Skid steer loaders are small construction machines that can do many different jobs. They are very useful for working in small places. Follow a skid steer loader as it drills a hole, lifts up a tree, or moves dirt. Blastoff! Series
Did you know a bulldozers blade can be as heavy as an elephant? A bulldozer breaks apart rocks or dirt and uses its blade to clear things out of the way. Students will learn about the different parts of a bulldozer and the various places a bulldozer works. Blastoff! Series
Clear the road for the speeding ambulance! These vehicles need to get to an emergency as fast as possible. Learn about the equipment an ambulance carries and how ambulance workers save lives. Blastoff! Series
When you lose electricity during a storm, a bucket truck may come to the rescue. Bucket trucks help people reach things high up like power lines, trees, or traffic lights. Discover a bucket trucks different uses and how this machine works. Blastoff! Series
Airplanes come in all shapes and sizes, from small to jumbo. Some airplanes can fly as fast as 2,000 miles per hour. Take a first look at the parts of an airplane, and hold on tight for take off! Blastoff! Series
Have you ever wanted to leave your handprint in a patch of wet concrete? You may have wondered how concrete is formed and how it is set down to harden. This introduction offers a glimpse into this process and the giant machine behind it. Blastoff! Series
Have you ever seen a big truck on the highway? That is called a big rig. It transports many of the things we use in our everyday lives. Read about the different types of big rigs and how they transport cargo. Blastoff! Series
Backhoes are powerful machines that help build houses or other structures. The strongest part of a backhoe is its digging bucket, which scoops up dirt and rocks. Young readers will find out how this machine operates and works in this easy introduction. Blastoff! Series
Underwater earthquakes, volcanoes, and mudslides can cause tsunami waves that reach land and wreak havoc. Children will learn how tsunamis develop, how they are detected, and their devastating impact on communities. Blastoff! Series
Hurricane winds spin around a central point called an eye. A hurricane's eye usually has calm weather and clear skies. Eager readers will discover how hurricanes form, move, and damage tropical areas. Blastoff! Series
Get close to the battlefield in one of the most heavily armed gunships in the world. The AC-130 has enough firepower to take out enemy tanks and other armored vehicles. Learn about the history of the AC-130, its weapons and features, and how it supports ground troops in their missions.
The United States Marine Corps uses the Super Cobra to support Marines and take out enemy vehicles. Loaded with missiles, guns, and rockets, the Super Cobra is a very efficient force on the battlefield. Readers will explore the history of the Super Cobra and how this attack helicopter helps the Marine Corps complete missions.
Named after two soldiers who won the Medal of Honor, the Stryker is an armored combat vehicle that serves many roles in the United States Army. Strykers can carry troops, guns, and missiles. They can also work as ambulances, fire trucks, and reconnaissance vehicles. Discover why the Stryker is going to be a mainstay in the Army for many years.
The Sea Dragon is the largest and heaviest helicopter in the United States military. It can transport troops and haul cargo. It is also used to detect and blow up mines in dangerous waters. Read about the history of the Sea Dragon, the tools it uses to detect mines, and its role in keeping our waters safe.
The Midwestern United States was nicknamed "The Dust Bowl" in the 1930s because years of drought devastated the region. This book teaches why droughts happen, how they affect living things, and the importance of conserving water. Blastoff! Series
The F-22 Raptor might be the most advanced fighter plane in the world. Using stealth technology, it can carry out ground attack missions, electronic warfare missions, and dominate the skies. Students will discover the weapons and technology that allow the F-22 Raptor to complete these missions with ease.
Winter brings ice, snow, and cold temperatures. Some animals hibernate while others change their habits to survive the cold months. Readers will learn about how people, animals, and plants deal with the cold, chilly weather of winter! Blastoff! Series
Fall signals the end of summer and the coming of winter. Changing colors, falling leaves, and the return of cool temperatures are all signs of fall. Students will learn about the changes fall brings to people, animals, and plants. Blastoff! Series
Long, hot days, thunderstorms, and outdoor activities signal the beginning of summer. Animals are more active and vegetables are ready to pick. Eager students will find out how summer changes people, plants, and animals. Blastoff! Series
The elite special force of the United States Navy, SEALs are trained to carry out operations both on land and at sea. Students will learn about the tools used on missions, as well as the history of the SEALs and how they operate today.
The army is one of the largest ground forces in the world. Discover how they use the latest technology to outfit their troops and vehicles for battle.
The United States Army Rangers are an elite light infantry special operations force. Readers will learn what life is like as a Ranger, what tools they are trained to use, and what kind of missions they perform.
Fruits are a key part of the food guide pyramid. They provide us with fiber, energy, vitamins, and more. Readers will learn the many ways fruits are good for them and how much fruit they should eat every day. Blastoff! Series
Snowflakes look white but are actually clear! They are pieces of falling ice. Discover how snow forms and falls and how every snowflake is intricate and unique. Blastoff! Series
Spring brings new life and warmth to the world. Longer days and blooming flowers lead us into warmer days. Young readers will discover how animals, plants, and people change when spring is upon us! Blastoff! Series