In the area between Florida, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico lies the most mysterious expanse of water in the world: the Bermuda Triangle. Over the last 50 years, 1,500 people have disappeared here without a trace, and many more have experienced bizarre and inexplicable incidents. Throughout history, ships, planes, sailboats, and flying boats have encountered thick yellow fogs out of blue sky, compasses and other navigational instruments going haywire for no apparent reason, and peculiar unidentified underwater crafts. In Andrew Donkin's eye-opening book, readers will find a section on possible natural explanations for the mystery, and another on "out of this world" theories about what's going down in the Bermuda Triangle.

Dorling Kindersley's Level 3 books are designed for children who are reading alone now, and seeking compelling subject matter in a vibrant, easy-to-absorb format. This series uses more complex sentence structures than in the previous levels, and includes information boxes and pronunciation guides to expand young readers' horizons. Doring Kindersley is known for its visual style, using dramatic photographs and illustrations and engaging text to motivate younger children to "learn to read--then read to learn!" (Ages 7 to 10) --Emilie Coulter


From School Library Journal
Grade 2-4-This study of the so-called "Triangle of Death" may leave emergent readers with more questions than answers. There are suggestions that the happenings in the triangle are UFOs making their presence felt. The mythical Atlantis is also mentioned as a possible reason for all the strange occurrences. The easily understood language sometimes takes on a ghostly tone. Illustrations (some quite spooky), photographs, sidebars, and maps enhance the accessibility. Many examples are given about the strangeness of the area, with only one double-page spread given over to natural explanations. A more scientific understanding of the area can be found in Chris Oxlade's The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle (Heinemann Library, 1999), aimed at a slightly older crowd. Donkin covers a topic of great interest to many young researchers. It's too bad it's so slanted toward the supernatural.Anne Chapman Callag- han, Racine Public Library, WI Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Strange things happen when you enter the Bermuda Triangle. Five planes vanish into the blue. Two crews disappear from a ship. Strange things happen when you enter the Bermuda Triangle. The 48-page Level 3 books, designed for children who can read on their own, contain more complex sentence structure and more detail. Young readers will devour these kid-friendly titles, which cover high-interest topics such as sharks, and the Bermuda Triangle, as well as classics like Aladdin. Information boxes highlight historical references, trivia, pronunciation, and other facts about words and names mentioned. Averaging 2,400 to 2,800 words, these books offer a 50/50 picture-to-text ratio. The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4.

ANNOTATION

Explores the mysteries and legends associated with the Bermuda Triangle, an area in the Atlantic Ocean bounded by Bermuda, Florida, and Puerto Rico, where hundreds of boats and planes have vanished.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A multi-level learning-to-read program combining Dorling Kindersley's highly visual style with appropriate stories at four levels. Stunning photographs plus engaging stories combine in Dorling Kindersley Readers to create a structured reading program with appeal for every beginning reader. The age-appropriate text is guaranteed to capture a child's interest while developing reading skills and general knowledge.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature

Of the many mysteries that have remained unsolved, those involving an area known as the Bermuda Triangle are among the most intriguing. Donkin provides factual recaps of some of the better known disappearances including the five navy aircraft of Flight 19, the strange experience of the Tug Good News and the Mary Celeste, a floating ghost ship. In this junior UFO book, the facts are presented and questions posed as to what may have been the cause. The text is captivating and kids who enjoy a taste of sci-fi or mystery will find this book to their liking. Paintings or photographs are found on every page. There is a note to parents on the opening page about the series and the importance of reading. A Level 3 book in the "Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Readers" series. 2000, DK Publishing, and $3.95. Ages 4 to 6. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

School Library Journal