Amanda Lumry

Riley helps his aunt and uncle gather data about animals living in South Africa. Between the zippy narrative, text boxes, maps, and photographs, this is an engaging read that's also packed with information.

Riley goes to Antarctica to help his Uncle Max and Aunt Martha study different types of penguins. These books provide an appropriate level of information for upper elementary students in a format that is clear and engaging. I like this series better than "Magic School Bus" because it's less busy and more grounded in reality!

I love all of the "Adventures of Riley" books. This one is as good as the others. Riley goes with his family to Nepal to learn about the endangered animals there. The mix of his fictional adventures with nonfiction information in text boxes fits naturally together and helps kiddos connect with the facts. The style of illustration also works: photographs to establish real settings and animals with line drawings of Riley and his family laid over them. Narrative nonfiction.

The adventures of Riley take the crew to Hudson Bay, Canada to track polar bears. These books are so cool - I love the mix of photos and cartoon drawings, and notebook paper extras that make the whole story feel more like a person's actual field guide.