As the world's largest land animals, elephants inspire awe in all of us - an awe that has led to myths of might and memory. Despite its immense strength, however, the elephant is a timid creature that uses its power only to defend itself against predators. Kids will learn many facts about these gentle pachyderms, including the social structure of elephants, in which the female is the leader, the animal's many dexterous uses for its trunk, the history of the elephant's even larger ancestors, including woolly mammoths, and the dangers that poaching, loss of habitat, and the ivory trade pose to the elephants future.
This up-to-date new book describes the alarming events of 2010 after an oil rig toppled over in the Gulf of Mexico releasing millions of gallons of oil into the water. The largest accidental oil spill in history, it killed untold numbers of wildlife, poisoned over a hundred miles of coastal land, and devastated the commercial fishing and tourism industries in an area still reeling from the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Katrina.
Lush, moist, and teeming with life, rain forests are one of Earth's biome wonders. Peel back the corners of the rain forest to discover what lives within one of the planets busiest environments, from wolves and porcupines to monkeys and poison dart frogs. Learn how each organism functions within its rain forest ecosystem and how it survives in one of the most predatory biomes on Earth. Find out, too, how rain forests are found all around the world and what you can do to help protect these precious resources.
This fascinating book describes the geological makeup and history of the Sahara Desert in North Africa. The biggest hot desert on Earth, it covers parts of twelve countries, more area than the entire United States! The Sahara has oases scattered widely and sand dunes that can reach as high as 600 feet (182m). Readers will learn about the people, plants, and animals such as camels, goats, and fennec foxes that inhabit this desert habitat. Special sections describe the desert's natural resources, such as oil and natural gas, and the unique problems facing this region.
Hibernation is one of natures greatest miracles, allowing animals to sleep through periods of extreme cold and heat. Interesting information describes how different animals use body fat to survive, how they can wake themselves up, and how some give birth during hibernation.
Rhymes talk about water and the many forms it takes in oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlandseven in the bodies of living things! Children will love the pictures that accompany the fun rhyming verses! Rivers flow from high ground to low. They carry fresh water as they go. The source of a river is where it begins. The mouth of a river is where it ends. Rivers meander in curves and bends.
Children will love the wonderful pictures in this fun introduction to the kinds of homes animals make in various habitats: Homes are in habitats, on the ground or in trees. Some are in water, in lakes, rivers, or seas. A home can be a cave, a burrow, or nest. It is a safe place for animals to rest.
What names do we call animals that eat certain kinds of foods? Children will have fun rapping their way through herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, but it does not stop there. Students are challenged to say the names of some special eaters, too - including themselves! These words are perfect for rhyming and rapping and will provide a fun learning experience for young learners who love to use supersized words.
This entertaining rap explains that we cannot live for more than a few minutes without air and why it is important to breathe clean air. Children will learn about the role air plays in photosynthesis and how trees help clean the air. Other topics include: how air moves, different names for air, how air has no shape but fills space, its presence in water, and how wind can be harnessed as a clean source of energy.
Politician Al Gore has lent both his voice and his political influence in the fight against global warming. His work and creative energy have earned him numerous forms of public recognition, most notably the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
Ed Begley, Jr. is a Hollywood actor, who inspires, entertains, and motivates a new generation of environmental activists, fans, and consumers with his all-encompassing green lifestyle. Whether he is promoting his own line of green products, lending his voice to further environmental awareness and action, or walking the walk of the life he touts in his own solar-powered home, the star of Living with Ed is constantly on the lookout for ways to live more green - and get others onboard in the process.
David Suzuki is a prominent environmental activist. Throughout his adult life, he has been the creative force behind numerous television shows on science and the environment. He has used his voice to advocate for the environment and to take to task political leaders whose action and inaction have been part of the problem behind the global warming crisis.
Rachel Carson was a marine writer, biologist, and ecologist whose work inspired millions to take seriously the danger that human activity poses to the environment. She both revealed the wonders of the natural world and exposed the sinister threat to that world posed by DDT and other pesticides.
Warmer temperatures, budding plants, and baby animals are just some of the signs that spring is in the air! This informative new title examines the unique characteristics of spring and the changes the season brings.
Engaging photographs and informative text combine to support readers as they discover the wonders of winter! Readers learn about the characteristics of the winter season and its effects on weather, plants, animals, and people.
Why is fall the most appropriately named season? Readers will learn the answer to this question and much more in this captivating new title. From cooler temperatures and fewer daylight hours to colorful leaves and warmer clothing, readers will discover the many signs of the fall season.
From bone-chilling temperatures to sweltering heat, plants are found in the harshest habitats. This fact-filled title explains how plants grow in habitats that are best suited to their structures. Readers will discover the unique features that help plants meet their needs in diverse habitats around the world.
Many plants produce flowers. In fact, flowering plants are the largest and most widespread group of plants. In this informative title, readers will learn about the different parts and functions of flowers. Full-color photographs and clearly written text help readers knowledge blossom!
Rocks and minerals make up the foundation of our world. Relatable examples and accessible text combine to introduce young readers to these vital resources and explain how their actions can help preserve them.
Without water, life on Earth would not exist. This book provides a refreshing look at the uses of water and the importance of conserving and protecting this life-giving resource.
From the foods we eat to the flowers we grow, soil is an important natural resource in the growing cycle of plants. This informative title explains how soil is made and shares simple steps with readers on how to protect this often overlooked resource.
From crawling and burrowing to jumping and swimming, insects move in many different ways! This action-packed title introduces readers to the different ways insects get around and explains the link between form and function by examining how an insects body is suited for a certain type of movement.
Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, sugar gliders, and opossums are just a few of the marsupial babies introduced in this book. Children will learn that marsupial babies are born earlier than other baby mammals are and continue to grow and nurse inside their mothers pouches. They will love the pictures of these cute animals peeking out at the world around them. The book introduces life cycles, bodies, the foods these animals eat, how they move, and where on Earth they live.
Water Habitats features breathtaking photographs, detailed illustrations, and text that is easy to read, yet comprehensive. Young readers will enjoy learning about the different types of water habitats, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and swamps. This book also discusses the differences between saltwater habitats and freshwater habitats, the plant and animal life in each water habitat, and how animals find food and protect themselves.
A Rainforest Habitat introduces children to the huge trees, colorful flowers, and other plants in South American tropical rain forests. This fascinating book also outlines the insects, amphibians, mammals, and other animals that live there. Captivating photographs and easy-to-follow text help young readers understand the climate in a rainforest, the different plants and animals in a rainforest, and how animals find food and shelter in rainforests.
