Where can one find the world's largest mounted African elephant? Or the world's largest blue diamond? Why, at the world's largest museum complex and research organization, of course! In S is for Smithsonian readers can take an armchair tour of the incredible exhibitions and collections found in the Smithsonian Museum. When it opened in 1855, no one could have imagined that the Smithsonian Museum would grow to include 19 museums, nine research centers, or over 130 million objects, artworks, and specimens collected from all over the world. With over 25 million visitors a year, the Smithsonian truly is the world's largest museum! See the airplane Amelia Earhart flew on her solo Atlantic flight. Admire diamond earrings that once belonged to Marie Antoinette. From A-Z, S is for Smithsonian explores the amazing objects and memorable displays that are part of this remarkable museum. Marie and Roland Smith have collaborated on several alphabet titles, including B is for Beaver: An Oregon Alphabet and Z is for Zookeeper: A Zoo Alphabet. They live on a small farm south of Portland. The author of many books for children, Roland has also penned Sleeping Bear Press's middle-grade series, I, Q. Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen has illustrated more than 20 books with Sleeping Bear Press, including the bestselling The Legend of Sleeping Bear; The Edmund Fitzgerald: Song of the Bell; and most recently, Itsy Bitsy & Teeny Weeny. He and his wife, Robbyn, live in Bath, Michigan, on their 40-acre farm and wildlife refuge.
Why is Saskatoon called the "Bridge City"? Who were the first inhabitants of Saskatchewan? Where can you find rare plants such as the Prickly Pear Cactus and the Gumbo Evening Primrose? Discover the answers to these questions, along with other facts, in L is for Land of Living Skies: A Saskatchewan Alphabet. Readers young and old can visit the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina, study the rare flora and fauna of the Cypress Hills Forest Reserve, enjoy the music at the John Arcand Fiddle Fest, or sample the delights of the Qu'Appelle Valley. From the healing waters of Little Manitou Lake to the otherworldly spectacle of the Northern Lights, everyone will enjoy this alphabetical journey that showcases the riches of Saskatchewan. Linda Aksomitis's young adult novel, Snowmobile Challenge, was a finalist for best children's book in the 2003 Saskatchewan Book Awards. L is for Land of Living Skies is her first picture book. Currently she lives in Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan. She travels frequently, giving author talks and lectures and researching future projects. Lorna Bennett attended Grant MacEwan College and the University of Alberta in the Arts/Fine Arts programs. In addition to L is for Land of Living Skies, she also illustrated C is for Chinook: An Alberta Alphabet and M is for Mountie: An RCMP Alphabet. Lorna lives in Edmonton, Alberta.
From "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens" to "Doe, a deer, a female deer," many people have grown up humming the tunes or singing the lyrics to the songs from the beloved movie The Sound of Music. But what is the real story behind the brave von Trapp family? V is for von Trapp: A Musical Family Alphabet gives a behind-the-headlines look at this real-life singing family made famous in the classic movie. Starting with their idyllic early life in Austria where their love of music and performing began, author William Anderson takes readers along on the family's courageous mountaintop escape from Nazi authorities to their new life in America and the famous von Trapp family lodge in the Vermont hills. Meet determined Maria, the dashing Captain, and their talented children; the famous von Trapps whose life story captivated thousands and continues to inspire with its legacy of hope and achievement. Author, historian, and lecturer William Anderson did extensive research and interviews with the von Trapp family. His previous book with Sleeping Bear is M is for Mount Rushmore: A South Dakota Alphabet. William lives in Lapeer, Michigan. Linda Graves is the illustrator of over 30 children's books, published worldwide. She was born in Eureka, California, and graduated with a degree in illustration from San Jose State University. Linda is a member of the Western Massachusetts Illustrators Guild, and lives in the woods of Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
Teachers and parents of ESL students will cheer when they discover the Hola, English! series, as will those seeking to expose English-speaking kids to Spanish. Ten Little Fish combines numbers with simple adjectives (fish above, fish below; seven fish, fast and slow) and simple verbs (swim and dive fish, here are five fish).
The books in the Hola, English! series were written for Spanish-speaking children new to English and English-speaking children whose parents or teachers want to introduce a foreign language early on. Max and Sarah Build a Snowman teaches numbers and counting within the context of the familiar hide-and-seek game.
The Hola, English! series provides children with reasons to talk and things they will want to talk about. In Sleepy Barker, Barker the dog is awakened by one sound after another (howl, hoot, boom) but finally falls asleep after being reassured that mom and dad are there for him.
This bilingual series will appeal both to Spanish-speaking ESL students and English-speaking kids who are learning Spanish. Its Raining Cats and Frogs features plural words and idiomatic expressions. It explores the difference between real and pretend and engages young children in selecting appropriate clothing for wet weather.
The bilingual books in the Hola, English! series help teachers and parents guide young children into the back-and-forth of a conversation. I Say Yes! I Say No! is told entirely in simple dialogue between parents and children. It features familiar nighttime and bedtime rituals.
Explores wishing traditions from around the world, including rainbows, wishing wells, the moon, birthday candles, and wishbones.
From bog snorkeling to kayaking over waterfalls, this exciting book has lots of strange water sports from around the world.
Throwing and kicking things have long been part of competitive sports. Now read about some of the weirdest sports in this category--from caber tossing to the Alaskan high-contest.
What kinds of competitions do other countries have? Well, how about unicycle polo? Or Finland's famous wife-carrying contest? Read about some of the strangest world sports inside!
Animal sports can be found all around the world. But this fun,informative book takes you beyond horse- and dog-racing to the weird world of turkey bowling and ostrich racing.
Explores global traditions surrounding the loss of first teeth, including the tooth fairy, the tooth mouse, and beliefs to make teeth strong.
A very simple introduction to the life and accomplishments of famed civil-rights activist Rosa Parks.
Explores global traditions surrounding the arrival of a new year, including food, parties, finding good luck, and making resolutions.
Explores national day (patriotism day) traditions from around the world, including independence days and patriotic holidays.
Explores Christmas traditions from around the world, including foods, gift-giving, and religious celebrations.
Thanks to whimsical illustrations and everyday examples, kids can finally discover the true meanings behind such odd idioms as 'Break a leg!'
Mom and Dad have blue eyes. Mine are black. We don't look much alike, but that doesn't matter to me! Adopted children may have different skin or hair color from parents or siblings. But there's a lot more to making a family than sharing red hair and freckles!
With a long list of activities and events to attend, cousin Thomas paints a picture of city life that makes Jessie’s world seem a little dull in comparison. When her mother suggests they invite Thomas to visit their island, Jessie wonders glumly what she could possibly write in her letter that would sound as exciting as zoos, planetariums or video arcades. But as Jessie looks out over her island home, she sees a world of endless variety, from killer whales in the strait and bald eagles soaring overhead to anemones in tide pools and tiny hermit crabs on the shore. She thinks of countless days spent exploring, fishing, swimming and canoeing.
One spring, a nine-year-old Cree boy is visited by a master soapstone carver named Lindy, who gives him four pieces of soapstone. The primary secret to carving, the boy learns, is recognizing that each piece of soapstone already holds its true form inside. Lindy teaches the boy to listen to the soapstone and look to the world around him for signs as to what to carve. As the seasons change, the young boy’s experiences lend him opportunities to develop his carving skills and become attuned to the signs around him. He eagerly awaits the following spring, which will bring Lindy’s return and a chance to show off his carvings.
In Chinese New Year, early readers will learn about this Chinese holiday and the ways people celebrate it. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage emergent readers as they explore this unique holiday. A labeled diagram helps readers understand the symbols of Chinese New Year, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about Chinese New Year online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Chinese New Year also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
In Halloween, early readers will learn about the holiday of Halloween and the ways people celebrate it. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage emergent readers as they explore this unique holiday. A labeled diagram helps readers understand the symbols of Halloween, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about Halloween online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Halloween also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
In Veterans Day, early readers will learn about the American holiday of Veterans Day and the ways people celebrate it. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage emergent readers as they explore this unique holiday. A labeled diagram helps readers understand the symbols of Veterans Day, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about Veterans Day online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Veterans Day also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
