People have reported hearing footsteps and seeing shadowy figures at prisons that have been empty for years. Could phantom inmates still roam the halls? Read eerie stories from famous prisons to decide for yourself in this title for reluctant readers.
At the sight of danger, puffer fish blow up! Their bodies become like balloons. Their plump lips and oversize eyes, usually exaggerated, look more proportionate for a time. The goal is to use size to intimidate. Fascinating content in this title will suck young readers in.
Ever wonder what kind of feline the Chesire Cat is? He’s a British shorthair! This smiley, chubby-faced breed is versatile, friendly, and popular. Read more about the history, personality, and award-winning features of the British shorthair in this title for early readers!
Scientists estimate that about 500,000 detectable earthquakes shake the earth each year. But the majority of them go unnoticed, as most register at the bottom of the 8.0+ magnitude scale. In this hi-lo title, kids will learn how to react to the dangerous quakes that can be felt.
Goosebumps and giggles. R.L. Stine’s talent is in writing books that cause these reactions. He sets out to make reading a suspenseful or laughworthy experience. In this title, young readers will follow the major plot twist of Stine’s writing career, his shift from joke books to horror stories.
Separation and divorce are difficult on the entire family. Often young children blame themselves or are unsure of their place in the family if these events occur. Child psychologist Dr. Jillian Roberts designed the Just Enough series to empower parents/caregivers to start conversations with young ones about difficult or challenging subject matter.
Did you know that crabs look like mini, clear lobsters when they are babies? Crabs have to molt many times before they even look like adults with hard outer shells. Some crabs grow their own shells while others find used shells to call their own. Find out about a crab's life cycle, physical traits, habitat, and more in this title for beginning readers.
Lets play softball! Through large, full-color action photographs and simple text, Softball introduces beginning readers to basic rules of the sport and encourages them to participate. A labeled diagram helps readers identify the parts of a softball field, and a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Softball also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
In Animals in Winter, beginning readers will learn how animal behavior changes during the winter season. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage early readers as they discover how animals deal with the chilly weather conditions. A labeled diagram shows places animals use for shelter during the winter, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about animals in winter online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Animals in Winter also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
Ayla loves climbing. But she prefers to climb indoors, with all her safety harnesses in place and soft mats to land on. Her climbing partner and best friend, Lissy, is much more adventurous and loves the outdoors. When Lissy starts hanging out with Carlos, the new thrill-seeking guy in town, Ayla wants to keep an eye on her and finds herself tagging along on a weekend climbing trip up Black Dog Mountain. But things go very wrong when Lissy and her dad, the only adult in the group, are badly injured high on the side of the mountain. Suddenly the risks of climbing become very real. Ayla and Carlos need to figure out how to get help, and every decision they make could have catastrophic consequences.
Sixteen-year-old Tom LeFave is trying to hold his world together. His family's marina is struggling. His dad is full of secrets. And the quarterback of the football team hates his guts. When a huge yacht docks at Tom's marina, things look brighter, especially when he meets Kat, the daughter of the boat's owner. Kat and Tom share a love of rum-running history. It's not long, however, before Tom starts to realize there's something more than history happening on the river. And if Tom can't figure it out in time, he just might be history too.
In Plants in Winter, beginning readers follow along as plants respond to the changing season in various ways. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage early readers as they discover how trees, bushes, and flowering plants shut down many growth processes during the winter months. A labeled diagram shows a variety of ways plants respond to winter, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about plants in winter using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Plants in Winter also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
Turtle hatchlings enter the world with sometimes more than 100 brothers and sisters. But after birth, the babies live independently! Their instincts lead them to hunt for worms, swim through water, and bask happily in the sun for warmth. Take a dive into the cute reptilian life of baby turtles in this title for young learners!
According to Mattel, eight Hot Wheels are sold every second. So what is the secret behind the toy cars’ appeal? In this biography of a brand, growing readers will learn why the production of Hot Wheels has stayed strong since the cars' first release in the 1960s.
In Cobras, beginning readers will learn about how cobras hunt for food and defend themselves against predators. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage young readers as they discover the dramatic world of cobras. A labeled diagram helps readers identify a cobras body parts, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about cobras online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Cobras also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
Making use of physical strength and high-tech gear, military groups like the Delta Force and Navy SEALs fight to defeat terrorism around the world. Soldiers of counterterrorism missions protect people from fear and violence. They rescue prisoners, interrupt enemy plans, and dismantle terrorist operations around the world. In this introductory book, young readers will learn about the history of terrorism and the ways in which military missions succeed in protecting lives.
In Meals in China, young readers will learn learn about the foods and cultural practices that make up mealtime in China. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage beginning readers as they discover the fascinating culinary traditions of China. A labeled diagram highlights common Chinese ingredients, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about meals in China online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Meals in China also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
In Ellis Island, young readers will explore this American landmark and learn about its historic significance. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage emergent readers as they explore this important site. A labeled diagram helps readers understand locations and items associated with Ellis Island, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about Ellis Island online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Ellis Island also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
You could say the best is saved for last when it comes to Chinese New Year. The Lantern Festival stands as the holiday’s grand finale. Dragon and lion puppets dance by day. At night, glowing lanterns float on water and across sky. This introduction to China’s most famous celebration will mesmerize beginning readers.
The elegant houses of the wealthy may hold more than just expensive things. Some are said to be home to ghosts! Reluctant readers will love reading the famous ghost stories from lavish locales in this spooky book.
In need of a giant hauler? Bring in the dump truck! The big truck looks very much like a heavy-duty sandbox on wheels. It moves dirt, rocks, and other loose loads. This book geared toward beginning readers spills basic facts about dump trucks.
Cornish rexes are the curly-coated supermodels of the cat world. Long, graceful, and poised, it is true that brains come along with their beauty, too! They are interactive with their owners and don’t like to be left alone for long. Cat-loving readers will enjoy learning about the quirks and antics of Cornish rexes!
Did you know that some corals are named for being look-alikes? The mushroom coral has an umbrella-like shape. Grooves on the surface of the brain coral give it the appearance of the important human organ. Beginning readers just might get the urge to name the corals in this book.
In Gila Monsters, beginning readers will learn about some of this large lizards interesting physical features and capabilities. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage young readers as they discover the exciting world of Gila monsters. A labeled diagram helps readers identify a Gila monsters body parts, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about Gila monsters online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Gila monsters also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
Piano tuner and jazz musician Frank Ryan is in Japan teaching bored housewives how to play piano. Then he gets a gig in a trendy underground bar and ends up ensnared with a young woman with a grudge and the crime boss who owns the bar. Drawn into Tokyo Girls vendetta, Frank stumbles into an underworld where transgressions are paid for by the flash of a razor-sharp cleaver. And for a pianist, that's not a good thing. Tokyo Girl is the follow-up to Beethoven's Tenth, featuring reluctant sleuth Frank Ryan.