A straightforward, matter-of-fact biography. After an introduction to “Pioneer Days,” eight double-page chapters cover Wilder’s life from her birth in 1867 to her death in 1957. Each spread features large-print text and a captioned photograph, many in the sepia tones of early photography. A few are a bit faded, lending authenticity. More recent photos are in full-color. Lots of white space enables readers to focus on content and pictures. Words in bold print are defined in the glossary.

Most youngsters know Schulz and Seuss, if not by name, then by the books and characters they have created. Woods’s titles are attractive in format and readers will learn the meaning of terms such as “scholarship,” “Peabody Award,” “syndicate,” and even “fussbudget.” Glossary words are highlighted in bold letters throughout the texts. Both titles will be useful as more and more classrooms integrate author studies into the curriculum.