A fable is a short story that teaches the reader a lesson. The characters in a fable are often animals that speak and act like humans. How To Tell a Fable is an engaging title that uses fables from around the world to help readers identify the conventions of this genre. Readers are guided through a series of writing tasks to learn how to incorporate these same conventions in their own writing.
A legend is a story about a hero, a people, or a natural phenomena. Popular legends include King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Blackbeard, and Robin Hood. This exciting new title teaches readers about the common characteristics found in legends from around the world. Engaging writing activities guide readers as they use these characteristics to create their own legends.
This interesting title examines the mythology and folklore of India, and discusses its importance in Hinduism. The greatest myths of India, drawn from the sacred texts and traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, are presented. The Indian gods and goddesses portrayed in this colorful mythology are creators and protectors, but often they are also warriors and destroyers, particularly when fighting demons. Supported by beautiful Indian artworks and full-color photography, the text shows readers how these ancient tales helped Indians explain creation, birth, death, love, and the purpose of humans' earthly life. Topics include Vishnu, preserver of the universe, Shiva, the destroyer, and the Asuras, the demons or anitgods.
In this captivating book, readers are introduced to the mythology that reflects the religious beliefs and social practices of the Scandinavian people and the fearsome Vikings. Readers learn about the great Norse gods and the Nine Worlds. They will also discover how the physical geography of Scandinavia influenced their mythology. Topics include Ragnark, the prophecy of battles ending in death for many heroes, Beowulf, a legendary king, and Fenrir, the wolf.
This interesting books describes the mythology of Mesoamerica, which encompasses the general region of Central America. A mixture of myths from many cultures, including the Aztecs and the Mayans, these stories about the creation of the world and the afterlife helped these ancient cultures explain what was happening in their world. Topics featured include Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec creator god, Huitzilopochtli, the supreme god of Tenochtitlanthe capital city of the Aztec empire, and Maya hieroglyphic writing.
Explore the rich worldview of Native North American tribes through their myths and legends. Tales originating from various tribes functioned in a number of important ways: they explained the story of creation, described the relationship of humans to the rest of the universe, and preserved the sacred history of the tribe. In addition, myths and storytelling helped Native Americans pass on knowledge related to hunting, fishing, farming, healing the sick, and dealing with conflict or disaster. This book also places their mythology in historical context, for example, connecting earth myths with the Native Americans' real-life, tragic struggle to preserve their lands. Topics include the Great Mystery, animal guides, and the four directions.
The Paralympics are a series of sporting events for elite athletes with different physical abilities. This book examines the five Paralympic winter sports - alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ice sledge hockey, and wheelchair curling - and the athletes who compete in them. Prepare to be inspired by their courage, skill, and dedication to their sport.
Ten beautifully illustrated stories tell classic tales from different cultures of powerful gods and goddesses in mythology clashing with each other and with humans. Myths include: Pandora opening the box that releases the evils of humanity, and King Midas whose touch turned everything to gold, from Greek mythology; Ganesha, the god with the elephant head, from Indian mythology; Thor's Hammer, from Norse mythology; mighty Glooscap and the baby Wasis from Native American mythology; and the god Horus taking back the throne of Egypt, from Egyptian mythology. Feature boxes add additional details to help readers better understand concepts in the story as well as the time period in which the story was written.
Ten wonderfully illustrated stories tell folktales and legends from different cultures about ghosts and spirits, and their interaction with the human world. Feature boxes add additional details to help readers better understand concepts in the story as well as the time period in which the story was written.
Spotlight on South Korea introduces children to the country of South Korea in Asia whose nearest neighbors are China, Japan, and North Korea. South Korea is mostly mountainous, and there are about 3,000 islands off its coasts. Most South Koreans have moved from the countryside to the cities, especially to its capital Seoul, the country's largest city. Young readers will learn about South Korea's history, the daily life of Koreans, as well as about Korean festivals and culture.
This informative title introduces readers to four of the states that make up the Southwest region of the United States: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Southwest has many people of Hispanic descent as well as Native-American people from nations such as the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Apache. Readers will discover how the climate, population distribution, history, and culture of this region make it distinct.
It's always important to appreciate how much we all have in common. But sometimes it's just as important to appreciate the ways in which we are different. A change of attitude is often needed when it comes to accepting diversity. These two reader's theater-style plays look at the personal consequences of rumors and bigotry.
This colorful cookbook offers step-by-step healthy recipes from the following countries or areas of the world : Mexico, Thailand, Italy, China, Japan, India, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Africa, and more. Multicultural Meals also gives children a basic understanding of nutrition and the importance of drinking water and looks at the staple foods, cooking methods, and spices used by various peoples. The recipes are kid-tested and fun to make and eat. They include: how to set up an Italian pasta bar and Mexican fajita station and how to make the following: Indian curry with a twist, Thai coconut soup, oodles of Japanese noodles, Chinese lemon chicken, Moroccan couscous, and many more.
The forced removal of the Cherokee from their land changed not only the lives of the Native people, but also the course of American history. This gripping title examines the events leading up to the removal of the Cherokee from their native lands, the suffering endured on the Trail of Tears, and the struggles they faced once reaching their new land in present-day Oklahoma. The book also includes information about the Cherokee nation today.
The Samurai may have been the rock stars of the warrior class in medieval Japan, but the Ninjas were the secret agents. Known also as shinobi, which means "to steal away," Ninjas kept to the shadows and practiced espionage for their clan leaders. This exciting book details the history and skills of these stealthy, farming-class saboteurs who were masters of 18 warrior skills, including the martial art ninjutsu.
As the 50th anniversary of the 1963 march for Civil Rights in Washington, D.C. approaches, this timely book looks at its organization, the key players, and why it is still relevant today.
This fascinating title brings ancient history to life with a clear, easy-to-understand overview of the Mayan culture and the mystery surrounding their calendar.
Spotlight on Kenya introduces children to the tropical country of Kenya in Africa. As you travel across Kenya, the landscape changes from white beaches at the Indian Ocean to wide open grasslands, called savanna, where wild animals roam, to the highlands, where most of Kenyas people live. Young readers will learn about the history, cities, and cultures of this fascinating country, including the music, dance, and celebrations of the Masai people. They will delighted by the photographs of savanna animals such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, and hippos.
Spotlight on France introduces children to the country of France in Europe. France is famous for its beautiful countryside, its history of powerful rulers, and its exciting cities. France is also known for its delicious foods, fabulous fashions, and famous artists such as Monet and Renoir. This informative book also looks at France's major holidays and celebrations and the favorite pastimes of children.
The world's largest tropical rain forest and the world's longest mountain range are both found on the continent of South America. This beautiful new book introduces children to the fascinating physical and social geography of South America. Children will be eager to learn about the countries in South America, how South America is connected to North America, South America's major landforms and bodies of water, the people, plants, and animals in the rain forests, grasslands, and deserts, urban and rural life, and South America's natural resources.
Africa has more countries than any other continent. In Explore Africa, children learn many facts about Africa's countries and its geography. Each page is beautifully laid out. The book includes several continent maps so readers can relate the text and photographs to their location on the continent. This essential book looks at Africa's mountains, including Mount Kilimanjaro, and valleys, Africa's waterways including the longest river in the world, African culture, and popular tourist destinations in Africa.
This informative and easy-to-read new book introduces children to the fascinating and diverse continent of Asia - the largest continent on Earth! Full color photographs and detailed maps highlight Asia's major regions - Northern, Central, Western, Eastern, Southern, and Southeastern Asia. Simple text describes the, major Asian bodies of water and landforms, the climate in Asia, life in Asian forests, steppes, deserts, and other biomes, Asia's natural resources, and the differences between rural and urban areas.
In the United States, many cultures means many celebrations. This colorful book explores the many civic and Christian holidays, festivals from other religions, and popular events that Americans enjoy.
A large part of the population of the United States was built on immigration from around the world. This fascinating book looks at the people, traditions, and ways of life today of both Native Americans and the many cultures that have landed on the shores of the United States.
Learn the history behind this national holiday, celebrating the birth of a nation by Canadians from coast to coast. See the many different ways in which this multi-cultural nation recognizes this occasion with fireworks, music, food, a day-off work, and other special events.
