The Usborne Big Book of Playtime Activities
By Ray Gibson
ISBN 0-7945-0369-1

Usborne Books
EDC Publishing
www.ubah.com
10302 E. 55th Place
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74146-6515
1-800-475-4522

The Big Book of Playtime Activities is jam-packed with tons of ideas for things children can make and do. There's everything from drawing, painting, and sticking stuff, to counting, adding, subtracting, and sharing. There are step-by-step picture instructions throughout that are easy for children to follow, or even the most craft-challenged parent.

This is a fun book with very doable projects. I'd recommend adding this book to your shelf to be able to pull out on a rainy day, or a day when everyone needs a break. Great fun will ensue.

This book is a compilation of seven separate Usborne Books: I Can Cut and Stick; I Can Crayon; I Can Finger Paint; I Can Draw Animals; I Can Count; I Can Add up; and Fun with Numbers.

-- Product Review by: Dr. Heather W. Allen, Senior Analyst, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine

Usborne Spotter's Guides: DOGS
Usborne Books
EDC Publishing
www.ubah.com
10302 E. 55th Place
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74146-6515
1-800-475-4522

The Usborne Spotter's Guide: DOGS contains pictures and short descriptions of many of the breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The book's purpose is to help the reader identify the different dog breeds that we see around us. It also includes a glossary of terms used in the dog world, tips for caring for your dog, and a checklist of dog breeds at the back. The checklist helps you see all the breeds that you have identified so far.

I would recommend that you read several books if you are planning on getting a dog of your own. This book contains very little information on the different dog temperaments. It also gives little or no advice on acquiring mixed-breeds, older dogs, or adopting a rescued dog. As the proud owner of an adorable mixed breed dog, I would encourage prospective owners not to be limited to purebreds.

As an identification guide, this book is excellent, and a great aid. Knowing a thing or two about dogs is helpful, and The Spotter's Guide: DOGS, can help provide that knowledge.

-- Product Review by: Madelaine Wheeler, age 12, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine

Usborne Spotter's Guides: Flags of the World
By William Crampton
ISBN 0-7945-0450-7

Usborne Books
EDC Publishing
www.ubah.com
10302 E. 55th Place
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74146-6515
1-800-475-4522

This is a great book if you are interested in flags. My children poured through this book, page by page, reading about flag design, clues to flags, flags in history, international flags, flying the flag, and then flags organized by continent.

After reviewing the book, they decided it was time to start coloring flag pictures, so out came the paper, rulers, colored pencils, and the book. They took turns finding their favorite flags and drew them. Next, the kids took what they had learned concerning symbols used on flags and flag design, and designed their own. What fun they had and have continued to have.

We like having good reference books all over our home. This little pocket-sized flag book is a great reference book to add to our others. We had never seen such a comprehensive book on flags before and have thoroughly enjoyed this one.



-- Product Review by: Dr. Heather W. Allen, Senior Analyst, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine