Search results for ""Author Alette Straathof""

Lonely Alma longs to explore the lush forest beyond her narrow town, but her uncle has told her it’s full of fearsome beasts. One night, she ventures into the trees and finds a frightened bear cub. The two become friends but the rest of the town is not so welcoming. Soon, Alma and Star Bear are forced to set off in search of a place to call home. A lyrical tale about a tender friendship that triumphs over fear, with colour illustrations on every page.

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Get ready to travel back in time and learn about the intriguing people and cultures that existed in what we now know as Mexico, Central and South America from the Maya who built imposing temples and pyramids, to the Inca, who crafted beautiful solid-gold objects and founded the incredible city of Machu Picchu high in the Andes mountains. With this book as your guide, you'll discover many fascinating facts about these mysterious peoples, including the food they ate, the sports they played, the buildings and art they created, and their religious beliefs (which often included human sacrifice!). You'll also uncover why these civilisations were almost entirely lost, and how we know about them today from the traces they left behind, and from their descendants who pass on knowledge of their ancient ancestors.The Lost Civilisations of Latin America is part of the Reading Planet range of books for Stars (Lime) to Supernova (Red+) band. Children aged 7-11 will be inspired to love reading through the gripping stories and fascinating information books created by top authors. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and questions to support reading at home and develop comprehension skills. Reading age: 10-11 years

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"A compelling introduction to Hank Greenberg for a new generation of baseball fans." --Kirkus ReviewsStory of MVP and Hall-of-Famer "Hammerin" Hank Greenberg, one of the greatest hitters of all time, and the first openly Jewish sports star."Greenberg's example stood, and still stands, as inspirational for all players experiencing racial or religious prejudice." --BooklistIndiana Library Federation "2024 Ageless Read Aloud List"A Junior Library Guild SelectionIn 1934 young Hank Greenberg had his dream job--playing first base for the Detroit Tigers. Unlike some other Jewish baseball players of that time, Hank had not changed his name to disguise his Jewishness--he was not going to pretend he was something he wasn't. But there were many people who did not want to see a Jewish baseball player on the field. They booed and jeered and called him names, and most of his teammates were just standing by and letting it happen.But Hank knew what he liked--baseball. So he played his best, kept quiet, and let his batting average speak for him instead.In 1934, however, when the Tigers were leading the league, both Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur fell on game days. Hank consulted a local rabbi, and decided he could play on Rosh Hashanah, a day of celebration, but refused to play on Yom Kippur. He went to synagogue services instead.The Tigers lost that game, and Hank was blamed by many fans. A poem in the newspaper, however, recognized Hank's achievements and that, despite everything, more people were coming to accept him as a Jewish baseball player. "We shall miss him on the field and shall miss him at the bat. But he's true to his religion, and I honor him for that!"An end note with historical photo explains more about Hank's baseball career as the first Jewish superstar in American team sports.In the face of prejudice, "let it spur you on to greater achievement, rather than accept and be licked by it." --Hank Greenberg

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The grandfather clock started striking. One ... two ... three ... four ... five ... six ... seven ... eight ... nine ... ten ... eleven ... 'Twelve!' whispered Marie. Midnight. She had stayed up much longer than she intended. With a gulp she looked up at the clock. The wooden owl blinked at her. One cold December night, Marie's godfather brings her family a very special gift. Marie takes her responsibility to look after the soldier-like wooden nutcracker very seriously ... especially when the seven-headed Mouse King and his terrible army invade and the toys must come to life to defend their home. Could the Nutcracker be real after all? The Nutcracker is part of the Reading Planet range of books for Stars (Lime) to Supernova (Red+) band. Children aged 7-11 will be inspired to love reading through the gripping stories and fascinating information books created by top authors. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and questions to support reading at home and develop comprehension skills.Reading age: 9-10 years

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Within this collection of Indian folk tales, you'll meet a crafty king, a sneaky salesman and a terrible thief ... along with a jackal who tries to rule the jungle and a greedy sister who gets exactly what she deserves. Read on to discover how the cheaters are outwitted and why honesty is always rewarded! Just One Grain of Rice and Other Indian Folk Tales is part of the Reading Planet range of books for Stars (Lime) to Supernova (Red+) band.Children aged 7-11 will be inspired to love reading through the gripping stories and fascinating information books created by top authors. Reading Planet books have been carefully levelled to support children in becoming fluent and confident readers. Each book features useful notes and questions to support reading at home and develop comprehension skills.Reading age: 8-9 years

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It’s 7 o’clock in the morning in Mexico, and Javier is eating his breakfast. He’s having corn tortillas with beans and a glass of orange juice.And at exactly the same time……it’s 8 o’clock in the morning in New York City. Kayla is getting her schoolbag ready. A yellow school bus will take her to the school gates. One Moment in Time is a lyrical celebration of diversity with a heartfelt message of unity. Featuring eleven different children, this book takes readers on a colourful, eye-opening journey around the globe in a single day, showing what children in different countries are each doing at the same point in time. From travel writer Ben Lerwill, and with beautiful illustrations from Alette Straathof this non-fiction picture book introduces children to different cultures around the world.

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