Deep in the Scottish Highlands resides the castle known as Balmoral. You may have heard of its owner, for she is none other than the Queen of England. Purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in the 1840s, Balmoral became a magical retreat for the royal family to spend their holidays alone together, much like other families do. So, let the bagpipers begin to play and the Highland dancers begin to swirl and twirl - the Scottish culture and beautiful countryside surrounding Balmoral await you.
Glamis Castle is one of the most intriguing places in all of Scotland. Visitors from all over the world make a trip to the famous residence each year. Some are drawn to the castle's long history of royal residents, including the late Queen Mother of Queen Elizabeth II. Others want to know what it's like to walk the halls of the fortress that has served as the setting for many scary tales. Still, others delight in strolling through the estate's colorful gardens. No matter what brings visitors to the wondrous estate, they are sure to remember their time at this historic and spooky site.
Travel back in time to a place where almost all life began. Life in Mesopotamia was full of honoring gods and following kings, working the farms, and traveling the rivers. From fancy palaces to simple farms, the people lived lives full of hard work, play, and family. Step inside and see for yourself.
While America isn't ruled by a royal family, our country nevertheless has some homes worthy of the name "castle"! La Cuesta Encantada near San Simeon, California, is one of them. Better known as Hearst Castle, this once private dwelling resembles a Mediterranean town high up in the Santa Lucia Mountains. There, media mogul William Randolph Hearst originally planned to build a simple summer place for his family. But his three-decade partnership with architect Julia Morgan resulted in an enormous estate that includes multiple guesthouses, swimming pools, an airport and even a zoo! Today, the castle is open to the public. Come on inside and let's take a tour of one of America's most famous homes!
Many centuries ago, the powerful Aztec empire dominated much of what we call Mexico today. Their society was blood-thirsty and violent, yet the Aztecs also created beautiful artwork, complex calendars, and chocolate! Lots of chocolate! Take a journey to long ago and far away: Come see the empire of the Aztecs.
Are you ready to take an imaginary trip to long-ago time and faraway place? Life for kids in "The Middle Kingdom" was filled with plenty of hard work but also plenty of fun. Come along to this place of emperors and dynasties, farming and festivals, kites and dragon boats and colorful silk robes. Let's visit Ancient China!
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most visited attractions in the world. But what is the importance of this place other than a beautiful dwelling? The history of Versailles - why the palace was built and who lived there over the centuries - is fully detailed in this book. You'll get a glimpse into the world of the French kings and aristocracy and discover what it was really like to live at this stunning abode. You'll also find out the fate of the last French royal family to dwell at Versailles and why they met an untimely demise. Flip open the pages - the fascinating, glamorous, and intriguing world of Versailles is waiting for you.
Christianity began with a small group of men and women who witnessed the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. These followers called Jesus "Christ," or "Lord." They founded the Christian church in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago.Since then, Christianity has become a major religion around the world. The West in particular has been so influenced by Christianity that many of its customs and holidays have simply become part of our Western culture. Come learn about how it all started and what Christians believe and how they live today.
Cameron Parker made a new friend. His name is Arjun Gupta, and he is a Hindu of Indian descent. Cameron spent a lot of time with Arjun's family and learned a lot about their faith, which the Hindus call sanatana dharma, or the eternal religion. Arjun's grandmother told Cameron the story behind her grandson's name and about a pilgrimage she went on as a little girl. Arjun's sisters told Cameron about the connection between the Beatles and Hinduism. How did Hinduism reach Trinidad and Tobago where Arjun's mother is from? What is her connection to India, her husband's motherland? Read on to join Cameron as he discovers a new universe through the eternal religion.
Meeting someone with a different belief than your own can be confusing. When Daniel meets Ashoka, he not only meets his first Buddhist, but gets the chance to learn about Buddhist beliefs, prayers, and shrines. Follow along as Daniel learns all about the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths. Find out about reincarnation karma, and meditation - as well as mantras and Dharma wheels. Will Daniel and his new Buddhist friend have anything in common?
Layla Reed is only twelve years old, but she has a big project ahead of her. Her teacher has asked her to speak to her seventh grade class about Islam. Layla's best friend, Nancy Winters, is going to help her with the project, and she's going to learn a lot about her friend's religion along the way. Who was Muhammad? What exactly is in the Quran? What is jihaad? Islam is only 1,500 years old, but Muslims believe its message is older than Creation itself. Layla's family is busy fasting for the holy month of Ramadan, and the festival of Eid Al-Fitr is only a week away. Will she and Nancy be ready?
Mexico is home to pyramids and bullfighting, volcanoes and monarch butterflies. Best of all, it is home to an incredible variety of delicious food. From the juicy goodness of corn on the cob and the pop of hot peppers to the crunch of the hard taco shell and the summer freshness of salsa, there is something for everyone's appetite. Find out how to make these wonderful dishes in your own kitchen with just a few ingredients, some time-and a passion for learning how to mix, cook, and eat new foods! Welcome to the food of Mexico.
Puerto Rico is a land of lush green mountains, colorful flowers, white sand beaches, and an aqua blue tropical ocean. Along with its incredible beauty, it's also a land of fresh and flavorful cuisine. Take a culinary tour of this Caribbean paradise by making the recipes in this book. You can taste some of the island's favorites for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. Along the way, you'll learn a little about Puerto Rico's history, culture, and people. Hop inside and let's get cooking!
Cuba is a country filled with sunshine, fruit, and people who work hard to provide for their families. Life has not been easy for the Cuban people. Spain once owned their country. Cuba has also operated as a Communist state for decades. Sometimes food and other supplies are scarce. Today, Cuba is a place with people who know how to survive. They accept other cultures and love to have fun! Over the years, Cubans have created wonderful recipes that reflect their lifestyles and heritage. Read how they combine simple ingredients to create delicious dishes you can make in your own kitchen! Hay que inventar!
Sitting Bull had a vision of a great Sioux victory, but would he live to see it? Crazy Horse had an almost mythical ability to avoid death, but would it last? These were two of the greatest chiefs of the Sioux Nation, a mighty Native American people who once ruled the plains and prairies between the Rocky Mountains and the Great Lakes. The Sioux were great warriors and buffalo hunters. They were master horsemen who roamed the country living in teepees and keeping up with buffalo herds. They fought the U. S. government to keep their land and way of life. Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse led a historic victory over General George Custer in the Battle of the Little Bighorn before they were eventually beaten and driven into reservations. The Massacre at Wounded Knee ended the Sioux's dream of returning to their old way of life, but not their desire to be free. This is their story.
Guatemala is a beautiful country with lush green rainforests, active volcanoes, and beautiful white sand beaches surrounded by swaying palms. This country is home to the Maya people and was explored and settled by the Spanish in the early 1500s. Guatemalan cuisine is a blend of the cultures of all the people who have lived there. Many of the dishes have the same names as those you'd find in other Latin American countries, but they are made with a unique Guatemalan flare. Come and explore the beautiful country of Guatemala and its delicious food. You'll be glad you did!
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.
The Nez Perce were once the largest group of Native Americans in the western United States. Their number once exceeded 6,000 in over 50 separate tribes. Except for occasional clashes with neighbors, the Nez Perce lived peacefully in lush homelands on the Snake River in central Idaho, western Oregon, and western Washington. They welcomed Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery in 1804. The Nez Perce coexisted peacefully with whites for decades. However, a series of treaties in the mid-1800s greatly reduced their territory to make room for white settlers. In 1877, federal authorities ordered all Nez Perce to move within the boundaries of a reservation. A handful of Nez Perce warriors attacked and killed some white settlers in protest. Their hostile acts led to the Nez Perce War of 1877 and changed the lives of the Nez Perce forever.
Long before The United States was formed, the original American lived here caring for the land from coast to coast. Learn who some of these Native Americans were, how they thrived with their own cultures and beliefs, and why they continue to influence not just their descendants, but all of us who understand the importance of remembering those who were here long before us.
What is it like to live in a world of snow and ice? What traditions do the Inuit have today that they developed long ago? Travel into the past, into a world of igloos and frozen tundra. Stand next to a hole in the ice and wait patiently for a seal to appear. Climb into a boat and help others track down a whale. Finally, stop to visit the unique city of Nunavut and learn how the Inuit people have managed to blend their rich past with the present.
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.
Before they were the Iroquois, they were six separate nations involved in bloody battles. The Peacemaker and Hiawatha changed all of that by encouraging the nations to bury their weapons and live peacefully. Under the Peacemakers guidance, the Iroquois formed one of the most respected, and oldest, governments in the worldthe Iroquois Confederacy. It was an alliance between the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and later, the Tuscarora. Learn how the Iroquois organized and ran their government, controlled fur trade, fought in a war that put the strength of the Confederacy and its land at risk, and continued to preserve their culture, including religious practices, celebrations, and ceremonies, for over a thousand years.
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."
