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.
Mount Olympus may be the highest mountain in Greece, but at only 9,568 feet (2,917 meters) tall, it is downright puny compared to the world's tallest peaks. You can even hike to the top without any special climbing equipment. But do not let its size fool you. Mount Olympus looms larger than life in our world culture. For nearly three thousand years, it has been famous as the home of the Greek gods. Its beautiful peaks, now a world heritage preserve, have inspired everything Greek - from epic poetry to foods, and even the modern Greek government. Mount Olympus towers over the heart of Greece, yet lies just within reach. Come and explore the throne room of Zeus!
Mount Fuji is the centerpiece of Japan's topography and its highest peak. It rises up out of the earth like an upside-down ice cream cone with its point sticking high up into the sky. For centuries, the sheer size of Mount Fuji has encouraged adventure seekers to scale its peaks. Today, thousands make the trek to the mountain's summit each year during the summer season. Mount Fuji isn't a peaceful giant, though. It is an active volcano and could erupt at any time. Scientists keep an eye on the seismic (earthquake) activity around Mount Fuji to make sure the people who live and visit there are kept safe.
Welcome to K2, the Savage Mountain-one of the most dangerous mountains in the world. For more than a century, climbers have trekked thousands of miles just to climb to the top of K2. Some have brought extra oxygen, while others have sent hundreds of porters ahead of them to put out lead ropes. Some have reached the top and survived; others have given their lives in the attempt. In this book, you will meet these climbers, including the mother who made it all the way to the peak, but not the trip down, and the man whose strength and sheer determination saved his team from certain death. Find out about what it is like to climb K2 and the people who cannot wait to reach "The Top of the World."
This introduction to Australia explores the geography and culture of this country.
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.
Calendar Math provides an ideal introduction to measuring time. From the days of the week to months of the year, readers will learn the different ways a calendar measures time. Vivid, full-color images and entertaining narrative text model concepts such as patterning, comparing and contrasting, and solving simple problems.
Fun pictograms and infographics about planet Earth make learning about math topics such as volume, scale diagrams, division, and number lines easy and fun. In this book, readers go on a mission to protect threatened areas around the world and use their mathematical skills to measure geysers, protect forests, and check on glaciers. Math puzzles and exercises help children build confidence in their math skills.
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.
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.
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.
Spotlight on South Korea introduces children to the country of South Korea in Asia whose nearest neighbors are China, Japan, and North Korea. South Korea is mostly mountainous, and there are about 3,000 islands off its coasts. Most South Koreans have moved from the countryside to the cities, especially to its capital Seoul, the country's largest city. Young readers will learn about South Korea's history, the daily life of Koreans, as well as about Korean festivals and culture.
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.
Changing Weather: Storms is an exciting book that introduces kids to the kinds of storms that take place each year. Large, full-color images of storms such as hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and blizzards accompany clear explanations of how different storms develop and the kinds of effects these storms have on the lives of people and animals. Kids will also learn about storm safety and ways they can help their families be prepared. Changing Weather: Storms provides detailed information on three important elements of most storms: clouds, precipitation, and wind, the water cycle and its part in the development of storms, the role of updrafts and downdrafts in the creation of thunderstorms and many other storms, and the ways in which meteorologists study storms and how their knowledge can help save lives.
This informative book looks at how different mountains are formed and where they are found on Earth. Maps, diagrams, and exciting photographs help young readers locate the biggest and longest mountain ranges on each continent. Children will also gain an understanding of the adaptations made by the animals and people who live on or near mountains.
The desert is a habitat of extreme climate that provides plants and animals with unique survival challenges. A Desert Habitat provides an introduction to one of the worlds most fascinating desert habitats: the Sonoran Desert. More plants and animals live in the Sonoran Desert than in any other desert on Earth. A Desert Habitat uses simple language and large, full-color images to teach children about the weather in the Sonoran Desert, how Sonoran Desert plants perform photosynthesis, and how animals find food, keep cool, and stay alive.
This informative title introduces readers to four of the states that make up the Southwest region of the United States: Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Southwest has many people of Hispanic descent as well as Native-American people from nations such as the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, and Apache. Readers will discover how the climate, population distribution, history, and culture of this region make it distinct.
Readers will learn about how snow is made and why it and the water cycle are so important to life on Earth. This title is informative yet simple. Big text and simple sentences combined with vibrant photographs will entertain readers, teach them scientific facts, and strengthen their reading skills. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
Readers will learn about how and why tornadoes form and important safety measures to take when a tornado happens. This title is informative yet simple. Big text and simple sentences combined with vibrant photographs will entertain readers, teach them scientific facts, and strengthen their reading skills. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
Readers will learn about how thunder and lightning are made and why we hear it and see it. This title is informative yet simple. Big text and simple sentences combined with vibrant photographs will entertain readers, teach them scientific facts, and strengthen their reading skills. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards.
