Baffling Behavior in the Past Series

The Baffling Behavior in the Past series includes the titles Life in Ancient Rome, Life in Ancient Greece, Life in Ancient Egypt, and Life in the Viking Age. This is an incredibly engaging nonfiction collection for young readers. Each book is organized into double-page spreads that focus on specific topics, and this makes the content accessible and inviting. The table of contents allows students to easily locate information, while the layout also supports readers who prefer to flip to a random page and immediately find something interesting.

One of the strengths of the series is its balance of detailed information and kid-friendly appeal. Topics such as beauty routines, pets, gods, and battles are naturally engaging for elementary-aged readers but also provide detailed information about the time period. The authors clearly selected these topics both to provide important background knowledge and to hook kids with fun memorable details.

The visual presentation of this series is another strength. Each spread typically includes four short text sections, which helps prevent young readers from feeling overwhelmed by large blocks of text. Potential new vocabulary words are highlighted in bold and explained in a glossary. The books also feature a strong selection of visuals, with each spread containing at least two high-quality images, and many containing additional smaller images or added graphics. Additional resources at the back of each book, including an index, suggested further reading, and a QR code for extended learning, make this series especially useful for both independent exploration and research. Overall, the Baffling Behavior in the Past series is an excellent choice for mid- to upper-elementary students, combining approachable text, engaging topics, and strong visual support to bring ancient history to life.

Epic: On the Hunt (six book set)

by Roxanne Troup

Accessible books about hunting for kids are rare and when a good series comes along, it’s time to buy! Epic’s On the Hunt series introduces six different animals that are typically hunted, discussing gear, safety, laws and preparation. Each book is visually appealing and well-organized and should be high on your library wish list.

Nonfiction text features are abundant in these books, starting with a clear table of contents and ending with a glossary, index and a page of print and web resources for further exploration. Spare text with bold words pairs nicely with the clean, crisp photos. Headings help with organization. Diagrams and maps are clearly labeled and sidebars impart interesting tidbits of knowledge to enrich the more basic text on the pages. Students will love the information and teachers will appreciate the nonfiction text features so clearly presented.

Books include hunting of the following animals: ducks, deer, elk, pheasant, turkey and wild hog. All these animals are hunted somewhere in North America, giving the series a wider appeal. The range of each animal is presented on maps and a favorite spot is highlighted. Hunters are portrayed as young and old, male and female. One hunter (Pheasant Hunting) is in a wheelchair, which is an encouraging and appropriate inclusion.

This highly engaging series is a definite purchase option, especially in areas where hunting is part of the culture. It is also a useful introduction to those that may not have any experience or prior knowledge, because of its very accessible text and highly visual presentation. Highly recommended.

El Dia de los Muertos

by Lily Austen

Text in Spanish. Translation of: Day of the Dead. It is often difficult to find engaging books for our emergent readers, but El Dia de los Muertos (series Holiday Fun! (Festividades!) will be a favorite with its full page photos and simple text. Readers will discover many of the elements unique to this holiday as they explore the photos and read the brief sentences. There are many important nonfiction elements, including: Table of contents, index, labels and ‘words to know’ list. Repetitive, controlled vocabulary and short sentences will aid in reading success. Photos show diverse subjects and settings. There are sixteen books in the series. Purchase this set to update your holiday collection and attract your newest readers. Recommended.

El Dia de Action de Gracias

by Lily Austen

Text in Spanish. Translation of: Thanksgiving It is often difficult to find engaging books for our emergent readers, but El Diia de Accion de Gracias (series Holiday Fun! (Festividades!) will be a favorite with its full page photos and simple text. Readers will discover many of the elements unique to this holiday as they explore the photos and read the brief sentences. There are many important nonfiction elements, including: Table of contents, index, labels and ‘words to know’ list. Repetitive, controlled vocabulary and short sentences will aid in reading success. Photos show diverse subjects and settings. There are sixteen books in the series. Purchase this set to update your holiday collection and attract your newest readers. Recommended.

El Juneteenth

by Lily Austen

Text in Spanish. Translation of: Juneteenth. It is often difficult to find engaging books for our emergent readers, but El Juneteenth (series Holiday Fun! (Festividades!) will be a favorite with its full page photos and simple text. Readers will discover many of the elements unique to this holiday as they explore the photos and read the brief sentences. There are many important nonfiction elements, including: Table of contents, index, labels and ‘words to know’ list. Repetitive, controlled vocabulary and short sentences will aid in reading success. Photos show diverse subjects and settings. There are sixteen books in the series. Purchase this set to update your holiday collection and attract your newest readers. Recommended.

El Pesaj

by Lily Austen

Text in Spanish. Translation of: Passover. It is often difficult to find engaging books for our emergent readers, but El Pesaj (series Holiday Fun! (Festividades!) will be a favorite with its full page photos and simple text. Readers will discover many of the elements unique to this holiday as they explore the photos and read the brief sentences. There are many important nonfiction elements, including: Table of contents, index, labels and ‘words to know’ list. Repetitive, controlled vocabulary and short sentences will aid in reading success. Photos show diverse subjects and settings. There are sixteen books in the series. Purchase this set to update your holiday collection and attract your newest readers. Recommended.

El Ano Nuevo Lunar

Text in Spanish. Translation of: Lunar New Year. It is often difficult to find engaging books for our emergent readers, but El Ano Nuevo Lunar (series Holiday Fun! (Festividades!) will be a favorite with its full page photos and simple text. Readers will discover many of the elements unique to this holiday as they explore the photos and read the brief sentences. There are many important nonfiction elements, including: Table of contents, index, labels and ‘words to know’ list. Repetitive, controlled vocabulary and short sentences will aid in reading success. Photos show diverse subjects and settings. There are sixteen books in the series. Purchase this set to update your holiday collection and attract your newest readers. Recommended.

Lunar New Year

by Lily Austen

It is often difficult to find engaging books for our emergent readers, but Lunar New Year (series Holiday Fun!) will be a favorite with its full page photos and simple text. Readers will discover many of the elements unique to this holiday as they explore the photos and read the brief sentences. There are many important nonfiction elements, including: Table of contents, index, labels and ‘words to know’ list. Repetitive, controlled vocabulary and short sentences will aid in reading success. Photos show diverse subjects and settings. There are sixteen books in the series. Purchase this set to update your holiday collection and attract your newest readers. Recommended.

Passover

by Lily Austen

It is often difficult to find engaging books for our emergent readers, but Passover (series Holiday Fun!) will be a favorite with its full page photos and simple text. Readers will discover many of the elements unique to this holiday as they explore the photos and read the brief sentences. There are many important nonfiction elements, including: Table of contents, index, labels and ‘words to know’ list. Repetitive, controlled vocabulary and short sentences will aid in reading success. Photos show diverse subjects and settings. There are sixteen books in the series. Purchase this set to update your holiday collection and attract your newest readers. Recommended.

St. Patrick’s Day

by Lily Austen

It is often difficult to find engaging books for our emergent readers, but St. Patrick’s Day (series Holiday Fun!) will be a favorite with its full page photos and simple text. Readers will discover many of the elements unique to this holiday as they explore the photos and read the brief sentences. There are many important nonfiction elements, including: Table of contents, index, labels and ‘words to know’ list. Repetitive, controlled vocabulary and short sentences will aid in reading success. Photos show diverse subjects and settings. There are sixteen books in the series. Purchase this set to update your holiday collection and attract your newest readers. Recommended.