DK Children's Encyclopedia

Gr 2-5--When a title claims to be, on the cover no less, "the book that explains everything," well, that's a tough bill to fill. As usual, DK delivers--OK, maybe it doesn't explain everything, but this is a graphically pleasing compendium of more than 250 topics, such as the arts, people, history, nature, technology, and the human body. Within these, major subcategories are covered, including those required by Common Core, and the extensive cross-referencing will have students eagerly turning pages. Obviously, no encyclopedia can do it all, but with a clear legend, enticing page spreads, and clever pullouts, this hefty volume contains thoroughly absorbing facts. Readers will learn that one-quarter of the human body is comprised of carbon and that things that fall into black holes are considered "spaghettified." VERDICT Whether students are interested in newts, wars, ear drums, or outer space, they'll appreciate this entertaining, colorful way to begin more thorough research.--Sharon Verbeten, Brown County Library, Green Bay, WI