Out and About at the Hospital

"Well-crafted books about field trips that show the detailed workings of each facility. Each title starts with a series of questions. For example, Mint asks, "Why do coins have raised edges?" The question then is answered in the subsequent story, as a tour guide escorts a group of children through the mint: "Rims protect coins from scratches and make them easier to stack." Each book includes a related activity, such a creating a personal medical chart in Hospital. Shea walks readers through a public library from utilizing the computerized catalog to find materials to asking reference questions and borrowing items. The only weakness of this series lies in the generic-looking ilustrations that are digitally produced and do not match the sophistication of the texts."