Out and About at the Public Library

February 1, 2006
Gr 3-6 -Well-crafted books about field trips that show the detailed workings of each facility. Each title starts with a series of questions. For example, "Mint" asks, -Why do coins have raised edges? - The question then is answered in the subsequent story, as a tour guide escorts a group of children through the mint: -Rims protect coins from scratches and make them easier to stack. - Each book includes a related activity, such as creating a personal medical chart in "Hospital". Shea walks readers through a public library from utilizing the computerized catalog to find materials to asking reference questions and borrowing items. The only weakness of this series lies in the generic-looking illustrations that are digitally produced and do not match the sophistication of the texts." -Tanaz Sutaria, John Gomes Elementary, Fremont, CA"

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