In the 19th Century, railroads were a form of transportation that changed the world. Transcontinental Railroads looks at the sweeping changes made to society and the challenges created by the building and running of these railroads in North America. Readers will be encouraged to critically analyze source material on why the railroads were built, who built them, and how they changed the movement of people and products. Topics include settlement and nation-building, as well as who gained through railroad building - and who lost. Teacher's guide available.

Have you ever wondered what made human beings think they could go to the Moon? The idea of exploring space started with fiction and science-fiction written by authors like Jules Verne and H G Wells. Little did they know that space travel would become a reality! It'll Never Work: Rockets and Space Travel explores the history of space travel and spaceships, the successes and failures that have led to the very recent Pluto flyby by the New Horizons spacecraft.

Each title in this exciting, high-interest series looks at a different area of technology and engineering and reveals the pioneering ideas and scientific thinking that enabled its development, as well as exposing those that proved to be a dead end. Each spread examines a particular example in depth, bringing in other similar ideas where relevant, and revealing that experimentation and failure often pave the way to technology success. Beautifully designed and illustrated with infographic-style artwork, this series is an excellent technology resource for readers aged 9 and up.

All aboard for this swash-buckling adventure! Hop on and sing along to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus!" Join in with a crew of jolly pirates as they search the coast for treasure. When the pirates find 'x marks the spot', they fill their pockets with too much heavy gold, and their bus begins to sink . . . With a heave and a ho, and a bit of teamwork, can the jolly crew save their bus? Packed full of actions to join in, with a calming ending to wind down after all the excitement, this is the perfect first picture book to enjoy reading aloud together. Young readers will stomp their feet and clap their hands in delight as they sing along with this fun-filled, pirate reinvention of this popular rhyme! Ladybird Sing-along Stories: Supports development of early language Encourages interaction and play Recommended for children aged 2+ Also available: The Dinos on the Bus

Ladybird Readers is an ELT graded reader series for children aged 3-11 learning English as a foreign or second language. The series includes traditional tales, popular characters, modern stories, and non-fiction. * Beautifully illustrated books, carefully written by language learning experts * Structured language progression to develop children's reading, writing, speaking, listening and critical thinking skills * Eight levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR) * Language activities provide preparation for the Cambridge English Pre-A1 to A2 (YLE) tests * A unique code in each printed book provides access to online audio, extra Thomas and the Elephant, a Beginner level Reader, helps children to learn and practice their first words in English. It introduces everyday phrases and focuses on vocabulary that young children can use in daily life. Simple text and repetition support understanding, and speaking and listening activities develop confidence. An elephant helps Thomas in India. Visit the Ladybird Education website for more information.

This fast-moving book about motorbikes uses dynamic photos and interesting facts to explain the basics of how they work. Topics include the motor, tires, going fast and slow, steering and countersteering, and driving safety. A quiz at the end tests the reader's knowledge.

This book reveals the fascinating history of airplanes, from when they were first invented to the latest innovations, as well as the changes they've created in people's lives. The book also includes a table of contents, fun facts, a That's Amazing special feature, quiz questions, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. This Focus Readers title is at the Beacon level, aligned to reading levels of grades 2-3 and interest levels of grades 3-5.

Fold and fly 100 fully-coloured paper superplanes, from cutting-edge stealth aircraft and space planes to jets designed to smash the sound barrier. This 100-sheet tear-off pad comes with clear, step-by-step folding instructions, tips for better flying, and a pilot's log to fill in. Perfect to keep children amused indoors and out, for hours of folding and flying fun.

Young Jim Mulholland can't believe his good luck: He has signed on as a cabin boy to the world's finest ocean liner, the Titanic, and can't wait for the history-making voyage across the sea to America. As part of his duties Jim is in charge of the ship's cat, a beautiful tortoiseshell that also appears happy to be on board. He calls the cat by the ship's construction number, 4-0-1, certain that she will bring him good luck. And he's delighted when 4-0-1 shortly gives birth to a litter of kittens. But once the ship's trial runs are completed and it's ready to launch to sea, Jim notices that 4-0-1 is nowhere to be found. He's got to find her--the Titanic can't cast off without her lucky cat. Jim is faced with a decision that will affect the rest of his life.

Helicopters fly over your head every day. Every Helicopter is different and has a job to do. Do you know about them? Helicopters is a book-banded reading book for developing readers, carefully levelled at Blue Book Band for guided reading. Illustrated throughout with beautiful photographs, this nonfiction title is suitable for ages 9-13. Helicopters features a longer, less structured text with a more flexible vocabulary. There is variation in sentence patterns and content, little repetition, and longer language patterns. It has a full range of punctuation. Helicopters is part of Ransom Reading Stars Plus, a structured programme for students learning to read. The series has ten levels: four phonics levels and six book band levels (Pink through to Orange).