Information Explorer Junior

Library School Journal

Reviewed on 1 December 2010

Gr 3-6 These titles, all written by media specialists, employ an interesting writing style accompanied by colorful and enticing graphics and photos. Each book includes step-by-step instructions, beginning with an explanation of the featured topic and including planning, implementing, revising, editing, and publishing the completed project. All clearly explain online safety issues, remind readers to ask for adult assistance when using the Internet, and stress the importance of crediting sources. “Online Etiquette”incorporates information about being kind and thoughtful to others, cyberbullying, and following policies at school and at home while using social media, email, and the Internet. "Podcasting"offers sources for free software and has thoughtful ideas about listening to examples, making outlines, writing scripts and using storyboards. “Shooting Video”covers choosing a camera; planning the story using an outline, graphic organizer and script; the use of a storyboard to plan sequences; and consideration of the types of shots (long, medium, close-up). “Digital Images”offers information about the basics (pixels, resolutions, sizes of files, and formats), finding and organizing images, taking digital images (positioning subjects, lighting, and point of view), editing images, and ideas for their use in school and personal projects. This text suggests that Google SafeSearch for Kids is a safe resource for children. A search of several terms, including “girl,” resulted in sites that were inappropriate for youth. This aside, the texts are useful for most collections. Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA" Copyright 2010 Media Source Inc..