What clutter-busting need was behind the invention of the World Wide Web? Which stain-fighting chemical got its start when a lab assistant dropped a beaker on a lab floor? In S is for Scientists: A Discovery Alphabet, the origins behind some of the most important scientific discoveries are explored. Budding young scientists will learn what Galileo witnessed in a church that led to his theory of measurement; how biologist Rachel Carson's book, Silent Spring, helped to spur the first call to action in the environmental movement; and why Ivan Pavlov's study of a drooling dog laid the foundations for a new branch of psychology. From discoveries that fundamentally changed scientific methods to everyday inventions that are now taken for granted, S is for Scientists sheds light on the events and people who have shaped our lives today.
How much of Earth's surface is covered by water? How do the northern lights get their colors? Planet Earth has been home to mankind for hundreds of thousands of years and while scientists have learned a lot about it, they're still unraveling many of its mysteries. B is for Blue Planet: An Earth Science Alphabet explains what we do know about our planet and what more we have to learn. Examine Earth's diverse ecosystems (deserts), discover geological wonders (karst caves), learn about weather phenomena (hurricanes), and much more.
The polar bear are splashing in their pool. The monkeys are having the time of their lives in the trees. The lion peacefully observes his surroundings. The zoo is a great place to see animals from all over the world in one place. But who takes care of them and their home the zoo? The zookeeper. In Z is for Zookeeper: A Zoo Alphabet children will learn that he's probably the busiest person there. And if you don't see the zookeepers, rest assured they're doing their job and doing it well. After all, someone has to feed, clean, nurse and clean up after this diverse adopted family. Who better to write an exploration into this trade than a zookeeper and his wife?
In the style and format of our alphabet books comes "H is for Horse: An Equestrian Alphabet". From basics such as mucking out the stall and how to judge a horse's qualities to historical facts on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Mike Ulmer relays the fun and fundamentals of the world of horses
From the first woman to swim the English Channel to the first person to run a mile in under four minutes, there have been some incredible and amazing events and milestones in the world of sports. Now in A is for Amazing Moments: A Sports Alphabet, sportswriter Brad Herzog showcases those events that set sports records while impacting American history and world views. Learn how runner Jesse Owens not only amazed the world but also stunned Nazi Germany at the 1936 Summer Olympics. Cheer on Billie Jean King as she defeats Bobby Riggs in their 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match. Read how super-racehorse Secretariat ran away with America's heart as well as the 1973 Triple Crown. All these moments, and many more, are brought to pulsing life in A is for Amazing Moments: A Sports Alphabet.
Written by the son of a career officer, this book explores the branches of the Armed Services and speaks from the heart about the honor, privileges and sacrifices of military families everywhere. Children will discover why drill sergeants have to be so tough, what it means to be patriotic and why we need Special Forces such as the Navy SEALS, the Green Berets and the Army Rangers. H is for Honor also explains why the annual Army/Navy football game is more than just a game, how much letters from home mean to soldiers, how often military families have to move and what life on base is like. With an underlying message of courage and commitment that every child can relate to, the book will be especially meaningful to those whose parents, siblings or other relatives serve in the Armed Forces.
From the pageantry of the Musical Ride to the movie-good looks of the fictional Dudley Do-Right, the image of the handsome and stalwart Mountie has long been part of popular North American culture. But there's more to being a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police than wearing a red coat. It's an important career law enforcement and public service
At one time rainforests covered about 14% of the earth's surface; now they're reduced to just 6%. As home to some of the most diverse plant and animal species ever known, this decline has grave implications for both man and animal kingdoms. A is for Anaconda: A Rainforest Alphabet explores the world's rainforests as it explains their important role and showcases their wonders.
Snow White had her Prince Charming and Victoria had her Albert. Who really knows how "grand" the Duke of York was? P is for Princess: A Royal Alphabet gives an enchanting A to Z tour of the world of kings, queens, and the stories behind the thrones. Monarchs real (Princesses Diana and Grace) and make-believe (Aurora and Cinderella) are examined, along with their accompanying legends and histories. Topics include castles, crown jewels, ladies-in-waiting, and that most anticipated of all royal occasions - the grand ball! Sumptuous artwork perfectly complements the majestic subject matter, making P is for Princess a visual treat for royal watchers of all ages.
The love between a mother and her child is precious and everlasting. No two relationships are the same, yet there are shared experiences and memories to which every mother can relate. From the warm embrace of a hug to the soft whispers of encouragement, some of the many ways a mother expresses her love can be found in M is for Mom: A Child's Alphabet. A is for the Arms that hug and hold me tight. While in those arms I see your face and know I'm in my favorite place. Tender, evocative artwork provides an unforgettable backdrop as mother and child embrace, learn, and love...from A to Z.
Delly Porter has a happy life. She needs new shoes, but doesn't really mind because she loves the soft, silky feel of the dirt road beneath her bare feet. She's a good artist, too, even if she has to make her own art supplies. And she loves her schoolteacher, Miss Violet, who lets her help in the classroom. Life only looks brighter when Miss Violet announces the school will have a Shoebox Social to help raise funds for new art materials. But when what should be a festive occasion is threatened by prejudice and cruelty, Delly finds out that one must stay true to oneself to successfully navigate life's joys and sorrows.
In 1932, Akron, Ohio was no better off than other parts of the country. Since Black Tuesday in '29, companies are closed, men all over the state are out of work, and families are running out of hope. Thirteen-year-old Rudy wants to help but doesn't know where to turn. His father, sullen and withdrawn, spends his time sulking on their front porch. His mother is desperate, not knowing how she will feed and care for her family. When Rudy learns of other boys leaving town and heading west to seek their fortunes, he hops a train figuring at least there will be one less mouth to feed at home. As Rudy lives the hobo life while he "rides the rails" to California, young readers are given a snapshot view and testament of Depression-era America.
Winding its way like a long dragon through 4,000 miles of mountains, desert, and grasslands, The Great Wall of China was built entirely by hand, taking hundreds of years and millions of workers to complete. That's just one of the myriad wonders of China children will discover in this far-reaching book. "D is for Dancing Dragon" brings China's history and culture alive by describing its unique customs, art works, music, foods, geography and wildlife. Children will learn, for example, that paper, ink, printing, umbrellas, kites and fireworks are all Chinese inventions. They'll find the secrets of how silk is made, how chopsticks work and why you should never cry on the Chinese New Year's Day. They will even learn a few Chinese words, as well as which astrological animal sign belongs to them. This captivating book is sure to be of special interest to anyone curious about this beautiful and mysterious land.
E is for Extreme indeed! From the gravity-defying rush of bungee jumping to the ultimate endurance challenge of the ultramarathon, young readers are given an armchair seat to the world of extreme sports. What makes the Iditarod sled dog race so grueling? What sports competition is only open to U.S. Army Rangers? And what famous mountaineer answered "Because it's there" to the question of why he wanted to climb Mount Everest, only to disappear on the mountain a year later? Other topics include drag racing, freestyle skiing, and kite boarding. Now thrill seekers of all ages can experience the ABC's of extreme sports.
A colorful board book full of rhyming riddles that celebrates every child's favorite day of the year--birthdays! Another addition to the Little Series of board books.
Celebrating the diversity in our world while cherishing our similarities, P is for Passport takes readers on a whirlwind tour of all the delights of the globe. From the everyday concerns of people everywhere for such things as bread and currency, to the wonders of our world such as deserts and volcanoes, Passport offers a fascinating variety of topics and ideas to explore.
The White Table is set in many mess halls as a symbol for and remembrance to service members fallen, missing, or held captive in the line of duty. Solitary and solemn, it is the table where no one will ever sit. As a special gift to her Uncle John, Katie and her sisters are asked to help set the white table for dinner. As their mother explains the significance of each item placed on the table Katie comes to understand and appreciate the depth of sacrifice that her uncle, and each member of the Armed Forces and their families, may be called to give. It was just a little white table... but it felt as big as America when we helped Mama put each item on it and she told us why it was so important. "We use a Small Table, girls," she explained first, "to show one soldier's lonely battle against many. We cover it with a White Cloth to honor a soldier's pure heart when he answers his country's call to duty." "We place a Lemon Slice and Grains of Salt on a plate to show a captive soldier's bitter fate and the tears of families waiting for loved ones to return," she continued."We push an Empty Chair to the table for the missing soldiers who are not here..."
During the Civil War, Union forces blockade the port of Charleston so the Confederate army seeks a way to attack the Yankee ships. George Dixon is part of the group of men given the task of creating and building the "fish boat," a submarine. The H.L. Hunley ultimately sets out on its mission to sink Yankee ships, but fails to return, its whereabouts unknown. For more than 100 years, the mystery of the Hunley and the fate of its crew stayed buried. The Story of the H.L. Hunley and Queenie's Coin recounts the story of the "fish boat," through its creation and mission, to its ultimate recovery and final voyage home.
Illustrator Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen and wife Robbyn team up again for another wildlife tale drawn from their encounters with the animal kingdom. Told in journal form and rendered in beautifully detailed artwork, the van Frankenhuyzens give a "day in the life" view as the fox Samantha begins her journey from injured kit to independent adult living on her own.
It may be Christmastime but on a small, forlorn farm the holiday season is best forgotten, along with painful memories of loved ones lost. Mother Nature has other plans, however, and a chance snowstorm brings together two unlikely hearts, one human and one beast, yet both yearning for comfort, companionship, and that most elusive gift of all, hope. This lustrous jewel of a story, quietly told and perfectly complemented by soft, evocative paintings, reminds even the most cynical of readers that the heart indeed can recover and go on.
Unique and as beautiful as a snowflake or footprint, an Inuksut (inNUKshuk,) is one of the stone figures that can be seen dotting the Canadian Arctic region. Many made by ancient hands, the Inuksuit (inNUKsweet) purposes are varied, from earthly uses such as navigation and message centers to those of the spirit, as sites of reverence.
Yatandou lives in a Mali village with her family and neighbors. And though she is only eight years old and would much rather play with her pet goat, she must sit with the women and pound millet kernels. To grind enough millet for one day's food, the women must pound the kernels with their pounding sticks for three hours. It is hard work, especially when one is eight years old. But as they work, the women dream of a machine that can grind the millet and free them from their pounding sticks. But the machine will only come when the women have raised enough money to buy it. Yatandou must help raise the money, even if it means parting with something she holds dear.
A perfect companion to our "E is for Empire: A New York State Alphabet", "Times Square: A New York State Number Book" teaches children about numbers, using state landmarks, historical events, and famous faces; from finger lakes to the stitches on a baseball, readers of all ages will know the number they represent and their ties to New York. There are so many number questions to answer about New York State. Where do the two lions -- Patience and Fortitude -- reside? Can you name the six major Finger Lakes? Can you name the five boroughs of New York City? Ann E. Burg is the author of E is for Empire: A New York State Alphabet. She lives in Albany, New York. Maureen K. Brookfield has illustrated several books including E is for Empire: A New York State Alphabet. She lives in Marshfield, Massachusetts.
To each of us who has enjoyed a piece of birthday cake, the strains of "Happy Birthday to You" are as familiar to our ears as our own names. Yet how many people know the origin of the tune and its place in American history? In 1889 Patty and Mildred Hill, two Kentucky sisters, wrote the words and composed the melody of "Good Morning to All" for their kindergarten students. Initially written as a simple greeting and welcome, they later changed the words and birthday celebrations were forever altered. But it wasn't until 1935 that the sisters' song was fully copyrighted and their names duly credited.
We've all wished for Someday to get here, and now it is. Follow the tale of the young beaver, Max, and his quest to spend quality time with his parents and family. The tale for the ages and ageless will bring a happy tear of joy and love and a smile to the face of every child who undoubtedly heard the answer "Someday" after having asked "When?" An inspiring read for all of us, Someday finds Max looking for "Someday" on his calendar and realizing if it did exist, it would surely be the busiest day of the week
