Author Ann Heinrichs wrote this easy and entertaining reference book about California with a casual, humorous voice: "Hey-let's check out the Golden State! Just follow the dotted line, or else skip around. Either way, you're in for a great ride." Illustrator Matt Kania's maps are cartoonish and fun too. The "trip" that students take throughout the state is arranged historically at first. For example, children will first read about the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles, then hop to San Juan Capistrano fo learn about the missions. (Unfortunately, there are only sidebars which contain information about Native Americans), and then up to Petaluma to sheer a sheep at an adobe, Later, students can read about such places as Pasadena's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Charles M. Schultz Museum in Santa Rosa. There are great reference pages at the back of the book which include information about California's state symbols, the state song, and famous Californians. ( )