The Netherlands

Gr 1-3-Newly updated titles in a well-respected series covering geography, history, people, customs, and the economy in each country. Beginning by zooming in on a map, the authors indicate the major cities and other countries that surround the nation under discussion. Gray highlights the Berlin Wall in one page. Likewise, Heinrichs gives an excellent explanation of how the Dutch reclaimed their land from the sea. Other one-page features introduce composers or artists. The large font and short sentences make these books optimal for beginning readers. Colorful pictures punctuate every other page. Suggested books and Web sites appear to be for older readers, but supplement the country facts well. It's time to weed many of the older "New True" titles, such as Karen Jacobsen's Netherlands (Children's, 1992; o.p.), and bring in the new.-Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.