A swimming stingray looks like its flying through the ocean! Its wide fins look like wings and help it glide. This book introduces children to the parts of a stingray, especially its stinging tail. Blastoff! Series
Look for a sea star's mouth in the middle of its body! Arms called rays surround its mouth. This book introduces children to the anatomy of a sea star and explains the unique way a sea star eats. Blastoff! Series
Astro is a stellar Steller sea lion! Only a few days old when found orphaned, he is cared for and raised at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. When big enough to be released to the wild where he needs to be, he has other plans! Just like a lost dog finding his way home, Astro keeps swimming back towards the Center, crossing miles of open ocean water to do so. After several attempts, people realize that Astro is too accustomed to humans and will just keep coming back. Based on real events, readers follow Astro through some of his travels that have now taken him across the U.S. to his current home at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut.
Manatees are gigantic ocean creatures. They are an endangered species. In this book, beginning readers will learn how manatees look, move through water, and dig up plants for food. Blastoff! Series
Wherever the ocean current takes them, jellyfish go. They are considered drifters. Follow jellyfish as they move underwater and discover why they are known for their sting! Blastoff! Series
Did you know that a puffer fish inflates into a ball when it senses danger? It uses size to intimidate predators. This book introduces children to the appearance, eating habits, and predator escape tactics of puffer fish. Blastoff! Series
Cuttlefish are chameleons of the sea. They can change their skin color to match their surroundings. Beginning readers will discover where cuttlefish live, what they eat, and how they stay safe from predators. Blastoff! Series
Did you know that there is a fish with the head of a horse? This book introduces children to sea horses; how they look, use a snout to eat, hide on the ocean floor, and have babies. Blastoff! Series
Though corals look like plants and sunlight helps them grow, corals are actually animals! Find out where corals live, what they eat, and how they make coral reefs. Blastoff! Series
Underwater earthquakes, volcanoes, and mudslides can cause tsunami waves that reach land and wreak havoc. Children will learn how tsunamis develop, how they are detected, and their devastating impact on communities. Blastoff! Series
Hurricane winds spin around a central point called an eye. A hurricane's eye usually has calm weather and clear skies. Eager readers will discover how hurricanes form, move, and damage tropical areas. Blastoff! Series
Part airplane and part helicopter, the V-22 Osprey hovers in the air as U.S. Marines jump behind enemy lines. Kids will learn about the V-22 Osprey's vertical take-off and landing, defensive weapons, and the dangerous missions this unique machine performs.
Because of strong herding instincts, Collies often try to round up animals and people. The movie “Lassie Come Home†featured one of these dependable dogs and made Collies popular pets. Young children will discover why Collies are known for their close companionship. Blastoff! Series
Often considered the most popular dog in the world to own, Labrador Retrievers have a reputation as a multi-talented breed. Students will learn the history of the breed and what they are used for today. Blastoff! Series
Not a sports bike and not a touring motorcycle, standard motorcycles fit the needs of riders who just want to get around town. Students will learn about these cheap, reliable, and easily customizable motorcycles.
Tennis is a popular recreational sport played by many people, but it is also played professionally in tournaments all over the world. Young readers will learn the basic rules of tennis, the equipment required to play, and the worldwide tournaments where professionals leave it all on the court. Blastoff! Series
Predator drones use cameras and sensors to help the United States Air Force gain valuable information about the enemy. They can also be used for strategic strikes. Readers will find out how predator drones work, what kinds of missions they are sent out to perform, and how a pilot thousands of miles away can safely control one.
Scooters have become a very popular way to get around town over the last fifty years. Students will learn where scooters came from and what kinds of scooters are around today.
Most motorcycles can go pretty fast. However, some are designed to reach incredibly fast speeds! Kids will read about the history of motorcycles, the technology behind the fastest bikes, and what the future holds for the world's fastest motorcycles.
Bullet trains originated in Japan. They are the fastest trains on Earth. Young readers will learn about the history of bullet trains, the technology that makes their high speeds possible, and what bullet trains may be like in the future!
Off-road motorcycles have features that make them safe to ride off the pavement. Students will learn about the variety of off-road motorcycles, the parts that allow them to tackle the tough terrain, and the sporting competitions that use off-road motorcycles.
Pocket bikes are a specialized form of mini bike built for racing. Readers will learn how riders control these small motorcycles and the challenges they find in competition.
Loaded with guns, torpedoes, and guided missiles, Arleigh Burke Destroyers are always ready to protect U.S. Navy warships. Young readers will learn how these destroyers use the latest technology to defend the fleet and carry out attack missions.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a wolf? What would you do in the cold winter months? Where would you sleep? What would you eat? Spend a year in the world of wolves in One Wolf Howls. This adventurous children's book uses the months of the year and the numbers 1 through 12 to introduce children to the behavior of wolves in natural settings. The lively, realistic illustrations of Susan Detwiler complement the rhyming text and bring each month to life. From January to December, howl, frolic, and dance, while learning important lessons page-by-page! The "For Creative Minds" learning section includes a "Wolf Communications Matching" and "Wolf Calendar" activity.
Can a swan survive without winter migration? Marcel, a young tundra swan, is tired from the first half of a winter migration. One thousand miles is a long way to fly--too long for Marcel, so he hides in the rushes to stay behind while his parents and the flock continue south. But with the lake nearly frozen over, he soon realizes that he is not cut out for life on ice. Other animals offer advice about how to survive the winter, but their ways of living aren't right for the swan. Hungry and scared, he falls asleep - only to be awakened by a big surprise! The "For Creative Minds" educational section includes "Tundra Swan Fun Facts" and a "Tundra Swan Life Cycle Sequencing Activity."
