(2) K-3 Illustrated by Mark Oldroyd. Sarah Edmonds, disguised as a man, fought alongside and spied for Union troops during the Civil War. Jones enumerates these feats with touches of humor, and she continues Sarah's story throughout the war and her subsequent marriage. Oldroyd makes effective use of broad, rough-hewn brush strokes, particularly in creating an impressionistic background that frequently allows a detailed illustration of Sarah to take center stage. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2011

(3) K-3 On My Own Folklore series. Illustrated by Mark Oldroyd. These entertaining books adapt for young readers the oft-told tales of larger-than-life North American folk heroes. The titles' humor, richly colored (although sometimes muddy) illustrations, and accessible text sprinkled with colloquialisms combine for an enjoyable read. A general discussion of folklore introduces each title, providing examples and definitions; Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill include age-appropriate further reading and websites. Review covers these On My Own Folklore titles: Calamity Jane, John Henry, Paul Bunyan, and Pecos Bill.

Reviewer: Laura A. Woollett

(4) K-3 On My Own Biography series. Illustrated by Mark Oldroyd. These brief easy-to-read biographies introduce independent readers to three historical figures. The dry overviews cover each subject's childhood and adult accomplishments, discussing how each came to be a leader. The short lines of text and competent color illustrations on every page are appropriate for the reading level. Timeline. Review covers these On My Own Biography titles: Leif Eriksson, Sojourner Truth, and Cesar Chavez.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(4) 4-6 Dorling Kindersley Classics series. Illustrated by Mark Oldroyd. This is an abridgment of the classic detective story. In addition to profuse, dark illustrations, the supplemental facts and photographs that pepper the margins provide some interesting historic background, but they also distract from the flow of the text. Double-page spreads give a bit of information about detective work in the past and present and about Doyle and his fictional creation.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta