I was in elementary school when I devoured this entire Victor Appleton II series during third grade-- mostly read during recess, while sitting in a corner of the library. (Ah, I was a sad little nerd, eh?) heehee
So, go grab this one...there's one with three days left on ebay currently at $80 or so:
LINK
Enjoy. I have such VERY VERY fond memories of these books. They really excited my already rich interest in science at that tender young age.
Mike Compeau
PA