Mac, Information Detective, in The Curious Kids...Digging for Answers : A Storybook Approach to Introducing Research Skills

This set is designed for teachers and librarians to help children learn key research skills. When Chen's dog Digger unearths an unusually hard object, Chen, Tanisha, and Timmy are anxious to find out more about the strange bone. With the help of their friend Mac, Information Detective, they pick a topic or question, narrow it down, and make a plan. Interactive Pages invite adults to stop the story and discuss particular topics with the listeners before proceeding. Once Chen and his friends decide that they are looking for information about fossils, they locate, collect, and organize it. They take notes and later present their findings. Their journey includes stops at the library and a local museum. The accompanying Educators' Guide has suggested activities to reinforce student learning. Sections of this book correlate the story with learning objectives and AASL Information Power standards. Reproducible activity sheets are included. Unfortunately, the design and graphics do not do justice to the educational content. In the storybook, the shadowed font is blurry and almost impossible to read. The garishly colored cartoon-style figures and simple backgrounds are reminiscent of the type of art children create with computer art software programs. Despite the lack of visual appeal, though, the content is strong.