A koala lives most of its life alone, eating and sleeping high up in the eucalyptus trees of Australia, and yet it is recognized and loved around the world. The Life Cycle of a Koala looks at the life of this ancient marsupial and explains how marsupials are different from other mammals, the birth of the koala and its life in its mothers pouch, the growing koala and how it feeds, life outside the pouch but close to mother, and the dangers faced by koalas.
What is respect? And why is it important? As you read this graphic nonfiction book, you'll learn about some amazing people who know what respect means, and who know how to honor the people and things in their world. You'll also get a chance to decide whether you show respect to those who deserve it, and to those who need it.
As the world's largest land animals, elephants inspire awe in all of us - an awe that has led to myths of might and memory. Despite its immense strength, however, the elephant is a timid creature that uses its power only to defend itself against predators. Kids will learn many facts about these gentle pachyderms, including the social structure of elephants, in which the female is the leader, the animal's many dexterous uses for its trunk, the history of the elephant's even larger ancestors, including woolly mammoths, and the dangers that poaching, loss of habitat, and the ivory trade pose to the elephants future.
This up-to-date new book describes the alarming events of 2010 after an oil rig toppled over in the Gulf of Mexico releasing millions of gallons of oil into the water. The largest accidental oil spill in history, it killed untold numbers of wildlife, poisoned over a hundred miles of coastal land, and devastated the commercial fishing and tourism industries in an area still reeling from the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Katrina.
Snowboarding is a very young sport but it grows more popular and respected every year. Fast and exciting, this winter activity requires practice and proper technique and here's the book to help you along the way! Snowboarding in Action gives beginners all the tips they'll need to hit the slopes. Full-color photographs and illustrations explain the dos and don'ts of the slopes, what to look for in snowboarding equipment and hill conditions, the basics of turning, slowing, and stopping, riding a chairlift, and competitive snowboarding.
Lush, moist, and teeming with life, rain forests are one of Earth's biome wonders. Peel back the corners of the rain forest to discover what lives within one of the planets busiest environments, from wolves and porcupines to monkeys and poison dart frogs. Learn how each organism functions within its rain forest ecosystem and how it survives in one of the most predatory biomes on Earth. Find out, too, how rain forests are found all around the world and what you can do to help protect these precious resources.
Political maps are often the first kind of maps children learn about. These maps identify the boundaries of countries, states or provinces, and cities, as well as such physical features as lakes and oceans. Detailed, up-to-date maps and clearly written text help readers understand how to use political maps to solve problems.
Hibernation is one of natures greatest miracles, allowing animals to sleep through periods of extreme cold and heat. Interesting information describes how different animals use body fat to survive, how they can wake themselves up, and how some give birth during hibernation.
Realistic fiction is a defined as a story that is not true, but could happen in real life. This exciting title encourages budding young writers to draw inspiration from the world around them to develop characters and plot. Engaging writing activities provide guidelines for readers to create their own realistic fiction stories.
Adventure stories are exciting stories that take readers on a journey out of the ordinary and into the dangerous unknown. This action-packed book introduces young writers to the elements of an adventure story and provides fun ideas for writing a daring tale of ones own!
Science fiction stories incorporate science and technology that take readers into new worlds where anything can happen. In this fun title, key elements of science fiction are explored using sample texts. Step-by-step instructions help readers compose science fiction stories that are out-of-this-world!
A drama is a story that is experienced by an audience as a performance. In this engaging title, readers will explore acts, dialogue, stage direction, and other elements that define this genre. Mentor texts and writing prompts guide readers as they compose their own show-stopping dramas.
A myth is a story that attempts to explain a natural phenomena - such as how the world was created. Myths often include supernatural characters who have extraordinary powers. How To Tell a Myth is an engaging title that introduces readers to myths from around the world and highlights the common elements that make up this genre. Step-by-step instructions help readers create their own myths.
This exciting title introduces readers to the folktale genre. Readers will learn that folktales are often passed down and retold from generation to generation. Readers will discover the similarities and differences between folktales from around the world. The title also includes guided writing activities to help readers write their own folktales.
A fable is a short story that teaches the reader a lesson. The characters in a fable are often animals that speak and act like humans. How To Tell a Fable is an engaging title that uses fables from around the world to help readers identify the conventions of this genre. Readers are guided through a series of writing tasks to learn how to incorporate these same conventions in their own writing.
A legend is a story about a hero, a people, or a natural phenomena. Popular legends include King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, Blackbeard, and Robin Hood. This exciting new title teaches readers about the common characteristics found in legends from around the world. Engaging writing activities guide readers as they use these characteristics to create their own legends.
American champion downhill skier Lindsey Vonn has won four World Cup titles as well as gold and silver in the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. This intriguing book follows Lindsey's life and career from the very beginning through a variety of sports-related injuries and ultimately to the fulfillment of her dream. After her Olympic win, Lindsey became a fan favorite, appearing on talk shows and signing a number of product endorsement contracts. All eyes are on Lindsey now as she trains for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Sidney Crosby skated into the limelight from the very start of his hockey career. In only his second season playing in the NHL, Sid the Kid became the youngest player ever to get over 100 points in a season. This book follows his amazing life story, from boyhood games on the ponds of Nova Scotia to captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Stanley Cup in 2008. Crosby remained a league leader until the 2010-2011 season when he suffered a concussiona head injury that still has consequences for him today.
How To Write a Fantasy Story is an engaging title that identifies the common features that make this genre so imaginative and distinctive. Step-by-step writing prompts guide readers through the writing process as they create their own fantasy stories.
Most people came to know Zac Efron as Troy Bolton, the star athlete with hidden musical talents in the High School Musical movies. Today, Efron's talents as an award-winning actor and singer are far from hidden from movie-goers and from his millions of adoring fans.
When Vanessa Hudgens stepped onto the stage to try out for a role in High School Musical, she was one of over six hundred hopefuls. At that time, she was not well known. But the producers were blown away by her audition, and she was chosen for a leading part. It was this role that put the young singer/actress on the path to superstardom. Hudgens has now starred in a number of movies, released several albums, and won awards for her work as both an actress and a singer.
Carly Rae Jepsen grew up in Mission, British Columbia. After graduating from high school, Carly was a hopeful on the television competition Canadian Idol. She finished third, but her story didn't end there. This entertaining book describes how Carly persevered and released her first album independently, then became an international sensation through MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube - with a little help from Justin Bieber.
Not many years ago, country music sensation Taylor Swift was singing karaoke and learning to play her first guitar. Today, the superstar singer and songwriter performs sold-out concerts around the world. Her albums sell millions of copies, she's won numerous music awards, and she's been on the cover of just about every popular magazine.
Growing up in a family of musicians, Bruno Mars started his music career performing at a young age in his hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii. After high school he moved to California and began producing music for other artists before embarking on his own solo career. This amazing book describes Bruno Mars' early life and how his debut album sent him to the top of the charts worldwide. With a wide range of musical influences, it's no surprise that this multi-talented singer won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammys only a year later.
The Jonas Brothers - Kevin, Joe, and Nick - have brought boy bands back in style. The pop-rock group has sold more than eight million albums worldwide and toured the globe, playing sold-out shows and capturing the hearts of adoring fans. With their positive, uplifting songs and strong sense of family and their faith, they have also redefined what it means to be cool.
