What does it feel like to live in a pressurized metal tube 1000 feet (300 m) under the ocean, and only steps away from lethally dangerous nuclear fissile material? Nuclear submariners know. In wartime, theirs is an unenviable task - to hunt other submarines and destroy them before they themselves can be hunted down. Nuclear power allows these submarines to operate at high speed for long durations without having to surface frequently. Nuclear submarines never need to be refueled throughout their 25-year life-span. This fascinating book looks at what life is like for the men who live and work together on these boats; what the inside of a nuclear submarine looks like and how it works; how the sea gives the submariners all the air they need to breathe while under water; and how they "fight" the boat while they hunt other submarines.
Piloting experimental aircraft is more dangerous than most other types of flying. Test pilots are generally military aviators who fly new and modified aircraft, allowing the results to be measured and the design to be evaluated. In the 1950s, test pilots were being killed at the rate of about one a week, but the risks have shrunk to a fraction of that, thanks to the sophistication of aircraft technology, better ground-testing, and simulation of aircraft performance. Despite their image as fun-loving daredevils, these pilots have to be ruthlessly precise and professional when flying. This intriguing book looks at what type of people become test pilots, how they train, what the job includes, how it feels to be the first person to fly a new design, the aircraft they fly, and how they analyze and report on each flight.
The mind is a powerful instrument. It influences everything we do and say. We all talk about a sixth sense, or ESP. This book examines mind over matter, looking at claims that brain power alone can bend spoons, identify things without having seen them, or even read the minds of astronauts!
Police officers are the protective barrier standing between the public on one side and lawlessness on the other - the so-called "thin blue line." A high-stress job, officers face daily interactions in stressful situations where the element of risk is always lurking. An officer's main duty is to maintain law and order within a community, which means they are regularly face to face with citizens and out patrolling the streets. This book looks at the duties of police officers in crime prevention, the apprehension of offenders, and emergency situations.
When the heat gets turned up in a conflict, support helicopter pilots are called upon to bring in additional troops and equipment or even provide battle support from the air. In modern warfare, the helicopter's agility and hovering ability have made it indispensible to the army, navy, air force, and marines for tactical support. This book describes the different missions support helicopter pilots undertake and the dangerous circumstances they must usually fly under.
More than 2,300 years ago, the Greek philosopher Plato wrote about a glorious ancient city that sank without trace beneath the waves. Ever since that time people have wondered where this lost city, Atlantis, might be and whether it actually existed. Students will thrill as they learn about the different theories of, and search efforts for, this mythical city.
Alpine skiing has been an exciting Olympic sport since 1924. Racing down snow-covered slopes at breathtaking speed requires outstanding athletic skill. Freestyle skiing combines speed, agility, and precision. This introductory guide gives an overview of all the Olympic events in both sports, along with fun facts, amazing stats, and a look at some of the most outstanding competitors.
Ten beautifully illustrated stories tell classic tales from different cultures of powerful gods and goddesses in mythology clashing with each other and with humans. Myths include: Pandora opening the box that releases the evils of humanity, and King Midas whose touch turned everything to gold, from Greek mythology; Ganesha, the god with the elephant head, from Indian mythology; Thor's Hammer, from Norse mythology; mighty Glooscap and the baby Wasis from Native American mythology; and the god Horus taking back the throne of Egypt, from Egyptian mythology. Feature boxes add additional details to help readers better understand concepts in the story as well as the time period in which the story was written.
These army pilots fly the most demanding helicopter in existence, a machine so complex to operate that its known as Riding the Dragon. Only 3% of existing army helicopter pilots qualify to fly it. Trainees have to learn to train their eyes to work independently of each other while the right eye sees flight and weapons information in the helmet's monocle, the left eye is free to look outside the aircraft and scan for threats and other obstacles. And, flying the helicopter is only half the battle - its purpose is to provide firepower from the air to protect soldiers on the ground. This book lifts the lid on what life is like for these men and women: their training; the aircraft; the missions, and what its actually like to be under fire while flying.
Ten wonderfully illustrated stories tell folktales and legends from different cultures about ghosts and spirits, and their interaction with the human world. Feature boxes add additional details to help readers better understand concepts in the story as well as the time period in which the story was written.
Spotlight on South Korea introduces children to the country of South Korea in Asia whose nearest neighbors are China, Japan, and North Korea. South Korea is mostly mountainous, and there are about 3,000 islands off its coasts. Most South Koreans have moved from the countryside to the cities, especially to its capital Seoul, the country's largest city. Young readers will learn about South Korea's history, the daily life of Koreans, as well as about Korean festivals and culture.
The backbone of any army, infantry soldiers seem to get all of the action but none of the glory. Trained for the very physical and aggressive work of engaging the enemy on the ground, the infantry's main focus is to advance on the enemy, take control of territory, and hold it. Not surprisingly the infantry tends to take high casualties because they are usually sent to the hottest spots in combat. This book looks at the high-risk jobs of the infantry soldier, including attack, defense, patrol, and intelligence gathering.
Ideal for soccer fans, this engaging book profiles the greatest soccer teams and players from around the world. From David Beckham to the U.S. women's national team, readers will love learning about their favorite teams and players. Extra features include player statistics, records, and fun facts.
This book looks at the history of soccer championships including the World and Euro Cups, and the Olympics. It also provides highlights of the players and teams to watch for at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, sugar gliders, and opossums are just a few of the marsupial babies introduced in this book. Children will learn that marsupial babies are born earlier than other baby mammals are and continue to grow and nurse inside their mothers pouches. They will love the pictures of these cute animals peeking out at the world around them. The book introduces life cycles, bodies, the foods these animals eat, how they move, and where on Earth they live.
Water Habitats features breathtaking photographs, detailed illustrations, and text that is easy to read, yet comprehensive. Young readers will enjoy learning about the different types of water habitats, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and swamps. This book also discusses the differences between saltwater habitats and freshwater habitats, the plant and animal life in each water habitat, and how animals find food and protect themselves.
This book tells the story of the powerfully built Sabre-tooth Tiger who stalked the land more than 10,000 years ago. It was like no cat living today. At the front of its jaw grew two long, curved canine teeth that resembled two sharp sabres. A fierce predator, it used these long teeth to pierce the flesh of its prey.
This book tells the story of Ankylosaurus. This armored beast looked like a walking tank. It lived during the Cretaceous period between 100 and 65 million years ago and fed on plant material. At the end of its tail grew a bony club that it used to protect itself.
This book tells the story of the mighty Tyrannosaurus, which lived during the Cretaceous period between 140 and 65 million years ago. This ferocious dinosaur was one of the largest meat eaters, growing up to 40 feet (12 meters) in length. Its head was huge and full of long, sharp teeth.
This book tells the story of the enormous Apatosaurus, who lived during the late Jurassic period between 170 and 140 million years ago. It weighed up to 33 tons (30 metric tons), was more than 65 feet (20 meters) long, yet ate only plant food. It had bony skids on the underside of its long tail to protect the soft parts.
A Rainforest Habitat introduces children to the huge trees, colorful flowers, and other plants in South American tropical rain forests. This fascinating book also outlines the insects, amphibians, mammals, and other animals that live there. Captivating photographs and easy-to-follow text help young readers understand the climate in a rainforest, the different plants and animals in a rainforest, and how animals find food and shelter in rainforests.
Habitats are the natural places where plants and animals live. Deserts, forests, oceans, ponds, grasslands, polar regions, and mountains - this book introduces them all to young children. Fabulous photographs highlight this valuable learning resource. Children will be inspired to write their own ABCs after reading this book.
There are more than a million species of insects living on Earth, and all insects have similar bodies. In Insect Bodies, children will learn the major physical features of insects and the importance of each body part. Close-up photographs and clearly labeled illustrations help explain an insect's three main body sections, the different kinds of insect mouth parts, how insects use their eyes and antennae, why and how insects molt as they grow, and how insects move.
Written in a simple and easy-to-understand style, Animals Called Mammals introduces the major characteristics of mammals, including fur and backbones, to young readers. Primates, rodents, marsupials, and other mammal groups are also introduced, using delightful images and simple descriptions.
Changing Weather: Storms is an exciting book that introduces kids to the kinds of storms that take place each year. Large, full-color images of storms such as hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and blizzards accompany clear explanations of how different storms develop and the kinds of effects these storms have on the lives of people and animals. Kids will also learn about storm safety and ways they can help their families be prepared. Changing Weather: Storms provides detailed information on three important elements of most storms: clouds, precipitation, and wind, the water cycle and its part in the development of storms, the role of updrafts and downdrafts in the creation of thunderstorms and many other storms, and the ways in which meteorologists study storms and how their knowledge can help save lives.
