Tails and Tales Summer Reading 2021

After the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, a little hippo named Owen was discovered orphaned and alone, far from home. Come read the true and heartwarming story of the animal sanctuary that provided a new home for Owen, where he found an unlikely best friend in a 130- year-old tortoise named Mzee.

Meet Tugg and Teeny. Best friends since -- well, forever!Tugg (a gorilla) and Teeny (a monkey) live together intheir jungle neighborhood, Sidekick Thicket. As oppositeas night and day, the two friends work and play together,each helping the other face life's challenges.Lively, impulsive Teeny always wants to try new things.Sure and steady Tugg is always there to lend a hand orgive a word of encouragement.In this beginning chapter book series, Book One's trioof stories has Teeny learning to become a musician,developing her talents as an artist, and fine-tuning herskills as a poet. Book Two has her pondering strange andquirky situations in the jungle. All with the help of herbest friend Tugg.J. Patrick (Pat) Lewis lives in Westerville, Ohio, and is the author ofmore than 60 books for children. He writes full-time, visits elementaryschools, and speaks at literature conferences. His other books with SleepingBear are First Dog and First Dog's White House Christmas.Christopher Denise is an award-winning illustrator whose books haveappeared on The New York Times bestsellers list. Known for his workon the Redwall picture book series, he also works as a visual developmentartist and character designer for feature film animation. Christopher livesin Barrington, Rhode Island.

Meet Tugg and Teeny. Best friends since -- well, forever! Tugg (a gorilla) and Teeny (a monkey) live together in their jungle neighborhood, Sidekick Thicket. As opposite as night and day, the two friends work and play together, each helping the other face life's challenges. Lively, impulsive Teeny always wants to try new things. Sure and steady Tugg is always there to lend a hand or give a word of encouragement. This trio of stories has Teeny helping hippo Margie Barge learn self-acceptance, finding a substitute horn for Rocko Rhino, and hosting a neighborhood picnic. All with the help of her best friend, Tugg. Engagingly written by storyteller J. Patrick Lewis, this new beginning reader series is charmingly brought to life by Redwall artist Christopher Denise.J. Patrick Lewis lives in Westerville, Ohio, and is the author of more than 70 books for children. He visits elementary schools and speaks at literature conferences. His other books with Sleeping Bear are First Dog and First Dog's White House Christmas.Christopher Denise is an award-winning illustrator whose books have appeared on The New York Times best-sellers list. Known for his work on the Redwall picture book series, he also works as a character designer for feature film animation. Christopher lives in Barrington, Rhode Island.

Murilla Gorilla, the jungle detective, is woken up by a new case: Ms Chimpanzee's muffins were stolen. But who did it? It's up to Murilla to find out, as long as she can find her badge first! Murilla may seem like a hopeless detective - disorganised, messy and always thinking about her next snack - but out of her mess comes some pretty good ideas and some pretty funny moments too.

In this lovely African tale, set long, long ago, the leopard has a splendid new drum - and the Sky God wants it. Along the way, the tortoise gets a shell and thunder is made for the very first time.

When two friends who are not exactly alike come down with colds, figuring out what will make each other feel better can be a surprising endeavor! Monkey and Elephant are very good friends who have a lot in common. They both like morning time. They both like shiny rocks. And they both like to hear their own voices: "TAH. TAH. TAH." But Monkey is Monkey and Elephant is Elephant. They are not exactly the same. So when Elephant starts to sneeze -- achoo! -- Monkey has her own ideas of what will make him feel better. And when Monkey gets the sniffles, Elephant has his own ideas of what will make her feel better. Maybe there's more than one way to enjoy a soft pile of hay, some fresh water, and a bit of entertainment!

Monkey and Elephant are out and about in their third adventure. You never know what fun surprises you’ll find when you go gadding! Monkey and Elephant are very good friends, very good friends with nothing on the agenda. So they decide to go gadding. "Gadding?" said Elephant. "What’s that?" "Gadding," said Monkey, "is walking along, looking around, finding something fun, stopping awhile, then moving on." Along the way, Monkey and Elephant meet up with some old friends, and three new ones, too. Beginning readers will love the antics in this cheerful ode to friendship, family, and the joys of serendipity.

Shh! It's Monkey's birthday-but that's a secret. Can Elephant keep the big news under his party hat for one whole day? Monkey and Elephant are very good friends-such good friends that Monkey lets Elephant in on a secret. The secret is that it is Monkey's birthday, and Monkey does not like birthdays. But Elephant also has a secret: he has trouble keeping secrets. And keeping such a happy secret is especially hard. When Elephant learns that Clever Rat has made some party hats and is inviting friends over to see them, Elephant wants to turn their gathering into a party for Monkey. But how will he do it without giving away Monkey's secret?

Anansi the Spider likes to eat fish but is much too lazy to catch one himself--so he decides to trick Turtle into catching one for him. When Anansi asks Turtle to teach him how to catch fish, Anansi thinks tricking Turtle into doing all the work for him will be easy. But Turtle is not as easily fooled as Anansi thought. Young readers will light in Janet Steven's bright and lively illustrations and laugh watching Anansi's plan backfire. Based on tales originating in West Africa and familiar in Caribbean culture, the five-book Anansi the Trickster series is full of slapstick humor and mischief. Eric A. Kimmel's imaginative energy combined with Janet Steven' expressive illustrations create the perfect silly stories for fun-loving kids.

A classic trickster folktale told with humor and charm, this is a perfect read along book both parents and children will love. When Anansi the Spider finds a strange moss-covered rock in the forest, he uses it to trick all his animal friends. But Little Bush Deer is onto Anansi's scheme, and hatches a plan to beat him at his own game. Based on tales originating in West Africa and familiar in Caribbean culture, the five-book Anansi the Trickster series is full of slapstick humor and mischief. Eric A. Kimmel's imaginative energy combined with Janet Stevens' expressive illustrations create the perfect silly stories for fun-loving kids.

A Caldecott Honor and Reading Rainbow book, this memorable retelling of Cinderella is perfect for introducing children to the fairy tale as well as the history, culture, and geography of the African nation of Zimbabwe. Inspired by a traditional African folktale, this is the story of Mufaro, who is proud of his two beautiful daughters. Nyasha is kind and considerate, but everyone--except Mufaro--knows that Manyara is selfish and bad-tempered. When the Great King decides to take a wife and invites the most worthy and beautiful daughters in the land to appear before him, Mufaro brings both of his daughters--but only one can be queen. Who will the king choose? Award-winning artist John Steptoe's rich cultural imagery of Africa earned him the Coretta Scott King Award for Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. The book also went on to win the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. This stunning story is a timeless treasure that readers will enjoy for generations. Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration Caledcott Honor Reading Rainbow Book Boston Globe-Horn Book

Winner of the 2016 Lane Anderson Award for the best Canadian science writing - children's category The latest in the 5 Animals series, with an introduction by Rob Laidlaw, 5 Giraffes profiles five unique giraffes from both captivity and the wild Accompanying the five giraffe profiles is information on their diet, social life, and chapters on some of their more unique aspects, like the giraffe's unusual body.

Eighty years before Columbus, China sent ships to explore the world. The Chinese discovered many marvelous things, but one discovery stood out above the others: the chee-lin. This chee-lin was just a giraffe, but to the Chinese it was an omen of good fortune so rare that it had appeared only once before--at the birth of Confucius. In a storybook in which each page evokes the richness of faraway places and long-ago days, James Rumford traces the chee-lin's journey from Africa to Bengal to China, weaving a tale not just of a giraffe but of the people he meets along the way. Chee-lin is a story for all time: of captivity and struggle, friendship and respect.

Zarafa is a beautiful and gentle giraffe . . . so wonderful, in fact, that the ruler of Egypt offers her as a gift to the king of France! But how to get her there? Why, she sails up the Nile by felucca, crosses the sea by brigantine, and, yes, walks the last five hundred miles to Paris. People love it. And they love her, meeting and greeting her along the way, cheering her on. Afterward, the grateful French king places Zarafa in his own royal garden, where all of Paris comes to visit and love her. Judith St. George (So You Want to Be President?) brings this amazing'but true'journey to life with help from the whimsical art of Britt Spencer.

In this, Jenni Desmond's third nonfiction children's book about one of the large, endangered animals of Earth, we join a young boy as he learns aboutThe Elephant. From Africa to Asia, the elephant makes its home. Light on their feet, despite their great weight, these magnificent creatures appear light and graceful because they're always walking on their tip-toes. They have excellent hearing and can detect the rumblings of other elephants from six miles away. And, just like humans being right handed or left handed, elephants can be right tusked or left tusked! The recipient of the 2016New York Times Best Illustrated award for her bookThe Polar Bear, Desmond creates illustrations that are scientifically accurate, strikingly detailed, and beautifully rendered in collage, paint, and colored pencil.

The savanna is not an easy place to live, even for African elephants, the largest land animals on earth. If it's a challenge for these 7,000-pound giants, what's it like for their newborn babies? An infant elephant has precious little time to learn the incredible array of skills that are necessary to keep up, from projecting her voice across a 10-octave range to using the 100,000 muscles in her trunk to stay hydrated. But this giant-to-be has the perfect classroom--a family herd made up of her mother, sisters, cousins, and aunts. With their help and protection, she'll learn how to survive, how to thrive, and how to be an elephant. Award-winning author-illustrator Katherine Roy'sHow to Be an Elephantdelves into the intricate family dynamics at play in a typical African herd. Drawing upon the latest scientific research and Roy's own expedition to Kenya, and brimming with lush watercolor illustrations and detailed diagrams, this book vividly portrays the life and development of an elephant from an uncertain newborn into a majestic adult. As informative as it is beautiful, Roy's unique portrait of an elephant's life will captivate young explorers and animal lovers alike. David Macaulay Studio This title has Common Core connections. ASchool Library JournalBest Book of 2017 AHorn BookFanfare Best Book of 2017 A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017

Where can you come face-to-face with black bears, killer whales, and pythons-without getting hurt? Right inside the pages of Nature's Children! Each title reveals how these creatures survive in the wild, how they raise their young, what's being done to protect them, and more wild facts.

This revised edition surveys key aspects of cheetahs, describing the fast cats' appearance, behaviors, and habitats. A folk tale explains why these creatures have tear lines.

All the wild gorillas live in Africa. They are peaceful and intelligent, and live in family groups called troops. Here are descriptions of the physical characteristics of these primates as well as information about how they live, including how they eat, raise their young, and adapt to their environment. Gibbons's trademark style features kid-friendly explanations and visually presented facts.

This revised edition surveys key aspects of gorillas, describing the great apes' appearance, behaviors, and habitats. A folk tale explains why these creatures do nothing but eat and sleep.

Readers will be awestruck as they learn to transform a simple piece of paper into a majestic elephant, towering giraffe, or bold zebra. As the clear text breaks each animal project into simple steps, pictures illustrate a variety of origami folds. Images

African Culture covers a vast array of subjects on African culture -- from fine arts to ceremonies, from legends to the culture's global influence.

A brief overview of the geography, wildlife, history, and people of Africa.

A picture book biography of scientist Wangari Maathai, the first African woman - and first environnmentalist - to win a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for planting trees in her native Kenya. Detailed narrative and vibrant images paint a robust portrait of this inspiring champion of women's rights and the environment and engagingly capture the people, clothing and landscape of Kenya.

What if a hyena picked a fight with a honey badger? Who do you think would win?This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts two ferocious animals. Readers will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more. Then compare and contrast the battling pair before finally discovering the winner! This nonfiction series is full of facts, photos, and realistic illustrations, and it includes a range of mammals, sea creatures, insects, and dinosaurs to satisfy all kinds of animal fans.

What if a rhino and a hippo had a fight? Who do you think would win? This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts two ferocious animals. Readers will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more. Then compare and contrast the battling pair before finally discovering the winner!This nonfiction series is full of facts, photos, and realistic illustrations, and it includes a range of mammals, sea creatures, insects, and dinosaurs to satisfy all kinds of animal fans.

What if a tarantula and a scorpion met each other? What if they had a fight? Who do you think would win?This nonfiction Reader compares and contrasts two ferocious small creatures. Kids learn about the tarantula and scorpion's anatomy, behavior, and more. Book is packed with photos, charts, illustrations, and amazing facts.

Grace is the quiet girl in the class. And Gus is the class guinea pig. Grace knows that Gus is lonely, and so she sets off one night to help out her furry friend. Wherever she goes, Grace amazes and delights as she shares her many talents, showing how one person with a little pizzazz can make a difference. Praise for Grace for Gus: "Grace for Gus is so rich in smart sight gags, subtle cartoon homages, and clever visual references." --Alison Bechdel, cartoonist and author of the Eisner Award-winning Fun Home "He had me at Guinea Pig!" --Jamie Lee Curtis, actress and New York Times bestselling author of Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day "In his usual brilliant way, Harry Bliss brings humor and detail (details, details, details) to every panel. Linger on every panel as long as you can--there's something for everyone." --Doreen Cronin, author of Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type

Pets on the Loose! returns withThe Great Art Caper by bestselling children's book author and illustrator Victoria Jamieson Things at Daisy P. Flugelhorn Elementary School have been quiet--too quiet. Cuddly yet calculating class hamster GW spends his days in second grade and his nights poetry slamming and jigsaw puzzling with his friends, Sunflower and Barry. GW has even started warming up to the second-grade students. Could he be making human friends? When the school art show is announced, GW learns of a dastardly plot--Harriet and her many minions are planning to ruin it! Once again, it's up to GW, Sunflower, and Barry to stop to Harriet's mousey madness.

The Glorkian Warrior isn't the brightest bulb in the box, so it's good he's got his trusty talking backpack to advise him as they set out on a perilous journey to deliver a pizza. The pizza's got clams and peanut butter on it, so it's not clear who's going to want it, but deliver it they will. With bright, lively illustrations and classic pratfalls, this graphic novel for kids is 112 pages of super icky gross-out humor and ludicrously bad decisions-- in other words,The Glorkian Warrior Delivers a Pizza is a winner.

Nate Wright is born to be wild! And when Enslave the Mollusk is invited to play at the P.S. 38 annual open house, he and his bandmates are on the stairway to heaven. While the kids rock, the school year rolls on. Mrs. Godfrey is back in black, Gina thinks she's hot stuff, and Coach John is dazed and confused. The good news: Nate's finally reunited with Trudy, his summer crush. But when he finds out she's a--gulp--seventh grader, will Nate lose that lovin' feeling? Middle school is a long, strange trip, and this new collection of riotous Big Nate comics just might BLOW THE ROOF OFF!  

Chipper and Squizzo are a precociouspuppy and squirrel who love to explore new and exciting environments, flyingtheir cardboard box airplane to wondrous worlds full of fascinating animals andcreatures. In each volume of this fun, educational series, they tour adifferent location, encountering the real-world animals found there in beautifulillustration and fun cartoon strip antics. This second volume takes them aroundthe world, to the jungles of South America, Africa, and Asia, where theyencounter tigers, elephants, snakes, andsloths! A fun, lusciouslyillustrated series of wildlife discovery books for children of allages.

This progressive phonics series helps beginning readers to build reading confidence. Each volume contains an engaging fiction story, accompanied by beautiful illustrations--along with a pronunciation guide to all the sounds in the story. Also included are parent and teacher notes that point out tricky words and offer tips and extended learning activities.

Hooray! We're going to the beach! Do you know what kind of animals live in the ocean? You'll see fish swim, dolphins leap, and jellyfish float by. Told in simple yet lively text built with sight words and using picture icons to aid reading, National Geographic Pre-readers will enchant kids just beginning their journey with books.

Hello, Parent! Hello Reader! books have been designed -- -- for parents to read to children -- for children to read to parents -- for children to read themselves -- to make your child a better reader. High-interest stories make reading fun! Stories have been tested for vocabulary and sentence length to help you make the right choice ! A letter from an education specialist gives you valuable advice on how to read to your child and how to listen to your child read to you!

Snowshoe Hare must always be careful to keep herself and her tiny babies safe. But Snowshoe Hare has a unique trait. In summer, Snowshoe Hare's light brown coat blends perfectly with the brush. In winter, Snowshoe Hare's coat turns pure white, allowing her to hide in the snowy landscape. But, as readers will see, Snowshoe Hare will need more than this clever trick to keep out of harm's way.

Penguins sliding on their tummies and swimming in the sea! Penguins cuddling for warmth and hiding in the shade! A wide variety of these irresistibly charming animalsfrom climates warm and colddanceacross the pages of Penguins, Penguins, Everywhere! Award-winning author and artist Bob Barner combines colorful collage images and whimsical verse to make this a funny, bouncy, informative introduction to the world of penguins. The simple text makes this book perfect for theyoungest readers, but the array of penguin factsincluding the "Penguin Parade" with information on all 17 penguin speciesmakes it an ideal choice for older readers as well.

Spend the day with a little rockhopper penguin as it hops, swims, eats, and snuggles with its parents -- just like you do!Rockhopper penguins live by the sea, but in many ways their families are just like ours. Penguin parents take good care of their children. Mama penguin fishes for food, while papa stays home and watches the baby. But even little ones get tired of waiting for breakfast, and sometimes they wander off... Luckily, penguin parents always save the day!Sibert Medalist and naturalist Nic Bishop has traveled around the globe to photograph animals of all shapes and sizes. Following in the vein of his bestselling, award-winning book Red-Eyed Tree Frog, now Nic takes a close-up look at caring, and sometimes comical, penguin families.

Follow as a penguin grows from egg to adulthood in the coldest place on earth. In the middle of winter, in the coldest place on earth, the mother emperor penguin lays her egg. The father rolls the egg onto his feet and keeps it warm. He doesn't eat or even move for two whole months. Finally the egg hatches. The penguin chick is a tiny ball of gray fluff. The parents have to work hard to get enough food for their baby. The hungry father travels to the ocean to fish. When the short summer comes to Antarctica, the chick grows a shiny coat of black and white feathers. Now it can take its first swim. And the parents fatten themselves up for winter, the long icy season when the emperor penguin lays its egg. Stunning collages of handpainted paper and clear, evocative text capture the beauty and drama of the icy Antarctic world and one of its most fascinating and endearing inhabitants.

What is it like to live in Antarctica? How do penguins travel quickly across the ice? Who discovered the South Pole? And why are seals so fat? In this fascinating book you'll find the answers and lots more about life on the ice.

This kid-pleasing collection of more than twenty poems about the polar regions and the animals that live there is both fun and informative. Douglas Florian is well-known for combining poetry, art, and science in books that have wit, imagination, and an aesthetic sensibility. From the opening poem, which describes the poles as our "earth refrigerator" to the call to action in the closing verse about climate change, artist and poet Douglas Florian applies his prodigious talent to twenty-one poems and illustrations that raise awareness of the polar habitats and the unique animals that have adapted to a cold, windy, and frozen environment. Florian use rhythm, rhyme, figurative language, and other poetic language, as well as whimsy and humor. Seals-- On land they're lumbering, clumsy, and slow, For they lack legs with which to go. But in the sea their speed is great. In sea, all seals can seal-ebrate. Teachers and learners alike will appreciate references to animal adaptation, biomes, global warming, and interdependence. Titles of poems- The Polar Regions; Antarctica; Emperor Penguin; Arctic; The Tundra; Polar Bear; Blue Whale; Krill; Arctic Fox; Musk Ox; Walrus; Arctic Hare; Seals; Snowy Owl; Narwhal; Gray Wolf; Puffin; Ptarmigan; Wolverine; Caribou; Moose; Climate Change

"A look at whales, including their habitats, physical characteristics such as their streamlined bodies, behaviors, relationships with humans, and threatened status in the world today"--Provided by publisher.

Which penguins build nests with rocks?Side By Side is a nonfiction series that is perfect for reading together, this book features simple, predictable text for beginner readers accompanied by more difficult text and vocabulary for grownups to read aloud. So find a cozy place to curl up and enjoy taking turns reading- side by side! What kind of penguins have bright pink feet? Which penguins build nests with rocks? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this charming book about penguins!

An emperor penguin lays an egg on the Antarctic ice. In the bitter cold, miles away from the only source of food, how can the chick survive?

A hilarious, adorable graphic novel for younger readers about an Evil Emperor Penguin who wants to take over the world. Part Despicable Me, part Pinky and the Brain, part Happy Feet...all fun!Far away in the icy wastes of Antarctica lives a warm and cuddly, kind-hearted penguin who only wants to do good in the world . . . NOT! This is no ordinary penguin. This is . . . EVIL EMPEROR PENGUIN! And he wants to take over the world!Of course, every evil ruler needs a sidekick and a minion, and Evil Emperor Penguin is no different. That's why he has Number 8, a very polite and thoughtful octopus who knits, and Eugene, the incredibly cuddly abominable snowman who loves hugs.Join this fearsome team of Evil as they try to take over the world--and obviously, destroy it--but get waylaid by evil cats, rogue farts, killer plants, and visiting sisters.

Graphic novel fans will love this hilarious animal adventure by webcomic creator Christopher Baldwin-perfect for readers of Dan Santat's Sidekicks, Ben Hatke's Zita the Spacegirl, and Berkeley Breathed's Bloom County When Little Dee meets a motley crew of animals deep in the forest, she knows she's found the perfect set of new friends. Between the bossy vulture, the slightly dim dog, the nurturing bear, and the happy-go-lucky penguin, this mismatched group of big personalities doesn't always get along-but they're a family. And they're on the run. A pair of hungry polar bears are after the penguin, and the rest of the team are determined to protect her. They're not interested in adopting a tiny human. But Dee loves them-especially Ted the bear-and she won't let them go. Instead, she hops on their getaway plane and joins them on an around-the-world adventure. This hilarious and heartwarming story is the perfect addition to any graphic novel reader's library.

Pirate Penguin and Ninja Chicken are friends. Or maybe they're enemies. Heck, if they can't keep track, then how can we!? Whatever they are, they're definitely hilarious. We think you'll like this book- there are about a bajillion jokes inside, and it's filled with action, adventure and arguments. Sometimes the stories are really teeny, about stuff like ice cream smoothies or making fun of your friends (just like real life!), and sometimes the story gets really epic-tastic, filled with spaceships and giant monsters and evil koalas and stuff (just like real life!). Plus, since it's about pirates, there are at least 17 swordfights (that's the rule with pirates). Perfect for friends, enemies, and "frenemies," this full-color collection of wacky adventures will keep you cracking up with no "troublem."

From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever After comes The TeaDragon Society, a charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, ablacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in theenchanting world of tea dragons. After discovering a lost tea dragon inthe marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-takingfrom the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them andtheir shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives--andeventually her own.

Ling and Ting have fun, rain or shine, in the fourth book of this irresistible early reader series. The adorable twins Ling and Ting from the Geisel Honor early reader series are back to have fun in Winter, Spring, Fall, and Summer, giving parents and educators the perfect opportunity to teach young readers about every season of the year. This beloved series has received five starred reviews. Kirkus writes about the series, "These twins make learning to read double the fun."

Yasmin's class is going to the zoo! The students love watching the animals do silly things, but when Yasmin is chosen to feed the monkeys, she's the one that does something silly. Can Yasmin fix her mistake and make friends with the monkeys?

The whole world loves panda bears. Everyone loves to watch them play, climb, cuddle, and chew. But careful, they can scratch too--just look at that tree! Pandas live in wild places very far away, and they are the STAR ATTRACTIONS of every zoo that keeps them safe and well, all over the world.National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

Ling and Ting are twins. They have the same brown eyes. They have the same pink cheeks. They have the same happy smiles. Ling and Ting are two adorable identical twins, and they stick together, whether they are making dumplings, getting their hair cut, or practicing magic tricks. But looks are deceiving--people can be very different, even if they look exactly the same.

Meanwhile, Cockeral had spotted something. A raft, he crowed triumphantly. Come on up, he called to Monkey and Sheep.

Once upon a time, in a little village in India, there lived an old woman. Everyone in the village called her Grandma. One day, Grandma received a letter from her daughter, who lived on the other side of the jungle. "Please come and visit me," said the letter. "I haven't seen you in so long. I miss you." And so, Grandma begins a perilous journey to the far side of the jungle. Can she use her keen wit to escape the jungle animals and make it safely home? Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's sharp, rhythmic retelling of this Bengali folktale is complimented perfectly by Susy Pilgrim Waters's brightly colored, captivating illustrations. Grandma and the Great Gourdis aKirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013

Alone, imprisoned in a golden cage, and far from the jungles of home, a parrot longs to escape. Will he ever fly free again? Based on a poem by the ancient Persian philosopher Rumi, The Secret Message is a funny story of surprising twists, powerful solidarity, exotic travels, and a simple wish fulfilled. This witty tale, told with humor and vibrant images, will enchant young readers as it introduces them to the culture, literature, and history of Persia.

After a rat takes over his castle, a canine old lord knows there is only one way to get rid of such a bully. He needs a samurai fast-a samurai cat! A fierce samurai arrives and draws his sword, ready to vanquish the upstart rodent. He charges toward the venomous vermin... Splat! The defeated cat slinks away. Next, a samurai cat in full armor takes on the job. Splat! The second cat slinks away. Then an old, toothless, ragged-tailed cat limps to the castle, promising to chase away the invader. What could this ancient cat possibly offer a humiliated dog with a giant pest problem on his paws?

**WINNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL 2013-2014 MORNING CALM MEDAL** This multicultural children's book presents a heartwarming Korean fairy tale about a little girl and a fortunate encounter. Poverty is all Maya has ever known, but she doesn't allow it to stop her from caring for her father, and others, as best she can. Kind and gentle, she is a lovely young girl who always puts others first. One day, she finds a little turtle and takes him home, raising and loving him, never knowing that he will play an instrumental part in her destiny. Similar to The Korean Cinderella, Maya and the Turtle, is an original Korean fairy tale by authors John Stickler and Soma Han that teaches children that the road to greatness lies in selflessness and that the loving kindness of a pure heart can awaken great love and power in another. Beautifully illustrated by Han, this book contains fascinating bits of information about Korean culture and is a poignant tale about the rewards of kindness, patience and courage.

Max Darwin is summoned back to Bug Island to discover the island in turmoil. Spike has vanished, and his disappearance has all the hallmarks of one of General Komodo's dastardly schemes. Max soon discovers that Spike has been bugnapped and is being held prisoner in the Reptilian Empire! Max must devise a daring rescue plan that involves traveling deep into enemy territory.

Never leave a bug behind -- Collect all the Battle Bugs books!The time has come for the Battle Bugs to drive General Komodo's reptilian forces off Bug Island for good. Using all the knowledge Max has gained in his time with the Battle Bugs, he must lead the bug army in an all-out attack. It's a bug battle royale, with only one possible winner!

Fast paced, collectible mysteries for beginning chapter-book readers! P is for Panda...There's pandemonium in Green Lawn! The town is building a new park for a panda and her baby. But as soon as the pandas arrive, the baby is stolen! All the panda- nappers want in return is a million dollars... Can Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose collar the culprits before Green Lawn has to cough up the cash?

Joe, Sam, and Fred have conquered the summer reading list, Greek monsters, and Roman gladiators, but a haiku-writing assignment lands them in what might be their scariest adventure yet! Samurai warriors, really big swords, and three twenty-first century kids are a dangerous combination . . . unless one of the boys can figure out a way to find the book and get them back home before disaster strikes. Joe's Time Travel Haiku: So what cranks the book? What triggers the time warping? Almost anything! "Told at a quicksilver pace, the stories are furious and funny . . . . These volumes will be requested time after time." (Booklist)

The Pirate Cats travel to the 18th Century to do what they do best -- be pirates! So they steal an old ship sailing on the Indian Ocean to pillage the East India Company's merchant ships! It's up to Geronimo Stilton to travel through time, become a sailor, and stop the cats from changing history forever! Will Geronimo get his sea legs in time to save the day?

Andrew, Judy, and Thudd are out of the whale, but not out of trouble, when the Water Bug gets caught on the Great Barrier Reef! This is the third in a four-book set that will take the kids on a tour of undersea phenomena—from the Great Barrier Reef to the Mariana Trench to the inside of a whale—as they try to find their way home.

Stamp, James and Ace are headed through the outback! There's barely anyone around ... but who does that empty car belong to?Some tourists are lost in the hot and dusty desert! The Pup Patrol are on the trail -- but will they track them down in time?

Meet the incredible elephant -- the gentle giant of the African plains!Wild Life LOL! Series introduces young readers (Ages 6-8) to some of the most amazing animals on the planet in a Laugh-out-loud funny way. Each book is brimming with colorful photos, bite sized text, wacky facts, jokes and riddles. These animals are massive, strong ... and among the most loving and family-oriented creatures on the planet.

From scaly alligators to furry pandas, and from sprinting cheetahs to swooping owls, the world of animals is wonderfully diverse. This popular series travels the planet to study these and other fascinating mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Beautiful photos are paired with STEM-appropriate text to examine the featured creature's appearance, habitat, behaviors, and life cycle. Each reissued title also presents a folk story that people have used to help explain the animal's appearance or behavior. This revised edition surveys key aspects of elephants, describing the massive mammals' appearance, behaviors, and habitats. A folk tale explains why these creatures have long trunks.

Look! A line of paw prints in the snow. Follow the tracks to see the rare and utterly majestic snow leopard and visit her secret world. The people who live among the high peaks of the Himalayas tell stories of a mysterious animal called the gray ghost. To see one, you'd have to be very lucky indeed. Join a zoologist in the Himalayan mountains as he searches for the elusive creature. With her pale gold and silver-gray coat painted with black rosettes, she blends so well into the boulders, it's no wonder she's thought of as a ghost of the mountains. But the fortunate few who spot her are rewarded with a sight they will never forget. Written by an expert with firsthand experience, beautifully illustrated, and interwoven with fascinating facts, this vicarious look at a breathtaking animal includes an end note suggesting resources to explore.

This revised edition surveys key aspects of pandas, describing the plant-eating bears' appearance, behaviors, and habitats. A folk tale explains why these creatures have black and white fur.

China is a land of cultural treasures. The Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Army are all found within its borders. It's a country of amazing natural resources, including the mighty river called the Yangtze. It's also a nation of busy cities, delectable foods, and diverse peoples. Rather than hop on a plane, readers can crack this book open to take a tour of the real China, learning about its history, economy, and geography along the way. Vibrant photographs, surprising statistics, and interesting sidebars and fact boxes make this volume an inviting addition to any social studies collection.

Japanese Culture covers a vast array of subjects on Japanese culture -- from fine arts to ceremonies, from legends to the culture's global influence.

- Clean new design for easy readability and comprehension - Updated text presented in a lively, continuous narrative - New center-spread sidebar feature presenting material in a fun, creative way - Excellent age-appropriate introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects - Important Words glossary clarifies subject-specific vocabulary - Resources section encourages independent study - Index makes navigating subject matter easy

Readers are presented with an overview of India's geography, culture, people, government, and daily life. Intriguing text, informative sidebars, detailed maps, and full-color photographs give readers a glimpse into life in this unique country. Additional features include a table of contents, a glossary of key words and phrases, a fast-fact section, and an area listing sources for further research.

The inspiring true story of Reckless, the brave little horse who became a Marine. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It's a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children. When a group of US Marines fighting in the Korean War found a bedraggled mare, they wondered if she could be trained to as a packhorse. They had no idea that the skinny, underfed horse had one of the biggest and bravest hearts they'd ever known. And one of the biggest appetites! Soon Reckless showed herself more than willing to carry ammunition too heavy for the soldiers to haul. As cannons thundered and shells flew through the air, she marched into battle--again and again--becoming the only animal ever to officially hold military rank--becoming Sgt. Reckless--and receive two Purple Hearts. This is the first picture book from award-winning novelist Patricia McCormick, sumptuously illustrated by acclaimed artist Iacopo Bruno.

What if an alligator picked a fight with a python? Who do you think would win? This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts two ferocious reptiles. Readers will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more. Then compare and contrast the battling pair before finally discovering the winner!This nonfiction series is full of facts, photos, and realistic illustrations, and it includes a range of mammals, sea creatures, insects, and dinosaurs to satisfy all kinds of animal fans.

What would happen if a Komodo dragon and a king cobra met? What if they had a fight? Who do you think would win?This nonfiction Reader compares and contrasts two ferocious reptiles. Kids learn about the Komodo dragon and king cobra's anatomy, behavior, and more. Book is packed with photos, charts, illustrations, and amazing facts.

What would happen if a lion and a tiger met each other? What if they had a fight? Who do you think would win?This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts two ferocious big cats. Kids learn about the lion and tiger's anatomies, behaviors, and more. This book is packed with photos, charts, illustrations, and amazing facts.

An alphabetical introduction to the diverse peoples, lands, and cultures of the world's largest continent.

Longer sentences and an expanded vocabulary make this series of 48-page books slightly more challenging: Level 2 is appropriate for children who have started to read but still need help. Information boxes full of background information will stimulate inquisitive minds. These books contain between 700 and 850 words, and they are approximately 70 percent pictures and 30 percent text. The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4.

This revised edition surveys key aspects of kangaroos, describing the hopping marsupials' appearance, behaviors, and habitats. A folk tale explains why these creatures move around by jumping.

What has a bill like a duck's and the body of a beaver? A platypus, probably. Engaging text follows a female platypus through her life, while sidebars offer in-depth information about this unique monotreme and her environment. Vivid, accurate illustrations capture the wonder of this amazing creature.

With a seemingly permanent half-smile on their face, koalas are appealing to boys and girls alike. Filled with adorable photos, and carefully leveled text, this level 1 reader introduces beginning readers to these furry creatures, from cub to adult, exploring where they live, what they eat, and even the way they say "hello"--by touching noses!National Geographic supports K-12 educators with ELA Common Core Resources.Visit www.natgeoed.org/commoncore for more information.

This warm and inspirational photographic picture book for ages 4 to 8 is a compelling and uplifting true story, with a sweet message about coping with loss that draws attention to an important and threatened wild animal. Jimmy is an adorable baby koala whose tender tale is sure to strike at the heartstrings of every animal lover. Readers will marvel at Jimmy's new life at Koala Hospital, being raised by loving human caregivers and interacting with other koalas healing from injury. The book also introduces young readers to the need for conservational awareness: Through Jimmy's life story readers will come to understand the many obstacles koalas and other species face today.

Did you know it's the emu father who protects the chicks? Follow a doting dad as he keeps his brood safe--from when they're granite-green eggs until they're all grown up. In the open eucalyptus forest of Australia, an emu as tall as a human settles down on his nest to warm and protect the eggs left by his mate. When they hatch, the chicks will be ten times bigger than domestic chicken hatchlings and covered in chocolate-and-cream stripes to provide camouflage in the grasslands. This unusual family sticks together until the hatchlings grow up, facing dangers that include eagles and dingoes. Ornithologically inclined youngsters will delight in this visually striking chronicle full of fun emu facts.

Often described as a place of sunshine, surfing, and kangaroos, Australia has a history as varied as its continent's geography. This book explores Australia's history, government, economy, and lifestyles, showing readers what it's like to live Down Under.

The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia is the world's largest living structure. Its magnitude is matched by its importance as an ocean habitat. Readers follow along on an exciting journey from one end of the reef to the other. They'll learn about issues that threaten this rainforest of the sea and the diversity of marine life found there, including venomous jellyfish, gentle dugongs, and aggressive sharks. Safety tips and fact boxes offer beneficial information, and beautiful photographs capture the qualities that make this one of the natural wonders of the world.

What would happen if a hammerhead and a bull shark met each other? What if they had a fight? Who do you think would win?This nonfiction Reader compares and contrasts two ferocious shark species. Kids learn about the sharks' anatomies, behaviors, and more. Book is packed with photos, charts, illustrations, and amazing facts.

Sixteen different sharks battle it out in a huge underwater fight! Who will be the champion?This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts 16 ferocious sharks. Readers will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more. Then compare and contrast the battling animals before finally discovering the winner! This nonfiction series is full of facts, photos, and realistic illustrations, and it includes a range of mammals, sea creatures, insects, and dinosaurs to satisfy all kinds of animal fans.

NEW YORK TIMES bestselling and Newbery Honor winning author Jennifer Holm teams up with Matthew Holm to bring you a fully illustrated graphic novel series packed with humor and kid appeal--BABYMOUSE!   With multiple Children's Choice awards and over 1.7 million books in print, kids, parents, and teachers agree that Babymouse is perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones, Ivy and Bean, Big Nate, Dork Diaries, and the Ramona chapter books! Babymouse doesn't exactly have a great history with pets--even her goldfish ran away from home. But all that's about to change. Will Babymouse get the dog of her dreams? Will she ever find her missing fish? Find out in Puppy Love--the 8th hilarious, action-packed installment of the beloved Babymouse graphic novel series!

It's soccer season! But the Waterfleas (hey, it could be worse--Okay, maybe it couldn't) are getting pummelled game after game. Squish knows winning isn't everything, but it's something right? Can Squish turn the losing streak around when he becomes team captain? Will Pod figure out how to harness the power of lightning? And how can amoebas play soccer when they don't have any feet? Find out in the fourth electrifyingly hilarious, action packed Squish graphic novel adventure- Captain Disaster! Just right for fans of Babymouse, Lunch Lady, Sidekicks, and Captain Underpants.

The Mola Lisa is missing! Someone sneaky has stolen the world's most famous painting. Good thing Q and Ray are on the case! These second-grade critters are Elm Tree Elementary's best crime solvers. Ray loves magic and stinky cheese. Q loves disguises and surprises. But can the super sleuths outwit an art thief?

Get ready to roll with Pea, Bee, & Jay in this brand-new early reader graphic novel series by Brian "Smitty" Smith, perfect for fans of Narwhal & Jelly, emerging readers, and comic lovers alike! Like all peas, Pea loves to roll. So when a no-good strawberry dares him to roll all the way off the farm, he swears he can do it--eazy me-zee! But along the way, a powerful thunderstorm strikes and bounces Pea off course...and right into two unlikely new buds: a bee named Bee who thinks she knows it all, and a bird named Jay who can't figure out how to fly. On their own they may not look like much, but if this trio can stick together, they just might help Pea find his way back home! Praise for Pea, Bee, & Jay: Kirkus Best Books of 2020 SLJ Best Books of 2020 Fall 2020 Indie Next List Amazon Best Books of 2020 Junior Library Guild Selection 2021 Texas Library Association's Little Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List Selection

Winter is coming and Little Turtle must get ready, but he just does not know how. Great-great-great Grandma Turtle only adds to Little Turtle's confusion when she tells her, "Go gather your dreams." This is a charming easy-reader chapter book. The large print text and the beautiful illustrations of the other animals that Turtle meets add visual pleasure to the story. Children will love being able to read about Turtle's adventures and will enjoy the self-confidence that comes from being able to "read it myself."

From the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award-Winning Series! This fun, laugh-out-loud early chapter book series follows lovable dog King and his human girl Kayla as they solve mysteries. From the Geisel Honor Award-winning team of Dori Hillestad Butler and Nancy Meyers. "Confusion, mischief, and silliness abound." ―Kirkus Reviews King and Kayla are playing fetch with their friends, Jillian and Thor. Jillian throws King's favorite ball too hard, and now it's gone missing! King and Kayla must put together clues to figure out where it went―and who has it. With simple, straightforward language and great verbal and visual humor, the King & Kayla series from Geisel Honor Award-winning team Dori Hillestad Butler and Nancy Meyers is perfect for newly independent readers. Great for introducing mysteries, analytical thinking, and the important tools of detective work. Series Activity Kit available!

Cece Bell follows her Geisel Honor Book, Chick and Brain: Smell My Foot, with an even wackier story for beginning readers, sure to elicit eye-rolling squeals of delight. Oh! Oh, oh, oh! Look what Brain found. Chick and Spot say it is an egg. Brain says it is an eyeball. Is it an egg or an eyeball? The inimitable Cece Bell is back with a second hilarious primer on good manners gone awry and arguments run amok. Perfectly pitched to kids just learning to read and loaded with verbal and visual comedy, this offbeat graphic story by a master of the genre builds to an exhilaratingly absurd surprise ending.

The four members of the Private Eyes Club--Skinny, Wizard, Snitch, and Tubby--solve the baffling case of the missing cat.

Here's the heartwarming, true story of the cat who risked her life to save her five kittens from a burning building. Written for very young readers, The Bravest Cat! follows the feline family's recovery and their eventual adoptions into loving homes.

Dodsworth and his duck have just arrived in London via hot air balloon. There is so much to see! Double-decker buses! Palaces! Fog! But a crowded bus stop leads to a hilarious case of mistaken identity and . . . a lost duck. Time to call in Scotland Yard?

Dodsworth and his (crazy) friend the duck have just arrived in Paris.It is their first time in the City of Lights, and they are ready for some adventures magnifique! Right away they see mimes, painters, and people wearing berets.They climb the Eiffel Tower, and the duck even finds some bent-over guy who rings bells for a living.It looks like it is going to turn out to be a great vacation in Paris ...but trouble is never far from a misbehaving duck!

With trips to New York, Paris, and London under their belts, it's now time for Dodsworth and the duck to visit Rome! From throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain to winning a pizza-dough-throwing contest to looking up at the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Dodsworth and his misbehaving duck take a tour of their oldest city yet. With Tim Egan's snappy words and playful illustrations, it will surely be a spaghetti-twirling sight to see.Ciao!

Geisel Honor Winner In this silly sequel toSnail and Worm, the dynamic duo are back for more fun and giggles in three new comic shorts brimming with quirky humor and unflappable friendship. At turns clever and sweet, these laugh-out-loud stories are perfect for readers coming out of their own shells and making the transition between picture books and chapter books.    

Kirkus Best Book / School Library Journal Best Book / Chicago Public Library Best Book   ★ "All day, every day, is a good time for reading about Snail and Worm."--Kirkus, STARRED review Snail and Worm go on three silly adventures in this early reader chock full of heartfelt humor and irresistible illustrations. By Geisel Honor winner Tina Kügler. Snail and Worm are back at it and sure to have readers giggling from dawn 'til dusk (wait--do snails and worms sleep?) inSnail and Worm All Day, complete with heartfelt humor and Tina Kügler's irresistible illustrations. Brimming with laugh-out-loud jokes, these three new stories are sweet celebrations of cooperation and discovery.

For newly independent reader fans of ELEPHANT & PIGGIE, here’s a book featuring two best friends who love to have fun at the playground. Bruno likes straight-forward adventure while Lulu uses her over-the-top imagination to play. In two short, funny episodes, readers discover why Bruno and Lulu's different personalities help them become even better friends. With simple vocabulary and sentence structure, and told solely through speech bubbles, these adventures are just right for new readers.

Meet Fergus and Zeke -- a lovable classroom mouse and his streetwise buddy -- in a brand-new series perfect for early readers. Fergus loves being the class pet in Miss Maxwell's classroom. He does everything the students do, until the teacher plans a field trip to the museum -- without Fergus! He doesn't want to miss the fun, so he stows away in a backpack and sets off for an adventure. When he arrives at the museum, Fergus finds it a little overwhelming -- huge and full of exciting things to see. Luckily, he meets a new friend, Zeke, who knows the ropes, and together they explore everything from moon rocks to butterflies to a giant dinosaur skeleton ("A playground!" says Zeke). But when the time comes for the bus to leave, Fergus is worried that he'll be left behind. Will he make it back to school to take his place as class pet once more?

Illus. in full color. A fascinating introduction to the world of wolves, one of nature's most enduring and misunderstood creatures. Wolf-pack behavior, body language, and the meaning of howls are all demystified in this natural history.

Why is Bernard the Bear baffled? Well, for one thing, he has lost his whistle and he can't figure out where it is. For another thing, he has just met Jack Jones-one of the High-Rise Private Eyes and a very fine detective in his own right-and Jack won't stop talking about . . . pretzels! Luckily for the baffled bear (and for kids who are ready to read on their own), Jack takes the mystery (and the bear) back to the high-rise to meet Bunny Brown. Bunny is the brains of the operation, and she quickly determines that it's high time for the High-Rise Private Eyes to open case file #7: The Case of the Baffled Bear.

With a new clubhouse in his yard, Pedro decides to start a mystery-solving club. Will he and his friends find the clues to crack the case? A simple plot, relatable characters, and reader-support tools are delivered with the young reader in mind.

The Beat Goes On One day, the trombone is missing from Mr. Riley's music store. The next day, it's back. Then it's gone again. Who could be taking it -- and why? This sounds like a case for the High-Rise Private Eyes -- Bunny Brown and Jack Jones, ace detectives and very best friends!

Snowshoe Hare must always be careful to keep herself and her tiny babies safe. But Snowshoe Hare has a unique trait. In summer, Snowshoe Hare's light brown coat blends perfectly with the brush. In winter, Snowshoe Hare's coat turns pure white, allowing her to hide in the snowy landscape. But, as readers will see, Snowshoe Hare will need more than this clever trick to keep out of harm's way.

Fur and feathers fly in this lavish adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale The Willow Wren and the Bear. Each oversize page is crammed with Wallis's finely detailed pen drawings of creatures great and small. Equally concise is the wickedly wicked text, telling a story that will amuse all ages.

Have you ever heard the saying, Your eyes are bigger than your stomach? Well, Cat's stomach is bigger than a lot of things. He is always hungry, and living with culinary-inclined Mouse, who makes thirty-five pies in one day, just makes it worse. Fat Cat swallows everything in sight, including the washlady and her washtub, a troop of soldiers and their swords, even a king and his elephant! But when Cat swallows Mouse and her sewing basket, that's the last straw. Tiny Mouse cuts to the heart of ....

Meg and her classmates visit a medieval castle and become eyewitnesses to the theft of a priceless silver chalice. The reader is asked to solve the mystery before Meg, using clues found in the text and illustrations.

Help Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose solve mysteries from A to Z!   Kids love collecting the entire alphabet and super editions! With over 8 million copies in print, the A to Z Mysteries® have been hooking chapter book readers on mysteries and reading for years. Now this classic kid favorite is back with a bright new look!   W is for Wolf . . . Where could those wolves be? When the kids visit the Maine wilderness, they spot a white mother wolf and her babies on a cliff. But soon after that, the pups are stolen! Can Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose sniff out the culprits? From the Trade Paperback edition.

Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the sixth book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which the family assists an otter in need. On a lovely summer day, the lighthouse family hears the bell on the fog buoy ringing. It is an otter, whose sister is trapped in an old fishing net! With the help of some friendly dolphins and sawfish, the lighthouse family devises a plan to free the trapped otter--and makes two new friends along the way.

Join Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure packed with mystery and friendship!The Thea Sisters are headed to Venice, Italy! They'll be there for the Carnival, an annual festival that's famouse for its elaborate masks. They mouselets love exploring the city's bridges and canals, and seeing the beautiful costumes mice wear to Carnival celebrations. But a mysterious thief strikes while they are there! Can they catch and unmask him before the festival ends?

No other animal has captured people's imaginations or changed their lives as have horses. Their grace, strength, and beauty have made horses sought after as well as useful. What would kings and queens, knights and conquistadors, cowboys and stagecoach drivers, or farmers have done without them? In this informative book, Gail Gibbons relates some of the long history horses and humans have shared. She looks at horse biology and behaviour, and includes colourful, clear, and accessible diagrams that will interest all who want to know more about these popular animals.

Interesting facts about the smartest of all farm animals."Many people think pigs are smelly and dirty, They think pigs 'eat like pigs' and aren't very smart. That's because they don't know pigs!" There are about 300 breeds of pigs. Here are many interesting facts about the smartest of all farm animals, including their physical characteristics, their senses, how they communicate, and how they live.

The physical characteristics, senses and behavior of different kinds of domestic cats, plus how to care for kittens and cats.

- Clean new design for easy readability and comprehension - Updated text presented in a lively, continuous narrative - New center-spread sidebar feature presenting material in a fun, creative way - Excellent age-appropriate introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects - Important Words glossary clarifies subject-specific vocabulary - Resources section encourages independent study - Index makes navigating subject matter easy

Animals. American History. Earth Science. Geography. Health. Space. True Books covers all this and more in photo-filled chapter books that provide a basic introduction to curriculum-relevant topics. Ideal for today's young investigative reader, each True Book includes lively sidebars, a glossary and an index, plus a comprehensive "To Find Out More" section listing books, organizations, and Internet sites. A staple of library collections since the 1950s, and redesigned with a fresh new look in 1996, the new True Books series is the definitive nonfiction series for elementary school readers.

Meet King Arthur--knight, warrior, legend! Read all about King Arthur and his famous Knights of the Round Table.

Ideal for today's young investigative reader, each A True Book includes lively sidebars, a glossary and index, plus a comprehensive "To Find Out More" section listing books, organizations, and Internet sites. A staple of library collections since the 1950s, the new A True Book series is the definitive nonfiction series for elementary school readers.

Readers are presented with an overview of France's geography, culture, people, government, and daily life. Intriguing text, informative sidebars, detailed maps, and full-color photographs give readers a glimpse into life in this unique country. Additional features include a table of contents, a glossary of key words and phrases, a fast-fact section, and an area listing sources for further research.

A pigeon carrying an important message takes the reader on a unique tour through Rome. As we follow the path of this somewhat wayward bird, we discover that Rome is a place where past and present live side by side. It is a city that has been recycling itself for two thousand years, but unlike a museum, Rome displays its remarkable history without respect for chronology. A new electric bus travels over cobblestone streets just ten feet above the floor of an ancient stadium. Inscriptions from tombs and temples share wall space with neon. Every time a corner is turned there is a surprise, just as every turn of the page brings a new perspective. This juxtaposition of ancient and modern, as seen with David Macaulay's ingenious vision, gives the reader an imaginative and informative journey through this wondrous city.

The expansive country of Russia features stunning landscape, including massive lakes and frozen tundra, as well as arresting architecture, such as cathedrals and palaces. Presenting a well-rounded understanding of this remarkable nation, this volume offers readers a comprehensive travel guide in combination with beneficial information about Russia's history and economy. Readers will also discover what it's like to grow up in Russia, including discussion of schools, families, and daily life. Sidebars, statistics, and striking photographs highlight the Russian experience.

A truly exciting place, Sweden has many interesting sights, traditions, and people living there today. Readers will discover what the country is like in this book, which discusses the country's language, history, customs, and celebrations. Presented in easy-to-understand yet informative language, and complete with vivid photographs and an engaging design, this book offers early readers a unique opportunity to learn about the culture of Sweden.

What would happen if a wolverine and a Tasmanian devil had a fight? Who do you think would win?This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts two ferocious mammals. Readers will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more. Then compare and contrast the battling animals before finally discovering the winner!This nonfiction series is full of facts, photos, and realistic illustrations, and it includes a range of mammals, sea creatures, insects, and dinosaurs to satisfy all kinds of animal fans.

Cassandra has a gift. Animals can show her what they're thinking. And she's done keeping her talent a secret. In the first volume of the Cassandra: Animal Psychic series, Cassandra sets out to help pets and their people. The trouble is, other parts of Cassandra's life are changing too. Her mom has a boyfriend she really likes, but his daughter can't stand Cassandra. And Cassandra's best friend is about to leave town. Not even her trusty dog Miss Dolly can make things feel okay. When Cassandra gets on the trail of a lost cat, will she be able to help its owners? Or will her first case be a flop?

From Sandra Boynton--as it could only come from Boynton--an inventive exuberant jumble of a book for the young reader. Amazing Cows is a picture book, a storybook, a book of fun and games--it's all those things in one. Plus it even includes a startling recording of Maurice Ravel's "Bolero Completely Unraveled for Orchestra and Kazoos" performed by Sandra Boynton & The Highly Irritating Orchestra, for download. (Running time is 17:14, but seems MUCH longer.) A work of pure obsession, Amazing Cows celebrates cows and offbeat cowness with a miscellany of cow stories, cow poems, cow jokes, and other bovine ephemera. Along the way, expect lively guest appearances by ducks, pigs, and excessive numbers of chickens. There's a song: "It Had to Be Moo." A game: "Find the Hidden Cows." Famous Barnyard Composers (surely you've heard of Wolfgang Amadeus Moozart and Johann Sebastian Bockbockbock). Knock-knock jokes, a cow myth, and an Amazing Cow comic-book adventure: "Trouble on Zebblor 7." Cow fashion. Cow Limericks. How to Speak Cow. Plus so much mooer. Amazing Cows is full-color, 96 pages long, and packed with the kind of silly fun that young readers adore, especially when they can read it to themselves--and then read it to their parents, and then to their little brothers, and then to the family dog. Or the family cow.  

Bronco Charlie longs for a life of adventure. By the time he turned eleven, he'd been a sailor, a cowboy, and could tame wild bucking broncos. But Charlie was always itching for new challenges, and when a Pony Express horse shows up riderless, Charlie gets his big chance. The next station is fifty miles away, and Charlie will have to ride through rocky mountains in the blinding rain to safely deliver the mail. With the threat of hostile Indians, wild animals, and the dangers of riding at night, will Charlie find the courage to face his fears and prove that you're never too young to be brave?

Superhero Yasmin! She's got the cape. She's got the mask. Now she just needs a villain to defeat! While she's looking for one, she meets lots of friends and neighbors who need her help, but no villains. Then Yasmin discovers that she might not need a villain to wield her super powers!

Sam has the best seat in second grade--right next to George Washington, the class pet!  Sam brings his hamster buddy on the class field trip to the science museum...but disaster strikes when George jumps from Sam's pocket into the museum's Hamster Habitat. "Carter's expressive watercolor illustrations help bring the kids in room 75 and their furry pet to life," commented Kirkus. The Best Seat in Second Grade is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

A school assignment has Pedro collecting bugs, bugs, and more bugs! But what happens when his brother Paco lets them all out? This easy-to-read chapter book is a fun addition for units on insects and includes a glossary,  discussion questions, and writing prompts.

In this humorous twist on a classic tale, Paul Bunyan and his best friend, Babe the Blue Ox, leave life on the farm to work for a logger who pays them with their favorite thing: pancakes! Paul and Babe tromp across the country with the logger, filling valleys with pancake batter (forming the Rocky Mountains) and chasing down pancakes blown away by the wind (creating the Grand Canyon). But when Babe starts to feel sick from eating too many pancakes, the two realize that maybe the farm, with its variety of foods, is really the best place for them after all. The engaging typography and illustrations, combined with the humorous and lighthearted tone, show kids the importance of eating their veggies without giving heavy-handed lessons. An author's note explains the origins of the Paul Bunyan story. Praise for Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox: The Great Pancake Adventure "Cheerful gouache illustrations, which appear to be partly influenced by 1920s animated cartoons and contemporary street art, bounce with energy, driving the story forward as their adventures unfold...The inclusion of colorful, hand-lettered text adds emphasis and acts as a balance to the art." --Kirkus Reviews "Newcomer Luckhurst's manic gouache artwork and hand-lettered typography grab attention in this pancake-themed twist on the Paul Bunyan legend...The sheer voltage of Luckhurst's artwork--Robert Neubecker by way of Robert Crumb--makes this a notable debut, one whose boisterous display type lends itself to noisy readalouds." --Publishers Weekly "Luckhurst's gouache-on-paper artwork is bright and bold, and the text works well as a storytime read-aloud. As one would expect, the author takes the exaggerated and hyperbolic aspects of this tale and uses them to great effect." --School Library Journal "The cartoonlike, folksy gouache-and-paper illustrations are fitting for the larger-than-life story, and the hand-lettered typeface adds extra oomph." --Booklist Awards: RECOMMENDED - Parents' Choice Award Winner, Picture Books New York Public Library's Children's Books 2012: 100 Books for Reading and Sharing list The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens - Spring 2013

While telling ghost stories at camp, Peter secretly uses a magnet to make a trunk slam shut and a spoon move across a table.

Buzz and his band of bullies have taken over the playground where Trevor and his friends hang out. But Trevor learns just enough about levers to challenge Buzz to a contest - and win!

A wacky spin-off chapter book series in the world of the Flytrap Files, from New York Timesbestselling author Tom Angleberger You'd think from his name that DJ Funkyfoot was a rad hip-hop star, but that's just the name his parents gave him. DJ Funkyfoot is actually a dog who's always dreamed of being a butler! He's the butler-iest butler to have ever buttled, but finding a butler gig is hard these days! So DJ Funkyfoot takes on a job that's almostlike being a butler . . . He becomes a nanny for a baby--and not just any baby: ShrubBaby, an adorable baby shrub. ShrubBaby may seem cute and cuddly, but she's got a taste for chaos, thrills, fertilizer, and fame! While a nanny might say "no" to this baby's whims, a good butler says "yes." So DJ Funkyfoot says "yes" to every single thing ShrubBaby wants to do. When adventure calls, ShrubBaby says, "Let's go!" and DJ Funkyfoot says, "Very good, m'lady, I'll fetch your stroller." The books will take place in the same world as Inspector Flytrap and Didi Dodo, Future Spy, but do not require knowledge of the world. Read all the hilarious chapter books set in the Flytrap Files universe! Inspector Flytrap (#1) Inspector Flytrap in The President's Mane Is Missing (#2) Inspector Flytrap in The Goat Who Chewed Too Much (#3) Didi Dodo, Future Spy: Recipe for Disaster (#1) Didi Dodo, Future Spy: Robo-Dodo Rumble (#2) Didi Dodo, Future Spy: Double-O Dodo (#3) DJ Funkyfoot: Butler for Hire! (#1)  

This adorable early chapter book series is perfect for young girls who love friendship stories starring animal characters! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow! Eva Wingdale gets in over her head when she offers to organize a spring festival at school. Even with her best friend Lucy's help, there is NO way she will get everything done in time. Will Eva have to ask Sue (a.k.a. Meanie McMeanerson) for help? Or will the festival have to be cancelled? This book is written as Eva's diary -- with Rebecca Elliott's owl-dorable full-color illustrations throughout!

A collection of four more stories featuring Yasmin! Whether she's braving the goalie net for the first time on the soccer field, trouble-shooting a plant problem in the garden with her family, tackling a tricky writing assignment, or managing a disagreement with her friends, Yasmin is always thinking outside the box to come up with creative solutions. Yasmin can do it!

Andrew, Judy, and Thudd drive the Water Bug deep into the ocean, where the only light comes from strange glowing creatures. Just as they're passing over the deepest place on earth, the trusty Water Bug loses power! Now instead of saving the giant squids, Andrew, Judy, and Thudd will have to savethemselves- or be lost on the bottom of the ocean forever! From the Trade Paperback edition.

On a whale watch, Meg tries to solve a puzzling case involving a stolen treasure map. The reader is asked to solve the mystery before Meg, using clues found in the text and illustrations.

Never leave a bug behind-- collect all the Battle Bugs books! Back to Bug Island! General Komodo and his army are on the attack. Komodo has assembled a fleet of fearsome horned lizards for a mountain assault. The Battle Bugs have to come up with an airtight plan-or risk losing everything. Max's return to Bug Island is dangerous--but the Battle Bugs need his help !

Jack is mad that his best friend Billie got the solo he wanted. But when things go wrong on concert night, can Jack save the day in The Scary Solo? This early reader series featuring Billie B. Brown's best friend, Jack, is full of down-to-earth, real-life, fun and funny stories that boys can enjoy and relate to. With word art or illustrations on every second page, and no huge blocks of text or intimidating words, they're perfect for newly independent readers.

Jack is selling his old toys to make some pocket money. But when he sees other kids having fun with his stuff, will he regret the whole idea? No more than 50 words on each page. Word art or illustration on every second page to provide reading breaks.

Visit Plymouth Rock with the A to Z Mysteries gang! The hunt is on! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are spending Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts. They can't wait to see the sights and have a Thanksgiving dinner, just like the Pilgrims would have eaten. Then the kids learn about a sapphire necklace that went missing on the real Mayflower. Could the 400-year-old treasure be hidden somewhere nearby? And will someone else find it before they do? With A to Z Mysteries Super Editions, chapter book readers can keep on collecting clues and solving mysteries with Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose. Now with over 8 million copies in print, this classic kid-favorite series is back with a bright new look and hidden messages!

Fast paced, collectible mysteries for beginning chapter-book readers! R is for Racehorse...And they're off! Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are excited to see Uncle Warren's new racehorse, Whirlaway, in action. But the night before the big race, the horse disappears! He shows up the next day, just in time to lose the race. Why is Whirlaway suddenly so slow? Can the kids figure it out-or is Whirlaway out of the winner's circle for good? A to Z Mysteries are fast-paced, collectible mysteries for beginning chapter book readers!

Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the third book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which the family discovers the beauty of the forest. In a lighthouse by the ocean, Seabold, a dog, and Pandora, a cat, live with their three little mice children, Whistler, Lila, and Tiny. One day, Lila and Whistler decide they want to investigate the mysterious forest that stands near their home. What adventures could be waiting between those trees? Brother and sister ask permission to go exploring and discover not only adventure and enchantment but also a new friend!

Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the seventh book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which the family cares for a baby sea lion. One morning, the lighthouse family wakes up to find a baby sea lion asleep in their kitchen! The baby, whose name is Topper, explains that his mother left him here and instructed him to wait for her return. Pandora the cat and Seabold the dog are happy to care for Topper, and mouse children Lila, Whistler, and Tiny are excited to make a new friend.

Did you know that beaver ponds provide habitat for hundreds if not thousands of life forms? Using their extremely strong teeth, beavers chop down trees to build a dam. The dam creates a pond that is habitat for everything from algae to giant moose. After creating the pond, the beavers build a lodge. The lodge is sometimes used by other animals besides beavers. Muskrats may live inside the lodge either with or without the beavers, or geese may build their nest atop the lodge. The dam itself is used as a bridge to cross the water by deer, ducks or any other number of creatures. The pond is home to numerous life forms. Lily pads grow in the pond and frogs sit on lily pads to catch flies. Learn about the pivotal role beavers play in making all of this life possible. Gorgeous photos and inviting text make AT HOME WITH THE BEAVER: THE STORY OF A KEYSTONE SPECIES a must have for young naturalists hoping to learn more about the interconnectedness of life. Other Books in the Series: AT HOME WITH THE GOPHER TORTOISE: THE STORY OF A KEYSTONE SPECIES.

This revised edition surveys key aspects of moose, describing the long-legged deer's appearance, behaviors, and habitats. A folk tale explains why these creatures have long, curved noses.

Follow a tiny hummingbird on its journey from Central America to Central Park in a captivating tale with exquisite illustrations echoing the creature's jeweled tones. Tz'unun! Tz'unun! A buzz of wings, a flash of color . . . There's a very special visitor in Granny's garden. It's a hummingbird! And it's just about to begin its long migration, heading north to its nesting ground. Watch as it spreads joy to all who encounter it along its two-thousand-mile trek. In an engaging text sprinkled with facts, zoologist Nicola Davies introduces readers to this valiant bird, lighter than a nickel, while Jane Ray's lush, intricate illustrations, accented in gold Pantone, highlight its jewel-like beauty. More details about hummingbirds, along with a bibliography and an index, are available at the end to budding ornithologists.

The physical characteristics, behavior and habitats of different kinds.

Beavers are fascinating animals. They build their own homes and live in family groups. They keep busy with their sharp teeth, powerful tails, and big webbed feet. Their work helps to preserve wetlands. Gibbons explores where they live, what they eat, how they raise their young, and much more.

Their amazing abilities and how they fit into the natural world.

"In this book, early fluent readers will learn how the gray wolf came back from the brink of extinction. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage young readers as they learn more about the animal's habitat, diet, behaviors, and current status, as well as how conservation efforts helped these animals make a comeback"--

Grizzly bears have no enemies but humans. Here are fascinating facts about their habits, biology, and important place in their ecosystem.

Did you know that hawks can see four to eight times better than a human?Did you know that some hawks even eat other types of birds?Did you know that hawks use ultra-violet light to find their prey?Discover these facts and more in this new addition to the popular series that combines raucous amounts of humor with a surprising amount of information on beloved animal friends.

This revised edition surveys key aspects of owls, describing the appearance, behaviors, and habitats of these nocturnal birds of prey. A folk tale explains why these creatures have large eyes and ear tufts.

Stunning illustrations and gorgeous haikus lead young readers through the dramatic life cycle of one of America's most beloved wild animals. Pip. Pip. Pip. Poking A hole. Cracking. Cracking. Out Pecks the white owlet. Watch as a pair of great horned owlets peep and squeak in their feathered nest. Mama and Papa hunt for food and fend off predators while the chicks grow strong enough to hop and flap between the branches of their tree, then leap and fly away, ready to explore the wild world around them. In this thrilling nonfiction picture book, a combination of haiku and dazzling illustration shows readers the fierce majesty of one of North America's most ubiquitous wild animals.

Gail Gibbons explores the mysterious world and workings of owls in her latest nonfiction picture book. She depicts numerous species of owls and discusses their biological similarities as well as their differences. She portrays their ideal habitats, life styles, birth and development and environmental hazards that are threatening certain species. As usual, her comprehensive text is accompanied by clearly labeled illustrations and diagrams. Definitions are also included for additional clarity.

Do you know the difference between alligators and crocodiles...? Alligators and crocodiles are the world's largest reptiles and the closest living relatives of dinosaurs. In this extremely interesting nonfiction picture book, Gibbons compares the two reptiles by giving facts about both--their physical differences, what they eat, where they are found, how fast they swim how they raise their young, and more. Kids will want to read this book again and again to learn all about these crocodilians that have been around for millions of years. A great read-alound for the interested child or non-fiction resource for older children. Drawings are labeled throughout with additional information.

This revised edition surveys key aspects of alligators, describing the scaly reptiles' appearance, behaviors, and habitats. A folk tale explains why these creatures dislike dogs.

"In this latest book by acclaimed science writer April Pulley Sayre, young readers follow along as a mother humpback whale and her calf make their annual trek from the warm waters of the Caribbean to their summer feeding grounds off the coast of New England and back again. Within this extraordinary story of migration, Sayre provides information about how humpback whales breathe, sing, and how they got their name a secondary layer of text expands upon the more intricate details. But aside from the basics about the humpback whale species, HERE COME THE HUMPBACKS! also delves into the dangers these whales face from other mammals and sea life such as hungry orcas, to man-made threats like pollution and giant ships. Jamie Hogan's stunning, rich pastel illustrations complement Sayre's text beautifully, and make this book a great choice for a read-aloud in the classroom, library, or at home."

What was it that fed the Viking expeditions, spurred the Pilgrims on to moneymaking success, drove the settlement of North America, and has also been a staple food in every cafeteria since the 1950s? would you believe it was a fish? That's right The Codfish!

Sixteen different bugs battle it out in an epic fight! Who will be the champion?This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts 16 ferocious insects. Readers will learn about each animal's anatomy, behavior, and more. Then compare and contrast the battling animals before finally discovering the winner!This nonfiction series is full of facts, photos, and realistic illustrations, and it includes a range of mammals, sea creatures, insects, and dinosaurs to satisfy all kinds of animal fans.

Whether they are catching live fish, camouflaging themselves with surprising effectiveness, or slithering straight up tree trunks, snakes in the Northeast have some impressive talents. Even reluctant readers will be enthralled by page after page of colorf

What would happen if a great white shark and a killer whale met each other? What if they had a fight? Who do you think would win?This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts two ferocious underwater creatures. Kids learn about the killer whale and the great white shark's anatomies, behaviors, and more. This book is packed with photos, charts, illustrations, and amazing facts.

What would happen if a whale and a giant squid met each other? What if they had a fight? Who do you think would win?This nonfiction Reader compares and contrasts two fearsome sea creatures. Kids learn about a whale and a giant squid's anatomy, behavior, and more. Book is packed with photos, charts, illustrations, and amazing facts.

In a watery mirror the rugged raccoon admires his face by the light of the moon: the mysterious mask, the whiskers beneath, the sliver of cricket still stuck in his teeth. Take a lighthearted romp through four seasons in the forest with these whimsical poems. Marvel at the overachieving beaver, applaud the race-winning snail and its perfect trail of slime, or head off to be pampered at a squirrel spa. Warning: Deborah Ruddell's quirky cast of animal characters and Joan Rankin's deliciously daffy pictures will cause giggles. The woods have never been so much fun!

Caldecott Honor winner Steve Jenkins is back with more Extreme Animals, perfect for young readers looking for accessible nonfiction chock full of incredible art. Stinkiest! will focus on the smelliest members of the animal kingdom.  Through illustrations, infographics, facts, and figures, readers will see how big each animal is compared to humans, where it lives on the globe, and just how putrid it can be!  With his signature art style, Steve Jenkins' Extreme Animals reader series explores nature's truly superlative animals. These readers are fact-packed and span the globe, detailing the astounding abilities of every shape, size, and species. Each installment focuses on amazing and unusual animals, making these nonfiction readers accessible, informative, and fascinating.  

Flies are fast! They can hover, walk upside down, and use their lightning-quick reflexes to escape predators.But rainbow trout, slender lorises, and assassin bugs can catch them.Chimney swifts can, too.How do such diverse creatures manage to capture the same prey? Similar in structure to What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?, this eye-popping picture book introduces readers to a menagerie of animals that approach the same challenges in very different ways.

Live and see the world through the eyes of 50 of the world's greatest explorers and their trusty companions! This book for kids is brimming with first-person accounts of gripping adventures in explorers' own words. Find exciting tales complemented by rare maps, specially commissioned photographs, and artworks that re-create history's greatest expeditions. Get ready to take a leap into the unknown... An adventure book that will surely rival even the most thrilling adventure movies! You'll meet some of the most famous explorers and adventurers of all time in this exciting non-fiction storybook for children.  Great explorers have one thing in common - a desire to leap into the unknown, no matter the dangers it presents. This book will take you through Ferdinand Magellan's first circumnavigation of the world 500 years ago to Barbara Hillary's treks to the North and South poles while in her seventies, and beyond. This knowledge book documents the stories of men and women who rewrote our understanding of the world and inspired us by pushing the boundaries of human capability. A kid's educational book that looks at the towering achievements of more than 50 explorers from all walks of life in great detail. See sensational cross-sections revealing the amazing detail inside Spanish galleons, lost cities, and spaceships. Magnificent photographs highlight the artifacts and relics they found along the way, while hand-drawn maps reveal their intrepid journeys in such detail, you feel as though you could be walking in their very footsteps.  It is a glorious introduction to history's most famous trailblazers - people whose courage opened frontiers turned voids into maps, forged nations, connected cultures, and added to humankind's knowledge of the world by leaps and bounds. Packed with jaw-dropping fun facts about the world and written so beautifully it will get your heart racing. Explorers is the perfect kid's book for any young mind with an avid sense of adventure!  Explore Unknown Waters - Take To The Skies - Investigate Our Planet! For centuries, explorers have been unable to resist the secrets of the sea. We have looked toward the skies and stars since the beginning of time. Through dense jungles, dry desserts, and frozen mountains we have pushed the very limits of human endurance in the name of exploration and adventure!  These tales are not for the faint of heart - these adventurers faced challenges that threatened their very survival! Their courage has allowed us to collect a wealth of knowledge about our awe-inspiring universe. Set sail to faraway frozen lands, defy gravity and take to the skies, and investigate our planet through the stories of those who came before us. Happy exploring! Learn about the explorers who defied the so-called possibilities of their time in:  - Sea & Ice - Air & Space - And Land

"Describes the dangerous and strange defense mechanisms of lizards, beetles, frogs, squid, and other animals. Includes large photographs and relevant information about each animal presented"--

I have two big yellow eyes, soft, silky feathers, eight sharp claws, and an unlucky mouse in my pointy black beak. Who am I?    Who Am I? gives reader clues so they can guess which animal will be revealed in a beautiful, full-spread illustration when they turn the page. Playful nouns, adjectives, and verbs describe the characteristics and movements of each animal. Minimal yet descriptive text encourages visual literacy and positions this title as a wonderful learning to read book. Extra facts will be included at the back of the book.        Imaginative, fun, and beautiful, Who Am I? is an informative and dynamic picture book sure to please. 

How big is a crocodile? What about a tiger, or the world's largest spider? Can you imagine a tongue that is two feet long or an eye that's bigger than your head? Sometimes facts and figures don't tell the whole story. Sometimes you need to see things for yourself--at their actual size.

Bird and Squirrel add a new member to the adventuring team: Squirrel's daughter, BIRDIE!!! When Red has to go spend the night helping Grandmole, Bird and Squirrel are put in charge of taking care of Squirrel's daughter, Birdie. But Birdie wants to go with her mom because staying home is so BORING! So Bird convinces Squirrel (despite his better judgment) to have some fun while Red is gone. And as far as Bird is concerned, nothing is more fun than setting off in search of the most elusive creature of the forest: Bigfoot! And even though Squirrel teaches Birdie that being prepared is always best, nothing can prepare them for the crazy adventures ahead!

Animals have been an influential part of science, technology, and travel throughout time. Bud: The 1st Dog to Cross the United States introduces readers to the historical climate of the 1880s and the first automobiles, background on Bud, a chronology of Bud's trip across the country, and how that trip influenced history. Colorful graphic art, maps, history of the early automobiles, fast facts, and a glossary will bring the historic mission to a younger audience. A great supplement to your history graphic novel collection.

Did you know snails build roads like engineers and go undercover in camouflage like spies? Did you know they can be smaller than a seed or bigger than a grown-up's hand? Kevin McCloskey mixes snail science, art, and hilarity for the newest book in his Giggle and Learn series, praised byThe New York Times as "a winning combination of facts and gross-out fun."

What do worms do all day? How do they see? And why are they so cold and squishy? Find out by going on an underground tour through the hidden world of earthworms. Kevin McCloskey's book even shows readers what's happening inside a worm's body--brain, crop, gizzard, and more. The book takes young readers from "ew!" to "wow!" as they learn about the different ways worms work hard to help the earth. Kids may pick up many of the life science lessons contained here on their first read, but they'll return toWe Dig Worms! again and again to rediscover its story. Deceptively simple, humble yet charming, this little book reaches surprising depths . . . just like, well, a worm!

"Fact-filled and just plain fun, this should appeal to both insect fans and generalgraphic novel readers, as well as fans of the classic Magic School Bus series." --Booklist You'll be captivated by these tiny creatures that hear with their legs and smell with their antennae. Some even explode! In this latest addition to his best-selling Giggle and Learn series, Kevin McCloskey points his magnifying glass at an anthill, shrinking young readers down, down, down into the underground colony. With his trademark humor and curiosity, he is sure to keep every emerging reader spellbound.

Some fish breathe air and some fish fly, but the most wonderful fish of all turns out to be the one you've got at home. In another offering of the beloved Giggle and Learn series, Kevin McCloskey blends science, art, and comedy to reveal the true story behind the common goldfish.

Follows the adventures of Max Axiom as he explains the science behind food chains. Written in graphic-novel format.

Our intrepid canine corsairs are on the trail of treasure again! But will they have bitten off more than they can chew? Arrrrr! A bite-sized graphic novel that follows the beloved canine crew on another (mis)adventure.

Max and his older brother, Pete, are getting a dog. A dog needs to be played with. That's the fun part. But a dog also needs to be fed, bathed, and walked. Max and Pete promise to share the responsibilities. But when Fudge comes to live with them, it isn't long before Pete decides that a dog is more work than he thought, and Max discovers that there are unexpected rewards for being the dependable one. With simple yet lyrical language and bright illustrations, Kate Banks and Tomek Bogacki team up to introduce Monkey Readers, a new series for beginning readers who like to monkey around.

Max's older brother, Pete, is building a model of the solar system, and he won't let Max help. It's enough to make a little monkey feel like nothing more than a speck in the big, wide universe. But after a trip to the observatory, Max and Pete learn that there's room in the galaxy for both of them, no matter how different they are. In this sequel toMonkeys and Dog Days, Kate Banks and Tomek Bogacki offer up a stellar tale just right for beginning readers busy finding their own place in the world.

"Hot diggety!" said Biggety. "Supper for sea turtle, but. . . . . . what about me?" Biggety Bat is hungry -- and looking for his supper. The swamp he explores is full of animals chowing down: frogs, cuckoo birds, sea turtles, and more. But what will Biggety find to eat? Author Ann Ingalls blends lyrical text with real-life information about a Florida mangrove swamp. Readers will love discovering the eating habits of the animals who live in this unique habitat.

Harley is a young llama who lives on a ranch. He is learning to be a pack animal, but he is having a hard time. He kicks. He screams. He spits! But then a shepherd calls; she needs a llama to watch over her sheep. She decides to take a chance on Harley. Through the seasons, a series of challenges both great and small turn the temperamental llama into a loving leaderwhether he's facing mischievous lambs, a bullying ram, or a pack of coyotes who prey on the sheep. With its poetic languageand captivating artwork by Caldecott Honor-winning Molly Bang, this distinctive book speaks to all those who sometimes march to the beat of a different drummer.

Learn all about bats with Fly Guy! It's time for a field trip! Fly Guy and Buzz are going into a bat cave to learn all about bats. With straightforward text, humorous asides, and kid-friendly full-bleed photographs throughout, young readers will love learning all about these nocturnal creatures. Award-winning author/illustrator Tedd Arnold really brings nonfiction to life for beginning readers! And this book has eye-catching holographic foil on the front cover!

What's a little lamb to do about a fierce coyote that wants to eat her? Why, trick him, of course...and and trick him again...and trick him one more time! Here's a lively retelling of a Mexican folk tale by master story teller Verna Aardema, illustrated in bold, winning colors by Petra Mathers.

One day, high in the Andes Mountains, Cuy the Guinea Pig is searching for wild spinach to eat when Tío Antonio the Fox comes in search of Cuy to eat! Tío Antonio thinks he's found dinner, but crafty Cuy has other plans. Quick-witted Cuy fools Tío Antonio not once, but three times. Combining striking wood block artwork with an authentic South American voice, this sly trickster tale shows that clever thinking is key when you're out-foxing the fox. Discover more about this title and Barbara Knutson at www.barbaraknutson.net.

Joe, Sam, and Fred have been thrown back in time yet again. This time the Trio find themselves whisked by The Book from a basketball court in Brooklyn to the main ring ball court in Chichén Itzá, Mexico. The year is 1000 a. d. and the rules are a little different. Now the boys are playing for their lives with the Mayan High Priest as their opponent. Will they be able to get home before they learn the true meaning of a sudden death penalty? Illustrated by Adam McCauley.

When a brilliant scientist is abducted from a hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Miss Mallard, the famous ducktective, embarks on a dangerous search that takes her deep into the Amazon jungle.

With clear text and colorful illustrations, young readers see what makes rain forests so special and why people are working so hard to save them.

Jungles are treasures for all of us, regardless of where we live. In Who Needs a Jungle? we learn about its vital role in providing us with oxygen, food, medicinal ingredients, and raw materials we use every day. Celebrating the world's diversity by presenting a different ecosystem: its land and water, its animals and plants. The art is brimming with creatures and ecological features, described in fact-filled notes at the end of the book and in a useful glossary and map.

An innovative full-colour work about bats' biology, habits, and history, and the bat conservation efforts of young people around the world, now also available in paperback! From the award-winning author of No Shelter Here: Making the World a Kinder Place for Dogs and Cat Champions: Caring for our Feline Friends comes an inspiring book about bats, their importance to a wide range of ecosystems, and the young "bat citizens" who are engaged in conservation efforts around the world. In Bat Citizens: Defending the Ninjas of the Night, celebrated animal activist and biologist Rob Laidlaw sheds light on these famously shadowy mammals, from their habits and habitats to their importance for maintaining biodiversity. Bat biology is explored alongside the history of human-bat relations, with facts to fascinate even the most nervous reader. Spotlight features on "Bat Citizens" make this an empowering book for children seeking their own expressions of global citizenship. With informational sidebars, colour photographs, a glossary and index, and a center-gatefold bat illustration, Bat Citizens is a book that will both instruct and inspire.

From antlered elk to pouched pelicans, and from scouting prairie dogs to upright-swimming seahorses, the world of animals is wonderfully diverse. This popular series--extended to include more Spanish-language titles--travels the planet to study these and other fascinating mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Beautiful photos are paired with STEM-appropriate text to examine the featured creature's appearance, habitat, behaviors, and life cycle. Each book also presents a folk story that people have used to help explain the animal's appearance or behavior. A basic exploration of the appearance, behavior, and habitat of llamas, the long-necked mammals native to South America's Andes Mountains. Also included is a story from folklore explaining how llamas came to be.

Where can you come face-to-face with black bears, killer whales, and pythons-without getting hurt? Right inside the pages of Nature's Children! Each title reveals how these creatures survive in the wild, how they raise their young, what's being done to protect them, and more wild facts.

A digital solution for your classroom with features created with teachers and students in mind: * Perpetual license * 24 hour, 7 days a week access * No limit to the number of students accessing one title at a time * Provides a School to Home connection wherever internet is available * Easy to use * Ability to turn audio on and off * Words highlighted to match audio Explore history without the confines of time or distance. Dr. Isabel Soto is an archaeologist and world explorer with the skills to go wherever and whenever she needs to research history, solve a mystery, or rescue colleagues in trouble. Readers join Izzy on her journeys and gain knowledge about historical places, eras, and cultures on the way.

Chipper and Squizzo are a precociouspuppy and squirrel who love to explore new and exciting environments, flyingtheir cardboard box airplane to wondrous worlds full of fascinating animals andcreatures. In each volume of this fun, educational series, they tour adifferent location, encountering the real-world animals found there in beautifulillustration and fun cartoon strip antics. This second volume takes them aroundthe world, to the jungles of South America, Africa, and Asia, where theyencounter tigers, elephants, snakes, andsloths! A fun, lusciouslyillustrated series of wildlife discovery books for children of allages.

Carroty walked through the restaurant looking back and forth looking for a seat. Carroty walked outside to the patio and sat at the first table. The seat was soft but the table was hard. Carroty could hear the birds chirping.

"Enchanting." - KIRKUS Unable to rely on the adults in her storm-ravaged seaside town, a young girl must protect a colony of magical seahorse-like creatures she discovers in the coral reef. From the Eisner Award-winning author of The Tea Dragon Society and Princess Princess Ever After comes AQUICORN COVE, a heartfelt story about learning to be a guardian to yourself and those you love. When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a big storm, Lana remembers how much she's missed the ocean--and the strong, reassuring presence of her aunt. As Lana explores the familiar beach, she discovers something incredible: a colony of Aquicorns, small magical seahorse-like creatures that live in the coral reef. Lana rescues an injured Aquicorn and cares for it with the help of her aunt, who may know more about these strange creatures than she's willing to admit. But when a second storm threatens to reach the town, choices made many years ago about how to coexist with the sea start to rise to the surface. Lana realizes she will need to find the strength to stand on her own, even when it means standing up to the people who she has always relied on to protect her. "Highly recommended for all-ages graphic novel collections, especially those where O'Neill's earlier works are popular." - SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review)