Directed toward primary readers, this lively social studies volume delivers on every level. Photos capture the cacophonous city scenes as well as the pastoral landscapes with traditional housing. The text is peppered with Bahasa Indonesian words and phrases, one of the more common of the 300-plus dialects from the nation of islands. Information about and photographs of volcanoes—always an attention grabber for this age—mix nicely with the kaleidoscopic backdrop for the folklore and traditional costumes. Choose for early research or just browsing. Part of "A Ticket to" series, which now holds more than thirty titles, evidence of continuing popularity among teachers, media specialists and, most discerning of all, the kids. 2001, Carolrhoda Books, $22.60. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino