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Little Acorn Grows Up
by Edward GibbsLittle Acorn Grows Up is a sweet, simple tale that explores themes of growing up and nature from author/illustrator Edward Gibbs.In this companion book to Little Bee, Little Acorn proves that great things come in small packages as it grows from a tiny nut to a big tree that shelters its forest friends. Poignant and thoughtful, this book features Read Aloud functionality [where available].
The End of the Wild
by Nicole HelgetA modern, beautifully written story set against the backdrop of the controversial issue of fracking that explores the timely themes of poverty, environmental protection, what makes a family, and finding your place in the world.Eleven-year-old Fern's rundown home borders a pristine forest, where her impoverished family hunts and forages for food. It's also her refuge from the crushing responsibility of caring for her wild younger brothers and PTSD-stricken stepfather. But when a fracking company rolls into town, Fern realizes that her special grove could be ripped away, and no one else seems to care.Her stepfather thinks a job with the frackers could help pull the family out of poverty. Her wealthy grandfather--who wants to take custody of Fern and her brothers--likes the business it brings to his manufacturing company. Facing adversity from all sides, can one young girl make a difference in the fate of her family and their way of life?
Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future on Earth?
by Alan WeismanA powerful investigation into the chances for humanity's future from the author of the bestseller The World Without Us.In his bestselling book The World Without Us, Alan Weisman considered how the Earth could heal and even refill empty niches if relieved of humanity's constant pressures. Behind that groundbreaking thought experiment was his hope that we would be inspired to find a way to add humans back to this vision of a restored, healthy planet-only in harmony, not mortal combat, with the rest of nature.But with a million more of us every 4¿ days on a planet that's not getting any bigger, and with our exhaust overheating the atmosphere and altering the chemistry of the oceans, prospects for a sustainable human future seem ever more in doubt. For this long awaited follow-up book, Weisman traveled to more than 20 countries to ask what experts agreed were probably the most important questions on Earth--and also the hardest: How many humans can the planet hold without capsizing? How robust must the Earth's ecosystem be to assure our continued existence? Can we know which other species are essential to our survival? And, how might we actually arrive at a stable, optimum population, and design an economy to allow genuine prosperity without endless growth?Weisman visits an extraordinary range of the world's cultures, religions, nationalities, tribes, and political systems to learn what in their beliefs, histories, liturgies, or current circumstances might suggest that sometimes it's in their own best interest to limit their growth. The result is a landmark work of reporting: devastating, urgent, and, ultimately, deeply hopeful.By vividly detailing the burgeoning effects of our cumulative presence, Countdown reveals what may be the fastest, most acceptable, practical, and affordable way of returning our planet and our presence on it to balance. Weisman again shows that he is one of the most provocative journalists at work today, with a book whose message is so compelling that it will change how we see our lives and our destiny.
The Last Unicorn: A Search for One of Earth's Rarest Creatures
by William DebuysAn award-winning author's stirring quest to find and understand an elusive and exceptionally rare species in the heart of Southeast Asia's jungles.In 1992, in a remote mountain range, a team of scientists discovered the remains of an unusual animal with beautiful long horns. It turned out to be a living species new to western science -- a saola, the first large land mammal discovered in 50 years.Rare then and rarer now, no westerner had glimpsed a live saola in the wild before Pulitzer Prize finalist and nature writer William deBuys and conservation biologist William Robichaud set off to search for it in the wilds of central Laos. The team endured a punishing trek, up and down whitewater rivers and through mountainous terrain ribboned with the snare lines of armed poachers.In the tradition of Bruce Chatwin, Colin Thubron, and Peter Matthiessen, THE LAST UNICORN is deBuys's look deep into one of the world's most remote places. As in the pursuit of the unicorn, the journey ultimately becomes a quest for the essence of wildness in nature, and an encounter with beauty.
Middle School: How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli, and Snake Hill (Middle School #4)
by James Patterson Chris TebbettsHilarious hero Rafe Khatchadorian heads to summer camp and faces bullies with his friends in this installment of James Patterson's beloved Middle School series. Rafe Khatchadorian, the hero of the bestselling Middle School series, is ready for a fun summer at camp--until he finds out it's a summer school camp! Luckily, Rafe easily makes friends with his troublemaking cabin mates and bunkmate, a boy nicknamed Booger-Eater, who puts up with endless teasing from the other kids. Rafe soon realizes there's more to a person than a nickname, though, and Booger-Eater might be the kind of friend you want on your side when the boys from the Cool Cabin attack. This fourth book in the massively popular Middle School series is an unforgettable summer of hi-jinks, new friends, and surprises, all told with the hilarity and honesty readers have come to expect from blockbuster author James Patterson.
The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light
by Paul BogardA deeply panoramic tour of the night, from its brightest spots to the darkest skies we have left. A starry night is one of nature's most magical wonders. Yet in our artificially lit world, three-quarters of Americans' eyes never switch to night vision and most of us no longer experience true darkness. In THE END OF NIGHT, Paul Bogard restores our awareness of the spectacularly primal, wildly dark night sky and how it has influenced the human experience across everything from science to art. From Las Vegas' Luxor Beam--the brightest single spot on this planet--to nights so starlit the sky looks like snow, Bogard blends personal narrative, natural history, science, and history to shed light on the importance of darkness--what we've lost, what we still have, and what we might regain--and the simple ways we can reduce the brightness of our nights tonight.
Underwater Dogs
by Seth CasteelThe exuberant, exhilarating photographs of dogs underwater that have become a sensationFrom the water's surface, it's a simple exercise: a dog's leap, a splash, and then a wet head surfacing with a ball, triumphant. But beneath the water is a chaotic ballet of bared teeth and bubbles, paddling paws, fur and ears billowing in the currents. From leaping lab to diving dachshund, the water is where a dog's distinct personality shines through; some lounge in the current, paddling slowly, but others arch their bodies to cut through the water with the focus and determination of a shark. In more than eighty portraits by award-winning pet photographer and animal rights activist Seth Casteel capture new sides of our old friends with vibrant underwater photography that makes it impossible to look away. Each image bubbles with exuberance and life, a striking reminder that even in the most loveable and domesticated dog, there are more primal forces at work. In Underwater Dogs, Seth Casteel gives playful and energetic testament to the rough-and-tumble joy that our dogs bring into our lives.
Gem
by Holly HobbieLook carefully. There may be a gem in your garden.For nearly four decades, watercolorist Holly Hobbie has drawn inspiration from the wonders of nature. During one especially hard winter, she found herself imagining the story of a determined toad's spring journey. Her vivid depiction of this endearing creature's glorious yet fragile world is a sparkling celebration of survival and renewal. From the muddy brown road outside a farmhouse to the sweet-smelling garden to the cool lily pads in the pond, readers will feel their senses rejuvenated by Holly Hobbie's gemlike, detailed paintings in this nearly wordless work.
Tool of War (Ship Breaker)
by Paolo BacigalupiThis third book in a major series by a bestselling science fiction author, Printz Award winner, and National Book Award finalist is the gripping story of the most provocative character from his acclaimed novels Ship Breaker and The Drowned Cities.Tool, a half-man/half-beast designed for combat, is capable of so much more than his creators had ever dreamed. He has gone rogue from his pack of bioengineered "augments" and emerged a victorious leader of a pack of human soldier boys. But he is hunted relentlessly by someone determined to destroy him, who knows an alarming secret: Tool has found the way to resist his genetically ingrained impulses of submission and loyalty toward his masters... The time is coming when Tool will embark on an all-out war against those who have enslaved him. From one of science fiction's undisputed masters comes a riveting page-turner that pulls no punches."Suzanne Collins may have put dystopian literature on the YA map with 'The Hunger Games'...but Bacigalupi is one of the genre's masters, employing inventively terrifying details in equally imaginative story lines." --Los Angeles Times
Hug Time
by Patrick Mcdonnell Julia CostaThere was once a kitten so filled with love he wanted to give the whole world a hug!And so Jules the kitten (also known in the Mutts cartoons as "Shtinky Puddin'") goes down the stairs to hug his friends, then all the birds in the park--and then he travels the world, hugging all those he meets! As Jules learns, a hug is the simplest--but kindest--gift we can give. And you can start giving right here, right now with the one who's closest to you. A joyous story about sharing love with a gently environmental theme.
Little Bee
by Samantha Berger Edward GibbsAll the animals are running away, but what are they afraid of? Find out in this action-packed book that will have all little children wanting to turn the pages and join in. It's simple, it's fun, it's thought provoking, and the surprise ending brings it right back to the beginning - to be enjoyed all over again! Graphic designer and illustrator Edward Gibbs has always sought to communicate meaningful ideas in the simplest way. With a seemingly effortless touch, in this book and its companion The Acorn, he introduces educational themes and concepts (food chains, fear, ecosystems) in a visual, fun, and satisfying romp for the very young.
All Kinds of Kisses
by Nancy Tafuri Emma Walton HamiltonThere are all kinds of kisses...Cheep kisses. Moo kisses. Maaa kisses. Coo kisses...But the best kiss of all...Is Mommy's kiss goodnight. Sweet dreams, little one!Mommies and babies aren't the only ones who enjoy sharing kisses. All throughout the farm, animal families snuggle up with their little ones, offering them warmth and love. Following a mama bird on her journey back to the nest to give her own baby some special cuddles, Nancy Tafuri uses beautiful, inviting illustration to share how different creatures, from peeping ducks to mooing cows, show their love and affection in very similar ways. A heartfelt homage to all of the wonderful kinds of kissesveryone satisfied, comforted, and ready for bed." - Horn Book
Incident at Hawk's Hill
by Allan W. EckertSix-year-old Ben is very small for his age, and gets along better with animals than people. One June day in 1870, Ben wanders away from his home on Hawk's Hill and disappears into the waving prairie grass. This is the story of how a shy, lonely boy survives for months in the wilds and forges a bond with a female badger. Based on a true story. A Newbery Honor Book.
The EARTH Book (Melded Audio and Text)
by Todd Parr"I take care of the earth because I know I can do little things every day to make a BIG difference..."With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitiviy, Todd Parr explores the important, timely subject of environmental protection and conservation in this eco-friendly picture book. Featuing a circular die-cut Earth on the cover, and printed entirely with recycled materials and nontoxic soy inks, this book includes lots of easy, smart ideas on how we can all work together to make the Earth feel good - from planting a tree and using both sides of the paper, to saving energy and reusing old things in new ways.Best of all, the book includes an interior gatefold with a poster with tips/reminders on how kids can "go green" everyday. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, this sweet homage to our beautiful planet is sure to inspire readers of all ages to do their part in keeping the Earth happy and healthy.
Hail, Hail Camp Timberwood
by Ellen ConfordRelates the experiences of 13-year-old Melanie as she tries to cope with the traumas and pleasures of her first year at summer camp.
Arthur Turns Green
by Marc BrownArthur is full of ideas when it comes to doing his part to save the planet. But is he actually turning green? Arthur comes home from school and begins sneaking around the house, taking notes and talking about a Big Green Machine. D.W. is suspicious of her brother's weird behavior, and when Arthur shows up late for dinner with green hands, she really gets the creeps! Will the Big Green Machine get her, too? Find out how Arthur's secret project convinces his entire family to turn green! Get to know your favorite aardvark all over again in the first new Arthur Adventure in nearly a decade!
Arthur Goes to Camp
by Marc BrownPoor Arthur. He and the boys can't seem to do anything right at Camp Meadowcroak. Awful food, poison ivy, and losing to the girls in every sport are more than he can take. Arthur plots to run away just as the other campers plot to win the big scavenger hunt against their archrivals at Camp Horsewater. What happens when the two schemes collide makes a rousing finale to a funny, reassuring picture book. Arthur Goes to Camp brings more good laughs and learning to the growing number of Arthur fans.
Ninth Ward (Little Brown Novels)
by Jewell Parker RhodesTwelve-year-old Lanesha lives in a tight-knit community in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. She doesn't have a fancy house like her uptown family or lots of friends like the other kids on her street. But what she does have is Mama Ya-Ya, her fiercely loving caretaker, wise in the ways of the world and able to predict the future. So when Mama Ya-Ya's visions show a powerful hurricane--Katrina--fast approaching, it's up to Lanesha to call upon the hope and strength Mama Ya-Ya has given her to help them both survive the storm.Ninth Ward is a deeply emotional story about transformation and a celebration of resilience, friendship, and family--as only love can define it.
Stokes Birdhouse Book: The Easy Guide to Attracting Nesting Birds
by Lillian Stokes DonaldCopiously illustrated with line drawings and full-color photographs, this large format paperback book contains the essential information that backyard nature enthusiasts want and need -- to build and seek out birdhouses, including the right birdhouse for many popular species .
Pilgrim on the Great Bird Continent: The Importance of Everything and Other Lessons from Darwin's Lost Notebooks
by Lyanda Lynn HauptSeattle-based environmental writer and ethicist Haupt considers Charles Darwin not just as a bearer of natural selection theory, but as a human who both understand and related to the natural world in such a way that this theory became possible. She draws from his little known Ornithological Notes, published only in 1963, to show how he attained his intellectual and moral maturity through studying the birds of South America. She has not indexed her work. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Ship Breaker (Little Brown Novels)
by Paolo BacigalupiIn America's Gulf Coast region, where grounded oil tankers are being broken down for parts, Nailer, a teenage boy, works the light crew, scavenging for copper wiring just to make quota--and hopefully live to see another day. But when, by luck or chance, he discovers an exquisite clipper ship beached during a recent hurricane, Nailer faces the most important decision of his life: Strip the ship for all it's worth or rescue its lone survivor, a beautiful and wealthy girl who could lead him to a better life...<P><P> Michael J. Printz Award winner
Path of Destruction: The Devastation of New Orleans and the Coming Age of Superstorms
by John Mcquaid Mark SchleifsteinAt 5:02 A.M. on August 29, 2005, the power went out in the Superdome. Not long after, wind ripped giant white rubber sheets off the roof and sent huge shards of debris flying toward Uptown. Rivulets of rainwater began finding their way down through the ceiling, dripping and pouring into the stands, the mezzanine, and the football field. Without ventilation, the air began to get gamy with the smell of sweat and garbage. The bathrooms stopped working. Many people slept; others waited, mostly in silence.
The EARTH Book
by Todd Parr"I take care of the earth because I know I can do little things every day to make a BIG difference. . . " With his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity, Todd Parr explores the important, timely subject of environmental protection and conservation in this eco-friendly picture book. Featuring a circular die-cut Earth on the cover, and printed entirely with recycled materials and nontoxic soy inks, this book includes lots of easy, smart ideas on how we can all work together to make the Earth feel good - from planting a tree and using both sides of the paper, to saving energy and reusing old things in new ways. Best of all, the book includes an interior gatefold with a poster with tips/reminders on how kids can "go green" everyday. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, this sweet homage to our beautiful planet is sure to inspire readers of all ages to do their part in keeping the Earth happy and healthy.
One Hundred Butterflies
by Harold FeinsteinFeinstein, a noted photographer whose works of roses and other flora and fauna are in collections in museums worldwide, turns his lens to the wonders of the creature about which he writes: "The earth laughs with flowers, but it dances with butterflies. " With an introduction to butterflies' role in the ecosystem and the need for conservation by the curator of the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens (South Deerfield, MA), the oversize volume features exquisite images of butterflies including the starry night, sunset moth, pearly malachite, and zebra longwing; and interspersed tributes to these creatures associated with the soul and rebirth. Captions provide common and scientific names, and home country. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc. , Portland, OR (booknews. com)
Secret Knowledge of Water: There Are Two Easy Ways to Die in the Desert: Thirst and Drowning
by Craig ChildsDeserts are environments that can be inhospitable even to seasoned explorers. Craig Childs has spent years in the deserts of the American West, and his treks through arid lands in search of water reveal the natural world at its most extreme.