Grocery Store

School Library Journal

Gr 1-2-Using the trite pretext of a field trip, the author asks a series of nine questions about each topic. Two color photos accompany the text on each chapter spread. Several of the questions use improper grammar, ending the question with a preposition. Overly simplistic vocabulary results in misconceptions. Farm makes obvious statements such as "Farmers take care of the farm." The fact that chickens lay eggs is illustrated by a picture of what is likely one lone rooster. Many of the photos are dark. Grocery Store seems to assume that children have never visited one, explaining that groceries are found on shelves on both sides of an aisle. One photo caption mentions a deli, but deli is never defined. The meat department is said to contain beef, chicken, and pork, but makes no mention of lamb or seafood. All of these titles end abruptly. A useless picture glossary and index conclude each title. Don't waste the budget on these books.-Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.