Water Habitats features breathtaking photographs, detailed illustrations, and text that is easy to read, yet comprehensive. Young readers will enjoy learning about the different types of water habitats, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and swamps. This book also discusses - the differences between saltwater habitats and freshwater habitats - plant and animal life in each water habitat - how animals find food and protect themselves Teacher's guide available.

The Great Appalachian Valley, a major landform of the Appalachian mountains, played an important role in the early history of the United States. Routes through the valley, first made by Native Americans, made the mountains passable, later allowing European immigrants to expand colonization of the region. This fascinating book describes the geological makeup and history of the mountain ranges that form the Appalachians, and the people in the United States and Canada who live in their shadows. Special sections also decribe the plants and animals that thrive in these mountain habitats, as well as the unique problems facing this region.

Many holidays and festivals celebrated in the United States honor religious events and important dates or people in the country's history. This interesting book shows how Americans celebrate holidays and family occasions, as well as the traditions of the cultures from which their families first came. Teacher's guide available.

An Arctic Habitat provides children with an introduction to this cold, vast region. Easy-to-read text and colorful photographs help children learn about this unique habitat and how the plants and animals have adapted to the harsh environment. Young readers will learn about - the characteristics of both land and water habitats in the Arctic - the plants and animals that live in the Arctic - how animals find food and shelter in the Arctic Teacher's guide available.

Mexico's culture is a unique mixture of ancient traditions passed down by the native Maya and Aztec peoples, and the religion and culture of Mexico's Spanish conquerors. This interesting book describes how the blending of native and Spanish traditions, beliefs, and rituals has resulted in many of the lively and colorful festivals celebrated today. Young readers will also learn how the Mexican people celebrate family occasions with fiestas. Teacher's guide available.

Heat, pressure and stress can also change some igneous or sedimentary rocks into other kinds of rocks. This fact-filled book describes the process that turns limestone into marble, shale into slate, and granite into gneiss. Metamorphic rocks are often used as materials for floors, roofs, and counter tops because of their beauty.

Brazil's culture is a blending of ancient traditions passed down by the native peoples, and the religion and culture of Brazil's Portuguese conquerors. This fascinating book describes how native and Portuguese traditions, beliefs, and rituals have combined into the holidays and festivals celebrated today. Young readers will also learn how the Brazilian people celebrate family occasions. Teacher's guide available.

This intriguing book describes the geological makeup and history of the Gobi Desert in Mongolia and China. Temperatures can get very cold and frost and snow are not unusual. Readers will learn about the variety of habitats in this vast desert system that support many different kinds of plants and animals such as camels, snow leopards, and bears. The Gobi Desert is also where the first dinosaur egg fossils were found. Special sections describe the desert's natural resources, such as copper and gold, and the unique problems facing this region such as the desert's alarming rate of desertification.

What is matter made of? Young readers will be amazed to learn about the tiny particles that make up everything from this book to their very own bodies. Colorful illustrations and fun fact boxes will help readers understand how atoms come together to form

First-hand accounts, historical photographs, and engaging text combine to explore the experiences of immigrants to North America during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This fascinating title details the reasons for immigration and the challenges faced and contributions made by immigrants. In addition to Ellis Island, Angel Island, Grosse-isle, Quebec, and other immigration points in North America are discussed.

South Africa is known as the "Rainbow Nation" because the people who live there have come from many different backgrounds. This fascinating book describes the holidays and family celebrations inspired by the many cultures of South Africa's people. Teacher's guide available.

Different kinds of plants form different amounts of seeds. Some plants form only a few seeds while others form many seeds. Accessible text and vivid photographs introduce readers to seeds describing how they spread and their different uses.

The mighty Yangtze River - the third-longest river in the world - is the birthplace of Chinese civilization. This intriguing book takes readers along this ancient transportation route, strategic natural boundary, and lifeblood of an agricultural society. The river flows eastward from the Tibetan Plateau, crossing thousands of miles before emptying into the East China Sea. Today, the river basin is home to about one-third of China's population. The near completion of the Three Gorges Dam has displaced more than a million people and changed the river's ecosystem dramatically. Built to control flooding, make the river more navigable, and supply energy, some fear it will harm the region's environment.

Put on a mask and join the street party for Mardi Gras. Learn all about this colorful New Orleans holiday, where people enjoy food and fun before the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection and giving up things we enjoy. Explore the history of Mardi Gras, and Carnival, and all its different customs taken from around the world!

The Russian calendar is filled with holidays most of which are based on religious holy days. This colorful book describes the traditions, beliefs, and rituals of the Russian people celebrated in the many different festivals of today. Young readers will also learn how Russians celebrate family occasions. Teacher's guide available.

Theres more to this spooky festivity than carving pumpkins and trick-or-treating. Halloween explores the history behind this yearly custom, including its roots in ancient Celtic tradition, as well as the costumed and candied evening it is today.