Our first book in the series was "Lost in the Solar System." We knew nothing of the series and only got it because my son was interested in space. At three years of age, most of the information was beyond his comprehension. Nevertheless, this was one of the most requested bed- and nap-time stories and we have continues to read it, creased, dirtied and dog-eared, through today. He (and now his little brother) was first attracted by the marvelous illustrations, storyline, and humor. To this day, I am not allowed to turn the page without reading ALL the cartoon bubbles. Now that he understands and appreciates the educational value, as well, I can no longer get away with skippeng the "reports" by Ms Frizzle`s students. The series is one of the best-selling children`s science books for good reasons. And the Poppin-esque teacher, Ms Frizzle, with her uniquely coordinated wardrobe and time- and everything-else-machine school bus is a teacher your kids simply must meet.