City of Wind

September 1, 2011

This third installment in this four-book teen thriller series continues the adventures of a multicultural group of teens in the mysterious mission that they know is important to Earth's survival, this time in Paris.

As has become usual, maps and archival photos included in the centerfold provide a sense of the city of Paris. Even before Harvey, Elettra and Sheng join Mistral, they encounter people trying to prevent them from getting together. The City of Light has so many hiding places located in cathedrals, museums and underground haunts that their undertakings are made unusually difficult. Characters (and readers) are kept in the dark: Clues and facts are provided in stingiest manner, hyping the suspense, grabbing readers' attention and keeping it. New villains include a vicious café owner and a pretty but untrustworthy young woman. Balancing the baddies, an ancient spirit aids the four teens by producing relevant warnings and mystifying effects. Though readers of the first two books will find the story easier to understand, back story is provided for newcomers.

Clever writing and a pell-mell plot will win over readers new to the series and satisfy its fans  (Adventure. 12 & up) 

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

June 1, 2011

Gr 2-6-The titles in this series introduce young viewers to a variety of artists and their work. In this program, Puffer the puffin goes to Florence, Italy, where his friend Polly teaches him about Renaissance artists. Elements of the Renaissance are briefly introduced and then information about Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael is presented. A brief biography of each artist is presented, and two examples of his art are examined in detail. The material in the DVD is based on the book (Crystal Prods., 2010) by Pamela Geiger Stephens. Jim McNeill's soft, computer-generated illustrations are simply animated. There are also photographs of these masterpieces: "5 Grotesque Heads" and "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci; Michelangelo's "Pieta" and "The Creation of Adam" (carefully framed for elementary audiences); and Raphael's "The School of Athens" and "St. George and the Dragon." This simple yet interesting introduction to an important part of our artistic heritage will be embraced by art teachers for use with young students.-Teresa Bateman. Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA

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