The latest entries in this reliable ­series provide useful overviews of individual countries. Topical chapters look at history, current geography, daily life, celebrations, and recreation. Concise text describes each country in clear, direct prose, providing broad surveys of the multiple content areas. Photographs and illustrations offer solid support to the text, mixing images of landscapes and landmarks with views of people from around the country. Currency is a strength: recent events such as Saudi Arabia's 2023 soccer tournament win (Saudi Arabia) are noted in text and photos. Useful features include a map, a historical timeline and a "fact file." Each book also includes a recipe and instructions for a game that is popular in each country. The ­series is less comprehensive than sets aimed at older readers, such as "Cultures of the World" (Cavendish Square) but provides accessible information for older ­elementary school students.

VERDICT ­Useful for country updates and subject holes.