Why do animals make the noises they do? You may not have known it, but its all thanks to an old man named Noah, who once upon a time built an ark. Noah is trying to build an ark, but with the snakes quacking, the beavers crowing, and the pigs howling, he cant get anything done.

Bringing a dramatic moment of World War II to vivid life, author Stephen Krensky answers questions about the historic importance of the military action at Pearl Harbor. Written in simple yet clear language, the book teaches readers about the political scene before and after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in December 1941, and how this event shaped our country's place in the world.

Enter the enchanting world of mythical creatures and explore the history behind them in this beautifully illustrated compendium for kids aged 7 to 9. You'll meet an incredible cast of mind-boggling fictional animals from all around the world. Say hello to Bigfoot in the forests of North America and learn about the Native American traditions that inspired its story. Voyage to Japan to meet kitsune, supernatural nine-tailed foxes that can turn into humans. And jump onboard an ancient storm-battered ship to learn why mermaids were the last thing a sailor wanted to see... Learn about the societies that spawned these legendary creatures, from Ancient Greece to the indigenous tribes of Australia, and find out what the beasts tell us about the people who created them. From narwhal tusks inspiring the legend of unicorns, to dinosaur bones creating rumours of dragons, there is an interesting story behind every magical beast. Mythical Beasts and Magical Creatures tells you everything you need to know about supernatural animals great and small. Perfect for fans of Harry Potter and other fantasy tales,, this is the only kids' guide to magical creatures that tells you the history behind the mythology.

Violet is a young snake who likes to play with the other animals in the forest. But when spring arrives, her friends get very busy making presents for Mother's Day. Violet is glad everyone's working so hard, but what can she do for her own mother? Without arms or legs or teeth, she can't make gifts as the other animals can. Then Violet discovers that there is one thing she can do that's different-and comes up with the most original gift of all!

A Junior Library Guild Selection Story of MVP and Hall-of-Famer "Hammerin" Hank Greenberg, one of the greatest hitters of all time In 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

Children and parents alike will delight in this joyous declaration of toddler independence. This book celebrates the feats of growing out of babyhood and starting to embrace the world on your own terms. Whether it's being tall enough to reach a high shelf or brave enough to splash in the waves, Krensky and Gillingham address the small victories that come with growing just a little bit older. Energentic text and retro-fresh illustrations celebrate this important developmental stage with charm and relevance. Note: illustrations are in the style of vintage screen prints, with imperfect variations in color and texture. Praise for I Can Do It Myself "Short and satisfying, these 'empowering celebrations' of burgeoning independence will encourage small children to see how far they've already come." -The Wall Street Journal "Krensky celebrates the increasing independence of toddlers and their pride of accomplishment." -The Horn Book Awards The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens - Spring 2013 Toronto Public Library system's "First & Best" Reading Program

When Santa was young and needed a job, no one was looking for a man in a red suit to deliver gifts on Christmas. So Santa tried just about everything -- from a chimney sweep to a postman to a circus performer. But none of these worked out. It wasn't until he met a group of elves who helped him use all his special talents, that Santa was able to find his dream job.

Young Sacagawea wants to be as brave as her brother. If only she were allowed to go with him and the other boys on a hunt to prove it! But while gathering wood with her grandmother, an angry rattlesnake shows Sacagawea that there are many ways to be brave.

In this kids biography, discover the inspiring story of Nelson Mandela, who became the first black president of South Africa after spending 27 years in prison.

In 1964, Nelson Mandela was sentenced to a lifetime in jail. His crime? Attempting to overthrow a government that openly discriminated against its black citizens. After spending 27 years behind bars, Mandela was released, allowing him to continue his struggle for equality in South Africa-and to become the country's first black president. In this biography book for kids ages 8-11, learn all about Mandela's incredible life, his fight against apartheid, and how he helped bring peace to his nation.

This new biography series from DK goes beyond the basic facts to tell the true life stories of history's most interesting people. Full-colour photographs and hand-drawn illustrations complement thoughtfully written, age-appropriate text to create an engaging book children will enjoy reading. Definition boxes, information sidebars, maps, inspiring quotes, and other nonfiction text features add depth, and a handy reference section at the back makes this the one biography series everyone will want to collect. Each book also includes an author's introduction letter, a glossary, and an index.

Casey Jones was the most famous railroad engineer there ever was. Casey had one hang up. He had to be on time. He expected his trains to be on time too. One night Casey was asked to drive a train that was far behind schedule. He got that train running as fast as she could go. Would Casey make it on time? Hop on board and find out what made this railroad engineer an American hero in this fast-paced tale.

This fourth book in the empowerment series celebrates the feats of growing out of toddlerhood with courage and success. Whether it's petting a dog or waving good-bye to a parent, Krensky and Gillingham address the "small wins" of growing just a little bit braver. Young children and their parents will revel in the encouraging text and the vintage screen-print-style illustrations.

When General George Washington meets a Jewish soldier lighting Hanukkah candles he gets inspiration from the story of how a small band of Jewish fighters defeated a powerful army. Sydney Taylor Award Winner

Discover the incredible life story of Barack Obama, who became the first African American president of the USA. This popular biography series from DK goes beyond the basic facts, to share with children the true life stories of history's most interesting and inspiring people. Young readers can enjoy learning all about Barack Obama, famous for his meteoric rise to the presidency of the most powerful country in the world - the USA. Follow the story of how Obama realised his dreams - a story of success, resilience, and perseverance, to become one of the most admired leaders the world has ever seen. Discover Barack's fight against racial and social injustices, hardships and setbacks in his early career, and his personal happiness when marrying Michelle. Colourful photographs and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations go alongside exciting text to create an engaging book that children will immerse themselves in. Learn about Barack Obama in this biography for children ages 8+, featuring: - Obama's tale chapter by chapter, unveiling not just the facts, but also what he was thinking and feeling in his own words - 12 narrative chapters, plus full-page quotes and photo galleries scattered throughout the book, keeping reluctant readers engaged - Full-colour photographs and hand-drawn illustrations, along with maps, quotes, and a reference section, a timeline of Barack's life, a quiz, and a glossary of key terms - An educational biography that's part of the collectable Life Stories series Part of the fascinating Life Stories biography collection, this series is about amazing people who have shaped our world, that children aged 8 and upwards will enjoy collecting. Children can learn all about Barack Obama's remarkable journey, from his unsettled early childhood, through to his struggle to find a meaningful first job as a young man in this gripping true life story to inspire young readers.

This third book in this series celebrates the feats of growing out of toddlerhood with increased knowledge. Whether comparing heavy rocks to lighter flowers, or noting that the sunlight delineates the day from the night, Krensky and Gillingham acknowledge the "small wins" of understanding the world just a little bit more. Full color.

How many bones are there in the human body? Which bone is the longest? Or the smallest? Without bones, you would be a blob, like a jellyfish or a worm. Our bones support us and protect our insides. They work together with our muscles to allow us to do all the things we do! So when you think of your bones, say "Thank you!"

This simple Step 1 introduction teaches young readers these facts and many more about the skeleton inside each of us!

Illustrated in black and white

New chapter book series features Arthur and friends in sports action!

Despite all their efforts, Arthur and his friends can't seem to convince Binky that warming up before a baseball game is important. But after making fun of all his teammates' warnings, Binky injures himself. Then he starts to feel left out while he's on the sidelines. Will he find a way to contribute to the team from the bench?

Presented in chapter-book format, for children who are ready to read on their own, this tale of team spirit will surely be a hit among Arthur fans.

Check out the whole Arthur Good Sports Series!

• #1: Arthur and the Race to Read
• #2: Arthur and the Seventh Inning Stretcher
• #3: Arthur and the Recess Rookie
• #4: Arthur and the Best Coach Ever
• #5 Arthur and the Goalie Ghost
• #6 Arthur and the Pen Pal Playoff

Ten-year-old Winnie and her mother spend the summer of 1867 with Winnie's father, a mining engineer for the Central Pacific Railroad. While the Central Pacific weathers a strike by the Chinese immigrant laborers, Winnie's view of the world is forever changed by Lee Cheng, a young tea carrier. Illustrations.