PreS-Gr 2–Photographs and illustrated characters guide young readers through a variety of accessible topics. Each book is written in a clear and simple style, and the text is supported by images on the facing page. The photos and the illustrations depict a diverse group of children (most of which are girls). The cartoon kids are friendly-looking though simply drawn. Questions are peppered throughout the series to spur discussion or deeper thought. For example, an image of balloons is accompanied by the question “What else can you fill up with gas?” The last spread in each book mentions that scientists study the subject and asks, “What would you like to study next?” VERDICT Simple enough to read aloud with preschoolers or for beginning readers to explore on their own. An additional purchase.