The Kingfisher First Encyclopedia (Kingfisher First Reference)

Simple and fun to use, the alphabetically arranged book devotes a brightly illustrated page or double page spread to each topic, enabling novice researchers to find information on their own. Clearly labeled and captioned illustrations complement the short text blocks, add valuable information, and help make this a book young readers will want to use. Helpful introductory matter offers suggestions on how to use an encyclopedia. Both accessible and authoritative, this book is the perfect choice for children who are ready to begin using reference books on their own. Special Features: Over 1,000 appealing, colorful photographs and illustrations. Clear and easy-to-understand definitions. Over 1,500 headwords, as well as hands-on activities. Vocabulary carefully chosen for the 5-8 year old reading level. Cross-references encourage further exploration.

PreSchool-Grade 3. This fact-filled, visually appealing, one-volume encyclopedia is a stimulating introductory reference tool. The 88 succinct, alphabetically arranged entries are well chosen for the intended audience, and include topics such as books, cars, dinosaurs, insects, and inventions. Handsomely designed full- and double-page spreads, which feature colorful borders, large, clear print, highlighted entry words, and intriguing fact boxes, are devoted to each subject. Profuse, high-quality, full-color illustrations and photos, elucidated by informative captions and labels, complement the lively, authoritative text. Uniquely coded cross-references facilitate readers' search for further relevant material within the logically organized work. A complete table of contents, accessible glossary, and precise index complete the package. Carol Watson's My First Encyclopedia (DK, 1993) also explores concepts that appeal to youngsters. However, the subject coverage is different, as the themes range from a child's daily experiences (e.g., families, pets) to an investigation of the outer world (e.g., deserts, space). Both titles will serve as ideal springboards to more sophisticated encyclopedias.?Hillary Jan Donitz-Goldstein, New York Public Library
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The self-consciously wacky Crazy Creature Concepts series of paper-over-board books by Hannah Reidy, illus. by Clare Mackie, turns cartwheels to make learning visually amusing. In Crazy Creature Contrasts, a menagerie of critters, sporting an assortment of bizarre physical traits like curlicue tails, skinny striped legs and silly grins, demonstrates opposites. And a band of the egg-shaped creatures strap skates onto their skinny feet, whizzing up, down, under and through, to teach prepositions in Crazy Creature Capers. More concepts are forthcoming. (DeAgostini [Stewart, Tabori & Chang, dist.], $6.95 each 26p ages 3-up ISBN 1-899883-44-4; -45-2; Sept..
-, $6.95 each 26p ages 3-up ISBN 1-899883-44-4; -45-2; Sept.)
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Small children ask how and why questions often best answered by an encyclopedia. Reference works for the preschool through second-grade age group must be clearly phrased, simply presented, and highly pictorial. The Kingfisher First Encyclopedia, the objective of which is to be an accessible and authoritative source "for children who are ready to begin using . . . reference books on their own," succeeds fairly well on all counts. The single volume covers 90 alphabetically listed broad topics. Larger topics (for example, the human body, the earth, weather) have two to four pages devoted to them, while topics such as writing, cars, and camouflage are covered in a page. The short articles are an interesting blend of simple sentences and more complex vocabulary. Unusual words are given an in-text definition, but many words would require adult explanation. Coverage is limited to basic facts on subjects that would be likely to appear in primary-grade curricula. There are some small errors. The entry Books indicates that the size and format of a book is selected by a "team," and then an author writes it--surely not true in all cases. The only indication of the British origin of the book is the use of the word wagon for railroad cars. By and large, noncontroversial subjects are presented in a clear, uniform style. The work is highly pictorial. Clearly printed on heavy paper, the volume is reminiscent of the Eyewitness books for the clarity of its photos and artwork as well as its visual appeal. Children will find this an attractive browsing book, with captions that explain the illustrations adequately. Gender and ethnic representation are both excellent, as is the system for indicating cross-references--at the end of each entry, a "Find Out More" box in the lower right-hand corner lists related topics. The index is accurate, though it indexes text only. A brief glossary gives definitions of 27 words, the selection of which seems a bit arbitrary. The large book lies flat when open. However, the binding is poor, and unless rebound, the book would not stand up to repeated use. Similar in approach to the Dorling Kindersley Children's Illustrated Encyclopedia (Random, 1991), The Kingfisher First Encyclopedia is narrower in scope (one-fifth the number of entries) and more approachable for the just-ready-for-reference-books age.