Tails and Tales Summer Reading 2021

Detective Jeffrey Bones is at a football game with Grandpa and his friend Sally. With Grandpa's lucky shirt and hat, their favorite team is sure to win. But when Grandpa throws his hat in the air after a touchdown, it disappears, and it could be anywhere in the stadium! Can Bones use his detective bag and his sharp mind to solve this mystery of the missing hat?

On a mission to save the farm from financial ruin, Minnie and Moo are incorrectly identified as a pair of famous bank robbers: the dreaded Bazooka Sisters. Soon sirens wail and the police are in hot pursuit. Can Minnie and Moo escape the long arm of the law? Or does this case of mistaken identity spell curtains for the innocent cows?

“THE PEOPLE COULD FLY,” the title story in Virginia Hamilton’s prize-winning American Black folktale collection, is a fantasy tale of the slaves who possessed the ancient magic words that enabled them to literally fly away to freedom. And it is a moving tale of those who did not have the opportunity to “fly” away, who remained slaves with only their imaginations to set them free as they told and retold this tale. Leo and Diane Dillon have created powerful new illustrations in full color for every page of this picture book presentation of Virginia Hamilton’s most beloved tale. The author’s original historical note as well as her previously unpublished notes are included. Awards for The People Could Fly collection: A Coretta Scott King Award A Booklist Children’s Editors’ Choice A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year A Horn Book Fanfare An ALA Notable Book An NCTE Teachers’ Choice A New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Books of the Year

Long ago in Africa, the sky god Nyame keeps all of the stories to himself, but when Anansi the spider asks their price, Nyame agrees to trade his stories if Anansi can perform four seemingly impossible tasks.

"Myths and legends from Africa. Features include information about the history and culture behind the myths, pronunciations, lists of deities, word glossary, further information, and index"--Provided by publisher.

This treasure trove of lavishly illustrated stories comes from different regions in Africa. In "Anansi," an uproarious story from Ghana, the tables are turned on lazy Anansi. "The Boy Who Wanted the Moon," set in the Congo, explains why there are monkeys in the world. "Shansa Mutongo Shima," a thrilling story of the Tabura people from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reveals the dangers of judging by appearances. In "The Roof of Leaves," from the Congo, a married couple learns a lesson about anger and forgiveness. "The Wedding Basket," set in Nigeria, is a cautionary tale about taboos. In "The Talking Skull," from Cameroon, a foolish man learns too late the wisdom of keeping his mouth shut. Each tale reflects the rhythms and cadences of the storyteller's muse. For her research, Donna Washington consulted as many written and oral sources as she could find. And award-winning artist James Ransome's stunning water-color paintings illuminate the diversity of the African people, clothing, architecture, landscape, and wildlife. Readers will discover that despite the variety, these stories about human foibles hold universal truths for everyone, everywhere.

Depicts a warm, loving, multigenerational family; commonality of cultures, values and responsibilities; urban life in modern Africa.Anna Hibiscus is happy to be home after visiting her grandmother in Canada. Double and Trouble learned to run while she was away, and Grandad seems to have gotten older, but it's just life going on as it should ... She has a pet chick called Snow White, and then there's a surprise visit from a faraway friend. Featuring warm, loving multi-generational family relationships, Welcome Home, Anna Hibiscus! showcases daily life in modern, urban Africa. Great as a classroom or family read-aloud, it illustrates the commonality of cultures and experiences and inspires discussion.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection Part of Niki Daly's Lolo series Hooray! Hurrah! Hurray! for Lolo, the energetic, curious, and fun-loving girl at the center of Niki Daly's series of books for beginning readers. She's thoughtful, funny, and always ready for anything. Whether it's helping to babysit baby Bongi or learning all about the library, she's sure to do it with kindness and humor. In this collection of easy-to-read stories, we meet Lolo, a girl who lives in South Africa with her mother and grandmother, Gogo. Charmingly illustrated by the author, Hooray for Lolo follows Lolo as she explores her world, and the new adventures each day brings. In Hooray for Lolo, Lolo she gets angry with her best friend, finds a favorite library book, goes to the hospital, and helps to look after Baby Bongi.

(Ages 9-12) You travel to your uncle's coffee farm in Kenya. Your mother is a biologist and she wants your help documenting the living conditions of the endangered black rhino. But your father is worried there are thieves at your uncle's farm, and you know something that might help.

Evie likes new experiences - except for being extremely fussy about what she eats. Suddenly she finds herself on a sunbaked safari with Bear Grylls, where food and water are scarce, and dangerous wild animals prowl the savannah. To survive, Evie must eat what she can, when she can - even if it seems absolutely disgusting ...

A new early chapter book series where adventure is always just around the corner.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!Meet Boris! He lives with his mom and dad in Hogg Bay. Their home is a van that once traveled all over the world. Then one morning, Boris feels a jolt. Could it be? Is the van really moving? Is Boris on an adventure at last?But when Boris ends up on a trip to a wildlife refuge instead of the jungle safari he'd imagined, he ends up having an adventure he'll never forget. Because for this little warthog, life never quite turns out as he plans.

Akimbo can't believe his luck when his father allows him to visit his uncle Peter's snake park. And when a local village calls to report a sighting of a green mamba snake--the rarest and most deadly one of all--Akimbo hopes to help his uncle catch it for the park. But little does he expect to find himself trapped face to face with the deadliest of reptiles. Bestselling novelist Alexander McCall Smith brings the majesty and dangers of Africa to life in this vividly imagined adventure for young readers.

Jack and Annie are whisked off to the vast plains of Africa, where they must solve Morgan le Fay's third magical riddle. But that's only the beginning! Once the riddle is solved, they still have to get past a pride of lions, a humongous herd of rampaging wildebeests, and one very hungry Masai warrior.  

Ethan and Ella search for lions on a safari in Kenya in the fifth book of Greetings from Somewhere, an exciting series about mystery, travel, and adventure. Ethan, Ella, and their parents travel to the Maasai Mara in Kenya where they stay in a cabin and venture out on safaris every day in search of The Big Five game animals--the African elephant, the Cape buffalo, the leopard, the rhinoceros, and, of course, the lion. The kids are so excited when they see four of the five animals within the first few days, but where are the lions? Both Ethan and Ella could swear they've seen a lion's tail poking out from behind a tree, but they cannot seem to find the animal itself! Then, the twins talk to a boy and girl who live in the Maasai Mara. The locals give Ethan and Ella some clues about spotting lions. With a little help and some good detective work, the twins discover a whole lion family on their last day in Kenya! With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Greetings from Somewhere chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

Shuri, the Princess of Wakanda (and sister to the Black Panther), sets out to save a group of kidnapped girls in this all-new, original middle-grade novel by New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone! With the heart-shaped herb thriving, a group of Wakanda's finest engineers working on expanding her dome technology, and the borders more fortified than ever, Princess Shuri can finally focus on what matters most: her training. Soon, a bigger problem rears its head. The princess hears whispers of exceptionally talented young girls across the world going missing. A young environmental scientist in Kenya, a French physics prodigy -- the list of the missing keeps growing and growing. And when this mystery hits home in a way the princess would've never expected, there's no more time for hesitation: There are lost girls out there somewhere, and Shuri is determined not to let them be forgotten.

Sibert medalist and National Book Award finalist Sy Montgomery takes readers on a staggering, emotional journey alongside the greatest land migration on the planet earth--that of the wildebeest across the Serengeti--to explore the mystery and wonder of migration in a sweeping story sure to leave its mark. With full color photography.  Sibert medalist Sy Montgomery takes readers on a staggering, emotional journey alongside the greatest land migration on earth--that of the wildebeest across the Serengeti--to provide a you-are-there account of one of nature's most fascinating occurrences. Montgomery explores the wonder of migration, asking questions like, how do migration patterns sculpt the environment? Why do animals migrate? And how do they know where to go? With lyrical prose, abundant facts, and the inclusion of other species who undertake remarkable migrations, Montgomery makes a journey of thousands of miles fly by--but not without leaving its mark. Full color photography. 

Poaching and war damaged an isolated wilderness in West Zambia, reducing its lion population to just one: Lady, the last lioness. Witness Lady's fight for survival in this evocative narrative on the decline, fall, and rebirth of the Liuwa Plains. Follow Lady as she grapples with a landscape altered by human hands and discover how both Lady and humankind restore balance to the environment. More than a story about one brave lion, The Lioness offers a great introduction to life science by looking at the workings of an ecosystem, the methods of scientists and environmentalists, and explaining the interconnection between the plant, animal, and human systems.

With a dramatic first-person narrative and close-up photography that brings kids into the thick of the action, National Geographic photographer Robert B. Haas gives us a rare glimpse into the struggles for survival in the African wilderness. We accompany him in his jeep, camera primed and ready to react. With stories and photographs that portray actual events, we wait patiently to spot leopard cubs coming out of their cave to play; we are charged by protective adult elephants who surround a new-born; we move side-by-side with a clan of wild dogs as they hunt impalas.All the stories in the book are intimate, engaging, and true. Haas shares his work with readers, teaching the key lessons that all wildlife photographers live by: patience, persistence, and an intense interest in animals. "When we are out there, we are working inside a world that is both fascinating and historic." This beautiful and inviting book draws readers into Haas's passion for Africa, for conservation, and for finding harmony between the actions of humans and the survival of wild animals.African Critters is a wonderful holiday gift for animal lovers of all ages, a valuable sourcebook for school reports, and an essential addition to any animal book collection.

For hundreds of years the Maasai have moved their herds of cattle and goats across thousands of miles in Kenya and Tanzania. Today they face new challenges. Their traditional way of life is threatened, lands are overgraved and wildlife is in danger. Maasai tribes are meeting these obstacles head-on - adapting their lives and agricultural practices while keeping their vibrant, close-knit culture alive. Award-winning author-photographer Jan Reynolds presents a striking glimpse of these dynamic people.

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.

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 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.

Collects volumes 1, 2 & 3 in the popular Akissi series.Poor Akissi! The neighbourhood cats are trying to steal her fish, her little monkey Boubou almost ends up in a frying pan and she's nothing but a pest to her older brother Fofana... But Akissi is a true adventurer, full of silliness and mischief and nothing will scare her for long!

The fourth volume in this award-winning graphic novel series contains ten mystery comics by OWL Magazine editor Craig Battle, plus three never-before-published short mystery stories by series creator Liam O'Donnell. As always, storylines are intriguing, age-appropriate, and relevant; illustrations are detailed and compelling; and dialogue is snappy. Each solve-it-yourself comic stars amateur detective Max Finder and his best friend, budding journalist Alison Santos. Seventh graders at Central Meadows Junior High, these two intrepid investigators must call upon their skills to crack each case before them. Cases in this volume include "The Case of the Disappearing Painting," "The Case of the Mall Mayhem," and "The Case of the Rotton Rumor." Clues appear in words and images, so readers must develop their eye for detail in order to solve the mysteries. Solutions appear at the end of each comic, explaining whodunit and why, and the clues that cracked the case. Bonus content unique to this volume includes illustrated character profiles and a roundtable with the creative team behind the comics. Crammed with clues and stuffed with enough suspects and red herrings to keep readers guessing until the very last panel, Max Finder Mystery Volume 4 promises to engage pre-teens with hours of whodunit fun.

Otto is a lumbering, sweet-natured elephant who can't forget his childhood chum Georgie, a smiley-faced chimpanzee who was abducted and shipped away from their forest home by the mysterious and sinister Man with the Wooden Nose. Accompanied by a wisecracking but protective parrot named Crackers, Otto decides to hop a plane and look for Georgie in America. But once they hit the wild streets of the concrete jungle, Otto and Crackers court trouble at every turn --- even becoming unwittingly involved in the seedy alligator underworld dominating the city sewers. And little do these out-of-place out-oftowners realize that they, too, are being doggedly pursued across the city --- by the local police! Will the authorities catch Otto and Crackers? Will Otto and Crackers find Georgie? Who is the Man with the Wooden Nose? And what's an elephant doing sporting a trenchcoat and fedora?

Every volume of Science Comics is a complete introduction to a particular topic--dinosaurs, coral reefs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, flying machines, and more. These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty-year-old with a secret passion for airplanes, these books are for you!This volume: In Sharks, we explore one of the most unfairly villainized and Hollywood-famous underwater predators. With their 400-million year history, their vital role in maintaining the ecosystem, their incredible specialized adaptations, and their various unique species, there is a lot more to sharks than just their ferocious jaws.

Ermine is growing up fast! It seems just yesterday he was a tiny baby, safe and warm in his mother's den. Now he is ready to find a home of his own. The tundra where Ermine lives can be very forbidding and predators lurk behind every bush.

Flora the pig was born for adventure: "If it's unexplored and needs to get dug up, call me. I'm your pig," she says. The day Flora spots a team of sled dogs is the day she sets her heart on becoming a sled pig. Before she knows it, she's on board a ship to Antarctica for the most exhilarating--and dangerous--adventure of her life. This poignant novel of a purposeful pig is sure to become a favorite with any young readers who have ever dreamed of exploring the great beyond.

A contest to find a better way to create clean drinking water turns into a mystery when one of the scientists goes missing. Luckily, Jack and his genius siblings are on the case in this New York Times bestselling series from Bill Nye and Gregory Mone!   Jack and his foster siblings, Ava and Matt, are not your typical kids--they're geniuses. Well, Ava and Matt are. Ava speaks multiple languages and builds robots for fun, and Matt is an expert astronomer and math whiz. As for Jack, it's hard to stand out when surrounded by geniuses all the time.   Things get more complicated when the trio starts working for Dr. Hank Witherspoon, one of the world's leading scientists. They travel to Antarctica with Hank for a prestigious award ceremony--but they quickly find that not all is as it seems: A scientist has gone missing. It's up to Jack, Ava, and Matt to find her . . . and discover who's behind it all.   In the Jack and the Geniuses series, readers join Jack, Ava and Matt on adventures around the world to tackle some of science's biggest challenges, including new ways to create clean drinking water, to generate clean and renewable energy, and to extend information access to the entire planet. Each book in the series includes cool facts about the real-life science found in the story and a fun DIY project.  

Ranger, the time-traveling golden retriever with search-and-rescue training, is back! This time, he joins a dangerous expedition to the South Pole!Ranger, the time-traveling golden retriever with search-and-rescue training, joins an early twentieth-century expedition journeying from New Zealand to Antarctica. He befriends Jack Nin, the stowaway turned cabin boy of Captain Robert Falcon Scott's ship. They're racing against a rival explorer to reach the South Pole, but with unstable ice, killer whales, and raging blizzards, the journey turns into a race against time... and a struggle to stay alive.

Jack and Annie arrive on the one continent they haven't visited before: Antarctica! What can they hope to learn about happiness in such a barren place? Only the penguins know for sure...Jack and Annie are about to find out! Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid? Magic Tree House: Adventures with Jack and Annie, perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books Merlin Missions: More challenging adventures for the experienced reader Super Edition: A longer and more dangerous adventure Fact Trackers: Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures Have more fun with Jack and Annie at MagicTreeHouse.com

A group of sled dogs race to survive a perilous journey across Antarctica in the exhilarating second installment of Survival Tails, perfect for fans of the Ranger in Time and I Survived series! Sled dog Samson wants nothing more than to be part of Ernest Shackleton's historic voyage to Antarctica. He wants to feel the snow under his paws and the wind on his face as he races across the ice fields, and most of all he wants to help his humans find eternal glory as they chart the continent. His fellow sled dog, Bummer, just wants to get through the voyage in one piece. Why would he want to face down a dangerous, icy wasteland when he could stay inside his kennel, warm and safe? When their ship, the Endurance, becomes trapped in sea ice, leaving the dogs and men with no way home, their journey becomes not about personal glory, but about survival. Samson, Bummer, and the other dogs will have to put aside their differences and band together to rescue their humans...and themselves. With engaging nonfiction back matter that delves into the fascinating true story behind the book, Survival Tails: Endurance in Antarctica is sure to keep readers entertained as the second entry in this series of action-packed animal adventures.

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!

Polar Worlds is packed with high-quality images and diagrams on everything from the polar environment to the wildlife that lives there to how humans can survive the extreme temperatures--and why the polar world is in danger. How does a puffin carry so many fish in its beak? Who led the first team of men to the North Pole? How do you build an igloo? How does a macaroni penguin feed its chick? Polar Worlds, a new book in the visually stunning, groundbreaking INSIDERS series, answers all these questions and more. Packed with high quality images and diagrams on everything from the polar environment to the wildlife that lives there to how humans can survive the extreme temperatures and why the polar world is in danger. Full-energy spreads approach the topics through unique and unexpected angles, taking the reader inside the action. Engaging and fun to read, this series will appeal to know-it-all kids and reluctant readers alike.

In the icy waters of the Pacific, a massive humpback whale unexpectedly finds herself tangled in a net abandoned by fishermen. When a rescue boat and a convoy of divers arrive to help the struggling humpback, a realistic and moving encounter bridges the human and aquatic worlds.

Equal parts adventure and STEM, Rebecca E. F. Barone'sRace to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica is a thrilling nonfiction book for young readers chronicling two treacherous, groundbreaking expeditions to the South Pole--and includes eye-catching photos of the Antarctic landscape. "Riveting! I raced to the end of this book!" --Alan Gratz,New York Times bestselling author ofRefugee In 1910, Captain Robert Scott prepared his crew for a trip that no one had ever completed: a journey to the South Pole. He vowed to get there any way he could, even if it meant looking death in the eye. Then, not long before he set out, another intrepid explorer, Roald Amundsen, set his sights on the same goal. Suddenly two teams were vying to be the first to make history--what was to be an expedition had become a perilous race. In 2018, Captain Louis Rudd readied himself for a similarly grueling task: the first unaided, unsupported solo crossing of treacherous Antarctica. But little did he know that athlete Colin O'Brady was training for the same trek--and he was determined to beat Louis to the finish line. For fans of Michael Tougias'The Finest Hours, this gripping account of two history-making moments of exploration and competition is perfect for budding scientists, survivalists, and thrill seekers. "A nail-biting tale of adventure, tragedy, and superhuman determination--and also a luminous example of how our present lives are shaped by our immeasurably deep connection to our past." --Elizabeth Wein, #1New York Times bestselling author ofCode Name Verity "A huge treat for adventure story fans--not one, but two incredible races across the fearsome and fascinating Antarctic!" --Steve Sheinkin,New York Times bestselling author ofBomb andUndefeated

A harsh and icy land isolated at the far southern reaches of the globe, Antarctica is the most recently discovered of the continents.A True Book: The Seven Continents series dives into the many components that make each continent distinctive and exceptional. Readers will get to know each continents' geography, history, wildlife and future outlook. This series includes an age appropriate (grades 3-5) introduction to curriculum-relevant subjects and a robust resource section that encourages independent study.Readers will meet the unique plants and animals that call this frozen continent home, explore its unique history, examine the environmental concerns it embodies, and much more.

Learn about the country's history, culture, people and much more!Located at the far southern point of the globe, Antarctica is an enormous landmass covered almost entirely in ice. Due to its extreme climate, this continent is home to very few plants, animals, or permanent human settlements. However, Antarctica is far from empty. Readers will learn about Antarctica's history, from how people first discovered it to why scientists set up camp to conduct studies there today. They will also find out which plants and animals are able to survive Antarctica's harsh temperatures and see what role the continent plays in popular culture.

You are surrounded by the vast, unforgiving landscape of the coldest place on Earth: Antarctica. Even during the summer months, bone chilling cold, raging blizzards, and treacherous ice threatens human survival. Will you join the race to be the first to reach the South Pole? Attempt to ski across the continent as part of an all female expedition? Study Antarctic plant and animal life as a scientist at a research station? Experience the life or death dilemmas of a place few people ever see. YOU CHOOSE what you'll do next. The choices you make will either lead you to safety or to doom.

Twelve-year-old Perri and nine-year-old Archer travel through time to medieval England to return an item from their aunt's Emporium of Curiosities.

A fresh and fun graphic novel series spin-off of The Baby-sitters Club, featuring Kristy's little stepsister! Karen Brewer lives next door to Mrs. Porter, who wears long black robes and has wild gray hair. Mrs. Porter has a black cat named Midnight and always seems to be working in her garden. Karen isn't supposed to spy on her neighbor, but she's determined to prove that Mrs. Porter is a witch named Morbidda Destiny! Mrs. Porter is getting ready to have a special meeting at her house, and Karen is sure the meeting is for witches. Are they going to cast a spell on Karen? Or will she be brave enough to send them away -- once and for all?

The Thea Sisters are five fun, lively students at Ratford College on Whale Island, who want to be real, live journalists just like their hero, Thea Stilton. Between classes and friendships, love and small fits of jealousy, they're finding college life is really exciting! It's the start of the new school year and the students have arrived at Ratford College. Every year at this time, the whales move off the coast of Whale Island, but this time, a savage killer whale threatens the peace.

The spirit of giving takes a twisty turn as Andy schemes to give Granny Webb the best present ever -- and ends up with a mystery on his hands. It's Andy Shane and Granny Webb's UNbirthday, and Andy has thought of just the right gift for Granny Webb: a case to hold her beloved binoculars. The only problem is that Andy has no money. But with the help of his friend Dolores Starbuckle, he comes up with the perfect plan -- a barn sale! And sure enough, the determined duo sells enough stuff to afford the binoculars case -- but now where are the binoculars? The endearing Andy Shane and his enterprising pal Dolores call on their best detective skills in this witty mystery story. But can they solve the case of the missing case in time for the unbirthday party?

Every day, nine-year-old Yasmin borrows a book from Book Uncle, a retired teacher who has set up a free lending library next to her apartment building. But when the mayor tries to shut down the rickety bookstand, Yasmin has to take her nose out of her book and do something. But what can she do? The local elections are coming up but she's just a kid. She can't even vote! Still, Yasmin has friends -- her best friend, Reeni, and Anil, who even has a black belt in karate. And she has grownup family and neighbors who, no matter how preoccupied they are, care about what goes on in their community. Then Yasmin remembers a story that Book Uncle selected for her. It's an old folktale about a flock of doves trapped in a hunter's net. The birds realize that if they all flap their wings at the same time, they can lift the net and fly to safety, where they seek the help of a friendly mole who chews a hole in the net and sets them free. And so the children get to work, launching a campaign to make sure the voices of the community are heard. An energetic, funny and quirky story that explores the themes of community activism, friendship, and the love of books.

Sparky kabooms into two adventures in this 2-in-1 Magic Bone Super Special! One bite of his bone lands Sparky in Tanzania, where he meets a pack of African wild dogs. But when a pack member runs away, it's up to Sparky to lead the search party through the Serengeti. But when Sparky is ready to return home, his bone sends him to India instead! There he finds a new friend and a magic lamp-but can they help him find his way home?

In Fly on the Wall, a moving and hilarious diary-style illustrated novel from the award-winning author of Pie in the Sky, a twelve-year-old boy goes on a (forbidden) solo adventure halfway around the world to prove his independence to his overprotective family. A Best Book of the Year for Kirkus, Booklist, Chicago Public Library, and School Library Journal! Henry Khoo's family treats him like a baby. He's not allowed to go anywhere without his sister/chaperone/bodyguard. And he definitely CAN'T take a journey halfway around the world all by himself! But that's exactly his plan. After his family's annual trip to visit his father in Singapore is cancelled, Henry decides he doesn't want to be cooped up at home with his overprotective family and BFF turned NRFF (Not Really Friend Forever). Plus, he's hiding a your-life-is-over-if-you're-caught secret: he's the creator of an anonymous gossip cartoon, and he's on the verge of getting caught. Determined to prove his independence and avoid punishment for his crimes, Henry embarks on the greatest adventure everrr. . . hoping it won't turn into the greatest disaster ever. Remy Lai takes readers on an adventure filled with humor, heart, and hijinks that's a sure bet for fans of Jerry Craft, Terri Libenson, and Shannon Hale! "Funny, enthralling, and a great reminder that being a little odd isn't a bad thing." --Kayla Miller, author of Click and Camp * "Near-misses and laugh-out-loud moments abound, which will endear it to readers who like 'Big Nate' and 'Wimpy Kid.'" --School Library Journal, starred review

This breathtaking, full-color illustrated fantasy is inspired by Chinese folklore, and is a companion to the Newbery Honor winner Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Pinmei's gentle, loving grandmother always has the most thrilling tales for her granddaughter and the other villagers. However, the peace is shattered one night when soldiers of the Emperor arrive and kidnap the storyteller. Everyone knows that the Emperor wants something called the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night. Determined to have her grandmother returned, Pinmei embarks on a journey to find the Luminous Stone alongside her friend Yishan, a mysterious boy who seems to have his own secrets to hide. Together, the two must face obstacles usually found only in legends to find the Luminous Stone and save Pinmei's grandmother--before it's too late. A fast-paced adventure that is extraordinarily written and beautifully illustrated, When the Sea Turned to Silver is a masterpiece companion novel to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky.

Here's the sixth book in the beloved and hilarious Alvin Ho chapter book series, which has been compared to Diary of a Wimpy Kid and is perfect for both beginning and reluctant readers. Alvin, an Asian American second grader who's afraid of everything, is taking his fears to a whole new level-or should we say, continent. On a trip to introduce brand-new baby Ho to relatives in China, Alvin's anxiety is at fever pitch. First there's the harrowing 16-hour plane ride; then there's a whole slew of cultural differences to contend with- eating lunch food for breakfast, kung fu lessons, and acupuncture treatment (yikes!). Not to mention the crowds that make it easy for a small boy to get lost. From Lenore Look and New York Times bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham comes a drop-dead-funny and touching series with a truly unforgettable character. "Shares with Diary of a Wimpy Kid the humor that stems from trying to manipulate the world." -Newsday "Alvin's a winner." -New York Post

Ruby is starting third grade, and she can't wait! In third grade you get to join clubs, like for knitting and ballroom dancing and yoga. In third grade you get to sign up for a musical instrument (Ruby is convinced that she is destined to play the harp) and play in the orchestra. In third grade you also get to learn cursive...and that's only the beginning! But for Ruby Lu, third grade also means an especially big change: her father loses his job. When her mother goes to work to support the family, Ruby and Oscar have to adjust to her father's bizarre caretaking, which is definitely not all fun and games. And then there's the fact that money is tighter than ever. Ruby is determined to change things, though. Surely there's a way for her to make a million dollars! As Ruby is about to discover, making money isn't easy...but having a loving family is the most valuable thing of all. This is another funny, charming, heartfelt gem from Lenore Look.

Ethan and Ella discover some suspicious spices in a market in Mumbai, India, in the sixth book of Greetings from Somewhere, an exciting series about mystery, travel, and adventure. Ethan and Ella venture into the bustling markets of Mumbai, India, where there are tons of beautiful sights and smells--from silky fabrics to bread being baked to jars of spices. When one of the spice sellers starts getting complaints about his saffron, he is beside himself. His spices have always been known to be the purest in the market. Ethan and Ella are on the case--and they soon discover that someone has been meddling with the spices! With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Greetings from Somewhere chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

When you're with Geronimo Stilton, it's always a fabumouse adventure!My detective friend Hercule Poirat and I were headed to India. A Bollywood star we're friends with had received a valuable ruby and wanted us to help her protect it... which meant that I ended up acting in the movie she was filming! Rancid ricotta -- I'm a terrible actor! Even worse, just when we least expected it, the ruby was stolen. Could we find the thief?

Ethan and Ella find an ancient map and explore a Chinese palace in the fourth book of Greetings from Somewhere, a chapter book series about mystery, travel, and adventure. From the Great Wall to the dumplings, Ethan and Ella love China so far. And the Forbidden City in Beijing doesn't leave anything to be desired, either! When the twins get separated from their parents, however, they get do some exploring on their own. As they are wandering, the twins happen across an ancient-looking scroll that appears to have a map on it. Being the mystery-solving duo they are, Ethan and Ella attempt to navigate the map...but they get lost in the palace. There are thousands of rooms, and they all seem to look the same! Will the twins figure out where the map is leading them? And will they ever make their way out of the Forbidden City? With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Greetings from Somewhere chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

How much rain does a tropical rain forest receive each year? At least 100 inches (254 centimeters) of rain fall each year They're called rain forests for a reason! Inside, You'll Find: How rain forests are important to the health of the entire planet; Maps, a timeline, photos-and peoples who live in or near rain forests; Surprising TRUE facts that will shock and amaze you! Book jacket.

Most arches built today contain a single building block at the top that is the most important piece. This special piece can be found in the arches of soaring cathedrals, doorways in temples, and even simple buildings made out of wooden blocks. It is called a keystone, and it holds everything else together. Remove the keystone and the building or doorway is likely to collapse. The same thing is true in nature. Certain species of animals and plants are so important to their ecosystems, that if they disappear, the whole system may collapse. They are called keystone species. Some keystone species are large, like white rhinos, while others are quite small, like honey bees. But size doesn't matter in an ecosystem. All living things rely on other species to survive. A keystone species plays an especially large role that affects many different species in an ecosystem. Some keystone species are at the top of a huge ecosystem like the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, while others may affect a tiny ecosystem in a river or forest. Whether the ecosystem is big or small, the result of a keystone species disappearing or being greatly reduced is the same. Just like one falling domino can cause many others to fall, the loss of a keystone species can lead to the extinction of many other species. Today scientists are focusing more attention on preserving the natural balance in ecosystems. Identifying and protecting keystone species is an important part of their work.A Kid's Guide to Keystone Species in Nature focuses on several ecosystems such as those found in grassland, mountains, ponds and streams, and forests. These books meet several of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) along with Common Core Standards for grades 3, 4 and 5.

FromNew York Times bestselling author Laurence Bergreen and author Sara Fray comes this immaculately researched history for young readers detailing the life of Zheng He, his complex and enduring friendship with his emperor, and the epicSeven Voyages he led that would establish China as a global power. 1405. The central coast of China. At nearly seven feet tall, Admiral Zheng He looked out at the sea before him. For the next three decades, the oceans would be his home, as he would command over 1,500 ships and thousands of sailors in seven journeys that would predate the heart of the European Age of Exploration. Over his seven epic journeys, Zheng He explored the Northern Pacific and Indian Oceans, traveling as far as the east coast of Africa, expanding Chinese power globally, warring with pirates, and capturing enemies along the way in the name of his emperor, Zhu Di. But this giant figure was not always at the helm of a ship.

From flightless, long-legged ostriches to winged rays, and from elusive, long-tailed snow leopards to wily foxes, the world of animals is wonderfully diverse. This popular and newly expanded series continues traveling 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 creatures appearance, habitat, behaviors, and life cycle. Each book also presents a folk story that people have used to help explain the animals appearance or behavior. A basic exploration of the appearance, behavior, and habitat of peacocks, the rainforest birds whose males have showy feathers. Also included is a story from folklore explaining why peacocks are so colorful.

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 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.

As the recent deaths of sixteen Sherpas underscore, climbing Mount Everest remains a daunting challenge. Located in the Himalayas, Everest is the highest mountain in the world at a whopping 29,029 feet. In this compelling narrative, Nico Medina guides readers through the mountain's ancient beginnings, first human settlers, historic climbs, and the modern commercialization of mountain-climbing. With stories of expeditions gone wrong and miraculously successful summit climbs, this is a thrilling addition to the Where Is . . . ? series!

More than two thousand years ago, with his land under constant attack from nomads, the First Emperor of China came up with a simple solution- build a wall to keep out enemies. It was a wall that kept growing and growing. But its construction came at a huge cost- it is believed that more than a million Chinese died building it, earning the wall its nickname--the longest cemetery on earth. Through the story of the wall, Patricia Brennan Demuth is able to tell the story of China itself, the rise and fall of dynasties, the greatness of its culture, and its present-day status as a Communist world power.

Sun Wu Kong continues his antagonistic campaign against the Jade Emperor and his allies until the gods surrender and offer the Handsome Monkey King the official title of QiTianDaSheng. Charged with keeping watch over a heavenly peach orchard, Sun Wu Kong cannot help but cause trouble throughout the heavens. When the monkey's antics anger the Jade Emperor for a second time, a new military campaign is launched against the monkey, which culminates in Sun Wu Kong facing the one being who might bring his mischief to an end: Buddha himself.

Travel back in time to the age of the dinosaurs in this installment of the hit nonfiction graphic novel series about prehistoric Earth!   Ronnie is just a normal fifth-grader trying to pass her science class's impossible quiz on the history of dinosaurs . . . until she runs into her neighbor--Ms. Lernin, a retired paleontologist. Ronnie and Ms. Lernin travel back through time to experience the age of the dinosaurs firsthand. They visit three important time periods of the Mesozoic Era: the Triassic, the Jurassic, and the Cretaceous. Along the way, Ronnie finds herself face-to-face with real-life dinosaurs and reptiles, like Stegosauruses, Velociraptors, and Thalattosaurs. She learns the differences between herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, as well as between dinosaurs, insects, and reptiles. This hilarious and fact-filled graphic novel brings the age of the dinosaurs to life and shows the important effects this era had on our world today.   Want more adventures in prehistoric Earth? Check out the other books in the Earth Before Us series: Ocean Renegades! and Mammal Takeover!  

The first book in Jeff Smith's New York Times bestselling, award-winning graphic novel series featuring an unlikely hero who must save an idyllic valley from the forces of evil.After being run out of Boneville, the three Bone cousins -- Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone -- are separated and lost in a vast, uncharted desert. One by one, they find their way into a deep, forested valley filled with wonderful and terrifying creatures. Eventually, the cousins are reunited at a farmstead run by tough Gran'ma Ben and her spirited granddaughter, Thorn. But little do the Bones know, there are dark forces conspiring against them and their adventures are only just beginning!

When Kai grows tired of her bookish mum not being adventurous enough for a Brownstone, she decides to seek out the mischievous and rebellious Monkey King - who she's always been told to stay away from. Will he bring her the adventure she craves, or will he cause her more trouble than he's worth? Read the latest story from the mythical Brownstone's family vault where we venture to China and learn about the story of the Monkey King, meet magical gods, taste powerful peaches and see that maybe ... our heroes aren't always what they're cracked up to be.

When plants, zombies, pets, and dinosaurs all meet--it's sure to be a crazy day! Dr. Zomboss is back with another set of nefarious plans to defeat the pesky plants and Neighborville's resident adventurers Nate and Patrice! When Zomboss sets his sights on destroying the yards in town and rendering the plants homeless without anywhere to grow, it's up to the daring duo, along with Crazy Dave and his band of plants, to thwart his plans and claim victory once again! However, it turns out that those plans include dogs, cats, rabbits, hammock sloths, and even more pets, plus dinosaurs, making things a lot zanier. The kid-acclaimed and critically-acclaimed team of Paul Tobin and Ron Chan return to the pages of Plants vs. Zombies to deliver another thrilling, joke-filled fracas! Also featuring a bonus story by PvZ newcomer artist, Philip Murphy, this graphic novel is not to be missed!

Fly Guy is buzzzzing on over to the nonfiction genre!Award-winning author/illustrator Tedd Arnold brings nonfiction to life with the help of his very popular main character, Fly Guy! This engaging nonfiction reader combines the kid-friendly humor of Fly Guy with the high-interest topic of sharks! Fly Guy and Buzz introduce young readers to sharks with straightforward fun facts, humorous asides, and full-bleed photographs throughout. *FOIL ON THE COVER!*

As Barney continues to recover from the chicken pox, Grandpa tells him the story of how Dr. Storkmeyer's head was shrunk during a jungle expedition.

"Myths and legends from Central and South America. Features include information about the history and culture behind the myths, pronunciations, lists of deities, word glossary, further information, and index"--

Flat Stanley is taking over the world, one city at a time! In this exciting eighth installment in the renowned Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures chapter book series, the Lambchop family journeys to the land down under, Australia! Stanley and his brother, Arthur, have just won a trip to Australia! They fly down under on a private jet and go diving in the Great Barrier Reef. But when Arthur launches him into the air for a game of boomerang, Stanley is accidentally sent spinning into an amazing adventure deep in the heart of the Australian outback! This unforgettable adventure features fun, fascinating facts about Australia! And for parents and teachers, each Flat Stanley book is aligned to the Common Core State Standards, like multicultural adventure, plot and character development story elements, and compare and contrast! Don't miss any of Flat Stanley's worldwide adventures!

Follow a charming pug whose appetite leads him into trouble in this illustrated chapter book for fans ofBad KittyandDiva and Flea. After Pug and his best friend, Lady Miranda, have a scary run-in with a lion (it might be hiding under the bed), Miranda decides Pug must face his fears-on a safari adventure! Pug becomes a bit of a scaredy-cat when he finds out he'll go nose-to-nose with a rare lion cub. But when he realizes the safari animals are in trouble, can Pug embrace his wild side and save the day?

It's been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy's grandmother in Australia. Now that she's back, Livy has the feeling she's forgotten something really, really important about Gran's house. It turns out she's right. Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, didn't forget Livy, or her promise. He's been waiting five years for her to come back, hiding in a closet like she told him to. He can't remember who--or what--he is, where he came from, or if he even has a family. But five years ago Livy promised she would help him find his way back home. Now it's time to keep that promise. Clue by clue, Livy and Bob will unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from, and discover the kind of magic that lasts forever. Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, two masterminds of classic, middle-grade fiction come together to craft this magical story about the enduring power of friendship. This title has Common Core connections.

Jack and Annie battle a wildfire must help a baby kangaroo and a koala escape from a fire-filled forest. Will they be able to rescue the animals in time?

Ethan and Ella are on the trail of an Australian coral thief in the eighth book of Greetings from Somewhere, an exciting series about mystery, travel, and adventure. Ethan and Ella are in Australia, home to beautiful beaches and some of the most famous coral reefs in the world--plus tons of cool fish and other underwater creatures! And not only that, Australia is home to Ethan and Ella's aunt, uncle, and cousin. The twins dive right into the water for some snorkeling at their cousin's beach house, and while they're exploring, they come across a watch that's still ticking. Whose is it? Then they hear reports of fishermen illegally taking coral from the reefs nearby. Could Ethan and Ella be on the trail of a coral thief? With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Greetings from Somewhere chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

A poignant, laugh-out-loud illustrated middle-grade novel about an eleven-year-old boy's immigration experience, his annoying little brother, and their cake-baking hijinks! Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang! AParents Magazine Best Kids Book of the Year! A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year! AnNPRBest Book of the Year! AHorn BookBest Book of the Year! AKirkusBest Book of the Year! Recipient of FIVE starred reviews! "Pie in the Sky is like enjoying a decadent cake . . . heartwarming and rib-tickling." --Terri Libenson, bestselling author ofInvisible Emmie When Jingwen moves to a new country, he feels like he's landed on Mars. School is torture, making friends is impossible since he doesn't speak English, and he's often stuck looking after his (extremely irritating) little brother, Yanghao. To distract himself from the loneliness, Jingwen daydreams about making all the cakes on the menu of Pie in the Sky, the bakery his father had planned to open before he unexpectedly passed away. The only problem is his mother has laid down onemajorrule: the brothers are not to use the oven while she's at work. As Jingwen and Yanghao bake elaborate cakes, they'll have to cook up elaborate excuses to keep the cake making a secret from Mama. In her hilarious, moving middle-grade debut, Remy Lai delivers a scrumptious combination of vibrant graphic art and pitch-perfect writing that will appeal to fans of Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham'sReal Friends,Kelly Yang'sFront Desk, and Jerry Craft'sNew Kid. A Junior Library Guild selection! "Seamlessly mixes together equal parts of humor, loss, identity, discovery, and love to create a delicious concoction of a story. . . illustrated beautifully with Lai's insightful drawings." --Veera Hiranandani, Newbery Honor-winning author ofThe Night Diary * "The humor [is] akin to that of Jeff Kinney's popular "Wimpy Kid" series . . . the perfect mixture of funny and emotionally resonant." --School Library Journal,starred review * "Perfect for fans of Gene Luen Yang and Victoria Jamieson." --Shelf Awareness,starred review This title has common core connections.

Enter the world of Geronimo Stilton, where another funny adventure is always right around the corner. Each book is a fast-paced adventure with lively art and a unique format kids 7-10 will love.G'day, mate! I was searching for ideas for my new book, and my friend Petunia Pretty Paws knew just where to find them -- in Australia. Holey cheese, it sounded like a fabumouse adventure! But between surfing with sharks, being chased by poisonous snakes, and getting lost in the outback, I was beginning to wonder if this trip down under was really a good idea. Kangaroos and koalas and crocs -- oh, my! Would I ever see New Mouse City again?

Funny, fresh, and imaginative, this quirky tale of friendship and family will inspire readers to pick up a pencil and tell their own lives in pictures. Bea Garcia draws everything all the time - she's an artist! But then her first and only best friend, Yvonne, moves to Australia. Bea has to draw what she wishes didn't happen - her best friend waving good-bye. What could be worse? What's worse is the boy who moves in next door. He is not like Yvonne at all - he's a monster! Bert burps, buzzes, and calls Bea names. He ruins everything and he even tries to steal her book of drawings! Luckily Bea knows that her pencil has power and figures out just what to draw to put that monster in his place. Funny, fresh, and imaginative, this quirky tale of friendship and family will inspire readers to pick up a pencil and tell their own lives in pictures.

Could Amy and Dan's biggest enemy be . . . a friend? Book 6 in the bestselling The 39 Clues series challenges everything you thought you knew about the Clue race. Fourteen-year-old Amy Cahill and her younger brother, Dan, head to the Land Down Under to discover what their own mother and father knew about the hunt for the 39 Clues. But following in their parents' footsteps brings up lost memories for Amy so awful that she can't share them . . . even with Dan. Haunted by the ghosts of their past, chased by deadly competitors, Dan and Amy can't see who is an enemy and who is a friend. Their blindness leads to a terrible mistake . . and the death of a hidden ally.

Geronimo's adventurous sister Thea narrates this fabulous adventure that's packed with action, mystery, and friendship!Thea's friends the Thea Sisters take off for Australia to solve a mystery. A flock of sheep at Nicky's family's ranch is losing all its wool, and the ranch depends on the wool to stay afloat! Maybe the sheep's cure lies in an Aboriginal medicine containing a strange root. The five mouselings set off on a tour of the whole country to find out. It's a truly memorable outback adventure!

In one of his most daring exploits, Jack goes down under -- literally -- to investigate the disappearance of a diver off the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Using everything in his backpack arsenal from anti-puke pills to a morphing suit, an egg-shaped submarine to Disappearing Milk, he exposes a deadly nest of pirates raiding a shipwreck site. Jack has to thwart their schemes, evade their attempts on his life, and escape the primordial hunger of three deadly species: a Komodo dragon, a set of sharks, and the most poisonous predators in the reef, the Irukandji jellyfish. Can he save the treasure and the diver, not to mention himself? Canny and resourceful, Jack will delight readers and impress their parents.

By popular demand, the 100th Who Was...? subject is Steve Irwin! Steve Irwin did not have a typical childhood. Born in Melbourne, Australia, on February 22, 1962, he was raised on the wildlife park his parents owned. He cared for the animals and especially loved reptiles--he got a python for his sixth birthday! At nine years old, Steve was already helping his father wrestle small crocodiles. He became a crocodile trapper after graduating high school, catching the creatures before dangerous poachers could. Steve met his wife, Terri, at his family's park, and instead of a honeymoon, the pair filmed a wildlife documentary that led to the creation of the well-known series The Crocodile Hunter. Tragically, Steve was killed on September 4, 2006 while filming a documentary when a stingray attacked, piercing his heart. He was forty-four years old. However, his life's work obviously still strikes a chord with kids who voted him the winner of the 100th Who Was...? title.

The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. Stretching more than 1,400 miles, it provides a home to a wide diversity of creatures The Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system. Stretching more than 1,400 miles, it provides a home to a wide diversity of creatures. Designated a World Heritage Site, the reef is suffering from the effects of climate change but this fascinating book shows this spectacular part of our planet.

Do kangaroos really carry their babies in pouches? Do koalas really sleep in trees? The answers to these questions are included in this interesting narrative introducing readers to various kinds of marsupials, such as kangaroos, koalas, and possums. They will learn about the types of habitats these mammals live in, their life cycles, and eating habits. Stimulating fact boxes, informational diagrams, useful graphic organizers, a helpful glossary, and eye-catching, full-color photographs enhance this essential science curriculum topic. Animal lovers will thoroughly enjoy this book while also being able to use it as a valuable learning resource.

In this addition to the critically acclaimed Scientist in the Field series, Dorothy Patent follows the scientists trying to put a stop to a gruesome disease before it's too late. Tasmanian devils are dying at an alarming rate from a type of tumor that appears to be contagious. What scientists are learning while researching the Tasmanian devil has potential to affect all animals, and even humans, as they learn more about how to prevent and hopefully eradicate certain genetic diseases. In 1995, a deadly disease began sweeping across the Australian island state of Tasmania, killing every infected Tasmanian devil.  The disease moved so fast that some scientists feared the species would be wiped out in the wild within a few decades. Where did this disease, named Devil Facial Tumor Disease, come from?  What caused it--a virus, bacteria, or something else?  How did it pass from one devil to another?  What could be done to fight it? When author Dorothy Hinshaw Patent learned of the race to save the devil from her friend, Australian geneticist Jenny Graves, she felt compelled to travel to Australia to learn firsthand from scientists what they were finding out about these iconic Tasmanian animals and what they were doing to help it from disappearing in the wild. Follow Dorothy as she takes readers on a fascinating journey into the Australian mainland and Tasmania, visiting parks and wildlife refuges and joining geneticist, ecologists, and other researchers as they work tirelessly to save Tasmania's unique icon.  

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.

In this third book, Narwhal and Jelly star in three new stories about trying new things, favorite foods and accepting who we are. Always funny and never didactic, this underwater duo charms again through their powerful combination of positive thinking, imagination and joyfulness.

Dive into the world's coldest ocean in search of one of the rarest creatures on the planet​ in this second story in a series of graphic adventure novels. Junior explorers Rocco and Olivia embark on an exciting journey into the frigid Arctic waters with famed explorer Fabien Cousteau and his research team. Together, they hope to find the rare dumbo octopus and uncover how this exceptional creature is able to live in such an extreme climate. To get there, they'll board an icebreaker to travel to the Arctic Circle, and will come face to face with polar bears, puffins, Artic hares, and more. Then they'll climb into a submersible and dive deep under the surface to see whales, narwhals, and other incredible species only found in these mysterious depths. Join the team on this deep-sea expedition, and learn how the changing climate affects the ocean and its inhabitants, and discover what you can do to help save the planet!

Two young explorers join Fabien Cousteau and his team to get up close and personal with great white sharks in this start to a series of graphic adventure novels. Junior explorers Bella and Marcus join famed explorer Fabien Cousteau and his research team as they embark on an ocean journey off the coast of South Africa, where the world's largest concentrations of great white sharks are found. Their mission is to investigate a sighting of a massive white shark, and tag it so they can track and protect it. Along the way, they'll encounter whales, seals, dolphins, penguins, and a colorful array of other marine life. They'll also enter a shark cage and come face to face with these powerful creatures. Dramatic, graphic illustrations and a compelling story help young readers discover tons of facts about sharks and other marine creatures. Children will also learn the many damaging myths about sharks, why they are so misunderstood, and what is being done to protect them from further exploitation and possible extinction.

Matt Phelan, graphic novelist extraordinaire, presents a rollicking tribute to vaudeville, small-town dreams, and Buster Keaton as a boy. In the summer of 1908, in Muskegon, Michigan, a visiting troupe of vaudeville performers is about the most exciting thing since baseball. They're summering in nearby Bluffton, so Henry has a few months to ogle the elephant and the zebra, the tightrope walkers and -- lo and behold -- a slapstick actor his own age named Buster Keaton. The show folk say Buster is indestructible; his father throws him around as part of the act and the audience roars, while Buster never cracks a smile. Henry longs to learn to take a fall like Buster, "the human mop," but Buster just wants to play ball with Henry and his friends. With signature nostalgia, Scott O'Dell Award-winning graphic novelist Matt Phelan visualizes a bygone era with lustrous color, dynamic lines, and flawless dramatic pacing.

Diverse myths and legends from around the world, from Iceland to Poland to Japan, retold in easy-to-read glorious full-colour comic book form by a stunning Australian artist with an international reputation.

Anbsp;Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book nbsp; It is a blustery spring day, and Mouse and Mole are very excited. They are going to go bird watching! They are planning to make bird books! Mouse and Mole pack paper and crayons and hurry outside. It turns out, birds are not so easy to watch. Splashing in puddles scare them away. Stepping on crunchy leaves does too. Mole rubs his snout. Mouse twirls her tail. Together, they come up with a plan to get closer to the birds. A plan that includes glue and feathers . . . Join Mouse and Mole on another high-flying adventure in which teamwork, brainstorming, and good ideas always make for a fun day out!

The subtle dance of friendship -- from holding your tongue to knowing what to say -- is played out in three sweetly humorous tales about an unlikely, likable pair. Catina wants to be a famous writer. Houndsley is an excellent cook. Catina thinks Houndsley is a wonder. Houndsley thinks Catina is a very good friend. So what should Houndsley say about Catina's seventy-four-chapter memoir? And can Catina find the right words of comfort for Houndsley after the big cooking contest fiasco? James Howe's funny and endearing world of ginger tea, no-bean chili, and firefly watching is brought to life in cozy watercolors by Marie-Louise Gay in this tender chapter book about what it means to be friends.

Princess Sophie, the spirited young heroine of this adapted tale from the Brothers Grimm, finds herself faced with an incredible challenge and some lessons to learn. She had forgotten her departed mother's warning to temper loyalty and strength with a compassionate heart. Antagonized by Sophie's resentful words, her powerful new stepmother turns Sophie's six brothers into swans and sets her the task of saving them. Will Sophie succeed in helping her brothers? Can she spin six shirts made from the thorny thistle, while never speaking a word, even in her defense? And what will happen when King Yoren captures Sophie and takes her prisoner? Featuring stunning artwork by renowned illustrator Kim Jacobs, her retelling of this classic Brothers Grimm fairytale also contains an author's note with fascinating details on family heraldry and mute swans.

Herbert Leupin's bold, colorful illustrations bring new life to these 9 favorite Grimm's fairy tales: Hans in Luck; Hansel and Gretel; The Brave Little Tailor; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; The Wishing Table, the Gold-Ass, and the Cudgel in the Sack; The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids; Puss in Boots; Sleeping Beauty; and Mother Holle.

A beautiful collection of fairy tales with illustrations from the beloved Swiss illustrator, Hans Fischer. Hans Fischer, the beloved Swiss illustrator known as "Fis," illustrated a large number of children's books in his lifetime, the best known being Pitschi and The Birthday.  His illustrations, drawn with precision and humor, bring utter delight to these finest of tales by the Brothers Grimm: "The Musicians of Bremen," "Riff-Raff," the little-known illustrations Rum-Pum-Pum (A Fairyland Parade), "Puss in Boots" based on Charles Perrault, "Red Riding Hood," "Lucky Hans," "The Hare and the Hedgehog," "The Brave Little Tailor," "Hansel and Gretel," and "The Seven Ravens." This collection is a treat for the whole family.   Praise for Pitschi (Hans Fischer): Horn Book Fanfare Best Book in 1954 ". . . enchanting . . . Sophisticated simplicity realizes the true art form. . . ."--Kirkus Reviews

Lavishly illustrated, this riveting survey of the little people of myth and legend is packed with intriguing tales about all kinds of fairy creatures, from fairy queens and brownies to lutins and mermaids to dwarves and trolls. Neil Philip has delved into the lore of northern Europe in search of stories of human encounters with fairies, from Cherry of Zennor, who unwittingly worked in a fairy household, to Thomas the Rhymer, who spent seven years in fairyland and was given the gift of prophecy. The author also includes a brief history of European fairy folklore. Accompanying these tales are sumptuous images of the fairy world by artists such as William Blake, Richard Dadd, John Anster Fitzgerald, Richard Doyle, and 19th-century children's book illustrators, supplemented with newly commissioned drawings by Jacqueline Mair. The Little People is a feast for the eye as well as the imagination.

Arthur is just a boy, until he pulls a sword out of a stone. Suddenly, he is King of Britain in charge of a band of brave knights. But not everyone wants Arthur as their king. Soon, they are plotting against him ...

Ireland, 1917. Darcy is a light gray Connemara pony with silver dapples. She's fast and tough, whether she's pulling a load of peat from the bog or riding around the rugged countryside with Shannon McKenna, her human family's eldest daughter. But when Mrs. McKenna needs a doctor, Darcy discovers a skill that will change her and her family's life forever. Like Black Beauty, this moving novel is told in first person from the horse's point of view and includes an appendix full of photos and facts about Connemara ponies and Irish history.

  Renowned literary great Eva Ibbotson delivers a final novel in her classic, much-loved style. A previously unpublished work from this favorite author, The Abominables follows a family of yetis who are forced, by tourism, to leave their home in the Himalayas and make their way across Europe to a possible new home. Siblings Con and Ellen shepherd the yetis along their eventful journey, with the help of Perry, a good-natured truck driver. Through a mountain rescue in the Alps and a bullfight in Spain, the yetis at last find their way to an ancestral estate in England--only to come upon a club of voracious hunters who have set their sights on the most exotic prey of all: the Abominable Snowmen. Briskly funny and full of incident, The Abominables is vintage Ibbotson. With unforgettable characters and thoughtful messages about the environment and advocacy, it's a generous last gift to her many devoted fans. Praise for The Abominables STARRED REVIEWS "A satiric farewell from a favorite author." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review "A memorable finale to a treasured body of work." --Publishers Weekly, starred review "The novel is full of whimsy, charm, and sly humor. The yetis will tug at readers' heartstrings and make them laugh. The writing is lean, witty, and subtle. Ibbotson manages to touch on ethical messages of human rights, advocacy, and environmentalism without being obvious." --School Library Journal "The writing is skillful, precise, and frequently funny, and it offers an effective counterbalance to some of the story's more serious social criticism..." --Bulletin of The Center for Children's Books "Readers will enjoy Ibbotson's final book." --Library Media Connection

Katie can't wait to go on a European vacation with her family! She's so excited to see new things and learn how people in other countries live. But she realizes that traveling abroad is harder than she thought, especially when you don't speak another language! And to make matters worse, the magic wind appears four times--turning her into a Buckingham Palace guard, a flamenco dancer in Spain, a gondola driver in Venice, and an artist in Paris! Will Katie be able to handle this vacation chaos?!

For all lovers of horses and history, the beloved Horse Diaries series is heading to the circus! A beautiful Friesian horse and the younger sister of a circus star develop a heartwarming friendship in this sweet and lively story told straight from the horse's mouth. The Netherlands, 1855 Luna is a black Friesian mare with one small white crescent- moon marking on her forehead. She lives a quiet life on a farm...until the circus comes to town! Luna bonds with a girl named May, who dreams of starring in the show, just like her older sister. And together, Luna and May just might be able to shine. Here is Luna's story...in her own words. Series Overview- Horse Diaries books are all about the horse! Like the definitive horse story classic, Black Beauty, each story is told in first person from the horse's point of view.

Many years ago, the storytellers say, the great King Arthur held court with his gallant Knights of the Round Table.Poor Givret, who is easily the shortest man at court, bears the brunt of their jokes.But what he lacks in stature, Givret makes up for in brains-and before he knows it, his quick thinking has landed him a place at the famous Round Table! And so beginneth the exciting and funny adventures of Sir Givret the Short, Brilliant, and Marvelous.

A look at tortoises, including their habitats, physical characteristics such as their domed shells, behaviors, relationships with humans, and protected status in the world today.

The morning of August 24, AD 79, seemed like any other in the Roman city of Pompeii. So no one was prepared when the nearby volcano Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, spouting ash that buried the city and its inhabitants. The disaster left thousands dead, and Pompeii was no more than a memory for almost 1,700 years. In 1748, explorers rediscovered the port city with intact buildings and beautiful mosaics. This easy-to-read account is gripping and includes photos of the ruins.

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

Two young explorers join Fabien Cousteau and his team to get up close and personal with great white sharks in this start to a series of graphic adventure novels. Junior explorers Bella and Marcus join famed explorer Fabien Cousteau and his research team as they embark on an ocean journey off the coast of South Africa, where the world's largest concentrations of great white sharks are found. Their mission is to investigate a sighting of a massive white shark, and tag it so they can track and protect it. Along the way, they'll encounter whales, seals, dolphins, penguins, and a colorful array of other marine life. They'll also enter a shark cage and come face to face with these powerful creatures. Dramatic, graphic illustrations and a compelling story help young readers discover tons of facts about sharks and other marine creatures. Children will also learn the many damaging myths about sharks, why they are so misunderstood, and what is being done to protect them from further exploitation and possible extinction.

Rocket, Nuri, and Screech are in 1930's Paris where they are hot on the trail of a stolen painting. But naturally there's more to this story than just a missing artwork. The painting holds the key to discovering the greatest treasure in history, and a rogue's gallery of bumbling art thieves and German spies is desperate to find it and will stop at nothing to discover its secret location. This adventure combines lively, vibrant color artwork with thrilling adventure and fascinating historical details, all set on the backdrop of one of the world's most intriguing and mysterious cities. Designed for beginning to intermediate readers, the story is free of inappropriate language, gender or ethnic stereotypes, and violent images, so the book is truly for comic fans of all ages. But don't worry--it's still packed with action, danger, and plenty of fun!

Fox dreams of being the terror of the hen house, but no one on the farm is the least bit intimidated by him--when he picks a fight with a hen, he always ends up on the losing end. He tries to take lessons from his mentor Wolf, but Fox's incompetence always gets in the way. It looks like Fox will have to spend the rest of his life eating turnips.But then Fox and Wolf have a brilliant idea. If Fox steals some eggs, he could raise the chicks himself and have a plump, juicy chicken dinner. But Fox's plans change when three adorable chicks hatch and call him "Mommy." Beautifully rendered in watercolor by Benjamin Renner, The Big Bad Fox is a hilarious and surprisingly tender parable about parenthood that's sure to be a hit with new parents (and their kids too).

A young man finds pictures of dancing stick men, and they are scaring his beloved wife out of her wits. Could the men be a code spelling murder?

This story is based on the life of Billy Bayly, a real boy who lived in Pennsylvania during the Civil War and had an unlikely friendship with a Southern soldier. Ready-to-Read books offer children a world of possibilities at four different reading levels: Pre-Level 1 Recognizing Words * Word repetition * Familiar words and phrases * Simple sentences Level 1 Starting to Read * Simple stories * Increased vocabulary * Longer sentences Level 2 Reading Independently * More-complex stories * Varied sentence structure * Paragraphs and short chapters Level 3 Reading Proficiently * Rich vocabulary * More-challenging stories * Longer chapters

Johnny loves his Uncle Silas and his master's mule, Nell, but he hates being a slave. So when a group of soldiers marches by the farm and asks Johnny if he wants to join the Union Army, Johnny accepts, even though it means leaving Uncle Silas and Nell. Being a soldier isn't easy. Johnny is given a chance to work with a soldier named Dave and the company's mule team, but he still wonders if he has made the right choice. Then one night a hungry patrol is out on watch across the river from the camp, with no one to bring them food. Can Johnny handle the mule team all by himself? This story was inspired by the life of John McCline, who, as a young boy, escaped slavery to serve in the Union Army.

These tales are so tall they touch the sky! From Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor artist Christopher Myers and Zora Neale Hurston. While traveling in the Gulf States in the 1930s, Zora Neale Hurston collected and recorded some real whoppers told by folks from all walks of life. Not "dog ate my homework" kind of lies, but tales so wild you didn't ever want to hear the truth. And now today's picture book readers can enjoy these far-fetched fibs with Christopher Myers's spirited adaption and bold, expressive collages.

A collection of tall tales about such American folk heroes as Paul Bunyan, Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind, Pecos Bill, and John Henry.

This beautiful book of stories takes readers on a journey around the world with 50 best-loved tales, featuring creatures big and small. Prepare for a story time like no other as you delve into this beautifully-illustrated collection of classic stories featuring tales about your favorite animals from every corner of the globe. This anthology of animal stories brings together the most loved animal-themed fables, myths, and legends including The Three Little Pigs, The Ugly Duckling, Why the Swallow's Tail is Forked, and the story of Ananse and the Python. Lively retellings from best-selling author Angela McAllister are brought to life with sumptuous illustrations from Romanian-born illustrator, Aitch, in this treasury to treasure for a lifetime. For story lovers young and old this is the perfect anthology for all the family and animal lovers everywhere. The World Full of... series is a collection of beautiful hardcover story treasuries. Discover folktales from all around the world or be introduced to some of the world's best-loved writers with these stunning gift books, the perfection addition to any child's library. Also available from the series: A Year Full of Stories, A Stage Full of Shakespeare Stories, A World Full of Dickens Stories, A World Full of Spooky Stories, A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals, and A Bedtime Full of Stories.

Miguel Guzman isn't exactly looking forward to the summer now that his mother has agreed to let the Sword family--a father, his three daughters, and their dog--live with them while they decide whether or not to move to Vermont. Little does Miguel know his aunt has something up her sleeve that just may make this the best summer ever. With her usual flair for creativity and fun, T#65533;a Lola decides to start a summer camp for Miguel, his little sister, and the three Sword girls, complete with magical swords, nighttime treasure hunts, campfires, barbecues, and an end-of-summer surprise! The warm and funny third book in the T#65533;a Lola Stories is sure to delight young readers and leave them looking forward to their own summer fun!

Is Stanley flat again!? Stanley Lambchop has had his share of unusual adventures. But being flat was one thing he thought he was through with forever. Then one morning, he discovers he was wrong. Still, there is so much that a boy who is only one inch thick can do that a round person can’t. Maybe this time, all it will take is one amazing event for everything to finally make sense.

Fatima is having fun campingwith her friends, but she'safraid of the very dark nights.Then her flashlight fails and she'stransported to a city where the groundis quaking and the lights have gone out. BearGrylls is on hand to help Fatima through thedark streets and crumbling buildings - andtogether they meet someunexpected company . . .

The third book in the fully illustrated, globe-trotting new middle grade fantasy-adventure series about mythical creatures and their cultures of origin, from the Newbery Honor-winning author of The Inquisitor's Tale. Elliot and Uchenna, along with Jersey, are back for their next adventure with Professor Fauna, searching out and rescuing a new mythical creature.

It's 1948 and ten-year-old Fred has just watched her teacher leave -- another in a long line of teachers who have left the village because the smell of fish was too strong, the way of life too hard. Will another teacher come to the small Athabascan village on the Koyukuk River to teach Fred and her friends in the one-room schoolhouse? Will she stay, or will she hate the smell of fish, too?Fred doesn't knowwhatto make of Miss Agnes Sutterfield. She sure is a strange one. No other teacher throws away old textbooks and reads Greek myths andRobin Hood.No other teacher plays opera recordings, talks about "hairyos,"and Athabascan kids becoming doctors or scientists. No other teacher ever said Fred's deaf older sister should come to school, too. And no other teacher ever,evertold the kids they were each good at something. Maybe it's because Miss Agnes can't smell anything, let alone fish, that things seem to be all right. But then Miss Agnes says she's homesick and will go back to England at the end of the year. Fred knows what this is about: Just when things seem to be good, things go back to being the same.How Fred and her friends grow with Miss Agnes is the heart of this story, told with much humor and warmth by Fred herself This is a story about Alaska, about the old ways and the new, about pride. And it's a story about a great teacher who opens a door to the world -- where, once you go through, nothing is ever the same again.

Designed to both entertain and teach valuable lessons from United States history, this book follows two young detectives as they solve mysteries from the nation's past. Ninth in a popular series, this book features more maps, photos, and puzzles to be examined as Meg and Peter race across the country--from Plymouth, Massachusetts to San Francisco, California--to figure out the historical mysteries. Children are encouraged to participate in solving the mystery by answering questions, figuring out codes, and searching pictures for clues while learning important lessons about history, geography, and diversity.

Animal lover Jasmine Green is back to rescue an adorable kitten, just in time for the holidays. On her family's farm, Jasmine and her best friend, Tom, find the ideal clubhouse for their animal rescue group. But much to their surprise, the shed is already home to a feral cat and her three kittens. When the mother cat leaves, abandoning one of her babies, Jasmine and Tom feel compelled to step in and raise the tiny kitten. But with a house full of rescued animals--and a veterinarian mother who has reached her limit--will Jasmine be able to keep another pet? Or is it someone else's turn to make a new animal friend? A holiday backdrop and some lighthearted family mayhem add to the charm of this feline-focused addition to the Jasmine Green Rescues series--perfect for readers who think that animals are the best gift of all.

Hair, Hair, Everywhere Someone's been digging up Mrs. Ruston's tomatoes. She thinks it's Noelle's dog, Rover, and unless Noelle can find the real thief, Rover's in big trouble. It's the hairiest case yet for Mr. Merlin's Third-Grade Detectives. Hair in Mrs. Ruston's tomato patch, hair in Amber Lee's hamburger -- can Noelle and Todd comb through the evidence and solve the mystery?

Dog lovers will yip for joy as aspiring vet Jasmine Green returns to rescue another animal in need--this time, an abandoned border collie puppy. When Jasmine discovers a tiny pup hiding under a hedge on her family's farm, she can't believe her eyes. The poor thing hasn't had anything to eat or drink in a long time, and he is so weak he can barely lift his head. Luckily, Jasmine's mother is a veterinarian, and the Green family can give the puppy lots of love and care. But even if the pup survives, he has a long recovery ahead, and it will be hard for him to trust after being hurt before. Will Jasmine be able to form a bond with her new animal friend? Or will his owner try to take him back? An infectious love for animals and some impressive caretaking skills combine in a gently suspenseful story sure to appeal to readers who love a good dog tale.

Fly into the world of birds in the most complete guide for kids to North America's birds, featuring range maps, cool facts, fun activities, and detailed descriptions and drawings by Jonathan Alderfer, one of the country's top avian experts and artists. Kids can soar with peregrine falcons or hop with backyard sparrows or sing with robins in the pages of this engaging guide, perfectly leveled for kids just discovering these fascinating feathered friends. With beautiful photography and habitat snapshots, lots of the fun facts kids love, plus interactive birding activities and crafts, the newly updated and expanded guide is the perfect way to bring the fun and amazement of beautiful birds to junior birders. The guide features profiles of 50 of North America's most popular birds--including how and where they live and tips about how to spot, hear, and attract them--as well as mini-profiles of another 100 birds, for coverage of 150 bird species in all.

Late in 2013, snowy owls started showing up in places no one expected to find them--including Florida. What had caused so many of these majestic birds to leave their Arctic home and fly to southern Canada and the United States? Scientists quickly began working to find out. Author Sandra Markle brings together firsthand reports from the scientists involved along with stunning photographs of the owls to explain this rare event, known as an irruption. Follow along as scientists figure out why snowy owls took part in this unusual migration and discover what they learned from the unexpected opportunity to study them up close.

This stylish atlas features key moments of American history in an innovative format, with each die-cut spread building on the last as more states are added to the union, culminating in a modern-day map of America. From the 1700s through today-one layer at a time-it's filled with dates, facts and historical figures.

Did you know that snowy owl feet are covered in feathers? In the harsh cold of the Arctic Circle, snowy owls circle the treeless tundra in search of prey. Readers will take a close look at these remarkable birds of prey, from how they communicate with each other and raise their young to why they migrate and how they interact with humans. They will also learn how snowy owls are related to other owls and how their physical features help them survive in a harsh habitat.

What if green ants and army ants had a fight? Who do you think would win?This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts two ferocious insects. 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 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.

What would happen if a hornet and a wasp had a fight? Who do you think would win?This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts two ferocious insects. 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 triceratops and a spinosaurus had a fight? Who do you think would win? This nonfiction reader compares and contrasts two ferocious dinosaurs. 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.

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

It’s time to eat! Which animals eat bamboo, can gulp down a whole deer, or swallow rocks to help them eat?

The gorgeous story of two friends separated by everything in the world -- except love. Readers and animal-lovers of every age will want to relive this journey over and over again. Katya and her Meema are spending another normal summer at their cottage in Alaska, when a chance accident leaves Katya face-to-face with the biggest creature she's ever seen... an enormous kodiak bear, soon to become her closest friend. But when Katya must suddenly return home to Seattle, the two are torn apart, leaving Kodi to do whatever it takes to reunite with his fragile human friend. It's a wild adventure packed with breathtaking views, new companions, and danger around every turn.

In this graphic novel adventure for readers of Hilo and Roller Girl, a pair of twin brothers accidentally bring their favorite video game to life-and now they have to find a way to work together to defeat it. Jeremy and Justin are twins, but they couldn't be any more different from each other. Jeremy is a risk taker who likes to get his hands dirty; Justin prefers to read, focus, and get all his facts straight before jumping in. But they do have one important thing in common- They both love video games. When Jeremy wins a cereal-box charm that brings his favorite video game to life, villains and all, he finds that he's in way over his head. Justin knows everything there is to know about the rules of the game-he read the handbook, of course-and Jeremy isn't afraid to try new things. Can these two mismatched brothers work together to beat the video game that has become their life?

This exquisite graphic novel adaptation of Philippa Pearce's Carnegie Medal-winning Tom's Midnight Garden reimagines a beloved classic in a new, full-color format. With stunning art from award-winning graphic artist Edith, readers will be swept up in this transcendent story of friendship. When Tom's brother gets sick, Tom's shipped off to spend what he's sure will be a boring summer with his aunt and uncle in the country. But then Tom hears the old grandfather clock in the hall chime thirteen times, and he's transported back to an old garden where he meets a mysterious girl named Hatty. Tom returns to the garden every night to have adventures with Hatty, who grows a little older with each visit. As the summer comes to an end, Tom realizes he wants to stay in the midnight garden with Hatty forever. Winner of the Carnegie Medal, Tom's Midnight Garden is a classic of children's literature and a deeply satisfying time-travel mystery. This stunning graphic novel adaptation from award-winning French artist Edith transforms Philippa Pearce's story into an engaging visual adventure.

Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic--dinosaurs, coral reefs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, flying machines, and more. These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty year old with a secret passion for airplanes, these books are for you!In Science Comics: Crows you'll learn all about the avian Einsteins that are as smart as some primates and can perform some of the same cognitive feats as human children! Did you know that crows make their own tools, lead complex social lives, and never forget a human face? That's something to crow about!

Detective Jeffrey Bones is having fun eating cake and watching a clown perform tricks at his friend's birthday celebration. But when the clown can't find her street clothes at the end of the party, it's up to Bones to solve this Easy-to-Read mystery!

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.

"Myths and legends from Central and South America. Features include information about the history and culture behind the myths, pronunciations, lists of deities, word glossary, further information, and index"--

Set in ancient Peru, there is a village of miniature people who lead a peaceful life sailing and fishing. But when the Spanish invade, the little community has to find a new home. The intrepid fishermen transform an old tea kettle into a ship and set out on the high seas to find the land 'beyond the horizon.' They dodge ferocious iguanas, crash onto reefs, and nearly sink in a terrible storm, but finally the kettle comes to rest on a strange new land the little Peruvians can call home. Robert Ingpen has vividly captured this modern Australian folk tale with rich illustrations and a fun sense of detail. This is an imaginative story about setting off into the unknown.

Ethan and Ella find a mystery atop Machu Picchu in the seventh book of Greetings from Somewhere, an exciting series about mystery, travel, and adventure. The Briar family is off to Peru! They explore small towns within the Sacred Valley, go horseback riding up into ancient salt mines, help weave alpaca wool into blankets, and then travel to Machu Picchu, the "Lost City of the Incas." While Ethan and Ella are exploring the incredible site, they come across a wooden bridge that leads them to a mysterious stone structure. What is it, why haven't they heard about it--and why does it seem to look like a snake, a bird, and a puma at the same time? With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Greetings from Somewhere chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

Follow along as a researcher observes and makes journal entries about their field trip through the Amazon rain forest ecosystem. Outstanding photographs highlight the animals, plants, and people that inhabit the world's largest tropical rain forest stretching across eight countries in South America. Simple graphs show how much the rain forest has changed, and the final report describes efforts being made to preserve it.

"A look at llamas, including their habitats, physical characteristics such as their long necks, behaviors, relationships with humans, and their abundant domesticated population in the world today"--

If you've never seen a lowland tapir, you're not alone. Most of the people who live near tapir habitat in Brazil's vast Pantanal ("the Everglades on steroids") haven't seen the elusive snorkel-snouted mammal, either. In this arresting nonfiction picture book, Sibert winners Sy Montgomery and Nic Bishop join a tapir-finding expedition led by the Brazilian field scientist Pati Medici. Aspiring scientists will love the immediate, often humorous "you are there" descriptions of fieldwork, and gadget lovers will revel in the high-tech science at play, from microchips to the camera traps that capture the "soap opera" of tapir life.

In the cloud forests of the Amazon Basin, scientists are installing extraordinary numbers of camera traps in the hopes of learning more about an elusive species--woolly monkeys. No one knows for sure how many woolly monkeys are left in the wild. But they play a key role in their ecosystem, and without them the rain forest is in trouble. Join scientists on their quest to solve the mysteries surrounding the lives of woolly monkeys before it's too late. Scan QR codes inside the book to see and hear the monkeys!

From where they sleep to what they eat and how you can make them feel safe and at home, this book gives you all the pet care advice you need to become a guinea pig's best pal. Learn the inside information on how guinea pigs communicate, what games they like to play, and how to understand their behavior, so you can build a bond with your pet that will last a lifetime. 

SLJ Best Books of 2020 NYPL Best Books of 2020 Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books of 2020 CSMCL's Best Books of 2020 The Horn Book's Fanfare 2020 Booklist Pura Belpré Award Illustrator Honor The Best Children's Books of the Year in Spanish, Bank Street College of Education A fascinating bilingual picture book biography of Peruvian archaeologist and national icon Julio C. Tello, who unearthed Peru's ancient cultures and fostered pride in the country's Indigenous history. Growing up in the late 1800s, Julio Tello, an Indigenous boy, spent time exploring the caves and burial grounds in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. Nothing scared Julio, not even the ancient human skulls he found. His bravery earned him the boyhood nickname Sharuko, which means "brave" in Quechua, the language of the Native people of Peru. At the age of twelve, Julio moved to Lima to continue his education. While in medical school, he discovered an article about the skulls he had found. The skulls had long ago been sent to Lima to be studied by scientists. The article renewed Julio's interest in his ancestry, and he decided to devote his medical skills to the study of Peru's Indigenous history. Over his lifetime, Julio Tello made many revolutionary discoveries at archaeological sites around Peru, and he worked to preserve the historical treasures he excavated. He showed that Peru's Indigenous cultures had been established thousands of years ago, disproving the popular belief that Peruvian culture had been introduced more recently from other countries. He fostered pride in his country's Indigenous ancestry, making him a hero to all Peruvians. Because of the brave man once known as Sharuko, people around the world today know of Peru's long history and its living cultural legacy.

What if a jaguar and a skunk 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.

Without risking life or limb, readers can explore the wonders and beauty of the Amazon in this Where Is...? title. Human beings have inhabited the banks of the Amazon River since 13,000 BC and yet they make up just a small percentage of the "population" of this geographic wonderland. The Amazon River basin teems with life-animal and plant alike. It's a rainforest that is home to an estimated 390 billion individual trees, 2.5 million species of insects, and hundreds of amazing creatures and plants that can either cure diseases, or, like the poison dart frog, kill with a single touch. Where Is the Amazon? reveals the amazing scale of a single rainforest that we are still trying to understand today and that, in many ways, supports our existence on this planet.

What's left of Machu Picchu stands as the most significant link to the marvelous Inca civilization of Peru. Now readers can explore these ruins in this compelling Where Is? title. Built in the fifteenth century and tucked away in the mountains of Peru, Machu Picchu was abandoned after the Spaniards conquered the Incan empire in the sixteenth century. It remained hidden until 1911 when Hiram Bingham uncovered the marvelous complex and shared his discovery with the world. Today, hundreds of thousands of people visit the site to climb the 3,000 stone steps, explore the towering monuments, and see the numerous species that call these famous ruins home.

Sparks is a hero and man's best friend, but nobody suspects he's two cats!This Super Dog is the Cat's Meow!August is a brilliant inventor who is afraid of the outside. Charlie is a crack pilot who isn't afraid of anything. Together these pals save lives every day. They also happen to be cats who pilot a powerful, mechanical dog suit! Always eager to leap into danger, this feline duo have their work cut out for them as they try to thwart Princess, an evil alien bent on enslaving mankind. Don't let the fact that Princess looks like a cute, diaper-wearing baby fool you. She's clever, determined, and totally ruthless. So when Princess and the browbeaten fools she calls servants enact a brilliant and dastardly plan to conquer Earth, August and Charlie pull out all the stops to save the day.

In this hilarious graphic novel, Edison Beaker is about to find out what services the family business, Beaker Creature Control, really offer. (Hint- forget about rat and roach removal . . . think monsterhunting!) Edison Beaker and his young sister Tesla are staying with their Uncle Earl, manager of the family pest control company, when an alarm sounds and he has no choice but to drag them along on a service call. They should have listened when he warned them to "stay in the van." Monster-sized mayhem ensues when the kids chase their escaped hamster into a mysterious warehouse-and suddenly they are the ones being chased when all sorts of creepy creatures scurry, slink, and stomp through a secret Night Door. The first of two new middle-school graphic novels that introduce a funny, smart, likable, reluctant hero and his wisecracking younger sister whose adventures are sure to appeal to readers of Lunch Lady, Hilo, and Caveboy Dave.

Here is an irresistible collection of clever cat-themed cartoons--a companion title to Dave Coverly's Dogs Are People, Too: A Collection of Cartoons to Make Your Tail Wag. This collection contains over a hundred of Dave's funniest cat cartoons from his nationally syndicated panel Speed Bump, as well as cat doodles and interviews from eight other award-winning cat-loving cartoonists. Filled with cat clichés, cat bloopers, and pop "cature," this is a compelling gift item perfect for animal-lovers of all ages.Christy Ottaviano Books

Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic--dinosaurs, coral reefs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, flying machines, and more. These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty-year-old with a secret passion for airplanes, these books are for you!In this volume, we meet feline friends from the tiniest kodkod to the biggest tiger and find out what makes your neighborhood domestic cats so special. Equipped with teeth, claws, and camouflage to survive everywhere from deserts to mountaintops, how did these ferocious felines make the leap from predators to playmates and are they even done leaping?