What makes an animal famous? Some do important jobs that help humans, and some have super skills or do entertaining tricks. Some become celebrities on the Internet just for being cute—or grumpy! This book offers examples of animals who have accomplished amazing feats, made predictions, and won hearts worldwide.
Did you know that a cheetah can accelerate faster than a sports car or that an impala can jump over three times its height? This fascinating book highlights examples of animals with incredible athletic abilities and skills that make them the record-breakers of the animal kingdom.
Once thought to be extinct in the wild, the southern white rhino is now classified as near threatened and lives mostly on protected reserves. Over 100 years of conservation efforts have made it the only rhino of the five rhino species not listed as endangered. This engaging book explores how habitat loss and relentless poaching for their horns nearly brought this species to extinction. Readers will discover how this species was saved from extinction and whether similar strategies may help other rhino species in peril.
Less than two decades ago, four Island Fox subspecies faced extinction. Human activities, including pollution and the introduction of invasive species, threw the Channel Islands’ ecosystem out of balance. Thanks to the concerted efforts of wildlife biologists, government officials, and others, the island fox has made the fastest recovery of any mammal in the history of the Endangered Species Act. This fascinating book traces the events that nearly caused the island fox’s demise, and the collaborative efforts that led to recovery of this “comeback kit.”
The California Condor is one of North America’s largest birds. These mighty scavengers were nearly wiped out by habitat loss, poaching, and lead poisoning. In 1982, only 22 California Condors remained in the wild! In this engaging book, readers will learn about the captive breeding programs, public education, and other conservation efforts that have led to a small but increasing population of California Condors in the wild.
The Grand Cayman blue iguana is named after the small island in the Caribbean Sea on which it lives. The largest reptile on the island, it had few predators until people arrived. Habitat loss and invasive species quickly diminished the blue iguana population to fewer than 25 by 2005. This captivating book traces the iguana’s remarkable journey back from the brink of extinction and highlights the continued efforts to protect the species.
Would you be surprised to see a coyote wandering down a suburban street? Once considered a native of open grasslands and plains, coyotes have become “adaptors” to the human territory of paved streets and houses. An examination reveals the ways in which animals such as coywolves, white-tailed deer, red foxes, red-tailed hawks, and alligators live on the periphery of developed areas. Special sections address encroachment and how humans can learn to adapt to wild animals in their backyards.
Paris, France has a population of 2.2 million people and 3.8 million rats. Toronto, Canada is the raccoon capital of the world. This intriguing book focuses on urban animals called “exploiters.” These are animals such as squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opposums, rats, and crows who have turned living near humans to their advantage. An examination reveals the ways in which these animals have adapted to living alongside humans. Special feature boxes address city-specific animal control and rehabilitation programs.
When you live in bear or cougar territory, you learn to lock your garbage cans indoors, keep your pets safe, and not feed wild animals. This exciting and highly illustrated book focuses on the “human avoiders,” animals that are sometimes found on the fringes of urban developments, where humans are the new kids on the block. Readers will gain an understanding of human-wildlife conflict, as well as key concepts in wildlife conservation of animals such as gray wolves, mountain lions, and gray foxes.
An estimated 70 million feral cats live in the United States alone—decimating bird populations and threatening public health. This informative book investigates the growing populations of "obligates"—abandoned pets, now wild and producing feral offspring, and introduced animals that live in urban and urban fringe areas. An examination reveals the impact these animals are having on resources, space, and native species. Additional content focuses on the charities and organizations that help care for and limit the numbers of feral animals.
Read about unusual animal journeys around the world, from wandering saltwater crocodiles to invasive insect species and outbreaks of Australian plague locust. Interesting facts, unexpected outcomes, and human impacts on the journeys are highlighted.
Read about extraordinary animal migrations by water, from tremendous upstream journeys by Pacific salmon to the extreme long-distance migration of the humpback whale. Interesting facts and obstacles are highlighted, and a sidebar details how humans impact each migration.
Read about extraordinary animal migrations by land, from the millions of red crabs that migrate at the exact same time on Christmas Island to the grueling journey of the pronghorn in North America. Interesting facts and obstacles are highlighted, and a sidebar details how humans impact each migration.
Read about extraordinary animal migrations by air, from the incredible migration of the godwit between Alaska and New Zealand to the long-lasting journey of the monarch butterfly across North America. Interesting facts and obstacles are highlighted, and a sidebar details how humans impact each migration.
The black-footed ferret was once listed as extinct on the prairies of North America. Its population had been devastated by a disease that also reduced its main food source—prairie dogs. This book tells the fascinating story of the black-footed ferret's rediscovery in 1981 by a dog in Wyoming. Readers will learn how the find inspired a captive breeding program that is restoring not only this prairie species to the wild, but its essential food source as well, the prairie dog.
In this book, early fluent readers will learn about mindfulness and discover how easily it can be applied to their daily lives and time in nature. Social and emotional learning (SEL) concepts support growth mindset throughout, while Try This! and Grow with Goals activities at the end of the book further reinforce the content. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage young readers as they learn more about emotions. Also includes sidebars, a table of contents, glossary, index, and tips for educators and caregivers.
Rusty boats litter the ground. The smell of dead fish fills the air. Who would believe the Salton Riviera was once a popular vacation spot? Once host to thousands of beachgoers, the area now sits empty. This high-interest book will outline just what caused the community’s decline. Special features such as maps, timelines, and fun facts add even more to this interesting title.
Six Flags New Orleans was once a thriving theme park. But today, rusted rides rise over the swampy, alligator-infested ponds. The park is abandoned. This title explores the park from the day it opened to its fall after Hurricane Katrina. An attention-grabbing opening narrative gives way to haunting photos as well as a map, a timeline, and fascinating fun facts.
When Cricket McKay and her best friend, Shilo, discover that a cougar has been seen in the town of Waterton, they are thrilled that school closes for a few days as a precaution. The townspeople are worried though. They want the cougar caught and relocated, which could be disastrous for the cougar. Cricket's dad, the national park's warden, is receiving reports of the cougar causing all kinds of trouble around town, but it's the type of trouble it doesn't make sense for a cougar to get into. Then Cricket and Shilo find evidence that another animal may be to blame. With the help of a visiting researcher who is in Waterton studying cougar behavior, Cricket and Shilo must convince the townspeople, and Cricket's dad, that they're after the the wrong animal before it’s too late. This is the fourth title featuring Cricket and her friends, following Bats in Trouble, Ospreys in Danger and Salamander Rescue.
In Yosemite National Park, leveled text and vibrant, full-color photographs introduce Yosemite National Park and all it has to offer. Readers will learn about the park's location, geography, climate, wildlife, history, conservation, and attractions, including places to hike and camp. Strong STEM connections promote multi-subject learning. An infographic and What Do You Think? sidebars encourage deeper inquiry. Features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, a glossary, activity, and index.
In Yellowstone National Park, leveled text and vibrant, full-color photographs introduce Yellowstone National Park and all it has to offer. Readers will learn about the park's location, geography, climate, wildlife, history, conservation, and attractions, including places to hike and camp. Strong STEM connections promote multi-subject learning. An infographic and What Do You Think? sidebars encourage deeper inquiry. Features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, a glossary, activity, and index.
In Great Smoky Mountains National Park, leveled text and vibrant, full-color photographs introduce Great Smoky Mountains National Park and all it has to offer. Readers will learn about the park's location, geography, climate, wildlife, history, conservation, and attractions, including places to hike and camp. Strong STEM connections promote multi-subject learning. An infographic and What Do You Think? sidebars encourage deeper inquiry. Features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, a glossary, activity, and index.
In Grand Canyon National Park, leveled text and vibrant, full-color photographs introduce Grand Canyon National Park and all it has to offer. Readers will learn about the park's location, geography, climate, wildlife, history, conservation, and attractions, including places to hike and camp. Strong STEM connections promote multi-subject learning. An infographic and What Do You Think? sidebars encourage deeper inquiry. Features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, a glossary, activity, and index.
In Everglades National Park, leveled text and vibrant, full-color photographs introduce Everglades National Park and all it has to offer. Readers will learn about the park's location, geography, climate, wildlife, history, conservation, and attractions, including places to hike and camp. Strong STEM connections promote multi-subject learning. An infographic and What Do You Think? sidebars encourage deeper inquiry. Features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, a glossary, activity, and index.
In Acadia National Park, leveled text and vibrant, full-color photographs introduce Acadia National Park and all it has to offer. Readers will learn about the park's location, geography, climate, wildlife, history, conservation, and attractions, including places to hike and camp. Strong STEM connections promote multi-subject learning. An infographic and What Do You Think? sidebars encourage deeper inquiry. Features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, a glossary, activity, and index.
