Black and white stripes set zebras apart from other African animals. They even set zebras apart from each other. No two zebras have the same pattern of stripes! In this book, young readers will learn how these hoofed animals survive beneath the hot African sun. Blastoff! Series
African elephants can weigh as much as 16,000 pounds! If their size isn't enough to make them stand out, they also have huge ears, long trunks, and ivory tusks. This title will engage beginning readers as it explains how Earth's largest land mammals use their trunks to keep themselves cool. Blastoff! Series
Did you know that a group of lions is called a pride? Have you heard that lions work together to stalk their prey? This book for young readers offers this information as it presents lions on the prowl. It teaches children about the physical and behavioral characteristics of these big cats. Blastoff! Series
Chile is a long, narrow country that stretches along the Pacific Ocean on the west coast of South America. It has many different landscapes, including the Atacama, the driest desert in the world! Young readers will explore Chile’s landscapes, discovering the famous Easter Island statues, the diverse wildlife, and the people that call the country home.
Alligators often lurk in swampy waters. They poke their eyes, ears, and nostrils out of the water to sense prey. This book offers children an alligator encounter, bringing the animal's powerful tail and strong jaws up close! Blastoff! Series
A shell of bony plates covers an armadillo's body. This dense body armor protects the animal, but it also makes swimming difficult. To avoid sinking in water, an armadillo must inflate its stomach with air! In this book, children will learn about the diet, habitat, and unique look of the armadillo. Blastoff! Series
Costa Rica, which means “Rich Coast,” is aptly named. Its long coastlines, bordering the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, have some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Young readers will learn about Costa Rica’s booming ecotourism, the daily life and cuisine, and the peaceful, laid-back nature of its people.
Did you know that Iraq was home to the oldest known human civilization on Earth? This area used to be known as Mesopotamia, and many different ancient peoples lived there. Readers will learn about daily life in Iraq, contemporary Iraqi culture, and the changes the country is going through today.
Denmark has consistently been ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. It has a high standard of living, an impressive literacy rate, and an industrious economy. In this title, discover more about a land famous for its fairy tales, innovative culture, and lively people.
This ancient country is considered the birthplace of Western civilization. Tourists can walk on the grounds of the first Olympic Games, see the mythical Mount Olympus, and visit the Acropolis of Athens, where people gathered thousands of years ago. Read all about Greece and its traditions, from old to new, in this informative title.
An owl has large eyes that work like a pair of binoculars. This, combined with excellent night vision and a rotating head, makes this raptor a skilled hunter. Beginning readers will have a hoot as they read about the unusual features of this bird of prey! Blastoff! Series
Pakistan became a country in 1947 after the Muslim people of India fought for the creation of an independent state. Now, Pakistan is the second most populated Muslim-majority country in the world. Young readers will learn about Pakistan’s geographic features, its abundant wildlife, and the strong culture of its people today.
Using their beaks, woodpeckers peck holes in trees to get at the insects inside. They also hammer to attract mates and declare their territory. This book will interest children as it presents the behaviors and physical features of these noisy birds. Blastoff! Series
Gophers are known for their puffy faces. They often stuff food into their cheek pouches and carry it back to their burrows. Young children will enjoy learning how gophers gather food and dig vast underground tunnels. Blastoff! Series
Badgers become fierce fighters when in danger. They can protect themselves from falling prey to large, strong animals such as wolves and bears! This book introduces beginning readers to badgers, highlighting the powerful jaws and strong claws of these animals. Blastoff! Series
Haiti is a country that has experienced many hardships—most recently, a devastating earthquake in January of 2010. It is also a country with a rich history and a culture that is famous for its unique, colorful painting and sculpture styles. Readers will learn about Haiti’s landscape, its vibrant culture, and the work being done to rebuild Haiti today.
Iran is an ancient country that used to be called Persia. The Persians were one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, and Persian culture has a strong presence in Iranian culture today. In this book, explore Iran’s rain forests, national cuisine, and the traditions of a people that trace their roots back thousands of years.
Famous for the snowy peaks of the Swiss Alps, Switzerland is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts all over the world. Swiss alpine culture is also known for a long wooden horn called the alphorn and the tradition of yodeling. Explore the stunning landscapes, unique culture, and bustling cities of this small European country.
Travel to Kenya and see if you can spot giraffes, elephants, lions and other African animals! Dinosaur bones and giant crocodile fossils discovered in Kenya reveal that the country has been home to a variety of wildlife for millions of years. Learn more about Kenya’s wildlife, and explore Kenyan culture and the diversity of people that call this beautiful place home.
Have you ever smelled the scent of a skunk? There is a reason other animals stay away from skunks! Kids will find out why skunks smell, the physical characteristics of skunks, where they live, and what they eat to survive. Blastoff! Series
Farmers need just the right amount of rain for their fields. Too little or too much can destroy crops. This book explores our human need for rain and introduces floods, droughts, and the water cycle. Blastoff! Series
Did you know that some turtles live to be over 100 years old? Some live in the ocean, others on land, and some live both in water and on land! Young readers will discover what turtles eat, where they live, and how their shells and other physical features help them survive in the wild. Blastoff! Series
Wolves are territorial animals. They mark the areas where they live and hunt with their scent. Most of these wild, howling dogs stay in groups called packs. Information about the dynamics within a wolf pack will interest young readers. Blastoff! Series
Snakes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are only a few feet long, while others can stretch over 40 feet long! This title introduces young readers to the traits of snakes, what and how they eat, and where they make their homes. Blastoff! Series
Ladybugs spend part of their life cycle as larva. Every day a ladybug larva eats about 30 tiny green insects called aphids. Young children will watch a ladybug go from egg to adult. Blastoff! Series
