Alike or Not Alike?

September 1, 2012

Gr 2-5-These guessing games fall flat. Alike features four clearly labeled photos and requires the audience to rely on previous knowledge to determine which example doesn't belong. Unfortunately, numerous pitfalls abound. Multiple correct responses apply for some questions, though there is only one answer provided. For example, one page lists a cold shake as the different item in a collection featuring pizza, hot cocoa, and soup. Three of the items contain liquids, however, so pizza could serve as the differing one but is not given as an option. On another page, the text admonishes, "You can play with a doll, a ball, or a marble. But scissors are not a toy." Compare offers various analogies highlighting topics of interest to young participants, e.g., "Seedling is to tree as tadpole is to ____." The photos on the facing page show a fish, a frog, and a pond. Remember asks questions demanding recall based on photographs. For example, following a page of pictures of nine butterflies, the text asks, "What color is the butterfly in the middle?" Mysteries provides photographs of parts of a larger object to display clues to identify the item; in one example, an easily recognizable trunk and tusks offer a clear clue (elephant). Vivid, crisp photographs define each option, though clothing appears dated. A few questions mislead and some visual clues fail to offer immediate answers, even with the concluding answer key. Fake enthusiasm gushes in these uninspired offerings.-Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC

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