Welcome to Arizona (Welcome To)

PreS-Gr 2--These four books introduce young readers to the states of Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas. Each volume contains maps and illustrations of state birds, mammals, and interesting sites. Arizona features illustrations of Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon; California depicts the redwood trees and the La Brea Tar Pits; Florida shows the Kennedy Space Center; and the Alamo is highlighted in Texas. Spreads spotlight foods that are enjoyed by the states' residents, including tacos, chili, sushi, chimichangas, and oranges. The narratives are straightforward, and information is provided in an engaging manner. The cheerful illustrations are enticing and display the diversity of each state's inhabitants. This series does not have many photographs. Students will have to turn to other sources for detailed report writing. However, curious readers should find these volumes to be intriguing introductions to U.S. geography. VERDICT More entertaining than the usual offerings about states, these titles should circulate well in elementary school and public libraries.--Margaret Nunes, formerly at Gwinnett County P.L., GA