Dr. Robert Mason, the current recipient of the National Science Foundation"s Young Investigator Award, has been studying a mysterious phenomenon for over fifteen years: the reemergence of tens of thousands of red-sided garter snakes — the world"s largest concentration of snakes — after a winter spent in a state of suspended animation in subterranean caverns. This gathering each spring in the forests of Manitoba, Canada, is one of the most extraordinary events of the natural world and is the subject of study for Dr. Mason, a.k.a. the Snake Scientist.

Here in lyrical prose is the story of the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that became the national anthem of the United States. This flag, which came to be known as the Star-Spangled Banner, also inspired author Susan Campbell Bartoletti, who, upon seeing it at the Smithsonian Institution, became curious about the hands that had sewn it. Here is her story of the early days of this flag as seen through the eyes of young Caroline Pickersgill, the daughter of an important flag maker, Mary Pickersgill, and the granddaughter of a flag maker for General George Washington’s Continental Army. It is also a story about how a symbol motivates action and emotion, brings people together, and inspires courage and hope.

First published nearly 40 years ago, Zolotow's ingenuous paean to spring, a time "when everything lovely begins once again," indeed feels reborn with Craig's (Angelina Ballerina) winsome illustrations. Combining full-page spreads with smaller panels and spots, her ink, watercolor and colored-pencil art draws from a sumptuous palette of Easter egg colors that reaches full bloom at tale's end, when spring finally catches up to the lonely bunny in search of companionship. When a sleepy owl tells the solo bunny that "there are always rabbits at Easter," he attempts to hunt the place down. Youngsters will be tickled by this misunderstanding and will enjoy having a leg up on the long-eared fellow. Equally gratifying are Craig's renderings of the antics of a diminutive mouse who trails and apes the wandering bunny. In the spirit of a true quest, both travelers are rewarded for their journey: each ends up with a loving mate?and seven offspring. Snuggling with his brood, "The bunny's heart throbbed with happiness at t

Kindergarten-Grade 3–Aptly dedicated to Friends of Frog and Toad, this delightful beginning reader introduces two endearing neighbors. In the first chapter, Mouse inadvertently sends all her dirt cascading onto Mole's pristine floor when she sweeps. When he confronts her, they learn that with a bit of ingenuity and cooperation, they can clean both floors and still have time to plant a garden. In The Invitations, the new friends attempt to share a meal, but their innate differences–Mole likes his house damp and dark and eats worms, Mouse likes the warm sun and prefers cheese–make it impossible. Next, the animals find clever ways to reconcile their dissimilarities: Mole presents Mouse with some candles to use when she visits, and she gives him a pair of sunglasses. In the final entry, Mole surprises Mouse with a rowboat. Although it's missing an oar, they manage to have fun. The next day, Mouse has a surprise of her own–a new paddle to make A pair…like you and me! The expressive bamboo-pen and waterco

Now in print for more than sixty years, this classic story of "the cutest, silliest tugboat you ever saw" continues to delight children around the world. This 8 x 8 edition features watercolor illustrations done in the style of the late Hardie Gramatky. Card catalog de*ion Little Toot the tugboat conquers his fear of rough seas when he single-handedly rescues an ocean liner during a storm.

DIRECTONS: 1. Ask an adult for help. 2. Cut out along dotted lines. 3. Insert slots A and B into slots Dand C. 4.Stand your cut-out .

Belle is determined to celebrate Christmas,even thougt the Beast has forbidden it!While she secretly prepares for the special day,someone else has plans to drive Belle and the Beast even further apart. It takes a gift from Belle to teach the Beast the true meaning of Chrismas and bring them one step closer to falling in love and breaking the spell. New characters,Forte,Fife,and Angelique,add to this delightful story destined to become a holiday favorite.

Whales-those oceanic marvels-are endlessly interesting to kids, and this Level 2 book presents a simple and accessible overview for kids just starting to read on their own. Readers will learn that whales are mammals like dogs and horses (and us!), but mammals uniquely adapted to sea life. The beautiful watercolor artwork captures all the strength and unique grace of these creatures.

From "Who sits where in an orchestra?" to "Why do flutes have holes?" I Wonder Why Mice Are Musical and Other Questions About Music answers all sorts of questions that children love to ask about composers, instruments, singing, and dancing.

Benny thinks hes the best——，best at everything.He is such a big shot!But when Benny gets to camp, hes not very good at anything.When some capers get into trouble,can Benny be the best at saving the day?

Packed with movie stills, cross-sections, and character details, this guide offers an up-close look at the world of Oakey Oaks and all of the colorful characters who live there.

After greatpain, a formal feeling comes... Anne turned to the mirror: Your mother has been dead for over a year,' she said to her reflection. "Your father has remarried.' But the words had no reality. Like a year ago, when she had slowly, deliberately told her reflection her mother had died., the reflection had remained impassive, refusing to hear It lay beneath the surface of the cold glass, untouched and untouchable as a brown leaf frozen beneath the ice of a lake m winter Would it ever shatter?

Slaughtering elephants for their ivory; shooting bears for their gall bladders; capturing sea turtles for soup. In the name of vanity, fashion, and greed, man stalks and kills wild animals -- and gets away with it, even when it is clearly against the law. But now scientists have a way to catch and convict poachers. In a laboratory in Ashland, Oregon, they analyze clues to link suspects to crimes. In words and pictures, this book tells a poignant story and reveals how science can indeed save the day.

Don't move! I've got a gun.' The man's harsh voice cut through the gloom of the hall. Tim and Sue are held at gun point in their own home when a thief returns to find the loot left there many years before. Together they-make a totally unexpected discovery... A fast-moving contemporary story from the award-winning author of Journey of a Thousand Miles.