Whole Wide World

This series continues to balance information with an eye-catching format, highlighting landmarks around the world. There are about three chapters that are six pages long and contain full-page pictures that accompany short paragraphs throughout. The beginning of each title starts with before, during, and after questions for teachers and caregivers to engage readers.

The series takes a look at the history of each location, such as the hundreds of stone statues on Easter Island which “…were made more than 500 years ago” (Easter Island). Vocabulary words are in bold, photos are labeled, and infographics, like diagrams and sidebar facts, make the text easy to understand. Still, some full-page pictures are cut in half by an unnecessary color block that has a small paragraph, but this allows the information to be broken up into pieces. The end of each series includes quick facts and tools, a glossary, index, and how to learn more.

VERDICT: An accessible introduction about historical landmarks for elementary readers.

This series remains well organized and colorful as it highlights landmarks around the world. Each has about three chapters of six pages long with full-page pictures that accompany short paragraphs throughout. The beginning of each title includes before, during, and after reading questions for caregivers and educators to ask children. Labeled pictures, bold vocabulary words, diagrams, and sidebar facts make the new information engaging. Although some of the full-page pictures are cut in half by a color block that has a small paragraph, this helps each title remain accessible. The series takes a look at the history of each landmark and how we interact with the historical places today. The books end with quick facts and tools, a glossary, index, and how to learn more. VERDICT ­Accessible introductory landmark information for elementary school readers.