Readers will learn how animals are reintroduced into their natural-world setting that they might have never known.
Readers will learn how these animals are trained with the skills needed to save lives and maintain the safety of their human companions.
Readers will learn how adopting a cat from a rescue or shelter helps save the life of an unwanted, abandoned, or neglected animal.
You may turn on the CD player or the radio when you want to hear music, but once, in the days before modern technology, music was enjoyed whenever groups of people got together. You probably know some folk songs, a song that was passed along from person to person. Learn about: types of folk songs; folk instruments; folk music's European and African roots; Cajun music; the music of Appalachia; Hispanic music; and today's folk music. Modern music - Rock, Country, R&B, and more - is rooted deep in North Americas musical folklore. And folk music is still alive and well today.
Did you know that if you drop a spoon, someone will kiss you soon? Did you ever hear that three spiders crawling on the wall are a sign you will soon hear of a death? Or did you know that if rabbits play in a dusty road, rain is on its way? These beliefs are folk customs found in North America. Discover more, including: ways to predict the future; weather lore; and good luck superstitions. Folklore is shared through customs and traditions. These are patterns that shape our lives. Even in today's world, we still depend on these old ways to make sense out of life.
Do you know who started the first volunteer fire company in the United States? Do you know who the first woman firefighter was? Or did you know that firefighters trace their heritage back to the knights of the Crusades? Sirens and Smoke is full of stories of bravery and tradition. You'll read about: the brave guards who fought fire in ancient Greek and Roman communities; the long-ago firefighters who battled the great fires that swept through Europe's big cities; the community spirit that grew in the New World. the African Americans; the women who added their strengths to fighting fires; and September 11, 2001, when firefighters demonstrated their heroism. Fire can be an enemy - but down through the ages, firefighters have risked their lives to protect others against it. Their folklore reveals a long tradition of courage.
A patchwork quilt . . . a handmade mandolin . . . a rag doll . . . a wooden chair - all these things are examples of folk arts and crafts. They are useful objects that are also beautiful. Learn about various kinds of folk art, including: furniture; toys; religious objects; musical instruments; and quilts, clothes, and other fabric arts. In folk traditions, art is a part of everyday life. And people still enjoy folk art today.
Special days are times for fun and togetherness. They also link us to the Earth's seasons, and they help us keep track of how time passes. Most of all, they are deeply rooted in folk tradition. Learn more about: the winter holidays, like Christmas and Hanukkah; spring celebrations like Easter and Asian New Year; fall festivals, like Halloween and the Day of the Dead; and summer celebrations, like the Fourth of July. Holidays and festivals draw us together. They remind us of who we are, where we come from, and what we believe. As we travel through the year, folk festivals give us strength. And they make life more fun!
Have you ever played cards on a rainy afternoon? Do you and your friends play jump rope, play hide-and-go-seek, or play Red Rover? If you did, then you were enjoying a folk game. Learn more about these games, including the long history behind: face cards; tag; hide-and-go-seek; some board games; and baseball. Games help us deal with life. They give us physical exercise. They challenge our minds . . . and most of all they fill our lives with fun.
Have you heard these common proverbs? Let sleeping dogs lie. Where there's smoke, there's fire. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. Or what about these riddles? What is black and white and red (read) all over? Why did the chicken cross the road? Why is 6 afraid of 7? Proverbs and riddles are tiny, bite-size pieces of folklore. They make us think. They tease our brains. They may make us laugh. But most of all, they tell us something about who we are and how we see the world.
Have you heard of Anansi, the mischief-making spider from Africa? Do you know about the Blackfoot woman who married a star? Or have you heard stories about Jack, the hero who always wins both the treasure and the princess's heart? Discover stories from North America's folklore, including tales about: why the world is the way it is; heroes and fools; ghosts and horrors; and death and the world to come. Stories have power. They share the wisdom of other generations. They stir our imagination. They give us hope and courage. And sometimes they just make us laugh!
Did you know that todays jolly Santa Claus was originally a Catholic bishop? Or that Santa Claus is connected to Saturn, an ancient Roman god? Or that in some places, Santa rides a camel? Christmas is a holiday of light and giving, and Santa Claus has become a traditional symbol for the seasons deepest meanings. Learn more about: Santa the Christ Child Christmas animals the Wise Men Christmas plants Christmas songs and cards. Across North America, Christmas is an occasion for love and joy and celebration. Discover the traditions and folklore that make this holiday so special.
Helping mom is no fun for Junjun, so instead of doing as she asks, he utters the "magic" words "rata-pata-scata-fata." By chance or magic, Junjun's wishes come true and all of his chores get done. Is Junjun's magic just a coincidence?
What Animal Needs a Wig? invites readers to the world of animals and riddles, the ultimate combination that children love. Riddles are based on the word play of animals names and zoological facts. Readers are encouraged to turn the pages to see the answers, which accompany fascinating facts about animals.
Trosclair loves to row to Bee Island, although he knows that Gargantua, a giant alligator, is lurking there. Using his wits and a beehive, Trosclair rids the swamp of Gargantua for good.
Dalmatians are known for their sleek white coats dotted with black spots. Extremely loyal and active, Dalmatians love to go on hikes with their owners and do other outdoor activities. Students will trace the Dalmatian's evolution from coach dog to faithful pet. Blastoff! Series
It can be difficult to find interesting materials for students who read below grade level, but these hilarious characters and goofy stories will get students reading! The small amount of text per page and strong visual cues make these stories very reader-friendly. Phonetic skills get a real workout through the repeated use of words with special vowel and letter combinations.
In this delightful tale of the power of the imagination, Art's supplies come to life in the studio, creating mayhem and magic -- and art! Pastels, pencils and paints, crayons, brushes and markers, everything gets in on the act of creating a mess-terpiece of fun. Chris Tougas' brilliant illustrations and clever text explore the essence of the creative process in a way that children will understand.
Inspire readers to get wired for knowledge! This informative new title introduces the scientific principles of electricity. Full-color photographs, accessible text, and relatable, real-life examples explain how electricity is created, stored, and moved. Readers learn that electricity can occur naturally or can be produced by batteries or machines. Hands-on activities encourage readers to experience science in a meaningful way.
Two small robots explore science and technology in their workshop. Enriched by amusing illustrations, witty texts, photos and information boxes, young children will learn the basics of the wheel and axle.
Posey Plans a Party has a lot of "p-word" alliteration and asks kids to count how many "p" words are in the story. The plot portrays Posey and her family planning, assembling, and enjoying a tea party. It's a perfectly pink primer on party planning--the menu, preparations, decorations, the invitation, dress code, entertainment, activities, etc.
Get a glimpse into the weird and wonderful world of caterpillars. Hairy, spiky, or covered in goo, these creepy little critters have developed amazing survival techniques. Life cycle into butterfly featured.
Daisylocks needs a home that is just right. She asks Wind to help her find the perfect habitat to spread her roots, and he accepts the challenge. Wind blows Daisylocks to the plain, the mountain and the wetland. She objects to each place one by one too cold, too hard, too wet. Daisylocks is not ready to give up! They try the humid rainforest and then the warm beach; those are not just right either. Will Wind find the perfect climate and soil for Daisylocks to place her roots and grow into a beautiful flower?
When Tree Kangaroo and Koala dig a well to get some water, Tree Kangaroo ends up doing all of the work and Koala ends up with a stumpy tail in this origin story from Australia.
A kitten is completely dependent on its mother during the first eight weeks of its life. Its mother provides food, warmth, and protection. Children will follow a kitten's growth into an adult cat in this book. Blastoff! Series
