France

School Library Journal

Pres-Gr 2--Country studies for the preschool and primary set? This publisher's theory is that young children are increasingly exposed to world events through modern communications technology; consequently, they might as well be educated on these topics. Pluckrose meets the challenge of producing quality products for this target audience. Very simple texts present basic information (land, people, cities, jobs, food, sports, festivals). Appealing full-color snapshots appear on every page. The books are attractive and could spawn much discussion. There are occasional Briticisms ("cinema" for movies, "football" for soccer). Helen Arnold's Egypt (1996) and France (1995, both RSVP) approach this level of simplicity for slightly older readers.--Ann W. Moore, Schenectady County Public Library, NY