Welcome to Russia

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4
These basic introductions discuss the land, wildlife, history, daily life, economy, food, and holidays of the featured nation in clear language. Large, highquality photos appear on each chapter spread. Appendixes include general facts, famous people, lyrics to the national song, a native legend, and a few words in English and the country's language and their pronunciation. A typo in Russia lists the country's area as 17 million square miles rather than kilometers. Government information is limited, and the breakup of the former Soviet Union isn't mentioned. Readers looking for a time line or anything but the most basic historical overview will have to consult other sources. A publisher's Web site provides some additional links, but it requires readers to locate and enter the book's ISBN before proceeding. These titles provide serviceable overviews for those students not yet ready for the "Enchantment of the World" series (Children's Press), but libraries that already own the comparable but more comprehensive "Countries of the World" series (National Geographic) should consider them supplemental purchases.
—Jayne DamronCopyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-This slim volume covers a number of topics in very general terms. It begins with two pages of simple maps, including one noting Somalia's location in relation to the U.S. Daily life for families and children in the city and the country are briefly covered. Many topics receive only cursory treatment, such as the country's history and postcolonial government. Each spread is illustrated with several clear, color photographs and a small map. Headings are highlighted against ticket-shaped forms in various colors and captions are framed against stamps, complete with scalloped edges. This title has attractive and pertinent visuals, but children's information needs will be better served with a currentencyclopedia.-Genevieve Ceraldi, New York Public Library Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.