Overview
This UP CLOSE takes readers down the hatch, below the ocean’s waves, and into the exciting world of submarines. It’s filled with thrilling images and fascinating details about how subs are built, equipped, maintained, staffed, and stocked. Photos provide an inside view of the Control Room and display such important elements of the submarine as the powerful main computer, torpedo tube, periscope, and ballast tanks used to raise and lower the ship. Watch the crew as they carry out their duties, and learn about the sub’s sonar, its weapons, how it recycles air and water, and how it stays hidden from enemies—and pinpoints its targets during battle.Editorials
School Library Journal
Gr 3-5- These oversize volumes begin with book jackets that reverse to become large posters. The texts are set in a good-size font, placed in blocks around the pages, and are accompanied by excellent color photographs. Each book contains numerous three- or four-page foldouts. Fire Engines and Heavy Equipment do a better job of captioning with additional information than the other two titles. Many of the photos are enlarged to the actual size of the object being depicted and are so labeled. Fighter Planes and Submarines appear to be accurate, but the text in Fire Engines implies that one cannot become a firefighter without attending the National Fire Academy. While one photo and its caption indicate that there are volunteers, no mention is made of them in the text. Heavy Equipment has some errors in the chapter about farm equipment. At least three captions are incorrect; the combine shown in a four-page foldout is called a tractor. The impression is given that this same "tractor" is quite new, but it is very likely that it is approximately 25 years old, and is not apt to contain all the modern conveniences that are listed in the caption. The text describes the combine as "one machine that is able to do all the elements of farming in a single step." While it does do all the harvesting steps, it by no means eliminates the need for other farm equipment. These titles will be immensely popular; just keep in mind that the large gatefolds will receive a lot of abuse.-Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS