Louise A. Spilsbury

The intricate relationship between living creatures and their habitats is simplified in this clear and detailed guide to the variety of environments that plants and animals inhabit. Tundra, forests, and the ocean are just a few of the many types of biomes discussed in this volume, each with a discussion of the adaptations species living there have undergone to best fit their surroundings. Key terms are defined in textboxes as well as sidebars with critical questions for the reader and compare-and-contrast activities on the various biomes covered.

Some cities offer their residents lots of cool restaurants, arts activities, and business opportunities--but few green spaces. Poorer areas may have empty lots or abandoned buildings, and no nearby parks. Community gardens are a great idea for either of these scenarios--and so many more Through inspiring descriptions of the benefits of community gardens, including their positive ecological impact, readers will run to the nearest plot of land to start a garden From the science of composting and organic farming to health topics like fitness and healthy eating, the motivating content will introduce readers to the fun of community gardens, which can bring communities together, help the environment, and provide a good use for unused lots. Bright, colorful photographs and descriptive sidebars and fact boxes will draw readers in even more--that is, if they haven't already started planting their garden

Sharp teeth and a frighteningly flexible, muscular body, make the boa constrictor the top predator on many of the Rain Forest's food chains. This visually appealing, photograph-rich book uses vividly detailed text to explore the spectacular physical adaptations that make the boa constrictor such an insidious predator. Fact-filled sidebars offer context into the diverse rain forest and the myriad species that make up the links in its food chains. This book is a comprehensive look at a high-interest habitat.

Though some live alone or in pairs, most wolves are members of an organized pack. The pack may be made up of only a few wolves, but they depend on each other for food, shelter, and safety. Readers will be captivated by the clear text and amazing photographs in this fun, fascinating volume.

While most of dogs we're familiar with live among humans, wild dogs live very different lives, revolving around the pack. Like an army, dog packs depend heavily on rank to function. Easy-to follow text is accompanied by clear photos showing coyotes, dingoes, and other wild dogs in their natural habitats and illustrating for readers what living in the wild is like for dogs. Dog owners may even come away with a better understanding of their own pet's "pack mentality."

While large-scale dam projects can provide many benefits, such as preventing flooding, providing irrigation, and supplying hydropower, they can also cause human and environmental destruction. Millions of people in developing countries have been displaced and have lost their livelihoods as a result of the building of dams and reservoirs. Supported by detailed case studies of real-world dam projects, including the Aswan High Dam in Egypt and the Three Gorges Dam in China, this book examines some of the major issues and impacts associated with dams and hydropower today. Sidebars, fact boxes, and quotes illuminate the problems and benefits of this type of development. A debate activity engages readers in making decisions about a new dam project.

While large-scale dam projects can provide many benefits, such as preventing flooding, providing irrigation, and supplying hydropower, they can also cause human and environmental destruction. Millions of people in developing countries have been displaced and have lost their livelihoods as a result of the building of dams and reservoirs. Supported by detailed case studies of real-world dam projects, including the Aswan High Dam in Egypt and the Three Gorges Dam in China, this book examines some of the major issues and impacts associated with dams and hydropower today. Sidebars, fact boxes, and quotes illuminate the problems and benefits of this type of development. A debate activity engages readers in making decisions about a new dam project.

Wind has been used as a power source for over 5,000 years. Windmills weren't just decorations in idyllic country scenes, they were used for milling grain and irrigating crops. Now modern wind turbines are scattered throughout the United States. These giant sweeping machines harness the power of the wind and turn it into usable energy. This book explains how wind is turned into sustainable energy and the pros and cons of wind power as a viable energy source.

What creepy-crawlies live in your back yard? Find out: - where a grasshopper keeps its ears; - why a shield bug is also called a stink bug; - how spiders catch and store their dinner. It's a bug jungle out there

What creepy-crawlies live in your back yard? Find out: - where a grasshopper keeps its ears; - why a shield bug is also called a stink bug; - how spiders catch and store their dinner. It's a bug jungle out there

Discover the most amazing coastal treasure around. Have you ever seen: - a squid as long as a bus; - snail fossils the size of monster truck tires; - a mermaid's purse - the empty egg case of a ray? Learn about the weird and wonderful treasure that gets washed up on our shores. Teacher's guide available.

Find out how people stayed safe during WWII. They had to learn how to: - avoid flying debris; - survive gas attacks; - build their own air raid shelters. Discover how people pulled together and continued to live normal lives during a time of war. Teacher's guide available.

This book will give you the answers to everything you really want to know about how your body works. Find out how your ears stop you from falling over, why you need to blink, and what really makes you sweat. Teacher's guide available.

This fascinating book explains the relationship between farming and the environment. Young readers will learn how every farm, no matter how large or small, is part of an ecosystem. They'll see how farms shape the environment, and how farmers are developing environmentally-friendly ways of producing food. The impact of global warming is presented in a balanced manner. Bright photographs, maps, and graphic organizers support the main text.

With the world growing more globalized, tourism is increasing in popularity. With this increase come consequences, such as damage to the environment. This book looks at the often-overlooked details of tourism.

There is a finite amount of water on our planet. Although an incredibly vital resource, there is no way for us to increase the amount of water on Earth as it has remained the same for two billion years. This book examines the problems faced by contaminating our limited water and makes suggestions to young readers on how they can help.

This exciting new title uses notable case studies and spectacular images to explore the impact of Hurricanes and Tornadoes. Readers will discover interesting statistics, maps of disaster areas, and eye-witness quotes.