Mardy and Olaus Murie fell in love in--and with--Alaska. Then set out on an adventure across the Arctic for Olaus's work as a biologist, encountering the beauty and danger of the wilds along the way. They learned from Indigenous communities to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living creatures and understood that the way humans were moving in on wild land was threatening the natural world. So they shifted the focus of their work to conservation, fighting to protect the land and animals--and lobbying for the creation of what finally became the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, nine thousand square miles of protected land! Mardy and Olaus's story of passion and hard work will inspire all readers to fan their spark of purpose into flame. Backmatter includes additional information on Mardy and Olaus, their legacy, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and more.
Each season has its own qualities that set it apart. Winter, with its stark-white crust of snow, turns even a mundane scene into a sparkling fairyland. Spring, along with her many shades of green, brings a promise of new beginnings. Summer gifts us with long, lazy days of endless blue skies and the scent of freshly mown grass. But fall has a magic, a secret, all its own. It offers a kaleidoscope of textures, smells, and colors. But what's behind those glorious colors we see among the treetops and upon the leaf-covered ground? Are leaves more than what they seem? Through engaging text and charming artwork, young readers are invited to explore how and why leaves change color. And perhaps, after fall's secret is revealed, we learn something about ourselves and our own distinct beauty. Back matter delves into the science behind photosynthesis.
During a light rain, a child dozes on a sandy ocean-side beach, snuggling in her mother's arms. But while the sand beneath her is soft and still, there's a whirlwind of activity in the sea next to her. The waves roll back and forth to shore, while beneath them a busy underwater world is teeming with life. As the girl sleeps, she dreams of participating in that world. Through lyrical text, award-winning science writer Suzanne Slade (June Almeida, Virus Detective! The Woman Who Discovered the First Human Coronavirus) takes young readers on an exploration of our oceans and the many creatures and ecosystems found there, from migrating whales to elusive eels to the colorful coral reefs. Back matter includes science facts, as well as a reminder of why we need to be good stewards of the world's oceans. This companion title to The Universe and You illustrates once again that our natural world is full of wonders just waiting to be explored.
The Wildes have made some serious enemies in their last two adventures--and now they've all shown up in the little Texas town of Glen Rose with vengeance in their hearts. Moving the vaquitas to the Wilds has created quite a controversy and raised a national debate about how to save severely endangered species. Go behind the scenes of the Wilds facility with Ring and Asia and discover how a modern animal park operates--and the dramas they face. Asia and Ring are home and it turns out that home is even wilder than the places they've visited!
A cloud of ash rises above a volcano. Suddenly, volcanic lightning flashes through the blackness. This hi/lo title about volcanic lightning will excite readers who love the thrill of nature. Leveled text includes exciting information about what volcanic lightning is, folklore behind this natural mystery, and what scientists have come to understand about this phenomenon. Fun facts provide additional information throughout the book. Special features describe a related phenomenon, a notable sighting, and more!
Stones dot a dry lakebed. Each one is followed by a wandering trail left in the dirt. Did the stones move? This hi/lo title uncovers the mystery behind sailing stones. Readers will discover what sailing stones are, some of the first explanations of the phenomenon, and what truths scientists have uncovered. Profiles of notable sightings give specific examples of the history of sailing stones. A diagram provides a visual explanation of how the stones move.
A wind blows sand down a dune. A loud sound fills the air. It is a singing sand dune! This title explores the many sounds, the history, and the science behind singing sand dunes. The carefully leveled text includes high-interest content and photos. Interesting features dive into a related phenomenon, a past explanation, and more. Fun facts give readers even more to learn. This title will have readers singing its praises!
Fairy rings are circles of fungi growth. Many cultures have created folklore to explain these creations of nature. Although we understand them today, they continue to be a whimsical phenomenon. This hi/lo title explains what fairy rings are, details their history, and explores the science behind how they form. Special features detail a related phenomenon, a notable sighting, and a past explanation. A diagram highlights the stages of mushroom growth. Readers will also find fun facts throughout the text that provide additional interesting information about fairy rings.
Waves approach a beach at night. As they crash upon the sand, a blue glow flickers throughout the water. The glowing waves are a dazzling sight to see! Readers will discover the wonder and beauty of glowing waves in this hi/lo title. Chapters describe this natural phenomenon, share the history of glowing waves, and explain how they occur. Special features include a notable sighting, an explanation diagram, and more.
The Nile River runs south to north through 11 African countries! This title welcomes readers to explore the Nile’s route through wetlands and the Savanna Desert all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Vibrant photos and thoughtfully leveled text detail how the river formed, as well as its importance to the wildlife and humans around it. Special features provide in-depth descriptions of major events and human-made structures along the Nile River.
The Yangtze River is the longest river in Asia! It is known by different names as it flows through China. In this title, fluent readers will explore the river and its over 700 tributaries. Crisp photos show the landscape and wildlife supported by the Yangtze. Leveled text highlights the human history of the river and the present-day impact of people on its waters. Features add details about the river’s formation, cultural significance, and more.
Every year, millions of Hindus travel to the Ganges River. This title welcomes readers to explore this holy river’s spiritual and life-sustaining significance. Crisp photos show the river’s path, including major tributaries, confluences, and the delta. Leveled text highlights wildlife supported by the river. Features add details about the river’s formation and timeline. The title concludes by sharing the severe impact of humans on the Ganges and some ways people are working to protect the river.
The Mississippi River is a migration route for more than 325 bird species! In this title, readers will dive into the river’s history and its reach across much of the United States. The wildlife and land along the river’s path are brought to life in the leveled text and colorful photos. A story feature highlights Mark Twain’s work inspired by the river, and other features map the river’s path, highlight historic events, and more. The book concludes by sharing how humans affect the mighty Mississippi River.
The Amazon River has earned the nickname “river sea.” Some areas are so wide that people are unable to see from one riverbank to the other! In this title, engaging text and crisp photos immerse readers in the land, plants, and animals along the river’s path. A timeline feature highlights human events on and around the river. The book concludes with a focus on present-day human activity and how it affects the Amazon River.
The famous waltz “The Blue Danube,” was inspired by the Danube River! This fun fact and more are included in this title as readers learn about the river’s journey through ten European countries. Leveled text highlights the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Human history and present-day activity are also discussed, including major cities and environmental threats. Special features show the river’s cultural impact, highlight human-made structures, and more. Colorful photos share the unique beauty of the Danube River!
It's Chloe's first day of her summer job as a lab assistant for Professor Adams, who might be a somewhat mad scientist. Chloe has to help take care of Venus flytrap mutants, including what Professor Adams calls a Mean-us Flytrap, a giant three-headed creature that's very hungry.
This transitional reader title gives information about how and why tsunamis happen, where they most commonly happen, their effects, and tsunami safety. This series is at a Level 3 and is written specifically for transitional readers.
This transitional reader title gives information about how and why volcanic eruptions happen and their effects. This series is at a Level 3 and is written specifically for transitional readers.
This transitional reader title gives information about how and why wildfires happen, their effects, and wildfire safety. This series is at a Level 3 and is written specifically for transitional readers.
This transitional reader title gives information about how and why avalanches happen, their effects, and avalanche safety. This series is at a Level 3 and is written specifically for transitional readers.
This transitional reader title gives information about how and why droughts happen and their effects. This series is at a Level 3 and is written specifically for transitional readers.
This transitional reader title gives information about how and why earthquakes happen, where they most commonly happen, and their effects. This series is at a Level 3 and is written specifically for transitional readers.
Dadi is coming to stay with Nadia and Nadir while their parents are away for pilgrimage. Nadia and Nadir play the role of tour guides, showing their grandmother around Houston.
Nadia and Nadir begin collecting kitchen scraps and learn about layering, aerating, and how compost can enrich the soil naturally.
This title will feature some common summer plants, like sunflowers and melon! Very simple text combined with correlating and colorful images will both inform and strengthen reading skills.
