Art Around Us
Level P,
nonfiction
Art Around Us is an informational text that teaches children about different kinds of artists and the varied and sometimes unusual art they create. Vivid photos help to bring the text alive and make the ideas accessible to readers.
Breeds of Dogs
Level P,
nonfiction
Breeds of Dogs introduces the reader to eight different dog breeds. These include working and sporting breeds and companion dogs. Even the beloved family mutt is included. Special features of various dogs are highlighted, and photos show the range of size, shape, and hair quality.
Daniel Boone
Level P,
nonfiction
"Daniel Boone" is a name that brings the wild frontier to mind, and with good reason. Daniel Boone lived in the early days of the United States, when the country was still young and growing. The push to move west was led by men like Daniel Boone, who had excellent hunting and tracking skills and knew how to survive in the wilderness. His amazing life story provides a glimpse of the wild frontier days of post-Revolution America.
Golden Tragedy
Level P,
fiction
A Golden Tragedy is the story of a king who loved his daughter very much and would do anything to please her. One day, Penelope told her father that she wished her birds could lay golden eggs. In an effort to please his daughter, the king made a wish that would literally change everything. Illustrations support the text.
Magnetism
Level P,
nonfiction
Magnetism introduces the reader to the basic principles of the magnetic force field. The text, photos, and illustrations explain how a magnetic field is created, what it looks like, and how it works. Examples are provided to illustrate the many uses of magnets in the modern world. In addition, the text includes hands-on experiments that children can try themselves to experience this invisible force.
Giant Pandas
Level P,
nonfiction
Giant Pandas is an introduction to the popular black-and-white bear. It reports the mammal's size, life cycle, location, and endangered status. The author explains how the giant panda got its name, what it eats, and why it doesn't hibernate. The book also discusses the action being taken to protect giant pandas from extinction. Photographs, maps, and charts support the text.
Manatees
Level P,
nonfiction
Manatees are large, gentle sea mammals that are shaped like chubby dolphins and have pudgy, wrinkled faces. This book describes the various species of manatees, where they can be found, and their behaviors. It concludes with a discussion of the threats to manatee survival and steps being taken to protect these endangered animals.
Max
Level P,
fiction
Max is very angry because he wants to be the "boss" of something instead of being told what to do all the time. His parents work with him to find a solution to his anger, but the solution ends up creating another problem--his parents become angry! Finally, Max and his parents sit down to discuss the situation. They find a solution for managing anger that works for everyone.
The Homework Lesson
Level P,
fiction
Ms. Rose's fifth grade class is a fun place to learn, but make sure you do your homework! It's true that no one likes to do homework, but what happens when you put it off? The pile grows and grows, Ms. Rose turns into a real monster, and life in not fun. The children learn their lesson, and they never put off their homework again. Readers will enjoy the amusing way this message is expressed.
Musical Instruments
Level P,
nonfiction
Musical Instruments introduces the reader to various types of musical instruments. Well-known Western instruments, as well as examples of instruments from around the world, are included. Children will readily recognize familiar instruments, such as the piano and violin. They will also have great fun showing off their new vocabulary to family members. For example, can anyone guess where the gusle is played?
Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses
Level P,
nonfiction
In this fascinating and engaging book, students will learn the distinguishing characteristics of seals, sea lions, and walruses. They will also read about the habitats, food sources, and threats to this appealing group of animals called pinnipeds.
The State Hermitage: Russia's Amazing Museum
Level P,
nonfiction
Join Pavel, a little mouse who, along with his ancestors, has lived in the State Hermitage Museum in Russia all his life. He makes an excellent tour guide and will show you all the best things from the collection of over three million precious works of art. Pavel will also tell you about the fascinating history of the museum.
Sonia Joins the Supreme Court
Level P,
nonfiction
The first Hispanic female Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor, is an American role model. She has set new standards for what women can do and achieve in the world and is proof that hard work and belief in oneself can help a person overcome any obstacle. This informative book chronicles her life from childhood to her 2009 appointment to the Supreme Court. (nf)
