The Christmas story and the origin of many holiday traditions are thoroughly detailed in the text of S is for Star: A Christmas Alphabet. The first Christmas cards were printed and sold in the United States by a German immigrant in 1874. Long ago, eating pie was believed to bring good luck, and during the holidays they were baked in an oblong shape to look like a manger. The message of Christmas is a message to all the world and is beautifully conveyed and illustrated in S is for Star. Our tradition of gift-giving is based on the Wise Men's visit to Baby Jesus. Nearly every country has its own gift-giving traditions. In Great Britain, children eagerly await Father Christmas. In France, he is called Pere Nol. In Italy, Befana brings presents, and German and Austrian children wait for a visit from the Christkindl. Celebrate these and many other traditions of the holiday season with S is for Star: A Christmas Alphabet.
The children in the first grade must take a test and they are worried. When the results come back, some children feel bad. Their gentle, understading teacher assures the children that a test doesn't tell any of the important things about them--if they are creative, kind, or are a good friend.
Here's an offbeat story about a catboy who's best friend is a sunflower named Fred. When Fred and his buddy pass by a skeptical skateboarding cat-kid, he asks sneering questions about Fred and the duo's friendship. After a near miss with wilting heat and a fun, rain-soaked flower dance, the former skeptic decides that his new friends aren't so weird after all . . . at least no weirder than he is! This charming addition to the Balloon Toons series offers a canny portrait of how kids project personalities and feelings onto toys and other objects, and conveys the satisfaction felt when making an unexpected friend.
This book relays the factual details of the Boston Tea Party and the events that led up to it. The narrative provides multiple accounts of the event, and readers learn details through the point of view of a colonial merchant's wife, a British soldier, and a Patriot activist. This book offers opportunities to compare and contrast various perspectives in the text while gathering and analyzing information about an historical event.
Magic Johnson's fearlessness, courage, and determination were evident whenever he stepped on the basketball court. Those same characteristics have also served him well in his off-the-court battle with HIV. Readers will learn about how Magic Johnson has used his courage, knowledge, and wisdom to promote awareness and to help better urban communities everywhere.
A very simple introduction to the life and accomplishments of noted author and lecturer Helen Keller.
This title explores the development and use of the popular F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet. Readers will follow the history of its origins and development. Chapters detail the aircraft's military and performance specifications as well as its features and advantages in the field, such as the shape of its fuselage, its ejection seat, its single turbofan engine, and its many powerful guns, missiles, and bombs. Readers will also learn about the F-16's use in Operation Desert Storm and other significant combat and peacekeeping missions.
When Danny moved to his new home, he was thrilled to make a new friend, his neighbor Yehuda. Yehuda and his twin sister Ora share some of the ancient stories, laws, traditions, and teachings that enrich their lives. Come journey with Danny as he explores a new perspective, the Jewish faith. You'll meet Jews past and present. Will you find some sparks that inspire you?
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.
This engaging new title tells the story of Lamborghini from the humble background of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini to the brands modern reputation as one of the most stylish supercars. This title includes information about racing history, prototypes, and technical specifications. Stunning full-color photographs capture the essence of this coveted supercar.
The books in the Community Connections Library help kids understand the world around them. What Do They Do? Firefighters, gives young readers an idea of the role that Firefighters play in their community.
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.
This compelling book follows the events of the first few years of World War I. After the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, war was declared by Europes five great powers. Readers will learn that, although it was a European war, the fighting spread outward to the colonies of the countries involved. Colonies also had to supply forces for European battles. Opposing countries, equally matched in fighting power, relied on naval and U-boat, or submarine, blockades, and dug in for a new kind of long-term fighting called trench warfare. Find out what life was like for soldiers in the trenches at such famous battles as Ypres where deadly mustard gas was first used, Verdun, the Somme, and Gallipoli.
Driving is a huge part of life for millions of people. We drive to go to family's and friends' houses; we drive to go to work and school; we drive to go to the store. You probably ride in some sort of vehicle every day. With so many drivers on the road, staying safe while traveling in the car is an important part of any trip.
Takes readers through Selena Gomez's journey from a Disney Channel star to a popular singer and actress; discusses life and career highlights from birth to present day.
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.
A look at the origins, leaders, growth, and innovations of Facebook, the online social networking service that was founded in 2004 and today has hundreds of millions of users worldwide.
This fascinating book describes the geological makeup and history of the Sahara Desert in North Africa. The biggest hot desert on Earth, it covers parts of twelve countries, more area than the entire United States! The Sahara has oases scattered widely and sand dunes that can reach as high as 600 feet (182m). Readers will learn about the people, plants, and animals such as camels, goats, and fennec foxes that inhabit this desert habitat. Special sections describe the desert's natural resources, such as oil and natural gas, and the unique problems facing this region.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time, knowing what you know now? That is the story of a Connecticut Yankee who is magically transported back to King Arthur's time. But with the knowledge of modern technology. Will modern technology win out over the magic of Merline, the court magician?
This colorful book introduces young readers to the world of color. Readers will learn how an enormous range of colors can be made from just three primary colors. This title also explains the difference between warm colors and cool colors. The book uses famous works of art to show readers how color can be used to both show a scene and convey a message.
Not many baseball players are as legendary as Roberto Clemente. He broke color barriers. He gave back to his community. And through it all, he played great baseball. During his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he did some amazing things. Sadly, Clemente's life was cut short by a plane crash. Today, however, his memory lives on. Fans everywhere still think of the player from Puerto Rico as an inspiration to us all.
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.
