The Visual Dictionary of Flight

Children's Literature - Beverly Kobrin

The Visual Dictionary of Ships and Sailing contains ancient- to modern-marine craft close-ups and cutaways that will intrigue readers young and old. The clearly identified and defined photographs detail specifics of pertinent parts and accessories, and include navigation, piloting, signaling and safety tools and equipment.1991, DK Publishing, Ages 9 up, $18.95 and $15.99. Reviewer: Beverly Kobrin

School Library Journal

Gr 4 Up-- In spite of their series' name, these are not dictionaries. Words are used simply for identification or labeling, and are not defined or explained. Each subject is covered in a double-page spread. The brief but large text provides a cursory overview of the particular topic or era while the majority of space is devoted to the myriad identifications of the whole and its parts from sideviews to cross sections. Both books follow chronological sequences of developments. The full-color illustrations are remarkable for their clarity of detail, perspective, and semblance to natural hues. The indexes are extensive. However, because of their limitations, these visually appealing books will likely attract more attention from browsers and subject aficianados than from researchers.-- Ellen J. Dibner, East School, Long Beach, NY