A Child's Introduction to the Environment


Book Description

Explore the water, land, and air around us with this entertaining and informative look at our magnificent planet—and learn how your experiments, activities, and everyday actions can help save the environment. This book looks at the wide variety of ecosystems and environmental regions of the Earth, from deserts and forests, to cities and farms, to oceans and ice caps, as well as the atmosphere, weather, energy sources, plants, and animals of each area. Michael Driscoll and professor of meteorology Dennis Driscoll explain the changes to our planet that are currently taking place, including rising temperatures and sea levels, and the effects they can have on our environment. They also profile young environmental activists like Greta Thunberg and Isra Hirsi, and highlight important, everyday actions such as water conversion and recycling that kids can do on their own or with their parents. Also included are fun projects and experiments to do at home like brewing sun tea, creating lightning, and making a smog detector. Packed with facts, experiments, and a removable poster with tips on how to save the planet, this comprehensive guide will inspire kids and their families to think about our planet in new ways and help keep it beautiful and healthy for years to come.




A Child's Introduction to Poetry (Revised and Updated)


Book Description

This delightful, interactive journey through the history of the world's poetry now includes a removable poster and access to downloadable audio, allowing kids to listen and learn as they experience the magic of the spoken word. Poetry can be fun -- especially when we can read it, hear it, and discover its many delights. A Child's Introduction to Poetry joyously introduces kids (and parents) to the greatest poets in history -- from Homer and Shakespeare to Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou -- and provides excellent examples of their work and commentary on what makes it so special and everlasting. The book covers every style of poem, from epics and odes, to nonsense verse and haikus, and is filled with examples of each one. This multimedia package encourages children to listen, read, and learn, and opens the door to a lifetime of appreciation of a rich literary tradition. Also included is a removable, fold-out poster of "Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carroll, one of history's most iconic poems.




The Story of the Orchestra


Book Description

Describes the orchestra and includes information on composers, instruments, and the conductor.




A Child's Introduction to the World


Book Description

Offers a look at the geography of the whole world, with information on climate, geology, plants, animals, and cultures.




A Child's Introduction to Space Exploration


Book Description

We are living in a golden age of astronomy and space exploration, with more discoveries about the universe every day. With so many possibilities now open to us, revered science writers Michael E. Bakich and David J. Eicher will take young readers on a journey to the throughout the universe in this latest edition of A Child's Introduction series. Perfect for budding explorers aged 8-12, Bakich amd Eicher explore the history of space exploration from the very first rocket in China, to the moon landing, to the latest missions to Mars (and beyond). They also include profiles of noteworthy scientists, engineers, and astronauts including Isaac Newton, Neil Armstrong, Mae Carol Jemison; fun sections on space food, UFOs, a timeline of space suits, and how to go to the bathroom in space; and STEM experiments like how to build your own rocket and how to tell time using the sun. Packed with dozens of NASA photos and charming original illustrations, and a pull-out poster, this fascinating book reveals the wonders of space exploration-past, present and future!




A Child's Introduction to Natural History


Book Description

In the tradition of Black Dog's best-selling Child's Introduction books, which include The Story of the Orchestra and A Child's Introduction to the Night Sky, A Child's Introduction to Natural History introduces readers ages 8 to 12 to the fascinating wonders of our natural world.Highlighting every kingdom of life--plants, bacteria, mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, rocks and minerals--the book is also full of charming and witty illustrations by Meredith Hamilton plus 30 photographs throughout. The book delves into topics like geology; prehistoric times, including fossils and dinosaurs; how animals move and fly; evolution; biomes; and more. Sidebars throughout offer biographies of naturalists like Charles Darwin, Mary Anning, and Charles Henry Turner. Also includes fun, hands-on projects for kids to do on their own or with adults and 5 origami patterns to create your own paper fox, whale, penguin, and more. Beautifully illustrated and designed, this is an entertaining and educational look at our natural history.




My Earth, My Home


Book Description

A colorful discussion of conservation that will entertain and educate any child! My Earth, My Home gently guides young readers through a conversation that illuminates the concept of global connection and environmental cause and effect. An engaging text and more than forty full-color illustrations provide an opportunity for discussing and understanding not only what we can do to save our planet, but why it is so important. Also included are a Messy Planet Action Plan, as well as an Earth-Smart Dictionary. Called “the perfect children’s introduction to environmental issues” by Fred Krupp, president of the Environmental Defense Fund, this book encourages maturity, ownership, and problem-solving discussion among kids and their parents, teachers, or caregivers. It is a must for every school and family library.




The Tale of the Whale


Book Description

A child and a whale embark on a beautiful journey together in this lyrical, gorgeously illustrated picture book about friendship, hope, and love for the world around us in the vein of The Fisherman & the Whale and Cynthia Rylant’s Life. Where land becomes sky and sky becomes sea, I first saw the whale and the whale first saw me. A child joins a friendly whale for a magical journey of discovery. They sail the blue ocean, dance with dolphins, and tail-splash seagulls. But the child also sees an ocean filled with plastic trash. And that inspires a promise of help, for the whale and all earth’s creatures.




A Child's Introduction to Greek Mythology


Book Description

Presents an introduction to Greek mythology, discussing the roles of gods and goddesses, as well as the adventures of heroes and mythical beings.




Our World Out of Balance: Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do


Book Description

Encouraging, accessible, and easily digestible, this comprehensive, illustrated nonfiction guide introduces children ages eight to twelve to the important topic of climate change--with tips on "How You Can Help" and citizen scientist activities. "Our World Out of Balance is a wonderful introduction to climate change and other global environmental challenges for children. Unlike so many other books about climate change, it does not traffic in fear. Instead, it presents the facts and shows what young people can do to help build a cleaner, safer and more equitable future for the planet." --Simon Donner, Professor, Climate Scientist, University of British Columbia Filled with engaging big ideas that will inspire children to think about their role in keeping our world healthy, Our World Out of Balance details how humans have thrown the planet off-balance and ways we can work together to be part of the solution and create a healthier world. While the book covers some complex subjects, it also shares a sense of hope and many of the positive developments that have come from environmental initiatives, like reforestation and innovative recycling programs. Featuring brave scientists, young activists, and many groups working collectively to protect our future, Our World Out of Balance will leave readers feeling empowered and inspired. Each chapter pairs brightly colored illustrations with easily graspable scientific facts and statistics and ends with tips on "How You Can Help" as an individual―even at a young age! The book shares simple and well-organized descriptions of a variety of phenomena―like hurricanes and wildfires―that are becoming more extreme and negatively affecting plants, animals, humans, and ecosystems around the world. From there, children learn about the causes behind each phenomenon and what we all can do to intervene and bring balance back to our home planet. The easy-to-follow "Before" and "After" segments help children understand complex topics like: -Air pollution -Rising seas -Plastics and increased waste -Wildfires The backmatter lists various citizen science initiatives that kids can take part in to help make a difference. Informational text includes a table of contents, diagrams, index, glossary, and select bibliography. Printed on FSC-certified paper with vegetable inks.