Florida

April 1, 2004
Gr 3-5-This trip around the sunshine state, counterclockwise from Pensacola to Jacksonville, is more of a travel brochure than an information book for children. Friend's mission is to show visitors that the state is more than beaches and theme parks, and she accomplishes this by featuring many of the lesser-known historical and environmental sites. The book is heavily illustrated with realistic, bright, watercolor paintings. It begins with an attractive map of the state, which includes most locations mentioned in the book, but neglects to show Miami or Fort Lauderdale, two of Florida's most populous cities. Each page includes one main illustration with a number of smaller pictures as well; the captions are printed in such a small, fine font that they will be difficult for many children to read. Native Americans are pictured in historical settings, and there are some Latino dancers in Miami, but the tourists who appear in many of the paintings are almost all Caucasian. There are some good Web sites included in the resource list, but the suggested books are specialized titles, including those by the author on sinkholes and the Civil War. This is an attractive choice for a child about to visit the state, but for reports on Florida, stick to standard state books, like Barbara A. Somervill's Florida (Children's, 2001).-Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.