Queen Anne's Lace

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-A disappointing offering. Wexler describes the origin of the plant's name, where this beautiful wildflower is found, the family to which it belongs, and its life cycle. Parts are named, pronunciation is given, and the full-color photographs are clear and informative. So, what's wrong with this book? The tone of the text. In an effort to be user-friendly while imparting the scientific information, Wexler asks condescending questions (``See the tiny leaves?'') and includes many exclamation points. The format of his Wonderful Pussy Willows (Dutton, 1992) is artistically better: there are more closeups, the print is larger, and the layout is more pleasing. If you really want a whole book on Queen Anne's lace, though, this one is adequate.-Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, ME

Mary Harris Veeder

Using text and photographs, Wexler, author of several previous nature photo books on plant life (among them, "Jack-in-the-Pulpit" ), takes a common plant and treats it as completely as one might treat esoteric flora, beginning at the root and continuing to the seed and flowers. The photographs work well when picturing the flowers and the seed heads, but line diagrams or labeling might have made the section on reproduction clearer. The text must be read completely; it won't work for quick reference. However, the book will probably still appeal to children who want to investigate a familiar plant as a science subject.