Grades K-3 Starting historically with South American civilizations and highlighting the Pilgrims first Thanksgiving, this illustrated introduction covers the various types and varieties of corn and their specific uses. Explanations and diagrams of pollination, planting, and harvesting show both backyard and industrial cultivation. A wide-ranging list of corn products and miscellaneous facts are appended. Written for a similar audience as Alikis Corn Is Maize (1975), this discussion includes newer products such as ethanol and biodegradable plastics that are impacting peoples lives. With her characteristic ink and watercolor illustrations and well-organized, accessible narrative, Gibbons has created another competent and useful introductionto a familiar product for primary classrooms. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association. )