Review
'The Adventurers in History series gets four new titles that offer emerging readers the opportunity to learn about historical figures and their unique world travels. Colorful and animating illustrations mirror the simplicity of the text, and include boxed labels with arrows. Large, clearly printed narrative text highlights more-challenging vocabulary in bold and those words are included in a glossary and an index at the end of each book, which also contains a timeline of important events mentioned in each story. Additionally, a simple map further illustrates the journey of each figure. Ernest Shackleton Survives in Antarctica tracks the destruction of the ship Endurance and the subsequent survival of the entire crew. Marco Polo Travels the Silk Road details the explorer’s thirteenth-century travels from Europe to China and the information he shared with the world in his landmark book. Nellie Bly Races Around the World chronicles the record-setting journey around the world set by this 25-year-old female journalist. Tenzing Norgay Climbs Mount Everest focuses on the Sherpa climber’s historic first summit of the highest mountain in the world with climbing partner Edmund Hillary. Ideal for biography projects and readers interested in historical heroes, this collection provides needed resources for an age group still developing its reading skills.', Casey O'Leary, Booklist,'These delightful installments in the See-Gulls Ocean Tour series introduce fresh marine wonders. Written in a simple, engaging style and filled with amazing facts, these fascinating titles offer exciting looks at the complexity of ocean ecosystems and the circle of life beneath the sea. Captain Gulliver and his silly seagull crew guide readers through each adventure with humorous commentary that makes learning both fun and memorable. Discovering Estuaries and Coasts explains how salty estuaries and sandy shores provide homes for many creatures. Discovering Jellyfish and Sea Slugs introduces strange and beautiful creatures, such as the bright red Spanish dancer sea slug and the fried egg jellyfish, whose oddly shaped bell sometimes shelters fish seeking protection. Discovering Kelp Forests highlights how kelp protects coastlines from powerful waves while supporting many sea animals, including otters. Lastly, Discovering Sharks and Rays shares intriguing facts about such animals as the basking shark, which feeds on zooplankton, and the sawfish, a ray that uses its long snout to uncover prey. Together, these books do far more than simply present facts about ocean creatures; they help readers understand how every habitat and species plays an important role in keeping the oceans healthy and balanced. With colorful photographs, entertaining narration, and accessible scientific explanations, these books successfully combine education with fun, making them an excellent introduction to marine biology for young readers.', Alana Jara, Booklist
