PLUCKROSE, Henry (Arthur) 1931-

PERSONAL: Born October 23, 1931, in London, England; son of Henry and Ethel Pluckrose; married Helen Fox, May 31, 1955; children: Patrick, Elspeth, Hilary. Education: Attended St. Mark and St. John College, 1952-54, and Institute of Education, London, part-time, 1958-60; College of Preceptors, F.C.P., 1976.

ADDRESSES: Home—3 Butts Lane, Danbury, Essex, England. Office—Evans Brothers Ltd., Montague House, Russell Sq., London WC1B 5BX, England.

CAREER: Teacher of elementary school-aged children in inner London, England, 1954-68; Prior Weston School, London, headteacher, beginning 1968; Evans Brothers Ltd., London, editor for art and craft in education, 1968—. Military service: British Army, Royal Army Education Corps, 1950-52.

WRITINGS:

Let's Make Pictures, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1965, 2nd edition, 1972, Taplinger (New York, NY), 1967.

Creative Arts and Crafts: A Handbook for Teachers in Primary Schools, Macdonald (London, England), 1966, 2nd edition, 1969, Roy (New York, NY), 1967.

Introducing Crayon Techniques, Watson-Guptill (New York, NY), 1967.

Let's Work Large: A Handbook of Art Techniques for Teachers in Primary Schools, Taplinger (New York, NY), 1967.

Introducing Acrylic Painting, Watson-Guptill (New York, NY), 1968.

(Compiler) The Art and Craft Book, Evans Brothers (London, England), 1969.

(Editor, with Frank Peacock) A Dickens Anthology, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1970.

Creative Themes, Evans Brothers (London, England), 1969, International Publications Service (Levittown, PA), 1970.

(Editor) A Book of Crafts, Regnery (Chicago, IL), 1971.

Art & Craft Today, Evans Brothers (London, England), 1971.

Art, Citation Press (New York, NY), 1972.

(Compiler) A Craft Collection, Evans Brothers (London, England), 1973.

Open School, Open Society, Evans Brothers (London, England), 1975.

Seen in Britain, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1977.

A Sourcebook of Picture Making, Evans Brothers (London, England), 1977.

(Editor, with Peter Wilby) The Condition of English Schools, Penguin (London, England), 1980.

(Editor, with Peter Wilby) Education 2000, Temple Smith (London, England), 1980.

Print Ideas, Evans Brothers (London, England), 1980.

Talk about Growing, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, Watts (London, England), 1980.

Play and Learn Book, Watts (London, England), 1981.

"THINGS" SERIES

Things to See, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1971.

Things to Touch, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1971.

Things to Hear, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1973.

Things That Move, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1973.

Things Big and Small, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1974.

Things Have Shapes, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1974.

Things That Pull, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1974.

Things That Push, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1974.

Things Light and Heavy, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1975.

Things That Cut, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1975.

Things Left and Right, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1975.

Things That Grow, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1975.

Things That Float, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1975.

Things That Hold, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1975.

Things Hard and Soft, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1976.

Things Up and Down, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1976.

Things to Smell, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1977.

Things Hot and Cold, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1977.

"STARTING POINT" SERIES; EDITOR

Let's Use the Locality, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1971.

Let's Paint, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1971.

Let's Print, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1971.

Let's Make a Picture, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1971.

Let's Make a Puppet, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1971.

"ON LOCATION" SERIES

Castles, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1973.

Churches, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1973.

Houses, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1974.

Farms, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1974.

Monasteries, Mills & Boon (London, England), 1975.

"SMALL WORLD" SERIES; EDITOR

Apes, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1979.

Dinosaurs, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1979.

Birds, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1979.

Lions and Tigers, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1979.

Ants, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1980.

Bees and Wasps, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1980.

Reptiles, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1980.

Bears, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1980.

Elephants, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1980.

Horses, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1980.

Birds, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1981.

Whales, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1981.

Eskimos, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1981.

Plains Indians, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1981.

Butterflies and Moths, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1981.

Ancient Greeks, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1981.

Romans, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1982.

Jungles, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1982.

Aborigines, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1982.

Arctic Lands, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1982.

Vikings, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1982.

"THINKABOUT" SERIES

Big and Little, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1986.

Floating and Sinking, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1986.

Hearing, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1986.

Hot and Cold, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1986.

Seeing, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1986.

Shape, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1986.

Smelling, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1986.

Tasting, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1986.

Touching, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1986.

"FRESH START" SERIES

Crayons, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1987.

Paints, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1987.

Decorated Lettering, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1990.

Book Craft, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1992.

"KNOWABOUT" SERIES

Knowabout Capacity, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1988.

Knowabout Counting, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1988.

Knowabout Lengths, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1988.

Knowabout Numbers, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1988.

Knowabout Pattern, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1988.

Knowabout Sorting, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1988.

Knowabout Time, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1988.

Knowabout Weight, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1988.

"LOOK AT" SERIES

Faces, illustrated by Mike Galletly, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1988.

Feet, illustrated by Mike Galletly, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1988.

Teeth, illustrated by Mike Galletly, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1988.

Paws and Claws, illustrated by Simon Roulstone, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1988.

Fur and Feathers, illustrated by Simon Roulstone, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1989.

Fingers and Feelers, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1990.

Homes, Holes, and Hives, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1990.

Tongues and Tasters, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1990.

Whoops, Words, and Whistles, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1990.

"WAYS TO" SERIES

Move It!, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1989.

Build It!, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1990.

Change It!, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1990.

Clean It!, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1990.

Store It!, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1990.

Wear It!, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1990.

Cut It!, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1990.

Join It!, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1990.

"READABOUT" SERIES

Tools, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1992.

Machines, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1992.

Directions, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1992.

Communications, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1992.

Energy, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1992.

Wheels, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1992.

"WALKABOUT" SERIES

Changing Seasons, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1994.

In the Air, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1994.

Minibeasts, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1994.

Seashore, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1994.

Tree, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1994.

Under the Ground, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1994.

Weather, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1994.

"FIND OUT ABOUT" SERIES

Paper, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1994.

Metal, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1994.

Rock and Stone, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1994.

Wood, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1994.

"EXPLORING OUR SENSES" SERIES

Hearing, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 1995.

Seeing, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 1995.

Smelling, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 1995.

Tasting, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 1995.

Touching, illustrated by Chris Fairclough, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 1995.

"MATH COUNTS" SERIES

Capacity, Children's Press (Chicago, IL), 1995.

Counting, Children's Press (Chicago, IL), 1995.

Length, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1995.

Numbers, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1995.

Pattern, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1995.

Shape, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1995.

Size, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1995.

Sorting, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1995.

Time, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1995.

Weight, Children's Press (New York, NY), 1995.

"NEW LOOK" SERIES

Inside and Outside, illustrated by Stephen Shoot, Children's Press (Chicago, IL), 1995.

Holes, illustrated by Stephen Shoot, Children's Press (Chicago, IL), 1995.

Beginnings and Endings, illustrated by Stephen Shoot, Children's Press (Chicago, IL), 1996.

Walls, illustrated by Stephen Shoot, Children's Press (Chicago, IL), 1996.

"SENSES" SERIES

Eating and Tasting, Raintree Steck-Vaughn (Austin, TX), 1998.

Listening and Hearing, Raintree Steck-Vaughn (Austin, TX), 1998.

Looking and Seeing, Raintree Steck-Vaughn (Austin, TX), 1998.

Sniffing and Smelling, Raintree Steck-Vaughn (Austin, TX), 1998.

Touching and Feeling, Raintree Steck-Vaughn (Austin, TX), 1998.

"PICTURE A COUNTRY" SERIES

France, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

Egypt, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

Germany, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

India, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

Italy, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

Jamaica, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

Japan, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

Spain, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

Australia, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1999.

China, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1999.

Czech Republic, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1999.

Russia, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1999.

"MACHINES AT WORK" SERIES

In the Supermarket, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

Building a Road, illustrated by Teri Gower, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

On a Building Site, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

On the Farm, illustrated by Teri Gower, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

On the Move, illustrated by Teri Gower, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1998.

Under the Ground, F. Watts (New York, NY), 1999.

"LET'S EXPLORE" SERIES

What Shape Is It?, F. Watts (London, England), 1999, published as Discovering Shapes, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 2001.

What Size Is It?, F. Watts (London, England), 1999, published as Measuring Size, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 2001.

How Many Are There?, F. Watts (London, England), 1999, published as Numbers and Counting, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 2001.

Air, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 2001.

Day and Night, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 2001.

Earth, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 2001.

Fire, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 2001.

My Day, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 2001.

Seasons, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 2001.

Sorting and Sets, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 2001.

Time, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 2001.

Water, Gareth Stevens (Milwaukee, WI), 2001.

SIDELIGHTS: Author of over two hundred nonfiction titles for young and very young readers, Henry Pluckrose has "always been an exception" to the dry-as-toast approach to educational books, according to a reviewer for Books for Keeps. The British writer's success comes, as this same critic noted, from Pluckrose's ability "to enter into a partnership with his reader, gently tapping that reader's experience to allow more things to be learnt than his books 'teach'." Pluckrose has written for a dozen series both in his native England and in the United States. Among these are the popular "Thinkabout," "Knowabout," "Readabout," "Walkabout," and "Look At" series; his subjects range from basic concept books, to titles dealing with math, science, art, history, and geography. In the "Small World" series, which he edited, Pluckrose tackles topics from the Plains Indians of North America to ants and apes.

Born in London, England, in 1931, Pluckrose grew up in the difficult generation that experienced both the Depression and the Second World War as children. After serving in the British Army from 1950 to 1952, Pluckrose went to college and became an educator, teaching elementary school children in inner London from the early 1950s to 1968. His work in education, as well as his experiences as a father of three, convinced him there were not enough titles for young children on a wide range of basic skills and concepts.

Interest in the use of arts and crafts in education led to some of Pluckrose's earliest titles. In 1965 he published Let's Make Pictures, an easy-to-follow guide for budding young artists. Writing both for the student and the instructor, he assembled many titles around the art theme; one of the most popular was The Art and Craft Book, a collection of writings by a variety of contributors on topics from puppet-making to designing classroom space. A contributor for the Times Literary Supplement found the range of contributions to the guide "impressivley wide," and commended Pluckrose for producing a book "which is useful and interesting." A Craft Collection from 1973 similarly presents a variety of projects in media from clay to fabrics, employing a "deliberately experimental approach," according to a reviewer for the Times Literary Supplement, while also supplying sufficient instructions for each project. Print Ideas further expands on the use of arts and crafts in the classroom in a "thoroughy practical introduction to printing," according to a contributor for the Junior Bookshelf. Experimentation again is the key word in this art how-to. C. Lynham, writing in School Librarian praised the author for a book that "goes further and says more than many of its predecessors."

From such stand-alone titles, Pluckrose moved to series work, and some of the first work was again in the arts, for the "Starting Point" books. Basic concept books, however, soon became his focus. His "Things" series explores topics from sight to hearing to touch and comparison of qualities, all designed to teach very young children about the five senses. Reviewing his Things Light and Heavy, a reviewer for Growing Point noted the use of photographs with a brief text as well as simple activities, and dubbed the whole a "practical arrangement of contrasting objects." Reviewing Things That Float in Growing Point, a contributor praised the use of questions with each picture which "encourage observation, reason and memory." A reviewer for Junior Bookshelf praised the "excellent" use of black-and-white photography in the same title, while another reviewer for Junior Bookshelf lauded Things That Push, noting that Pluckrose demonstrates that he "understands the mind of a young child, and knows how to get the information across with the minimum strain."

More basic concepts are served up in the "Thinkabout" series, with photographic illustrations by Chris Fairclough, with whom Pluckrose often collaborates. Geared for ages two to seven, these books, similarly to the "Things" series, examine concepts such as big and little, hot and cold, the five senses, and the nature of floating versus sinking. Designed as part picture book and part springboard for discussion between young child and parent or teacher, the books focus on everyday elements of life that small children and their adults can too often take for granted. Again the author blends brief text with "handsome photography," as a reviewer noted in a Booklist review of Big and Little and several other titles in the series. Writing about several books in the series in Appraisal: Science Books for Young People, a reviewer noted that "preschoolers may find these [titles] appealing," but also complained of the "homogeniety of the families and communities portrayed." Denise M. Wilms, in a Booklist review of Hearing and the other four books in the series on the senses, remarked that Pluckrose puts together "striking full-color photographs with simple texts that invite readers to think about their personal environment." Wilms concluded that the titles provide "handsome, effective lessons." Reviewing Hearing and other titles on the senses in British Books News, Elizabeth J. King felt that "anyone with small children will find [the books] invaluable as a starting point for talk and exploration." Sr. Edna Demanche echoed this sentiment in a Science Books and Films review of Seeing and other titles in the series: "Any parent or primary teacher who wants a top-flight teaching aid will find it in this set of books." Demanche further praised the "vivid, full-page photographs [that] seem to leap off the page," as well as Pluckrose's "scant, direct text [that] points the direction for discussion with very young children."

With his "Knowabout" and "Math Counts" series, Pluckrose assumes a similar approach to mathematical concepts such as numbers, counting, lengths, pattern, and measurement. The "Knowabout" books again combine the photography of Fairclough with brief, succinct text from Pluckrose in works geared at children three to six. Phillis Wilson, writing in Booklist, found that Counting and other titles in the series are "no shelf-sitters." Wilson further noted that "skilful connections are evident as Pluckrose's text, in tandem with the photos, generate dialogue." Pluckrose employs simple objects from the home, nature, and shop for more abstract titles such as Capacity and Weight. Reviewing Pattern and other titles in the series, Booklist's Wilson praised the books as "examples of quality bookmaking," and remarked that they would also be useful for English-as-a-second-language instruction. A critic for Kirkus Reviews in a review of Length and other titles called the entire series "useful" and "high-quality," while Roger Sutton, reviewing Counting in Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, praised the use of "familiar objects," such as fingers or stairs, and the "very simple question" placed on each page. Renee Steinberg, writing in School Library Journal, found that Counting and other series titles combine "vibrantly colored photographs of familiar objects . . . with informative text and related questions to encourage active shared participation." Much the same ground is covered in "Math Counts," a series of ten books from Children's press also dealing with capacity, counting, shape, sorting, and measurement. "This series will fill a void in most school and public libraries for good books on these ten topics," wrote a reviewer for Appraisal. Writing in Science Books and Films, Viktor Mastrovincenzo and Christopher Mastrovincenzo lauded the colorful and striking photography in Counting and other titles in the "Math Counts" series, finding that such images allow very young children "to easily visualize and understand some elementary topics of mathematics." The same reviewers also noted that the books in the series "stimulate children's thinking and encourage them to experiment with and experience mathematics all around them."

Similar generalized concept books are found in series such as "Readabout" and "Find Out About," both of which adopt the same format as "Thinkabout" and "Knowabout" in presenting an introduction to topics such as materials (rock and stone, metal, wood, paper), and machines. Reviewing Paper and other titles in the "Find Out About" series, a contributor for Books for Keeps commended the books for taking a "strong, unequivocal line about the environment, stressing the need for conservation and the recycling of waste." In a Books for Keeps review of titles in the "Readabout" series, a critic noted that Pluckrose's brief text is "effective, making useful points that can be applied beyond the pages of the book." Fundamental concepts of physics are presented in Energy and Wheels, books designed to "stimulate interest, observation, and thought rather than to inform," wrote Kevin Steinberger in Magpies. Steinberger went on to conclude that these "attractive books will be very useful in the infant classroom in many ways." Stuart Hannabuss, writing in School Librarian, also had praise for the series. In a review of Directions and Messages, he commented that both Pluckrose and Fairclough "are well known and deservedly successful in this field," and that "discussion and independent research activities spring out on every page."

A plethora of subjects are offered in the "Small World" series, edited by Pluckrose in collaboration with variety of photographers. These picture book introductions generally are geared for a primary school audience, have more text than Pluckrose's more basic concept books, and are less focused thematically. Reviewing Arctic Lands and Vikings in Booklist, Ilene Cooper praised Pluckrose for bringing "rather involved subjects" to primary grade readers with his "simple yet meaningful texts." In a Booklist review of several animal books in the series, including Apes, Barbara Elleman felt that the mixture of brief text and illustrations "give young readers a satisfactory introduction to . . . different animal groups," and Peter Dance, writing in the Times Literary Supplement, lauded the "clear, simple texts" in Ants and other animal books in the series. Reviewing Butterflies and Moths in School Librarian, C. M. Ball felt that the brief information "is interesting and likely to encourage questions and further reading." Romans and Ancient Greeks, two further titles in the "Small World" series, also were commended by David N. Pauli, writing in School Library Journal. "Teachers and librarians," Pauli wrote, "couldn't do better than to introduce these two books" to children learning about past cultures. Barbara Hawkins also commented on the "succinctly covered" information and "well-executed color illustrations, including many cutaway diagrams," which grace series books such as Ants. However, some reviewers voiced dissatisfaction with similar aspects of the books. Barbara B. Murphy, writing in School Library Journal on Bears and other series titles, felt the texts "occasionally become confusing due to oversimplification." Joan C. Heidelberg, writing in Science Books and Films, remarked that Dinosaurs "offers little new information from what has been published in earlier children's books." Cooper, writing in Booklist, pointed to "a few confusing statements" in Romans and Ancient Greeks, and Donna J. Neylon forgave what she considered "only . . . fair quality" writing in Vikings because there are so few books dealing with the topic for primary grade students. Harsher criticism came from Marion Glastonbury, reviewing Aborigines in the Times Educational Supplement. Glastonbury thought that Pluckrose's title "does much to perpetuate" such "educationally unhelpful" concepts as a belief that people from other countries or races are necessarily more superstitious or aggressive or, as the same reviewer put it, "freaks."

Pluckrose returns to more focused thematic approaches in several other series, each dealing with scientific and practical topics. His "Look At" series examines parts of the human body and parts of other animals' bodies, as well. Wilms, writing in Booklist, found that his Fur and Feathers would help in "sharpening children's observation skills and comprehension of analogous physiological structures." In a Booklist review of Faces and other titles in the series dealing with parts of the human body, Wilms wrote that the "beautifully photographed books encourage youngsters to look and learn about parts of their body that they no doubt take for granted." Reviewing Faces in Appraisal, Louise Ritsema commented that an effort is made to "involve the child in observation and experimentation, with the use of stimulating questions relating to the illustrations." Anne Rowe, in a School Librarian review of Paws and Claws, commended the books in the series as an "exciting new approach to the natural world." A contributor for Books for Keeps, in a review of Feet and other titles in the series, felt they provide an "excellent introduction to . . . parts of the body." And in a review of Tongues and Tasters, School Librarian's Lynda Jones concluded, "This is the sort of material that teachers in primary education have been wanting for years."

Pluckrose tackles the senses in two separate series, "Exploring Our Senses" for Gareth Stevens Publishing, and "Senses" for Raintree. Reviewing the latter series, a contributor for Horn Book Guide remarked that the books combine simple text with color photos to "encourage articulate and thoughtful observation" rather than to provide anatomical descriptions. "Exploring Our Senses" also takes the picture book approach to the subject, encouraging young readers to begin thinking about the senses. Kenneth Skau, writing in Appraisal, felt the books in "Exploring Our Senses" were most appropriate for pre-school children, "because they are relatively simplistic." Pluckrose's "Machines at Work" series employs the familiar blend of color photography and simple text to introduce machines at home, on the farm, at building sites, and airports. Booklist's Hazel Rochman felt that On the Farm and On the Move "will appeal to those preschoolers who are fascinated by machines." P. Jenkins, writing in Books for Your Children, found the entire set of six books a "really jolly series." A more hands-on approach is taken with the "Ways To" series, describing basic functions such as cleaning, joining, cutting, and wearing. Targeted at preschoolers to second graders, the books combine basic information with color photographs, along with questions to stimulate involvement and suggested activities. A reviewer for Books for Keeps thought that the books in the series "provide an approach to their subjects which children could valuably extend to other areas." Focusing on specific action verbs, the books employ "excellent color photographs," according to Pamela K. Bomboy in School Library Journal, and "will be useful as tradebook supplements in science classes." Reviewing Cut It! and Join It! in Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, Sutton praised the books' design as having the "eyecatching appeal of an upscale housewares catalog." Sutton also lauded the fact that concepts are "logically introduced and developed."

In addition to language arts, Pluckrose deals with actual arts in the "Fresh Start" series. In titles such as Crayons, Paints, Puppets, and Book Craft, Pluckrose offers a wealth of craft projects for eager young artists. With Book Craft, he presents projects from simple folded papers books to ones with sewn sections. Derek Lomas, writing in School Librarian, felt that "techniques are explained simply" and that there are "plenty of clear, coloured photographs to supplement the text." A contributor for Junior Bookshelf found Paints and Crayons to be "instructive and useful," and a critic for Kirkus Reviews called the same titles "two inspiring introductions to the versatility of easily obtained art materials" as well a "fine resource for teachers and parents." Wilms in Booklist also felt that both those activity books "present a nice batch of ideas for working."

Pluckrose takes to the road in the "Picture a Country" series for Watts. Geared for kindergarten through third grade, each of the thirty-page books in the series devotes two pages to the basic geography of the country, along with cultural information such as schooling, home life, work, and typical food. Additionally, color photographs are accompanied by captions. A reviewer for Horn Book Guide felt that four books in the series "proffer overgeneralized facts," while another contributor for the same publication, in a review for India and Japan, complained that the books provide "very little in the way of concrete information." Another critic for Horn Book Guide called the entries on Germany and Italy a "bland, overgeneralized introduction." Elizabeth Talbot, writing in School Library Journal, found what she termed "egregious errors" in titles on China, Czech Republic, and Russia. However, other critics found more to like in the series. School Librarian's Janet Fisher called Australia and China "useful additions to the library," and Ann W. Moore, in a School Library Journal review of Egypt and France, felt the books "are attractive and could spawn much discussion."

In his over two hundred titles, Pluckrose has proved himself to be not only a versatile writer, but also a tireless promoter of basic concept books for the very young. His books about art, math, and basic science concepts have introduced a generation of readers to principles and ideas they will later more fully explore in school, while works on geography and history ply readers with questions and make them more aware of the world around them.

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Appraisal: Science Books for Young People, fall, 1986, review of "Thinkabout" series, pp. 117-118; autumn, 1989, Louise Ritsema, review of Faces, pp. 74-75; spring-summer, 1995, Kenneth Skau, review of "Exploring Our Senses" series, p. 65; winter-spring, 1996, review of "Math Counts" series, pp. 79-80.

Booklist, December 1, 1979, Barbara Elleman, review of Apes, p. 552; July 1, 1981, review of Bees and Wasps, p. 1393; July, 1982, Ilene Cooper, review of Ancient Greeks and Romans, p. 1439; January 15, 1983, Ilene Cooper, review of Arctic Lands and Vikings, p. 673; May 1, 1986, Denise M. Wilms, review of Hearing, p. 1316; November 1, 1987, review of Big and Little, p. 484; April 15, 1988, Denise M. Wilms, review of Paints and Crayons, p. 1437; May 1, 1988, Phillis Wilson, review of Counting, p. 1528; November 1, 1988, Phillis Wilson, review of Pattern, p. 486; October 1, 1989, Denise Wilms, review of Paws and Claws, p. 354; February 1, 1989, Denise M. Wilms, review of Faces, p. 941; December 1, 1998, Hazel Rochman, review of On the Farm and On the Move, p. 682.

Books for Keeps, March, 1988, review of "Look At" series, p. 24; September, 1990, review of "Ways To" series, p. 18; January, 1992, review of "Readabout" series, p. 14; May, 1993, review of "Walkabout" series, p. 22; September, 1994, review of Paper, p. 14.

Books for Your Children, autumn, 1990, P. Jenkins, review of "Machines at Work" series, p. 21.

British Book News, March, 1986, Elizabeth J. King, review of Hearing, p. 27.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, June, 1988, Roger Sutton, review of Counting, p. 214; February, 1990, Roger Sutton, review of Cut It! and Join It!, p. 145.

Growing Point, April, 1975, review of Things Light and Heavy, p. 2594; March, 1976, review of Things That Float and Things That Hold, p. 2814.

Horn Book Guide, fall, 1998, review of "Senses" series, p. 390, review of Italy and Germany, pp. 424-425, review of Japan and India, p. 425; fall, 1999, review of "Picture a Country" series, p. 391.

Junior Bookshelf, April, 1975, review of Things That Push, p. 111; April, 1976, review of Things That Float, pp. 94-95; October, 1980, review of Print Ideas, pp. 255-256; February, 1988, review of Crayons and Paints, p. 35.

Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 1988, review of Crayons and Paints, p. 368; October 1, 1988, review of "Knowabout" series, pp. 1474-1475.

Magpies, November, 1992, Kevin Steinberger, review of Energy and Wheels, p. 35.

School Librarian, December, 1980, C. Lynham, review of Print Ideas, p. 405; June, 1981, C. M. Ball, review of Butterflies and Moths, p. 147; November, 1989, Anne Rowe, review of Paws and Claws, p. 156; February, 1991, Lynda Jones, review of Tongues and Tasters, p. 26; August, 1992, Stuart Hannabuss, review of Directions and Messages, p. 109, Derek Lomas, review of Book Craft, p. 109; winter, 1999, Janet Fisher, review of Australia and China, p. 204.

School Library Journal, February, 1980, Barbara B. Murphy, review of Bears, p. 49; September, 1981, Barbara Hawkins, review of Reptiles, pp. 112-113; October, 1982, David N. Pauli, review of Ancient Greeks and Romans, p. 144; March, 1983, Donna J. Neylon, review of Vikings, p. 166; November, 1983, review of Arctic Lands, p. 39; October, 1986, Denise L. Moll, review of "Thinkabout" series, p. 166; October, 1988, Renee Steinberg, review of Counting, p. 136; April, 1989, Denise L. Moll, review of Length, pp. 97-98; June, 1990, Pamela K. Bomboy, review of "Ways To" series, p. 115; February, 1999, Ann W. Moore, review of Egypt and France, p. 101; January, 2000, Elizabeth Talbot, review of China, Czech Republic, and Russia, pp. 125-126.

Science Books and Films, November, 1980, Joan C. Heidelberg, review of Dinosaurs, p. 92; November, 1986, Sr. Edna Demanche, review of Hearing, pp. 106-107; January, 1996, Victor Mastrovincenzo and Christopher Mastrovincenzo, review of Counting, p. 15.

Times Educational Supplement, November 5, 1982, Marion Glastonbury, review of Aborigines, p. 22.

Times Literary Supplement, April, 15, 1970, review of The Art and Craft Book, p. 427l; March 27, 1981, Peter Dance, review of Ants, p. 347.*