Why are ravens black? Why do screech owl eyes look red in light? How did we get fire? You'll find the answers to those questions in this retelling of a Cherokee pourquoi folktale. The earth was cold and dark but the animals could see fire coming from the tree on the island. They tried to fly or swim to the island to bring back the fire heat and light. What happened to some of the animals? Which animal brought it back and how?

Two friends take off on a butterfly hunt, only to find themselves tangled in a mathematics net! With a chronicle written in rhyme, award-winning author Barbara Mariconda introduces the narrator and her friend Ed, but who will catch the most butterflies on their addition adventure? "How many in all? Let's add them again!" shout the butterfly hunters. Frustrated by not catching any butterflies their first day out, Rose learns how to attract butterflies to her. As she catches more and more, Ed catches less and less. Who will catch the most, and what does that have to do with metamorphosis? Ten for Me makes math fun, easy, and entertaining, while mixing a touch of the natural world into cross-curricular education!

4-6 pg For Creative Minds educational section in the back

40-60 pg cross-curricular Teaching Activities and 3 Interactive Quizzes available free on the book's homepage

eBooks with Auto-Flip, Auto-Read and selectable English and Spanish text and audio

Packy the Packrat's mother has had enough! It's time that he sorts through his ever-growing collection of trinkets and puts them away. Told in rhyme, the text leads the reader to participate in the sorting process by categorizing Packy's piles of things according to like characteristics and attributes. The reader response is worked into the rhyme, building a sense of anticipation. The illustrations include a humorous subplot about Packy's sister, who enjoys pilfering some of his things for her own enjoyment. Children will relate to the idea of having a collection of favorite objects and the satisfaction that comes from examining and admiring these collectibles. The story promotes and reinforces analogous thinking a critical thinking skill in math, science, and life. In the supplemental activity section at the back of the book, the reader can explore even more attributes and characteristics of objects, including color, size, texture, shape, and material. 2008 Moonbeam Gold Award, Reading Skills/Literacy, 2008 Best Book Award Finalist, Children's Educational (USA Book News)