DK Children's Illustrated Encyclopedia. Ann Kramer (Ed.). (Illus.) NY: DK Publishing, 1998. 644pp. $39.95 (includes CD-ROM). 90-52096. ISBN 0-7894-2787-7. Index; C.I.P.
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At a time when many factual books for children aged 8 to 11 are being published with excellent illustrations and clear texts, this book ranks among the best. Each topic is presented on one to six pages. About half the space on a page consists of full-color photographs and drawings. Most topic pages include a "find out more" box that directs the reader to related entries. A 21-page reference section makes known such facts as what is the world's largest animal and on what date the world's first printed book appeared.

Kingfisher First Human Body Encyclopedia. Richard Walker. (Illus.) NY: Larousse Kingfisher Chambers, 1999. 112pp. $16.95. 98-53275. ISBN 0-7534-5177-8. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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This richly illustrated book with numerous color illustrations and photographs introduces the human body to young people and provides activities children can participate in to learn more about the body. The volume covers all of the body systems, with a special section on things that children would be more interested in, such as hair, seeing and hearing, breathing and eating, and why children look like their parents. Nearly every page has some activity that a child could do to illustrate the items being discussed on the page.

National Geographic United States Atlas for Young Explorers. (Illus.; photographs from Tony Stone Images.) Washington, DC: National Geographic Society, 1999. 176pp. $24.95. 99-34653. ISBN 0-7922-7115-7. Index; C.I.P.
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Although this oversize atlas is designed for "Young Explorers," it is a serious atlas whose contents are neither superficial nor frivolous. Its features provide information that is equally helpful to young readers and adults. For example, there are large colored and titled corner tabs for each geographic region. The section on each region begins with a two-page spread of colored photographs showing highlights of the region. The state maps are beautifully drawn and offer a wealth of information without overwhelming the reader or giving the appearance of clutter.

The New Grolier Children's Encyclopedia. (Illus.) Danbury, CT: Grolier Educational, 1999. $225.00 (10-volume set.) 98-7378. ISBN 0-7172-9373-4 (set). Index; C.I.P.
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Access to information that is accurate, relevant, and interesting affords today's youth with a definite educational advantage. One print source that has been a foundation of the educational process with which many are familiar is the encyclopedia. The New Grolier Children's Encyclopedia provides young learners with an efficient and stimulating way to find data, descriptions, and explanations pertaining to several topics of importance and interest. Through a series of 10 volumes, students are offered an avenue to investigate a spectrum of topics ranging from science-related areas such as astronomy and wolves to social studies considerations such as geographic information and historical milestones.

Reader's Digest Children's Atlas of the Universe. Robert Burnham. (Illus.) Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Children's Books, 2000. 128pp. $24.99. 99-36177. ISBN 1575843730. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.
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This large-format profusely and attractively illustrated book describes the universe from the solar system through outer space. The book first explains how the earth fits in as an object in the universe and then guides the young reader through the history of astronomy from ancient times to the present. The section on the solar system provides an accurate and up-to-date look at the sun, the moon, each planet, and minor objects such as asteroids, meteoroids, and comets. A section on deep space covers everything beyond the solar system. A number of simple hands-on projects and "Look Again" questions are scattered throughout the book.