The Winter Olympics (True Books: Sports)

Larry Dane Brimner is the author of several nonfiction books for children.

Grade 1-4?The world of winter Olympic sports comes to life in these colorful and informative titles. Each book begins with the history of a particular sport and then describes aspects such as its mechanics, competitive elements, special Olympic moments, etc. Noteworthy items are highlighted in brightly colored "focus" sections, and pictorial aids, such as a chart that shows the length and number of curves in a luge run, provide additional details of the sport's logistics. Recurring themes such as sportsmanship and teamwork emphasize the unique spirit of the Olympics, and although there is some overlapping of information among the titles, each one has a distinct focus. A short compilation of online sites enables further (and more current) browsing on the featured topics. While the books describe the winter sports in a fact-based and somewhat simplistic manner, the photography vividly brings them to life. This is especially true in Bobsledding; the pictures capture the speed and motion of the events with stunning realism. A clean and colorful layout further enhances the presentations. While those knowledgeable about the subjects will opt for more in-depth material, the focus on technical elements will appeal to sports enthusiasts, and the straightforward organization of material should sustain the interests of even reluctant readers.?Jennifer Oyama, Los Angeles Public Library, CA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.