[concerning 10 books in the Blastoff! Readers: Exploring Countries series] Gr 2–3 -- These profiles offer healthy but easily digestible doses of specific information about each country's major geographical features, wildlife, human populations, schools, festivals, and characteristic foods in a colorful, visually appealing format. Oversimplified maps aside, the presentations are much enhanced by plenty of bright color photos in various sizes and placements, pie charts showing where residents live and what kinds of work they do, and closing spreads of basic statistics with images of flags and currency. ...the overall tone of the series is upbeat.

[concerning the Blastoff! Readers: Exploring Countries series] Beautifully illustrated pages provide readers with encyclopedic information about different countries. The pages are filled with facts and tidbits. While the illustrations provide some textual support, descriptions of geography or animals unique to the particular country contain information beyond what is represented by the maps or photos. ... Vocabulary words are in bold type and require the use of the brief glossary should the reader be unfamiliar with them. Charts and graphs convey information about the people and languages spoken. ... Bibliography. Glossary. Websites. RECOMMENDED