The survival of the giant panda depends on the survival of its only food: bamboo. Habitat loss from the destruction of bamboo forests in south central China where they live made the giant panda a vulnerable species. This book tells how habitat conservation and the creation of borrowing-and-breeding programs with zoos around the world kept the beloved bear from extinction.
The only remaining wild population of whooping cranes breeds in Canada and winters in the United States. The story of their recovery is a tale of cross-border cooperation and the work of a team of international biologists. Readers will be able to chart their course and determine the elements of this successful recovery plan.
Listed as a threatened species in 1975, the grizzly bears near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming have made a remarkable recovery. Intriguing text and vibrant images will draw readers into the story of the bear's decline due to human interaction and habitat loss, and the strategies put in place that helped it return.
Long considered by humans as a threat to livestock, wolves are hunted as pests. In particular, the gray wolf has been hunted almost to extinction in parts of North America. But these keystone predators help keep an ecosystem in balance. This book details reintroduction programs that have helped populations recover—yet they still occupy only 10 percent of their historic range.
Humpback whales are a true ecological success story. Readers will be enthralled by the story of these masters of the deep, listed as endangered in 1970. Protected by an international ban on hunting all whales in 1982, the humpback recovered so well it was no longer listed as endangered in most of the world by 2016.
The American alligator, which escaped extinction 65 million years ago, was nearly wiped out in the marshes and swamps of Louisiana and Florida in the last century. Today, they are thriving. This exciting book tells the story of how government protection, habitat preservation, and a campaign to reduce the demand for alligator products helped bring back these fierce-looking predators.
Buzz! A black and yellow insect flies past! Is it a wasp ready to attack, or friendly bee searching for flowers? Young readers will find out how to tell bees and wasps apart using easy-to-read text, photo labels, and side-by-side comparisons. From body shape to hives and nests, beginning readers can match defining characteristics to each stinging insect in this colorful title.
African lions easily sneak through the savannas of Africa thanks to the camouflage of their tan fur. Engaging text covers this and other attributes that have made lions top grassland predators, with features showing major adaptations, range, and diet. Beginning readers can learn just how lions survive under the hot African sun in this fact-filled title.
Did you know that giraffe tongues are dark in color? Scientist believe the color protects them from the hot sun of the savanna. In this engaging title, bright photos and low-level text introduce young readers to giraffes and their adaptations to the grassland biome. Graphics about range, diet, and physical adaptations further illustrate how giraffes survive in the hot, dry savanna.
Zebras’ stripes don’t just look fancy--they help zebras survive their grassland habitat! The unique patterns of the stripes help keep dangerous flies away. In this title, low-level text and special features on diet and physical characteristics explain the special adaptations zebras have to make the African savanna their perfect home.
All tortoises are turtles, but what sets tortoises apart from their fellow family members? Side-by side-comparisons and clear photos take young learners through various physical and behavioral differences between turtles and tortoises in this low-level title. Discover what makes each reptile unique!
American bullfrogs can jump farther than 7 feet (2.1 meters)! In this leveled text, learn about the lives of North America’s largest frogs, from their habitat and diet to how they grow. Features including a range map, size comparison, and status bar add visual support to aid comprehension. Young students will leap for this fun title!
Cottonmouths are named for the white insides of their mouths. But don’t get too close! These snakes have a venomous bite. This title explores how cottonmouths use their deadly bite to capture prey and provides facts on other characteristics that help the snakes hunt and avoid predators. Special features show size comparisons and identifying traits to support leveled text. Slither up to this title for early readers and get ready to learn!
Muskrats are super swimmers! These semi-aquatic rodents can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes! In this engaging text, bright photos and special features illustrating conservation status, range, and identifying characteristics support information on the lives of muskrats, from habitat and favorite foods to how they grow. Dive into this fact-filled title for young readers!
Common box turtles are experts at avoiding predators. They can close their shells so that they are nearly impossible to open! Find out where these fascinating reptiles live, what they eat, and how they stay safe from predators in this leveled text. Features on predators and baby turtles support the text, along with colorful photos, to bring young readers out of their shells!
A rare snow leopard runs gracefully over the snow. Its large paws keep it from sinking into the drifts. A long, fluffy tail keeps it balanced atop high rocks. Young readers will love this colorful title about one of the world’s most mysterious mountain predators. With action-packed photos, easy-to-read text, maps, and infographics highlighting adaptations, this low-level book is sure to delight!
It’s not easy to be a little pika on a big mountain! These miniature mammals spend summer days building bathtub-sized haypiles to feed them through the snowy winter. Through maps, close-up photos, low-level text, and bright features highlighting adaptations, this title brings beginning readers eye-to-eye with pikas and their mountain biome.
German shorthaired pointers (GSPs) love to hunt! These energetic dogs crave action and excitement. This title tells of the breed’s history and characteristics through leveled text and bright photos, while features visually call out coat colors and key traits. Hunt down this title for a great pick for beginning readers!
During the warm summer, one brown bear can eat up to 40,000 moths in one day! These big mountain mammals must eat as much as they can before their long winter hibernation. Engaging photos, easy-to-read text, and colorful features highlighting the bears’ adaptations to the mountain biome bring brown bears up close in this low-level title.
No one climbs mountains like a mountain goat can! These nimble-footed critters easily scale steep slopes. Beginning readers will learn all about the adaptations that help mountain goats flourish in their rocky biome, from hard hooves to shaggy fur. Features including diet sidebars and range map support and add clarity to the text in this colorful, informative title.
The mountain lion quietly creeps toward its prey. With a pounce, it leaps 40 feet! These fearsome cats are top predators of their mountain biome. With exciting photos, maps, and infographics highlighting adaptations and diet, early readers can get the inside scoop on these fierce rulers of the mountains in this exciting title.
Akitas were first bred in Japan 400 years ago. Today, these dogs live around the world. You can find them working with police, helping people as therapy dogs, or just enjoying time with their families. Young readers will learn about these loyal friends through leveled text and bright pictures. Special features cover country of origin, life span, coat colors, and trainability in this high-interest title.
In the dead of winter on the prairie, grass hides under mounds of snow. Strong humps on bison backs help the animals push through to find a meal. This title uses easy-to-read text and spectacular photos to illustrate how bison have adapted to survive on the harsh Great Plains. Special features show diet, characteristics, and range to engage and support young readers in comprehension.
Hyenas have large hearts that make them perfect endurance athletes for covering large stretches of land. This is a key adaptation in the grasslands! This title uses simple text and features including maps and status charts to explain the adaptations of these giggling mammals. Young readers will learn that there is so much more to these misunderstood animals than the movies show!
Water can be hard to find on African savannas. Luckily, African elephants have unique ways to stay cool and hydrated with their wrinkly skin and throat pouches! In this title, simple text helps young readers explore all the ways these elephants have adapted to their dry biome. Special features showing range, conservation status, and diet visually support the text to aid in learning and comprehension.
