Janey Levy

Most of us enjoy watching colorful butterflies flutter about, but the world is full of less beautiful insects, and an alarming number of them are deadly. Readers of this absorbing book learn about some of the world's deadliest insects. They include wasps, hornets, mosquitoes, ants, fleas, Africanized bees, and kissing bugs. Accessible text addresses important science concepts, supported by eye-catching, colorful images. Captions, fact boxes, and a graphic organizer also enrich the main text.

Almost everyone has experienced a rainstorm or snowstorm at some time. They can be annoying or inconvenient. Sometimes, rain, snow, and wind produce storms that wreak havoc and turn deadly. Readers of this intriguing book will learn about powerful storms such as hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, and ice storms, as well as the trail of destruction and death they leave in their wake. Absorbing, age-appropriate text highlights important elementary science concepts, while vivid photographs convey key concepts. Captions, fact boxes, and a graphic organizer also enrich the main text.

Everyone's had experience with diseases such as the common cold, but some diseases are deadly and they may kill quickly, in terrifying ways. Readers will learn about lethal diseases such as Ebola, cholera, meningitis, plague, and necrotizing fasciitis and the sometimes-gross ways they kill. The accessible and absorbing text supports important elementary science concepts. Eye-catching photographs vividly bring concepts into detailed focus, while fact boxes, captions, and a graphic organizer enrich the main text.

All of us occupy a climate and deal with the effects of that climate on a daily basis. Most of the time we don't think too much about it, other than deciding what to wear and maybe what to eat, but sometimes climates can be deadly. Readers of this engaging book will learn about some of the threats they might encounter in some of Earth's most dangerous climates. The main text, fact boxes, and a graphic organizer support important elementary science concepts, while vivid, eye-catching photographs bring the narrative into sharp focus.

Plants grow in the ground, and their roots absorb from the soil the water and nutrients the plants need to grow, right? You'd be surprised. Some plants seem to possess secret powers. They don't grow in the ground. They grow on a host plant, but they're not parasites. They get the water and nutrients they need from rain, debris on the host plant, and even the air. These amazing plants are called epiphytes, or air plants. Readers of this fun and engaging book will learn about these fantastic plants and how and where they live. Vivid photographs and facts that support important elementary science concepts fill this fascinating volume.

Disastrous consequences often follow the introduction of invasive plants species. The invasive species spread, altering habitats, driving out native plants and animals, and reducing biodiversity. But what secret powers do invasive plant species possess that allow them to do this? Readers of this engaging book will learn what invasive species are and discover how they spread across and alter habitats. This intriguing volume is filled with eye-catching photographs, graphics, and facts that support important elementary science concepts.

The Human Genome Project was a groundbreaking, life-altering development of the late 20th century and a major evolution in science and medicine. Readers of this remarkable volume will follow the scientists of the international, collaborative research program as they map the human genome. They'll learn about the science behind the project as well as the scientific and medical possibilities opened by it. Vivid photographs support the fascinating text, and sidebars, fact boxes, and captions enrich your reader's experience.

Everyone knows George Washington was the first president of the young United States. Most also know that before he was president, Washington was the commander of the Continental army during the American Revolution. But Washington had a busy life long before the war. Readers of this lively biography will discover what life was like for the young Washington, from his childhood in rural Virginia through his surveying and military career to his early political life. Each spread contains accessible text and vivid images, plus captions and fact boxes that enhance the main text with additional information.

Fungi seem mysterious, they're not animals and they're not plants. Some aren't even visible to the human eye. Yet, they're constantly at work breaking down dead organisms. Our world would be cluttered without them. This beneficial book sheds much-needed light on the fungi kingdom, explaining what a fungus is as well as some the weirdest adaptations that have made it a successful survivor in the natural world. Graphic organizers summarize essential points, while vivid photographs display how bright and beautiful these organisms can be.

Hippos and polar bears are both fairly large mammals that spend much of their time in water, but is that where their similarities end? Readers of this captivating book will find out the answer to that and many more questions as they imagine these two beasts battling it out. Colorful photographs and a dynamic page layout assist with the understanding of key elementary science concepts. After reading all the facts, readers can judge this epic battle themselves and determine which animal they think would come out on top.

This book analyzes critical topics that include the importance of conservation and the immediate and long-term threats posed to our air, forests, oceans, and even the soil beneath our feet, which, interestingly, contains in one tablespoon more organisms than all humans on Earth. Readers also learn how people are putting grey water to use (some water that flows down our drains) and how one young man developed a system to clean up half the garbage in the oceans within five years. Also included is an insightful Myths and Facts section, along with 10 Great Questions to Ask Your Science Teacher.

Lions and Komodo dragons are both fierce carnivores, but pitted against each other, which would come out on top? The answer to that is up to the reader of this high-interest volume to decide. They'll be presented with loads of facts to help them choose which animal they think would win in a fight. This imaginative and informative book reinforces important elementary science concepts. Information such as size, speed, and adaptations paired with colorful photographs bring this beastly battle to life.

Fungi seem mysterious, they're not animals and they're not plants. Some aren't even visible to the human eye. Yet, they're constantly at work breaking down dead organisms. Our world would be cluttered without them. This beneficial book sheds much-needed light on the fungi kingdom, explaining what a fungus is as well as some the weirdest adaptations that have made it a successful survivor in the natural world. Graphic organizers summarize essential points, while vivid photographs display how bright and beautiful these organisms can be.

Hippos and polar bears are both fairly large mammals that spend much of their time in water, but is that where their similarities end? Readers of this captivating book will find out the answer to that and many more questions as they imagine these two beasts battling it out. Colorful photographs and a dynamic page layout assist with the understanding of key elementary science concepts. After reading all the facts, readers can judge this epic battle themselves and determine which animal they think would come out on top.

Lions and Komodo dragons are both fierce carnivores, but pitted against each other, which would come out on top? The answer to that is up to the reader of this high-interest volume to decide. They'll be presented with loads of facts to help them choose which animal they think would win in a fight. This imaginative and informative book reinforces important elementary science concepts. Information such as size, speed, and adaptations paired with colorful photographs bring this beastly battle to life.

In this dynamic volume on a perpetually popular subject, budding paleontologists learn about a birdlike dinosaur in China, a fossilized dinosaur brain in England, and dinosaur feathers trapped in amber in Myanmar. They'll also come face-to-face with the largest dinosaur ever found, a reptile heavier than a Boeing 737, in Argentina. All of these amazing things have been discovered in just the past few years. Fossils are truly some of the most exciting things science has to offer, especially to young readers. This volume is jam-packed with the most up-to-date unearthings, all complemented by colorful art that brings these creatures to life. A detailed graphic organizer provides visual reinforcement to summarize fascinating new discoveries.

Giant wetas can't jump, which is a good thing because they're gigantic. This ancient animal is the heaviest insect ever found and can weigh as much as a mouse. Its name means 'God of ugly things.' Though these creepy-crawlies are huge and scary-looking, readers learn they aren't dangerous to humans. In fact, these giant insects mostly love carrots. Through colorful photographs of these supersized insects, readers get an up close and personal look at these oversized but harmless bugs.

The environmental movement encompasses many issues, including pollution, conservation, climate change, and alternative energy. Environmentalists maintain that people are part of ecosystems and must act to keep those systems balanced and healthy. This compelling guide to the history of the movement, including efforts today, focuses on important environmental crusaders, including Rachel Carson and John Muir, and the organizations that have fought for world-changing legislation. Historical photographs and a timeline help shed light on principal events in this on-going movement.

Feathers, beaks, and wings are unique to birds, but sometimes these features can be really strange. This narrative takes a look at the world's oddest birds, including birds of paradise, frigate birds, pelicans, vampire finches, the great grey shrike, and more. Readers will delight in learning about birds and their weird adaptations, and will also understand how the adaptations have played a role in their survival. This high-interest book explores important science concepts, such as habitats, behavior, life cycles, and more. Colorful photographs and sidebars allow readers to truly understand some of the world's strangest birds.