If you are ever in Sydney, Australia and ask a few Sydney-siders what to see first, they will tell you to visit the Opera House. It is one of the most elaborate entertainment venues in the world and has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment. It is home to Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Theatre Company, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
What looks like a solid stone statue but inside has a staircase of 354 steps leading from pedestal to crown? The Statue of Liberty! This enormous monument in New York Harbor is both a stunning work of art and an amazing feat of engineering. If you like building things and putting puzzles together, you'll love learning about the making of Lady Liberty, America's greatest symbol of freedom and friendship.
It started with a promise, but was fueled by a passion for building. Shah Jahan, Mughal emperor of India in the seventeenth century, promised to build the most magnificent tomb for his dying wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Every measurement and material had deep meaning. All contributed to the perfection of the Taj Mahal. The 42-acre complex was a vision of harmony that reflected Mughal culture and the importance placed on respect for the dead. Almost 400 years later, the Taj Mahal of India remains one of the most beautiful tombs on Earth.
The Florida Everglades are located in the most southern part of Florida where the peninsula breaks off into thousands of tiny mangrove islands. This beautiful area, known by the Native Americans as the "grassy river" is made up of marshy swamp lands, mangrove clusters, and pine forests. It is home to a variety of both plant and animal species. The blue heron, alligator, manatee, flamingo, and bobcat all make this place their home. As a national park, the Everglades' natural beauty has been preserved so that it can be around for future generations.
The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous structures in the world. It is instantly recognizable, a gigantic yet elegant reminder of Paris, France. The tower is such an iconic symbol that it is hard to believe that it was once considered an eyesore by many famous writers and artists. One can't imagine Paris without it, but it was once supposed to be torn down. This is the story of the Eiffel Tower and of the man that created it, explaining in detail how he used unique engineering and construction tools and techniques to build something many said was impossible.
Drive to the northern corner of Montana and you'll discover a national park filled with soaring mountain peaks, sparkling teal-blue lakes, more than 2,000 plant species, and hundreds of animal species. Glacier National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the country and has been a world biosphere reserve since 1974. But the glaciers are in trouble from global warming. Scientists estimate that all the glaciers in the park will be gone by the year 2030. Find out what people are doing to help preserve this national treasure.
What is that hovering over the Pacific Northwest city of Seattle, Washington? Is it part of a movie set? Is it a publicity stunt? Could it bean actual spaceship? When you first spy the soaring Space Needle, high above Seattle, it's easy to be confused. The people who designed it more than 50 years ago would be happy to know that their building still amazes and mystifies. They wanted to create something that looked as if it had come from the future, just in time for the 1964 World's Fair. The obstacles they faced, the problems they solved, and the decisions they made have turned the Space Needle into more than just an incredible site to visit - it makes for an incredible story.
Boiling hot springs, spouting geysers, and bubbling mud volcanoes-all these unusual features and more are found at Yellowstone National Park. And those are just the features that have to do with volcanic activity! The park is also home to a bountiful wildlife ranging from gray wolves and grizzly bears to bison, bluebirds, bull elk, and beavers. Yellowstone is a nature lover's paradise and one of the most loved national parks in the country. Haven't had a chance to visit for yourself yet? Well, then come on inside-this book will take you on a grand tour of Yellowstone, and you won't even have to leave home to do so.
Want to go to a place where there are hundreds of waterfalls, trees as tall as skyscrapers, and towering slick rock mountains just begging for climbing? If so, you'll love visiting Yosemite National Park. This stunning park is located in California. It is where the giant sequoias live, some of the world's largest trees. The biggest, Grizzly Giant, is 30 stories tall and thousands of years old. Among the park's many types of animals are rare great gray owls and endangered bighorn sheep. John Muir loved this place. So did President Theodore Roosevelt. Ever since they helped make Yosemite a national park, millions of visitors have come to enjoy its natural beauty.
Walk right up to the rim of the Grand Canyon and watch the ground fall away, taking your breath with it. The drop is a mile straight down to the skinny green Colorado River. But the wide walls of canyon rock catch your eye first. They spread out in all directions, farther than you can see, a never-ending stack of soft rainbow colors. You can't take a bad picture at the Grand Canyon, and yet no picture truly captures it. When he visited in 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt declared that the Grand Canyon was the "one great sight every American should see." Today, Grand Canyon National Park protects a rich Native American heritage, beautiful geology, endangered species, and miles of exciting hikes. In 2019, Grand Canyon National Park, will celebrate its 100th anniversary. See why, each year, the Grand Canyon continues to be one of America's favorite destinations.
London, England's Big Ben is one of the biggest bells ever made. Its melodic sound has rung in the capital city of London for more than 150 years. Big Ben hangs in the 316-foot Palace of Westminster with the Great Clock. The clock's gears move the hands on the clock's four faces. It also makes the quarter bells and Big Ben chime. Together, it is one of England's most popular tourist sites. Yet, Big Ben was almost never built. Fire, carelessness, and attacks nearly kept it a dream in some people's minds. Discover how this beloved British landmark was nearly lost several times and how determination and hard work brought it to life.
Have you ever seen a bird with a beard? Would you like to meet a centipede as long as your foot? How about saying hello to a panda as it sleeps and eats the day away? Step into Asia. Here, youll see komodo dragons battle for the perfect mate and watch birds eat bones for lunch!
When Danny moved to his new home, he was thrilled to make a new friend, his neighbor Yehuda. Yehuda and his twin sister Ora share some of the ancient stories, laws, traditions, and teachings that enrich their lives. Come journey with Danny as he explores a new perspective, the Jewish faith. You'll meet Jews past and present. Will you find some sparks that inspire you?
The middle of the fourteenth century BCE was a strange time in ancient Egypt. The pharaoh had changed his name and religion and was inviting the wrath of the gods that had long watched over the land. The powerful priesthood felt threatened, the people feared the worst, and in the middle of everything was Pepi, a ten-year-old boy with a problem-he didn't want to go to school. Let Pepi explain his troubles to you as he takes you around his beloved city. Let him introduce you to his family, his friends, and their way of life, which thousands of years later might seem similar to your own.
In the year 1070 While William the Conqueror (the newly-crowned King of England) was out on a hunting excursion, he discovered the perfect spot for a new castle. It was a locale perched high on a cliff that provided a terrific vantage point in all directions. Construction began and after 16 years, the first phase of Windsor Castle is a delightful home for the royal family and is the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. Want to travel through the ages along the Merry Halls of Windsor? Step inside, kids; this tour is about ready to embark!
Deep in the Scottish Highlands resides the castle known as Balmoral. You may have heard of its owner, for she is none other than the Queen of England. Purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the 1840s, Balmoral became a magical retreat for the royal family to spend their holidays alone together, much like other families do. So, let the bagpipers begin to play and the Highland dancers begin to swirl and twirl - the Scottish culture and beautiful countryside surrounding Balmoral await you.
Glamis Castle is one of the most intriguing places in all of Scotland. Visitors from all over the world make a trip to the famous residence each year. Some are drawn to the castle's long history of royal residents, including the late Queen Mother of Queen Elizabeth II. Others want to know what it's like to walk the halls of the fortress that has served as the setting for many scary tales. Still, others delight in strolling through the estate's colorful gardens. No matter what brings visitors to the wondrous estate, they are sure to remember their time at this historic and spooky site.
While America isn't ruled by a royal family, our country nevertheless has some homes worthy of the name "castle"! La Cuesta Encantada near San Simeon, California, is one of them. Better known as Hearst Castle, this once private dwelling resembles a Mediterranean town high up in the Santa Lucia Mountains. There, media mogul William Randolph Hearst originally planned to build a simple summer place for his family. But his three-decade partnership with architect Julia Morgan resulted in an enormous estate that includes multiple guesthouses, swimming pools, an airport and even a zoo! Today, the castle is open to the public. Come on inside and let's take a tour of one of America's most famous homes!
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most visited attractions in the world. But what is the importance of this place other than a beautiful dwelling? The history of Versailles - why the palace was built and who lived there over the centuries - is fully detailed in this book. You'll get a glimpse into the world of the French kings and aristocracy and discover what it was really like to live at this stunning abode. You'll also find out the fate of the last French royal family to dwell at Versailles and why they met an untimely demise. Flip open the pages - the fascinating, glamorous, and intriguing world of Versailles is waiting for you.
Christianity began with a small group of men and women who witnessed the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. These followers called Jesus "Christ," or "Lord." They founded the Christian church in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago.Since then, Christianity has become a major religion around the world. The West in particular has been so influenced by Christianity that many of its customs and holidays have simply become part of our Western culture. Come learn about how it all started and what Christians believe and how they live today.
Cameron Parker made a new friend. His name is Arjun Gupta, and he is a Hindu of Indian descent. Cameron spent a lot of time with Arjun's family and learned a lot about their faith, which the Hindus call sanatana dharma, or the eternal religion. Arjun's grandmother told Cameron the story behind her grandson's name and about a pilgrimage she went on as a little girl. Arjun's sisters told Cameron about the connection between the Beatles and Hinduism. How did Hinduism reach Trinidad and Tobago where Arjun's mother is from? What is her connection to India, her husband's motherland? Read on to join Cameron as he discovers a new universe through the eternal religion.
Meeting someone with a different belief than your own can be confusing. When Daniel meets Ashoka, he not only meets his first Buddhist, but gets the chance to learn about Buddhist beliefs, prayers, and shrines. Follow along as Daniel learns all about the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths. Find out about reincarnation karma, and meditation - as well as mantras and Dharma wheels. Will Daniel and his new Buddhist friend have anything in common?
Layla Reed is only twelve years old, but she has a big project ahead of her. Her teacher has asked her to speak to her seventh grade class about Islam. Layla's best friend, Nancy Winters, is going to help her with the project, and she's going to learn a lot about her friend's religion along the way. Who was Muhammad? What exactly is in the Quran? What is jihaad? Islam is only 1,500 years old, but Muslims believe its message is older than Creation itself. Layla's family is busy fasting for the holy month of Ramadan, and the festival of Eid Al-Fitr is only a week away. Will she and Nancy be ready?
Why do people climb Mount Everest? It is one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. Mountain climber George Mallory once said, "Because it's there." People climb Mount Everest for different reasons. Many of them want the thrill of standing on top of the world. Some want the fame it may bring them. For others, it is the final obstacle in a sort of competition. More than a few don't know why, they just know they want to reach the summit - even if it means putting their lives at risk. This is the story of these climbers and the mountain that beckons them.
Just 150 years ago, many people refused to believe that snow could be found near the equator in Africa. Today, the white peak of Kilimanjaro is recognizable to people around the world. Its three volcanic peaks tower above the surrounding grasslands, forming the largest mountain in Africa. Each year, more than 35,000 people challenge themselves to climb Kilimanjaro. They hope to stand on the glacier-capped summit, far above the clouds, and know they have persevered. In these pages, explore the natural and human history of this great mountain, and discover what it takes to reach the top.
