Children’s / Teenage general interest: Wildlife and habitats

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Book SynopsisA giant whale trapped in nets and ropes. Can she be helped?A humpback whale migrating south along the California coast becomes tangled in a fishing trawler’s ropes and nets. As she struggles to free herself, the ropes twist more tightly around her body, digging into her skin. The whale fights until she is too tired to continue. What happens next will astound and inspire.Based on true events, this is a story of interspecies cooperation and the importance of human responsibility to protect the earth and its many inhabitants.Wendell Minor’s breathtaking paintings illustrate the majesty of the gentle humpback whale in her blue-green undersea world and the amazing efforts of humans—creatures a mere fraction of her size—who risked their lives to save her. Back matter includes the story behind the story, further information about humpback whales, and facts about whale rescue efforts

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Book SynopsisHorseshoe crabs, shorebirds, and humans converge in a frenzy of activity.Every spring millions of horseshoe crabs crawl to the beaches of Delaware Bay to lay their eggs. But they aren’t the only ones crowding ashore. Flocks of shorebirds migrating north from South America stop to feed on the horseshoe crab eggs. People also flock to the scene. Scientists and tourists turn out to see the spectacle and learn more about the creatures that call this habitat home for a few weeks. Alan Marks' gorgeous paintings bring the reader down to the shoreline to observe this exciting annual event that interconnects species in a web of life and an ancient food chain.

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Book SynopsisBaby animals come in many different shapes and sizes, and many of those shapes and sizes are covered in spots or stripes.In Baby Animals Spots & Stripes, each turn of the page reveals a pair of adorable baby animals—one spotted and one striped. On the back cover of the book is a list of the animals featured (mammals, reptiles, birds, and fish). The book closes with a full-color illustration of babies playing with toy versions of each animal.This title is a companion to the best-selling Baby Animals Black and White. The bold black-and-white patterns stimulate eyesight and brain development in infants. The recognition and naming of familiar animals promotes speech development in older babies and infants.

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Book SynopsisPopular science writer Sneed B. Collard III gets creepy-crawly with many different kinds of insects, detailing their habitats, defense systems, communication techniques, and mating rituals. Colorful, closeup photos are paired with a kid-friendly narrative that boasts humor and accessible explanations about beetles, spider wasps, moths, and more.For kids who love creepy-crawlies — School Library JournalA lighthearted invitation to join the insect-appreciation club: "Righteous exoskeleton, dude!"— Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisIn jaw-dropping photos, Doug Wechsler captures the life cycle of the American toad from egg to tadpole to adult. To get these images, Wechsler sat in a pond wearing waders, went out night after night in search of toads, and cut his own glass to make a home aquarium. The resulting photos reveal metamorphosis in extreme close-up as readers have never seen it before. Budding naturalists will be transfixed by this unprecedented peek into the secrets of tadpole transformation. A book that encourages observation and conservation and may start some young biologists off on their own lifelong quests to understand animals — Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewA fascinating look at toad development — Booklist, starred reviewSuitable for libraries needing to bolster their early nonfiction collections — School Library JournalA remarkable visual chronicle of an easily overlooked creature — Bulletin of the Center for Children''s BooksChicago Public Library’s 2017 Best of the Best Books selection2018 Green Earth Book Honor for Children’s nonfiction

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Book SynopsisCaldecott Honor recipient Steve Jenkins shines as the author of this amusing and thorough introduction to animal homes.Turtles, birds, fish, beavers, and kangaroos are just like people--they need homes, and take up residence in unusual places. A simple main text introduces similarities between human and animal homes while sidebars detail the unique qualities of each animal and its home. Stylized yet realistic watercolor illustrations prove that nonfiction can be accurate and elegant, and readers of all ages will appreciate this layered narrative.

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Book SynopsisAre kids going to love this book? Is a frog waterproof? The latest title in the popular Strange and Wonderful series delivers the awe-inspiring variety of the world's hoppiest amphibians. The goliath frog is more than a foot long. The tiny gold frog could sit on a dime. Some frogs have camouflage. Others wear bold colors warning their enemies that they are poisonous. Some frogs leap, others hop, one is a runner, and a few glide from tree to tree with their big, webbed hands and feet! Laurence Pringle's knack for choosing and presenting surprising facts and Meryl Henderson's gift for beautiful, realistic nature illustrations come together once again in a celebration of one of nature's most fascinating marvels.Trade Review★ "Pringle truly delivers with his latest...(b)udding herpetologists will snap this one up faster than a frog can catch a fly." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review"Pringle recognizes what will intrigue children as well as what they need to know to understand the subject... A must-have addition to science collections." —Booklist "Pringle's readable text explores the wide range of shapes, sizes, colorations, habits and habitats of these elusive, intriguing creatures...Henderson's lovely, realistic illustrations keep careful step with the text. A handsome, informative look into the unexpectedly diverse world of frogs." —School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisA Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor BookPerfect for kids interested in animals, science, and the world of their backyard, this photographic story of a day in the life of a wolfsnail offers a dramatic introduction to a little-known predator and the impact it has on habitats where it does not belong.On a typical day, the wolfsnail hunts its prey: other snails. Big, strong, and fast (for a snail), the wolfsnail has a taste for meat, and in some areas, it is called the cannibal snail. On the prowl, the wolfsnail finds the slime trail of a smaller snail and follows the path toward its prey. When the chase ends and the dramatic feast is done, nothing remains of the smaller snail... except an empty shell. Slithering and suspenseful, this enlightening book also includes amazing facts about the wolfsnail and a glossary.Trade Review"Sure to encourage early readers and listeners to explore their own backyards for similarly wondrous creatures." –Kirkus Reviews"Even the glossary is fun, with words ranging from cannibal and mollusc to mucus and slug. . . . Will help youngsters discover exciting nature in their own backyards and help them understand the role of predators in the natural cycle." –Booklist"lt is hard to imagine suspense and drama in a book about the lowly wolfsnail, but this book delivers just that. . . . A unique look at the miniature world of a small predator." –Library Media Connection

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Book Synopsis"Definitely the best cicada book for kids. Adults will appreciate it as well, as it is well written, factually accurate, and beautifully illustrated." —Cicadamania.com Discover why cicadas are all the buzz in the most complete, comprehensive book for kids about these noisy but harmless insects.Every year, annual cicadas emerge and pierce the air with their buzzing calls. Also every year, at least one brood of 13 or 17 year cicadas emerges in some part of the eastern or central United States. In Spring 2021, a group of 17 year periodical cicadas called Brood X will make their appearance in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Author Laurence Pringle and illustrator Meryl Henderson have created the story of this fascinating and often misunderstood insect, one that deserves to be protected.Trade Review"[A] clearly written, informative introduction." —Booklist"This smoothly written, beautifully illustrated title will fill a gap in most collections." —School Library Journal★ "Even though the format is aimed toward younger readers, the depth of information would make it an appropriate source for older readers in search of research material. The beautiful illustrations would also make this book feasible as an informative read-aloud." —Library Media Connection, starred review

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Book SynopsisCan you climb a tree without using arms or legs? Can you smell odors by wiggling your tongue in the air? Snakes can! Beginning with these simple questions, award-winning author Laurence Pringle invites readers to explore the remarkable abilities and lives of snakes. Snakes are legless reptiles, but thanks to their powerful muscles and hundreds of rib bones they can coil, creep, climb, and swim. Some can even glide through the air. Join Laurence Pringle in this NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book as he takes a look at some of the more than two thousand snakes that are found almost all over the world. A lively and informative text, joined with Meryl Henderson's bold and realistic art, explains how snakes hunt for food, move, shed their skin, give birth, and play important roles in nature. While snakes may look strange, this fascinating book shows why they are also wonderful creatures.Trade Review"Fascinating book.... Even readers fearful of snakes may find the subject a little less strange, a little more wonderful." - Booklist "Well organized and clearly written." - School Library Journal "Attractive compendium of intriguing snake facts." - Kirkus Reviews"

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Book SynopsisBats are among the world's most misunderstood animals. This Parents' Choice Award book gives readers an inside look at the earth's only flying mammals. Readers discover how bats can pluck insects from the air, fish from the water, and help giant trees and other tropical plants to reproduce, among other fascinating facts. Featuring stunning illustrations, this is a great introduction to an extraordinary mammal.Trade Review"Youngsters will be immediately hooked by the opening text ("If you were a bat, you could stay up all night. You could hang by your thumbs, or hang by your toenails. -- Bulletin for the Center for Children's books With its appealing illustrations in an eye-catching arrangement and clearly written text, Pringle's Bats! Is equal to the best introduction on the subject for this age level - School Library Journal"

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Book SynopsisWhales are among the world's most captivating creatures. The humpback whale can grow up to fifty feet in length. The blue whale is a giant that can grow to a length of one hundred feet. Its tongue weighs as much as an elephant! Yet all whales aren't enormous, and there are many kinds, from the beluga, with its white skin, to the narwhal, with its seven-foot-long tusk. Join Laurence Pringle as he introduces a variety of whales and describes efforts to save these magnificent creatures from extinction. With bold, realistic illustrations by Meryl Henderson, this journey to the undersea world unveils the mysterious world of these mammals in the ocean.

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Book SynopsisDid you know that octopuses can eject ink in the shape of a ghostly octopus or detach a wiggling arm while jetting away to safety? Or that their skin can change color for camouflage? Octopuses are the subject of this latest installment of the successful Strange and Wonderful series. Covering the entire life cycle of these mysterious ocean dwellers and their anatomical details and behavioral quirks, Laurence Pringle's investigation of octopuses is both a comprehensive and accessible introduction and resource.Trade Review"Pringle compresses a surprising amount of factual material into this informational picture book. His writing style flows well, with details smoothly woven into a cohesive read... Henderson's charming watercolor artwork effectively reinforces the material within the text... A worthy introduction" -- School Library Journal " A veteran science writer introduces the most intelligent invertebrate of all, the octopus, master of camouflage... The author covers the basics of size and shape, habitat, feeding, relations with humans, survival mechanisms and reproduction in a smooth narrative that flows from page to page, carrying readers along. Like most titles in the Strange and Wonderful series, this inviting introduction is graced with Henderson's detailed and accurate watercolor illustrations... A glossary, index and suggestions for further reading and Web research conclude this stellar example of nonfiction for middle-grade readers. Pringle inks another winner in a long series of engaging, informative invitations to explore the natural world." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

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Book SynopsisWhy is the world of bats so varied? The littlest bat is as light as a penny. The biggest bat can have a wingspan as long as a bathtub. Some bats have little flaps on their noses. Others have huge ears. The unique traits of each species help it survive in its special place in nature . . . but how? Using eye-popping photographs of strange bats from around the world, Bats: Biggest! Littlest! feeds young readers' curiosity and is certain to prompt stimulating discussions for days.Trade Review"Veteran science writer Markle's basic introduction maintains a fine balance between general observations and specific facts. She has chosen particularly well when it comes to the photos: bats in flight, at rest, seizing prey, and clearly displaying distinctive body parts ('Compared to its body size, the Tube-Lipped Nectar Bat has the world's longest tongue'). Along with identifying 14 kinds of bats and explaining how their sizes influence their behaviors, she discusses bat diets and senses, the differences between the way bats and birds use their wings to fly, how they care for their young, and other relevant topics. . ." —Booklist". . . The clear text is simple and readable, describing the hunting techniques of microbats and the fruit-finding talents of megabats, and even delves into some forms of bat housing. Enriched by superb color photos and complete wtih sites for further investigation, the whole presentation is interesting and useful as well as attractive. . . " —School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisIntroduce children to the fascinating world of nature! Floppers & Loppers features simple text and award-winning photography by Stan Tekiela. This board book takes a fun look at animal ears and their shapes. It's perfect for your family's youngest nature lovers. Features: Full-color photos of real animals Engaging text to interest young readers Fun facts about the natural world Table of ContentsSpecies List Jackrabbit Polar bear Bullfrog Opossum Cricket Owl Bat Coyote Beaver Lynx Deer

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Book SynopsisIntroduce children to the fascinating world of nature! Paws & Claws features simple text and award-winning photography by Stan Tekiela. This board book demonstrates the many different uses of animal feet. It's perfect for your family's youngest nature lovers. Features: Full-color photos of real animals Engaging text to interest young readers Fun facts about the natural world Table of ContentsSpecies List Pelican Crayfish Ptarmigan Badger Mountain goat Armadillo Treefrog Raccoon Salamander Bear

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Book SynopsisIntroduce children to the fascinating world of nature! Snouts & Sniffers features simple text and award-winning photography by Stan Tekiela. This board book presents fun facts about various animal noses. It's perfect for your family's youngest nature lovers.Features: Full-color photos of real animals Engaging text to interest young readers Fun facts about the natural world Table of ContentsSpecies List Gray wolf Turkey vulture Skunk Eastern Cottontail Bear Snapping Turtle Wood duck River otter Hognose snake Moose

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Book SynopsisThis is the true story of Fu Manchu, an adult male orangutan, who relishes outsmarting his friend, zookeeper Jerry Stones. He does just that when he escapes his enclosure at will and spends sunny days with the elephants in another part of the zoo. At first Jerry believes his staff's carelessness allowed the crafty ape to get out. But when that assumption proves wrong, he launches an all-out surveillance mission to discover how Fu manages his getaways. Jerry soon discovers that Fu can open the locked door, but can't figure out how he does it. The zookeeper removes every twig and stick that could be used as a lock pick, but Fu continues to escape. Eventually, Fu reveals to Jerry how he did it, and is rewarded with honorary membership in the American Association of Locksmiths.

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Book SynopsisA few miles from San Francisco lives a population of the ocean's largest and most famous predators. Each fall, while the city's inhabitants dine on steaks, salads, and sandwiches, the great white sharks return to California's Farallon Islands to dine on their favourite meal: the seals that live on the island's rocky coasts. Massive, fast, and perfectly adapted to hunting after 11 million years of evolution, the great whites are among the planet's most fearsome, fascinating, and least understood animals. In the fall of 2012, Katherine Roy visited the Farallons with the scientists who study the islands' shark population. She witnessed seal attacks, observed sharks being tagged in the wild, and got an up close look at the dramatic Farallons - a wildlife refuge that is strictly off-limits to all but the scientists who work there. Neighborhood Sharks is an intimate portrait of the life cycle, biology, and habitat of the great white shark, based on the latest research and an up-close visit with these amazing animals.

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Book SynopsisTIME for Kids The BIG Book of Why: Awesome Animal Kingdom answers the why, what, when, where, who and how questions about humans and animals that kids commonly ask, but adults can rarely answer. Why do we have eyebrows? What's the difference between a crocodile and an alligator? How does aspirin know where to go in the body to take care of pain? What's the fastest a human is capable of running? Why do animals' eyes glow in the dark? Written in an upbeat manner, each answer is accompanied by either a photo or an illustration to show the reasons why. Of course, TIME For Kids goes beyond answering the question, and dips into the science or history to further explain the answer in an easy-to-follow, straightforward manner. TIME for Kids The BIG Book of Why: Awesome Animal Kingdom is a must-have book to satisfy the most curious of Kids.

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Book SynopsisWhen a little foal with a white upside-down exclamation point on her forehead was born one morning in Kentucky, the heart of America’s horse racing region, problems mounted quickly. Rejected by her mother, the filly would need to be accepted and nursed by another mare. As she grew, the tall, knock-kneed girl remained skinny and scruffy, with paltry muscles. Considered an “ugly duckling,” she was unsuitable as a champion racehorse, her owner proclaimed, and must be sold. But two days before the sale, an examination revealed a medical condition—now she was impossible to sell! What would become of this problem filly?Alexandra the Great tells one of the greatest underdog tales in American sports—the story of Rachel Alexandra, who grew up to become one of the most remarkable racehorses in history. Despite dominating every filly her age, her owner refused to let her compete against male horses. When a new owner saw her potential and raced her against bigger, stronger males, Rachel Alexandra thrived and went on to win the Preakness, the first filly to do so in 85 years, and the Woodward, a feat never before achieved by a filly. Having grown into a strong, muscular, dominating athlete, Rachel Alexandra was named 2009 Horse of the Year, broke records, graced the pages of Vogue magazine, and showed people around the world exactly what it means to “run like a girl.” Including vivid details gleaned from interviews with Rachel Alexandra’s owners, veterinarian, beloved jockey Calvin Borel, and more, Alexandra the Great gives readers an exciting and emotional look at both the humans and horses who pour their hearts and souls into the world of Thoroughbred training and racing.Trade Review"This fascinating book will have you cheering, pumping your fist, and holding your breath as Rachel Alexandra races her way into your heart and stays there. Perfect for young readers who love horses, and even those who don't." Maggie Dana, author of Timber Ridge Riders"Aronson's telling of Rachel Alexandra's story proves that the best athletes can be role models, and sometimes those athletes need not be human to inspire us." Brendan O'Meara, author of Six Weeks in Saratoga"This vivid, swiftly moving story showcases Rachel Alexandra's heart, grace, perseverance, and sheer athletic power that earned her the love and admiration of everyone around her. It also suggests how female athletes can shine when given the opportunity to compete on a level playing field." Susan Richards, author of Chosen by a Horse , Chosen Forever , and Saddled"A straightforward biography of one of thoroughbred racing's greatest mares." Kirkus Reviews"Aronson's primary and excellent research shines throughout the book. She knows how to both inform and fascinate her readers. This peek into the world of horse racing is a sure bet to please." The News-Gazette"Whether a horse enthusiast or new to the sport, there's much to learn from Rachel's story." Booklist Online"Bottom line: Deb Aronson's Alexandra the Great is a good read--touching, suspenseful and upliftinga tale for the ages." Equisearch.com"I highly recommend this book if you want a readable, action-packed and moving story." SmilePolitely.com"Aronson's primary and excellent research shines throughout the book. She knows how to both inform and fascinate her readers. This peek into the world of horse racing is a sure bet to please." The News-Gazette"Whether a horse enthusiast or new to the sport, there's much to learn from Rachel's story." Booklist Online

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Book SynopsisAAAS Subaru SB&F Excellence in Science Finalist 2016NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 2016 An engaging book that encourages young nature enthusiasts to explore the world of birdsThis generously illustrated, full-color book teaches kids that birds can be seen almost anywhere: in city parks and streets, zoos, farms, and backyards. Using “Try This,” “Look For,” and “Listen For” prompts, Birdology promotes independent observation and analysis, writing and drawing skills, and nature literacy. Kids observe the diversity of shapes, colors, patterns, and behavior of birds; listen for their songs and the clap of wings; make a juice-box feeder; plant flowers that attract hummingbirds; start a birding journal and sketchbook; and much more. Other topics that are presented in clear, kid-friendly prose include migration, nesting, food, territories, and conservation and preservation. Additional resources, such as a glossary, bird orders and scientific names, bird and wildlife organizations, and “Teacher Topics” to initiate classroom discussion and investigation, are also included.Trade Review"The activities are relatively simple and could easily be done independently or as a family or class project. For older readers or adults who hope to encourage young nature watchers, a thorough and interesting exploration." Kirkus"This wide-format guide to everything avian is a great starting point for burgeoning bird-watchers. Each chapter offers a dizzying wealth of information about birds and their songs, field markings, beaks, wings, diet, behavior, habitats, and more." Booklist"I would not be surprised that this book produces some ornithologists in the future." Book Views by Alan Caruba"It is jam-packed, from cover to cover, with fascinating information, facts and tidbits about birds This would be a great book to use in the classroom to supplement a unit on birds or simply to sit down and read for pleasure." KidsReads"This is a great book for naturalists and bird watchers to share with a 7-to-12-year-old who wants to know what the feathered fuss is all about. Once you've got "Birdology," you'll both be singing its praises." The Bookworm Sez"There are so many fascinating lessons about birds to be learned, and Monica Russo guides readers through that learning process in such a way that they can lead themselves to a better understanding of the birds common to their own cities and states. The book is fascinating to read, the photographs are wonderful to look at and Birdology does a delightful job of turning middle readers into young ornithologists and protectors of planet earth." Smart Books for Smart Kids"Russo's enthusiasm for her subject is undeniable, as is her talent for making the subject understandable to children. In addition, Russo presents birdwatching as something nearly everyone can do it is just a matter of honing listening and observation skills." Asheville Citizen-Times

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Book SynopsisThe Little Gardener is an engaging illustrated guide for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and educators who want to help children explore the natural world through gardening. Part how-to, part teaching tool, and part inspiration, The Little Gardener is a thoughtful combination of detailed instructions, tips, anecdotes, and seasonal activities designed to connect gardeners to natural systems. With fun projects, useful charts, and creative journal prompts, The Little Gardener shows gardeners of all ages how to envision and build their garden together by making the process an adventure to be treasured, with much to learn along the way.

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Book SynopsisHumorous comparisons and playful artwork teach children the unusual ways that a variety of animals—from woodpeckers to snakes to bats—use their tongues to find food, eat, and clean themselves.In this nonfiction picture book, kids will learn about the woodpecker, which uses its tongue to burrow for insects under tree bark; the okapi, which can wash its face and ears with its tongue; and the octopus, which uses its tongue to drill holes in shells. Through bright, playful collage artwork, readers can imagine what it would be like to have a tongue like a sword, like a straw, or like a party blower, among many other silly and illuminating comparisons. The back matter expands on each animal tongue's unique abilities and includes information about other fun tongues, too.Trade Review“Perfect for a group storytime, this is a useful addition to the wonders-of-animals shelf.” – Kirkus Reviews“An expressive monkey acts as a guide to the animal kingdom's most interesting tongues…Back matter offers greater detail and also explains the workings of the human tongue. The appealing cover and bright, cheery illustrations will capture the attention of even casual browsers. A fine addition to early nonfiction collections.” -School Library Journal“This fascinating and whimsical nonfiction picture book uses humorous comparisons and playful artwork to teach children the unusual ways that a variety of animals…use their tongues…Through debut illustrator Jia Liu's bright, playful collage artwork, readers can imagine what it would be like to have a tongue like a sword, or straw, or party blower, among many other silly and illuminating comparisons. The back matter expands on each animal tongue's unique abilities and includes information about other fun tongues, too.” – School Library Connection

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