Did you know that Iraq was home to the oldest known human civilization on Earth? This area used to be known as Mesopotamia, and many different ancient peoples lived there. Readers will learn about daily life in Iraq, contemporary Iraqi culture, and the changes the country is going through today.
Denmark has consistently been ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. It has a high standard of living, an impressive literacy rate, and an industrious economy. In this title, discover more about a land famous for its fairy tales, innovative culture, and lively people.
This ancient country is considered the birthplace of Western civilization. Tourists can walk on the grounds of the first Olympic Games, see the mythical Mount Olympus, and visit the Acropolis of Athens, where people gathered thousands of years ago. Read all about Greece and its traditions, from old to new, in this informative title.
Pakistan became a country in 1947 after the Muslim people of India fought for the creation of an independent state. Now, Pakistan is the second most populated Muslim-majority country in the world. Young readers will learn about Pakistan’s geographic features, its abundant wildlife, and the strong culture of its people today.
Haiti is a country that has experienced many hardships—most recently, a devastating earthquake in January of 2010. It is also a country with a rich history and a culture that is famous for its unique, colorful painting and sculpture styles. Readers will learn about Haiti’s landscape, its vibrant culture, and the work being done to rebuild Haiti today.
Iran is an ancient country that used to be called Persia. The Persians were one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, and Persian culture has a strong presence in Iranian culture today. In this book, explore Iran’s rain forests, national cuisine, and the traditions of a people that trace their roots back thousands of years.
Famous for the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps, Switzerland is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts all over the world. Swiss alpine culture is also known for a long wooden horn called the alphorn and the tradition of yodeling. Explore the stunning landscapes, unique culture, and bustling cities of this small European country.
Travel to Kenya and see if you can spot giraffes, elephants, lions and other African animals! Dinosaur bones and giant crocodile fossils discovered in Kenya reveal that the country has been home to a variety of wildlife for millions of years. Learn more about Kenya’s wildlife, and explore Kenyan culture and the diversity of people that call this beautiful place home.
When the king dies, the queen and her three daughters must work to survive. A giant steals from their garden, and then steals the daughters. The princesses outwit the giant to return home. Themes: ingenuity, perseverance.
Desde los días de primeros humanos, la gente ha usado el folclore para explicar porque ocurren los eventos de la naturaleza. Con la influencia de los cuentos tradicionales de los Nativo Americanos, esta fascinante historia explica las fases de la luna, mientras provee una lección de vida para los niños cuando ellos observan como la luna es capaz de superar la adversidad y construir la confianza en sí misma. Después de que el sol la insulta, la luna estaba muy ofendida y desaparece—mucho para el disgusto de los conejos quienes la extrañan en sus jugueteos a la luz de la luna. Con la ayuda de sus muchos amigos y admiradores, la luna recobra la confianza en sí misma hasta que vuelve a su tamaño natural.
From Chinese New Year to the Fourth of July, readers will learn about various holidays around the world and the activities that make them so much fun. The connection to language arts is made through important vocabulary words that help describe the customs of different cultures and the holidays that accompany these customs.
Moctezuma was the most famous leader of the powerful Aztec empire. The Aztecs were expert warriors. Most of central Mexico was under their rule at one time. Moctezuma was elected as the ruler of the empire. He was a fair leader who believed in strictly following the laws. He ruled for 17 years until the fall of the Aztec empire.
Mansa Musa was the king of Mali. Located in western Africa, Mali became one of the largest empires during Musa's reign. He helped his empire grow in size and culture by encouraging arts, literature, and architecture. He improved trade with the Arab and opened up other trade routes. During Musa's reign, he made Mali a powerful and wealthy state.
Hammurabi was a king of Babylon, but he wanted to rule the entire area of Mesopotamia. After only five years of being king, Hammurabi reached his goal. During his reign, Hammurabi did many things to improve and influence both the culture and government of Mesopotamia.
Confucius was a philosopher who devoted his life to relieving the suffering he saw. His philosophy stressed the natural order of a moral, just, society. After his death, his followers shared his teachings, influencing future generations.
Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher who helped shape Greek beliefs. Socrates believed his purpose in life was to gain wisdom and find the truth by asking questions. Socrates made many people over his methods of teaching. He was arrested and sentenced to death. But, many of Socrates's ideas and beliefs can still be found today.
Siddhartha Gautama was born to the king of a tribe in Northern India. An astrologer told his father that Gautama would either become a king or he would leave his riches behind to save humanity. His father sheltered him from all of the poverty in the streets. When Gautama finally left his palace he saw the suffering of people and wanted to change the world. He started the religion called Buddhism.
Influenced by Native American folktales, this story teaches the phases of the moon while emphasizing how to deal with bullies. After the sun insults her, the moon is hurt and disappears. With the help of her many friends, the moon regains her self-confidence each day until she is back to her full size. The "For Creative Minds" section includes moon observations, fun facts, Native American names for full moon, a section on how to deal with bullies (paperback), a lunar calendar, and graphics to help view and understand the moon's phases. Helps children deal with bullies.
Klink and Klank spend a lot of time together. But Klank decides to try new things. Will the buddies continue to be friends? Or will they go separate ways? Concept: Accepting differences. Book features: Big Words and Big Questions; original illustrations.
Daisy has more toys than she knows what to do with. In this story, inspired by an Eastern European folktale about a house that's too small, Daisy thinks she needs a bigger bedroom for all the gifts on her birthday list. Her clever mom helps her realize less is more, and Daisy decides to donate many of her things to a Mitzvah Day rummage sale. In the process, Daisy learns about sharing and the satisfaction that comes from choosing what's important.
In this retelling of a Jewish folktale, Jacob tries to stump Rachel with his best riddles but fails repeatedly. When a young woman in need of help presents Rachel and Jacob with the trickiest riddles of all, they discover the only way to solve them is to work together.
Sara loves her grandmother's bakery. It's a special place-not only because of its delicious Japanese buns and pastries. She enjoys spending time with her obaachan, her grandmother. But things aren't going well for the bakery. When the bakery's lucky cat statue goes missing, Sara wonders if the bakery's luck is gone for good. But then a mysterious cat appears in the backyard one night and inspires a plan. With the help of her friend, Jake, Sara just might find the statue and restore the bakery's lost luck.
In 1935, a nine-year-old boy's family held a forbidden Potlatch in faraway Kingcome Inlet. Watl'kina slipped from his bed to bear witness. In the Big House masked figures danced by firelight to the beat of the drum. And there, he saw a figure he knew. Aboriginal elder Alfred Scow and award-winning author Andrea Spalding collaborate to tell the story, to tell the secret of the dance.
Yankel loves to tell stories, as long as they are someone else's. He does not see the hurt that his stories cause, the way they spread and change. Then the rabbi hands him a bag of feathers and tells him to place one on every doorstep in the village. Yankel is changed by what happens and finds himself with his best story yet, one of his very own.
The king is ready to step down and must choose one of his many sons to replace him. A contest will determine who inherits the throne.
