School Library Journal Review

Gr 4 Up -- This short book is one of the best guides for young sightseers who want to know--quickly--where to go and what to see in this unique city. Steves's breezy style is helped by clearly drawn maps and diagrams that perfectly coordinate with the text, and by the margin notes that provide a glimpse of history or additional information. Seattle is covered in detail; day trips out of the city are mentioned and shown on a map of western Washington. Carefully laid out, the book groups city sights into seven sections of related activities. Steves makes no bones about the area's wet, cool climate, suggesting that a visitor bring a raincoat and a backpack to stash it in while the sun shines. There is a very brief chapter that outlines the ``Emerald City's'' growth and history, from the 1700s search for the Northwest Passage, to the 1990 Goodwill Games. An index gives names and addresses of places to see, often including phone numbers and hours of operation. The book is not exhaustive, but it does provide an excellent background for first timers who want to see important points and have some fun while doing so. --Carole B. Kirkpatrick, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.