Search results for ""Astra Publishing""

EUREKA! Great things happen when science crosses history! Discover the all-true stories of your favorite inventions with this new multicultural STEM series that takes readers on a journey through time and around the world. A perfect choice for kids ages 4–8 who love to figure out how things work!Electric lights--without them, we'd be in the dark! Here is a "biography" of the light bulb, an essential invention that lights up our days and nights.From the first spark of Thomas Alva Edison's idea to the spread of electric lights around the world, Light Bulb is a fun and informative look at an invention that makes a huge difference in our lives. This STEAM nonfiction title is part of the new Eureka! series, each book covering one groundbreaking, world-changing discovery that millions of people use every single day.

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New York Times best-selling author Jonathan London explores how even the smallest Hippo can be a big help when he teams up with his friends.Today Little Hippo is playing firefighter. But as Firefighter Hippo pedals his fire truck through the jungle, he gets trapped in a mud hole, tangled in tall grass, and stuck on a hill. That's nothing compared to the biggest surprise of all—a real fire. It's a good thing the little firefighter knows exactly what to do!

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A year in the life of a sloth is revealed in this stunningly illustrated nonfiction picture book, the latest in the popular The Secret Life series.Meet Perezoso, a brown-throated three-fingered sloth who lives in a rainforest habitat. Young readers will be fascinated as they learn all about her life -- how she searches for food, keeps herself safe from prey, and gives birth to a baby. Gorgeous realistic illustrations celebrate these intriguing creatures, and the story is filled with important facts and terms. The back matter at the conclusion of the book provides more in-depth information, a glossary, and further resources.

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When faced with the danger of giants, ogres, and witches, other damsels might quake with fear . . . but not LillyBelle!At the School for Damsels, LillyBelle enjoys many damsel-in-training classes, like cake baking and vocal training, but the rule that a damsel must be in distress . . . not so much. When she's captured by one villain after another, LillyBelle will need to use her charm and her wit to save herself and prove once and for all that damsels don't have to be in distress--all in time for tea!

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This rhythmic showcase of dances from all over the world features children of diverse backgrounds and abilities tapping, spinning, and boogying away!Tap, twirl, twist, spin! With musical, rhyming text, author Valerie Bolling shines a spotlight on dances from across the globe, while energetic art from Maine Diaz shows off all the moves and the diverse people who do them. From the cha cha of Cuba to the stepping of Ireland, kids will want to leap, dip, and zip along with the dances on the page!

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We all know the earth is round. But HOW do we know? Join intrepid young scientist-adventurer Joulia Copernicus in this engaging picture book as she takes readers on a STEM historical journey through time and space. What would happen if you tried to walk tothe edge of the earth? Would you find it? Joulia Copernicus explores these questions and more in this fun and informative book for young readers, the first in the Joulia Copernicus series. From jumping on board Christopher Columbus’s ship, to planet-hopping in the outer reaches of our solar system, Joulia explains he ins and outs of how we learned that the earth is round with humor and wit. Ellie Peterson's clear, concise language and bold, kid-friendly make this book ideal for kids interested in science, history, and the world around us.

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How does a field of corn become a delicious bowl of popcorn? The story behind the fluffy snack the entire country loves is revealed in this photographic nonfiction picture book.Kids love food--and they especially love to eat popcorn! Author Cris Peterson offers an illuminating step-by-step examination of the history and science behind America's favorite snack. With photographs illustrating every stage, readers get a behind-the-scenes view of how popcorn is planted, grown, harvested, processed, tested, and finally shipped to stores and movie theaters all over the world. Back matter delves into the history of popcorn and how it became so popular in the United States.

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Like all buses in Montgomery, Alabama in the 1950's, Bus #2857 was segregated: white passengers sat in the front and black passengers sat in the back--until Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white passenger. Her arrest sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a major event in the Civil Rights movement led by a young minister, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For 382 days, black passengers chose to walk rather than ride the buses in Montgomery.

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Lola's mom is home but not home, because she's frantically working all the time. Lola's friends are here but not here as allegiances among the foursome change faster than you can forget your lines for a school play. Lola means well but can't help acting on her emotions and getting into trouble. She'll need to dig for bravery as she deals with a possible ghost next door, stage fright, and, hardest of all, making amends with her friends. In this heartwarming tale, Lola is braver than she thinks, and her friendships are stronger than she realizes.

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Being ten is hard. Just ask Celie—who is juggling fights with her sister, secrets at school, a forgetful grandmother, and a best friend who won't speak to her. How can a girl who doesn't like change survive when everything around her is changing? By writing, of course. Girls will recognize their own struggles as they join Celie who lets it all out in her top-secret diary.

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Bear just wants to read and write and think while Goose wants to talk and talk and talk. Bear is getting increasingly frustrated as Goose keeps interrupting him. Then Goose announces that thinking makes him hungry and he needs to make a snack. Goose returns with the snack and a note that he reads to bear: "You are my splendid friend." Bear responds by giving Goose a bear hug. They are splendid friends, indeed.

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NCSS/CBC Notable Trade Social Studies BookKansas Reading Circle ChoiceBank Street College Best BookTappantown Historical Society’s Achievement Award Young fans of the Broadway smash "Hamilton" will enjoy this riveting nonfiction picture book that unfolds like a play, telling a story from American history. Gravely injured and with little chance for more military honors, Major General Benedict Arnold seeks reward and recognition another way. He contacts Major John André, the new head of British intelligence and another man determined to prove himself. Arnold and André strike a deal and use Arnold’s intelligence to take over West Point, the strategic American fort. The plan ultimately fails, leading to André’s capture and death and Arnold’s loss of reward and glory. Author Selene Castrovilla and illustrator John O’Brien brilliantly capture the tensions and high drama of these two revolutionary rogues by highlighting their similarities and differences and demonstrating how they brought about their own tragic ends. This title also includes an afterword, timelines of the lives of both men, an extensive bibliography, and a list of key places to visit.

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Even as American Patriots fought for independence from British rule during the Revolutionary War, oppressive conditions remained in place for the thousands of enslaved and free African Americans living in this country. But African Americans took up their own fight for freedom by joining the British and American armies; preaching, speaking out, and writing about the evils of slavery; and establishing settlements in Nova Scotia and Africa. The thirteen stories featured in this collection spotlight charismatic individuals who answered the cry for freedom, focusing on the choices they made and how they changed America both then and now. These individuals include: Boston King, Agrippa Hull, James Armistead Lafayette, Phillis Wheatley, Elizabeth "Mumbet" Freeman, Prince Hall, Mary Perth, Ona Judge, Sally Hemings, Paul Cuffe, John Kizell, Richard Allen, and Jarena Lee. Includes individual bibliographies and timelines, author note, and source notes.

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This entertaining and quirky collection of school poems covers everything from a "slam-dancing ride" on the big yellow bus to the teacher who picks up signals with "antennae in her hair" to a full-on zombie invasion. Sidebars introduce readers to many elements of poetry and invite kids to write poems of their own.

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New York Times best-selling author Jonathan London explores how even the smallest Hippo can be a big help when he teams up with his friends.Little Hippo loves to pretend, and today he is playing a doctor. He tries to examine Big Hippo, Very Tall Giraffe, Giant Crocodile, Elephant, and other patients. But not everyone plays the way Doctor Hippo expected. Especially not Lion. Lion does not want to play Doctor Hippo's game. When he lets out a huge roar, the little doctor races home to find that Mama Hippo's medicine is the best of all. Jonathan London's reassuring story is perfectly matched by Gilles Eduar's warm and whimsical illustrations.

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Toys, food, and other everyday household objects have wild adventures at night, while the humans in the house sleep, in this imaginative collection of 26 poems. What do the things in your home do when you're asleep? They play, of course! In this compendium of poems by Laura Purdie Salas, everything from stuffed animals to clothing to writing utensils comes to life under the cover of night. An overdue library book searches for the perfect place to hide. A paper clip skydives with a tissue parachute. A fruit snack unrolls to create a tricky racetrack for toy cars. A hose unwinds and rolls around the yard before curling back up just before dawn. Accompanied by Angela Matteson's beautiful acrylic-on-wood illustrations, this book will spark young readers' imaginations and is a perfect choice for bedtime reading.

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Stunning full-color photographs and simple text introduce readers to the natural beauty and amazing behaviors of a pair of Eastern bluebirds. A sky-blue male and his young mate select the perfect place to lay their eggs and raise their chicks—a nest box built especially for them. Soon, hatchlings gape hungrily for their next meal. As the chicks grow, fledge, and learn to find food on their own, award-winning photographer Pamela Kirby captures them in startling close-ups and action shots.

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A little boy tells the story of what his dad does in his long day of driving a truck. Startlingly vivid graphic images of a big rig, rendered in vibrant colors and compelling compositions, make life on the road seem exotic and beautiful even as they bring the father and son together at the end of the day. A terrific bedtime read.

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One day in the distant future, Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is destined to battle the giant snake that threatens to devour the world. Until then, mortals of Middle Earth look to Thor and his magic hammer for protection from evil. In this third volume of the Secrets of the Ancient Gods series, Thor takes time from his duties to lead readers through the mythological Norse realms, those mysterious worlds that are home to gods, giants, elves, and monsters. He also delves into the age of the Vikings and reveals how they lived and what they believed. Using Thor as her humorous narrator, author Vicky Alvear Shecter provides a well-researched and unconventional nonfiction introduction to Norse mythology. Includes a glossary, bibliography, and index.

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Here are twenty-nine rhyming riddle poems about everyday objects that children love: roller coasters, trampolines, kites, yo-yos, licorice, and more. With plenty of clues in each rhythmic verse and in the colorful illustrations, children of all ages will enjoy guessing these riddles and challenging one another to the answers.

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This wholly satisfying Michael L. Printz Honor Book is told from multiple points of view. Lily Samson both loves and is embarrassed by her eccentric family. Her grandmother has an invisible friend; her grandfather is a racist (she believes); her mother brings elderly clients home from work for dinner; and her older brother keeps dropping in and out of school. Lily wishes her family could be "normal" for just one day. Then serendipity strikes. Through a series of surprising encounters, Lily's family members all reach new understanding about themselves and make changes for the better—and Lily gets her dream of one whole and perfect day.

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For fans of Mo Willem's Elephant and Piggie and Pigeon series, this clever and hilarious story stars Cat, who starts out perfectly content and relaxed, and Duck, who infuriates him by meowing like a cat instead of quacking like Cat thinks he should. Written completely in dialogue, this minimalist text is fun to read aloud and easy enough for newly independent readers to enjoy on their own. Humorous and deceptively simple artwork highlights the characters' personalities, showing Duck's quirkiness and good humor and Cat's rising frustration as Duck impersonates a variety of animals, refusing to concede that he is, indeed, a duck. Duck's silliness will appeal to children who enjoy pretend play, and older siblings will relate to Cat's annoyance as Duck refuses to leave his side. Ideal for multiple readings, here is a concise, funny story by award-winning author Sharon G. Flake with playful details in the artwork and humor that never fades.

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This picture book is a celebration of life and the perfect gift to mark any milestone, from a new baby to a birthday to graduation. Illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Matthew Cordell! In this inspiring story, a young rabbit travels through the wide world, experiencing joy and sorrow and wonder. Along the way he chooses a path and explores the unknown. And at the end of his journey, braver and more confident, he returns home—a place he can always count on. Author Rebecca Kai Dotlich’s wise words and Cordell’s beautiful illustrations combine in this book ideal for any special gift-giving occasion, and is an excellent choice for any graduate!

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Here is the library! Fifteen poems celebrate the thrill of getting your first library card, the excitement of story hour, the fun of using the computer, the pride of reading to the dog, and the joy of discovering that the librarian understands you and knows exactly which books you'll love. The poems in this engaging picture book are compiled by noted poet and anthologist Lee Bennett Hopkins.All pay homage to the marvels of books and reading. Accompanied by Jane Manning's colorful, imaginative illustrations, this collection celebrates the magic of libraries and is a must for every school and public library -- and it's ideal for anyone who loves to visit their local library, too!

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Thirteen classic poems by poets such as Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, Emily Dickinson, and David McCord are paired with parodies that honor and play off of the original poems in a range of ways. For example, "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" is paired with "Stopping by Fridge on a Hungry Evening" to hilarious effect, whereas the combination of Emily Dickinson's "'Hope' is the thing with feathers" with Lewis's "'Grief' is the thing with tissues" is profound, and both David McCord's "This Is My Rock" and Lewis's "This Is My Tree" hum with a sense of wonder. This playful introduction to classics will inspire imagination and wonder even as it tickles funny bones.

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What were all those fairy-tale characters thinking? Jane Yolen and Rebecca Kai Dotlich answer this question in paired poems, with sometimes startling results. The Princess claims all those mattresses kept her awake—not a silly pea—while the poor pea complains that the princess snores. One Snow White begs the witch to settle by the bay and throw that mirror away. Another boldly tells the mirror she "won't be guided by a glass that's so one-sided." Grumbles from the Forest is a bewitching brew of voices—grumbling, pleading, bragging, reminiscing, confiding—that bubbles with magic and wonder. The spectacular paintings that tie the poems together are full of surprise and intrigue. This stunning collection includes end notes that briefly describe the tales and their history and an introduction that invites readers to imagine their own poems from unusual perspectives.

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A Parents’ Choice Silver Honor Book With her father on the frontlines of World War II, a young girl gains strength by joining her community’s battle against the 1944 polio epidemicAnn Fay Honeycutt accepts the role of “man of the house” when her father leaves because she wants to do her part for the war. She’s doing well with the extra responsibilities when a frightening polio epidemic strikes, crippling many local children. Her town of Hickory, North Carolina responds by creating an emergency hospital in three days. Ann Fay reads each issue of the newspaper for the latest news of the epidemic. But soon she discovers for herself just how devastating polio can be. As her challenges grow, so does her resourcefulness. In the face of tragedy, Ann Fay discovers her ability to move forward. She experiences the healing qualities of friendship and explores the depths of her own faithfulness to those she loves—even to one she never expected to love at all. Based on the “Miracle of Hickory” Hospital in Hickory, North Carolina, Blue is at once a fascinating history of the 1944 polio epidemic and an inspiring coming of age tale for young and adult readers.

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Generations have fallen in love with this classic story of a grandson and grandfather whose visit to a family farm with a special tractor brings back memories. Don't miss the new companion title Grandma's Farm — now available! Grandpa Joe takes his grandson Timmy back to the site of his family’s farm, where the old house and a ramshackle barn still stand. The visit stirs up memories for Grandpa Joe—in particular, the majesty of his own father's shiny red tractor, now rusting in the forgotten fields. An ideal gift, this picture book evokes nostalgia while demonstrating a special bond between a grandparent and grandchild.

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A Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor BookThis charming, bestselling picture book — now in Spanish! — says volumes about friendship with a few select words and accessible illustrations.Bear wants to read and write and think. But his friend Goose wants to talk and talk ... and talk! Bear and Goose are so different! But can they still be friends? Toddlers and preschoolers will learn about how to make--and keep--new friends through this delightful story. A Pennsylvania One Book, Every Young Child Selection

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A poetic tribute to the victims of the racially motivated church bombing that served as a seminal event in the struggle for civil rights. In 1963, the eyes of the world were on Birmingham, Alabama, a flashpoint for the civil rights movement. Birmingham was one of the most segregated cities in the United States. Civil rights demonstrators were met with police dogs and water cannons. On Sunday, September 15, 1963, members of the Ku Klux Klan planted sticks of dynamite at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, which served as a meeting place for civil rights organizers. The explosion killed four little girls. Their murders shocked the nation and turned the tide in the struggle for equality. A Jane Addams Children's Honor Book, here is a book that captures the heartbreak of that day, as seen through the eyes of a fictional witness. Archival photographs with poignant text written in free verse offer a powerful tribute to the young victims.

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Every sunny afternoon, Emilio wheels his grandfather outside to watch the butterflies. Emilio's grandfather can no longer speak, but Emilio can see happiness in the older man's eyes as he watches butterflies dance through the air. But one day the butterflies fly away. Can Emilio bring them back and make his grandfather smile with more than just his eyes? Virginia Kroll's beautiful story is written with love and is magically illustrated by Gerardo Suzán.

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The incredible artwork of an Italian immigrant who followed his dream of monumental proportions in the impoverished Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles is revealed in this fascinating and engaging true story. A Reading Rainbow selection! Simon (Sam) Rodia had no formal engineering or architectural training. Yet, over the course of three decades, he constructed an artistic masterpiece in his own backyard – the Watts Towers. Using all kinds of things other people had thrown away, such as broken bottles and tiles, pieces of mirror and glass, seashells, and bits of pottery, he adorned the collection of 17 interconnected sculptural towers. His imaginative salvaging and perseverance can be seen today, as people from all over the world still come to marvel at Sam’s dream.

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When the sunshine pours like warm honey from the sky, it's time to tend Grandpa's bees. This day his granddaughter lends a hand, and she is treated to a spectacular show. The swarming bees whirl and twirl like a big buzzing cloud until they finally cluster on the limb of a tree. Then it's up to granddaughter to bring the bees down and move them into their new hive, which she does with great care. Grandpa is proud. His granddaughter proves to be "a fine keeper of bees." Linda Oatman High's lovingly told story, with sunny oil paintings by Doug Chayka, captures the special experience shared between a grandparent and child.

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A child's world is full of movement. Whether at play or out of sheer joy, you are constantly on the go. This lively book shows kids doing what they enjoy--jumping and dancing, and cartwheeling and bouncing through their days. Stephen Swinburne celebrates kids and their boundless energy in a bright, playful photo essay that shows you some of the amazing ways a child's body can move and invites young ones to discover fresh ways to dance and twirl through the world.

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Discover Bright Owl Books! This super simple beginning readers series, created by best-selling Step into Reading author and illustrator Molly Coxe, features vowel sounds – basic building blocks of reading – and only around 100 words in each book. With a note to parents and teachers at the beginning and story starters at the end, these books give kids the perfect start on educational success.Frog helps Fox and Ox and Pollywog. But who will help Frog? This fun photographic easy-to-read story features the short “o” vowel sound.

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Discover Bright Owl Books! This super simple beginning readers series, created by best-selling Step into Reading author and illustrator Molly Coxe, features vowel sounds – basic building blocks of reading – and only around 100 words in each book. With a note to parents and teachers at the beginning and story starters at the end, these books give kids the perfect start on educational success.Pig and Twig are playing Princess. Pig gets three wishes. But she wants more! This fun photographic easy-to-read story features the short “i” vowel sound.

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Discover Math Matters! With over 15 million books sold worldwide, this award-winning series of easy-to-read books will help young readers ages 5–8 approach math with enthusiasm. Great for fans of MathStart or Step into Reading Math. Thea wants one thing: to be a clever and daring detective like Samantha Sharp, the hero of her favorite books. So when the fish bowl goes missing during math class, Thea is ready to make her mark!With engaging stories that connect math to kids’ everyday lives, each book in the Teachers’ Choice Award–winning Math Matters series focuses on a single concept and reinforces math vocabulary and skills. Bonus activities in the back of each book feature math and reading comprehension questions, and even more free activities online add to the fun! (Math topic: Venn Diagrams).

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Discover Bright Owl Books! This super simple beginning readers series, created by best-selling Step into Reading author and illustrator Molly Coxe, features vowel sounds – basic building blocks of reading – and only around 100 words in each book. With a note to parents and teachers at the beginning and story starters at the end, these books give kids the perfect start on educational success.Gram is making jam. Can she keep it safe from all the rat attacks? This fun photographic easy-to-read story features the short “a” vowel sound.

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Each read-aloud book in the Mouse Math series focuses on a single, basic math concept and features adorable mice, Albert and Wanda, who live in a People House. Entertaining fiction stories capture kids’ imaginations as the mice learn about numbers, shapes, sizes and more. Over 3 million copies sold worldwide!It’s Albert’s first trip to the amousement park. He says he’s not "afraid" to go on rides—he just doesn’t like ones that go up and down. Or left and right. Or around and around! But what happens when Albert ends up in line for the wrong ride? Every Mouse Math title includes back matter activities that support and extend reading comprehension and math skills, plus free online activities. (Math concept: Direction Words)

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The Milo & Jazz Mysteries stars two kid detectives-in-training who use STEM problem-solving skills as they race to unravel cases and save the day! Perfect for fans of Encyclopedia Brown, Cam Jansen and Nate the Great.Campaign mania hits Westview when Jazz decides to run for school president. But is someone stealing all her best ideas? And how? Milo and Jazz must solve the mystery—before Election Day! This ideal series for beginning readers making the transition to chapter books has incredible Super Sleuthing activities in each book, including hidden pictures, puzzles, mini-mysteries, and quizzes—plus free online activities.

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Kylie Kangaroo is ready to let her kicker fly at Koora's karate club. There's just one tricky trick—will Kylie ever learn to break a brick?

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Sammy Skunk’s super sniffer can be super helpful. But when he tries to help the new cook at school, he accidentally stirs up some very soupy trouble!

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The Milo & Jazz Mysteries stars two kid detectives-in-training who use STEM problem-solving skills as they race to unravel cases and save the day! Perfect for fans of Encyclopedia Brown, Cam Jansen and Nate the Great.A ghost? At school? Detective duo Milo and Jazz have their hands full when they find out their class' "haunted house" might really be haunted! This ideal series for beginning readers making the transition to chapter books has incredible Super Sleuthing activities in each book, including hidden pictures, puzzles, mini-mysteries, and quizzes—plus free online activities.

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