

Austen, Amy. Earth’s Oceans. ISBN 9781499425048.

Flores, Mina. Lakes, Rivers, and Streams. ISBN 9781499425253.

Greer, Eileen. Plate Tectonics. ISBN 9781499425352.

Harris, Irene. Earth’s Continents. ISBN 9781499424997.

Jobes, Cecily. Fossils. ISBN 9781499425154.

Owens, Meredith. Earthquakes. ISBN 9781499426168.

Reynolds, Shaye. Volcanoes. ISBN 9781499425451.

Rudenko, Dennis. Mountains and Canyons. ISBN 9781499425307.

Salaka, Michael. Islands and Archipelagos. ISBN 9781499425208.

Shofner, Melissa Raé. Weather and Natural Disasters. ISBN 9781499425505.

Wilson, Steve. Erosion and Sediments. ISBN 9781499426175.

ea vol: 24p. (Spotlight on Earth Science). bibliog. charts. diag. further reading. glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. PowerKids. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $26.25.

Gr 3-5 –Gorgeous images are paired with authoritative information in this outstanding series. Loaded with age-appropriate text and fascinating details—New Zealand is actually the microcontinent Zealandia, of which 93 percent is underwater (Islands)—each volume balances broad content with specific facts, making the well-researched material more appealing to readers. Striking photographs, such as that of Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring (Lakes), are breathtaking and could easily be found in books of nature photography. The inclusion of a “Primary Source List” is a distinctive and beneficial resource for report writers and those students interested in independent research. VERDICT An excellent selection for school and public libraries’ earth science collections.

Bard, Mariel. Amphibian Fossils. ISBN 9781499428629.

Haynes, Danielle. Mammal Fossils. ISBN 9781499428599.

Honders, Christine. Reptile Fossils. ISBN 9781499428575.

Linde, Barbara. Insect Fossils. ISBN 9781499428605.

Meehan, Sara. Bird Fossils. ISBN 9781499428612.

Niver, Heather Moore. Marine Fossils. ISBN 9781499428568.

ea vol: 32p. (Fossil Files). charts. further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. websites. PowerKids. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $26.25.

Gr 3-6 –Detailed photos of fossilized remains are the stars of these volumes, which should appeal to dinosaur enthusiasts and budding paleontologists alike. Readers get close-up views of numerous specimens and gain a better understanding of Earth’s past. Well-written and concrete information accompanies the images, of which some are artists’ renderings of how the creature would have appeared, and provides students with a full complement of specifics to satisfy curious minds. The currency of the material, including discoveries made as recently as June 2016 (Bird), speaks to the accuracy of the text and gives the series fresh, contemporary content. Similarly, the design of the books, modeled to look like file folders and their contents, reflects the titles and, more important, makes audience members feel as if they are insiders to the excavation process. VERDICT Strongly consider to refresh archaeology collections for upper elementary schoolers.

Chandler, Matt. Military Drones. ISBN 9781515737698; ISBN 9781515737773.

––––. Recreational Drones. ISBN 9781515737667; ISBN 9781515737704.

Leavitt, Amie Jane. Experimental Drones. ISBN 9781515737681; ISBN 9781515737766.

Rose, Simon. Agricultural Drones. ISBN 9781515737674; ISBN 9781515737759.

ea vol: 32p. (Drones). further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. websites. Capstone. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $27.99. pap. $7.95.

Gr 3-6 –With consumer and commercial drone use on the rise, this timely set explores the current uses of this technology and postulates on its myriad possibilities in the future. Kids will be fascinated by the numerous ways individuals are using drones, be it to scan for weeds amid acres of farmland or to deliver humanitarian assistance, and the accompanying photographs and artistic renderings provide readers with a birds-eye view of the high-tech flying machines. Safety concerns are addressed as well as the ever-evolving rules that regulators are imposing on hobbyists and corporations alike. In-text vocabulary appears in bold font and is defined at the bottom of each corresponding page, allowing for little disruption to the reading process. VERDICT A solid choice that will satisfy readers’ thirst for knowledge of this popular technology.

Clay, Kathryn. Astronaut in Training. ISBN 9781515736608; ISBN 9781515736745.

––––. Living in Space. ISBN 9781515736578; ISBN 9781515736714.

––––. Space Flights. ISBN 9781515736592; ISBN 9781515736738.

––––. Spacewalks. ISBN 9781515736585; ISBN 9781515736721.

ea vol: 32p. (Little Astronauts). charts. diag. chron. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Capstone. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $27.99. pap. $6.95.

Gr 2-4 –Readers with a fascination for outer space will appreciate the details in this series that focuses specifically on the space environment and how humans continue to adapt to it. Standard facts, including data on the International Space Station and requirements for becoming an astronaut, are present and provide readers with a basic frame of reference. However, Clay enhances the reading experience by injecting specific details that stand out on the page, such as including the nickname “vomit comets” when describing the airplanes used in weightlessness training (Astronaut). Vivid photographs of the men and women at work inside and outside their spacecraft supplement the material with clarity. The inclusion of a “Critical Thinking Using the Common Core” section in each volume encourages students to become active participants in their own learning. VERDICT A welcome addition to elementary astronomy collections.

Enz, Tammy. Building Bridges. ISBN 9781484637456; ISBN 9781484637494.

––––. Building Structures and Towers. ISBN 9781484637463; ISBN 9781484637500.

––––. Building Vehicles That Fly. ISBN 9781484637470; ISBN 9781484637517.

––––. Building Vehicles That Roll. ISBN 9781484637487; ISBN 9781484637524.

ea vol: 32p. (Young Engineers). glossary. index. photos. Heinemann-Raintree. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $27.32. pap. $4.95.

Gr 3-5 –Thought-provoking, tangible activities are at the core of these engaging volumes that will have students eager to try their hands at these basic engineering projects. Using materials commonly found around the house, each experiment demonstrates the scientific principle explained in the pages prior to it, enabling readers to connect the abstract concepts, such as thrust and lift (Fly), to the real world. The directions are clear and concise and require little to no adult supervision, empowering students to take an active role in their learning. VERDICT Hand this series to readers who enjoy building, tinkering, and hands-on learning.

Farndon, John. Plague! ISBN 978151 2415575; ISBN 9781512430752.

––––. Quacks and Con Artists. ISBN 9781512415605; ISBN 9781512430776.

––––. Strange Medicine. ISBN 9781512415599; ISBN 9781512430769.

––––. Tiny Killers. ISBN 9781512415582; ISBN 9781512430783.

ea vol: illus. by Venitia Dean. 32p. (The Sickening History of Medicine). chron. glossary. index. Hungry Tomato. Apr. 2017. lib. ed. $26.65. pap. $7.99.

Gr 3-6 –Fans of gross-out reads won’t be disappointed by this latest entry in the popular genre. Taking readers on a journey through history, this set explores the diseases that have plagued humanity for millennia as well as the quacks and so-called healers whose horrific “cures” were often more dangerous than the illnesses they were treating. Rather than a lengthy narrative where details can get lost, two to three bite-size kernels of information appear on each page, accompanied by catchy titles like “Stinky Streets” (Plague!) and “Sweet Pees” (Strange) that immediately capture readers’ interest, encourage browsing, and lend a bit of humor to the subject. The accompanying cartoon illustrations complement the text by providing a bit of whimsy and visual interest to each entry. VERDICT Reluctant readers, history enthusiasts, and trivia buffs are but a few of the kids who will enjoy the content in these repulsive reads.

Loh-Hagan, Virginia. Aircraft Carriers. ISBN 9781634721615; ISBN 9781634722933.

––––. Bridges. ISBN 9781634721622; ISBN 9781634722940.

––––. Dams. ISBN 9781634721639; ISBN 9781634722957.

––––. Roller Coasters. ISBN 9781634721646; ISBN 9781634722964.

––––. Skyscrapers. ISBN 9781634721653; ISBN 9781634722971.

––––. Stadiums. ISBN 9781634721660; ISBN 9781634722988.

––––. Tunnels. ISBN 9781634721677; ISBN 9781634722995.

––––. Water Parks. ISBN 9781634721684; ISBN 9781634723008.

ea vol: 24p. (Extraordinary Engineering). bibliog. ebook available. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Cherry Lake. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $27.07. pap. $8.95.

Gr 1-3 –Readers are introduced to remarkable feats of modern engineering in this awe-inspiring series. Basic scientific concepts, such as inertia, centripetal force, and kinetic energy, are appropriately defined for students using straightforward language and simple sentence structure. Crisp white pages provide the background for the text, and when they are paired with the abundant colorful photos, the effect is striking. Sidebars that encourage critical thinking, particularly conceptualizing, analyzing, and synthesizing data, are found throughout each volume, while “Try This!” will bolster students’ understanding of various scientific principles through experimentation and hands-on learning. VERDICT A solid introduction to engineering concepts that will appeal to lower elementary schoolers.

Rivera, Andrea. Conservation. ISBN 9781680799385.

––––. Plants. ISBN 9781680799392.

––––. Recycling. ISBN 9781680799408.

––––. Solar Power. ISBN 9781680799415.

––––. Water. ISBN 9781680799422.

––––. Wind Power. ISBN 9781680799439.

ea vol: 24p. (Our Renewable Earth). ebook available. glossary. index. photos. websites. ABDO. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $27.07.

K-Gr 2 –With its clean look and straightforward content, this series introduces emergent readers to several of the planet’s sustainable energy sources. Vibrant photos in crisp blues and greens pop against the white pages, while spreads in earthy hues are rich, warm, and reflective of the overall subject. Simple four- to eight-word sentences appear in a large typeface and are easy to read and understand; in-text vocabulary appears in bold green, clearly reinforcing the connection between words and images. Each volume is organized by STEAM component and flows naturally from one discipline to the next, providing young minds with a basic yet holistic introduction to the subject. VERDICT An excellent addition to early science collections.

Rivera, Andrea. Inclined Planes. ISBN 9781680799521.

––––. Levers. ISBN 9781680799538.

––––. Pulleys. ISBN 9781680799545.

––––. Screws. ISBN 9781680799552.

––––. Wedges. ISBN 9781680799569.

––––. Wheels and Axles. ISBN 9781680799576.

ea vol: 24p. (Simple Machines). ebook available. glossary. index. websites. ABDO. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $27.07.

K-Gr 2 –Simple machines have rarely looked as stunning as they do in this visually appealing and readily accessible set. Sharp images of these devices, both at rest and at work, give readers an up-close look at how the tools are used, capturing their modest beauty in striking detail; for instance, a screw partially drilled into a block of wood (Screws). Clear, concise language and simple sentences appear in chapters arranged by STEAM discipline, and this integrative approach helps students better understand the connections among the five areas of study and the world around them. VERDICT A solid introductory series for young readers, especially those with an interest in how things work.

Middle to High School

Bond, David. Artificial Intelligence. ISBN 9781422237113.

––––. Genetic Engineering. ISBN 9781422237137.

Kananaugh, Beatrice. Computing and the Internet. ISBN 9781422237120.

––––. Medical Discoveries. ISBN 9781422237144.

ea vol: 80p. (STEM: Shaping the Future). diag. ebook available. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Mason Crest. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $24.95.

Gr 9 Up –Readers curious about the current innovations and future possibilities of four high-interest STEM fields will find plenty to consider in this thoughtful collection. Each volume examines developments in research as well as the ethical questions raised by continued scientific and technological advancements, doing so in an impartial and fair way that encourages students to draw their own conclusions. Easy-to-understand language will appeal to report writers and casual readers alike, while photos and diagrams support and extend the detailed information. VERDICT First-rate nonfiction for teens.

Chow-Miller, Ian. Integrated Robotics. ISBN 9781502619365.

––––. Sensors and the Environment. ISBN 9781502619389.

McCombs, Kevin. Advanced Programming and Design. ISBN 9781502619457.

––––. Locomotion and Mechanics. ISBN 9781502620262.

Pereira, Lana. Actuators and the Power to Do Tasks. ISBN 9781502619402.

Wasmer, Rebecca. Math, Programming, and Controllers. ISBN 9781502619433.

ea vol: 128p. (Robotics). diag. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Cavendish Square. Feb. 2017. lib. ed. $45.64.

Gr 9 Up –Robotics enthusiasts will find a wealth of data in this series. Loaded with examples, sample codes, and an abundance of advice, the set caters to those readers with a working knowledge of the field yet is accessible enough that even novice robotics students can understand basic concepts. As the volumes are text-heavy, the use of photos and diagrams is intermittent but effective, supporting the material while injecting a bit of color to the pages. Extensive glossaries and websites categorized by purpose—“Competition,” “Instructional,” and “Product”—are valuable resources for students looking to advance their knowledge and interests. VERDICT A top consideration for teens with a strong interest in robotics.

Conley, Kate. Biofuels. ISBN 9781 680784534.

Jennings, Terry Catasús. Hydroelectric Energy. ISBN 9781680784558.

Mangor, Jodie. Geothermal Energy. ISBN 9781680784541.

Marquardt, Meg. Hydrogen Fuel Cells. ISBN 9781680784565.

––––. Nuclear Fuel Cells. ISBN 9781 680784572.

Murray, Laura K. Ocean Energy. ISBN 9781 680784589.

––––. Solar Energy. ISBN 9781680784596.

Woll, Kris. Wind Energy. ISBN 9781 680784602.

ea vol: 48p. (Alternative Energy). ebook available. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. ABDO. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $32.79.

Gr 4-7 –Fact-filled and thorough, this well-written collection covers a vast array of sustainable power sources, from the familiar (Solar Energy; Wind Energy) to the less common (Biofuels; Ocean Energy). Text-heavy yet comprehensible, each book delves into the specific energy source’s origins, current applications, and outlook; addresses its benefits and drawbacks; and encourages readers to come to their own conclusions. For instance, “Stop and Think” explicitly invites readers to think critically about the subject in four different ways, such as taking a position on the topic and defending it or conducting independent research with the help of a librarian; similarly, students are challenged to paraphrase a provided primary source for a specified audience in “Straight to the Source.” VERDICT With its impeccable content, this dynamic series is a must for school and public libraries.

Doudna, Kelly. The Moon. ISBN 9781 680784053.

––––. Space Exploration. ISBN 9781 680784077.

Hudak, Heather C. Galaxies. ISBN 9781 680784046.

––––. The Sun. ISBN 9781680784091.

Kukla, Lauren. The Amazing Universe. ISBN 9781680784022.

––––. Asteroids, Comets, and Meteoroids. ISBN 9781680784039.

––––. Planets. ISBN 9781680784060.

––––. Stars. ISBN 9781680784084.

ea vol: 32p. (Exploring Our Universe). charts. diag. ebook available. glossary. illus. index. maps. photos. websites. ABDO. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $27.07.

Gr 4-7 –After reading this series, students are certain to walk away with a newfound appreciation for the myriad wonders of the cosmos. Filled with an impressive amount of details each volume introduces kids to scientific terms with unexpected definitions (Trojans are asteroids outside of the asteroid belt) as well as the proper names of celestial bodies most likely unknown to casual readers. One such example: the main arms of the Milky Way are named Scutum-Centaurus and Perseus, while the minor arms are named Sagittarius and Norma (Galaxies). The inclusion of a “Guidebook” in each tome reiterates data in a concise and straightforward format. Rich images and artist’s depictions as well as breathtaking photographs complete this appealing and information-packed set. VERDICT Consider for collections that serve space buffs.

Goldstein, Margaret J. Garbage in Space. ISBN 9781512425901.

––––. Private Space Travel. ISBN 9781 512425895.

Roland, James. Black Holes. ISBN 9781 512425864.

––––. Pluto. ISBN 9781512425871.

Silverman, Buffy. Mars Missions. ISBN 9781512425857.

ea vol: 48p. (Space Discovery Guides). bibliog. charts. further reading. glossary. index. photos. notes. websites. Lerner. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $31.99.

Gr 5-8 –Middle schoolers with stars in their eyes will gravitate toward this informative set that explores aspects of space from the physical to the theoretical. Familiar topics dedicated to astronauts and missions to Mars are included alongside less common ones, including space garbage, privatized space travel, and black holes. All the titles include up-to-date content as recent as 2016, making them fresh and relevant. Dynamic photographs and historical images complement the text and are supplemented with artists’ renderings, diagrams, and charts. VERDICT A thoroughly researched and authoritative addition to science collections.

Hiton, Lisa. Gravity, Orbiting Objects, and Planetary Motion. ISBN 9781502622877.

Keranen, Rachel. The Big Bang Theory and Light Spectra. ISBN 9781502622952.

––––. The Composition of the Universe: The Evolution of Stars and Galaxies. ISBN 9781502622853.

Miller, Derek. Earth, Sun, and Moon: Cyclic Patterns of Lunar Phases, Eclipses, and the Seasons. ISBN 9781502622914.

Schmermund, Elizabeth. Telescopes, Probes, Spacecraft, and the Future of Space Exploration. ISBN 9781502622938.

Young-Brown, Fiona. The Universe to Scale: Similarities and Differences in Objects in Our Solar System. ISBN 9781502622891.

ea vol: 112p. (Space Systems). bibliog. charts. diag. further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Cavendish Square. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $42.79.

Gr 9 Up –Students looking for a thorough introduction to the fields of cosmology, astronomy, and astrophysics won’t be disappointed. Text-heavy yet extremely readable, each volume is packed with well-organized information that explores the history of each discipline as well as the scientists, mathematicians, and engineers who have advanced their fields of study and our modern understanding of the universe. Photographs, illustrations, charts, and diagrams are used judiciously, reinforcing the text and encouraging visual literacy. VERDICT An excellent resource for teens interested in the mysteries of the universe, both theoretical and observable.

Hudak, Heather C. Technology During the Korean War. ISBN 9781680784121.

––––. Technology During the Vietnam War. ISBN 9781680784145.

––––. Technology During World War II. ISBN 9781680784169.

Kukla, Lauren. Technology During the Revolutionary War. ISBN 9781680784138.

Mattern, Joanne. Technology During the Civil War. ISBN 9781680784114.

––––. Technology During World War I. ISBN 9781680784152.

ea vol: 32p. (Military Technologies). diag. ebook available. glossary. index. maps. photos. websites. ABDO. Jan. 2017. lib. ed. $27.07.

Gr 4-7 – The complicated relationship between technology and war is explored, from the Revolutionary War to the battles waged in Vietnam. Tracing the advancement of military technologies over the course of roughly 200 years, each volume focuses on the weapons used during a specific war and their impact on combat; with each subsequent conflict, readers better comprehend how the evolution of these technologies impacted warfare and why military leaders sought “improvements,” or ways to counter enemy weaponry through continued development. Sections entitled “How It Works” and “...On the Battlefield” provide students with a more detailed understanding of the basic operation and use of a particular ­technology. VERDICT An informative interdisciplinary addition to most collections.

Rake, Matthew. Prehistoric Ancestors of Modern Animals. ISBN 9781512406320; ISBN 9781512411591.

––––. Prehistoric Giants. ISBN 9781 512406351; ISBN 9781512411614.

––––. Prehistoric Predators. ISBN 9781512406337; ISBN 9781512411607.

––––. Prehistoric Sea Beasts. ISBN 9781512406344; ISBN 9781512411584.

ea vol: illus. by Simon Mendez. 32p. (If Extinct Beasts Came to Life). bibliog. chron. ebook available. glossary. index. photos. Hungry Tomato. Apr. 2017. lib. ed. $26.65. pap. $7.99.

Gr 4-7 –Combining a clever use of digital photography with well-researched material, this thoroughly engaging series reimagines prehistoric creatures inhabiting our contemporary world. Whether it’s a paraceratherium strolling down a modern New York City avenue (Giants) or a giant sea scorpion enclosing an unfortunate scuba diver in its monstrous pincers (Sea Beasts), illustrator Mendez’s artistic renderings are scarily authentic, and when superimposed within the scenes of daily life, the effect is simultaneously jarring and thrilling. Rake’s meticulous fact-finding makes great use of sidebars to share standard information about each beast, such as name pronunciation, measurements, when and where it lived, and human-to-creature size comparisons, while introducing more specific, descriptive details in each entry’s narrative. Finer points such as these as well as handy time lines and the inclusion of paleontology career options combine to make this easy-to-read but hard-to-put-down series one of a kind. VERDICT Whether dinosaur fans or not, readers of all ages will enjoy this visually stunning, informative, and, at times, humorous look at prehistory—libraries won’t want to miss out.

Future rocket scientists will appreciate the amount of fine details in Capstone’s engaging “Little Astronauts.” For those readers whose interests are more terrestrial, ABDO’s

“Alternative Energy” offers a well-balanced examination of Earth’s renewable energy sources. Hungry Tomato has a mammoth hit on its hands with the playfully informative “If Extinct Beasts Came to Life,” in which humans coexist with prehistoric animals; the pictures alone will have audience members in stitches. With origins preceding even those of the dinosaurs, the subjects of Lerner’s “Space Discovery Guides” are reminders of how vast the universe is and how far humanity has come in its understanding of it. Depending upon collection needs, libraries can’t go wrong with the other noted series.

Audrey Sumser, Kent State University at Tuscarawas, New Philadelphia, OH