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The Big, Bad Book of Beasts: The World's Most Curious Creatures
by Michael LargoThe world's wildest collection of animal knowledge and lore!Lions, and tigers, and bears . . . and dinosaurs, dragons, and monsters. Oh my!For hundreds of years, the most popular books in the Western world next to the Bible were "bestiaries," fanciful encyclopedias collecting all of human knowledge and mythology about the animal kingdom. In these pages, eagles and elephants lived next to griffins and sea monsters. Now, in The Big, Bad Book of Beasts, award-winning author Michael Largo has updated the medieval bestsellers for the twenty-first century, illuminating little-known facts, astonishing secrets, and bizarre superstitions about the beasts that inhabit our world—and haunt our imaginations. You'll learn about the biggest bug ever, the smallest animal in the world, and the real creatures that inspired the fabled unicorns. You'll discover how birds learned to fly, why cats rub against your legs, and a thousand other facts that will make you look at nature in a wonderfully new way.Did you know?The fastest animal in the world is the peregrine falcon, which reaches speeds of over 200 miles per hours.Circus ringmaster P.T. Barnum fooled many when he displayed a "mermaid" carcass that was later proved to be monkey bones sewed together with the body of a fish.Discovered in a remote volcanic crater in New Guinea, the Bosavi wolly rat grows to the size of a cat.President Andrew Jackson bought an African gray parrot to keep his wife company. The bird outlived them both and was removed from Jackson's funeral for cussing in both English and Spanish.A to Z: From Aardvark to Zooplankton!For all ages!Includes 289 illustrations!
The Big, Bad Book of Botany: The World's Most Fascinating Flora
by Michael LargoDavid Attenborough meets Lemony Snicket in The Big Bad Book of Botany, Michael Largo’s entertaining and enlightening one-of-a-kind compendium of the world’s most amazing and bizarre plants, their history, and their lore.The Big, Bad Book of Botany introduces a world of wild, wonderful, and weird plants. Some are so rare, they were once more valuable than gold. Some found in ancient mythology hold magical abilities, including the power to turn a person to stone. Others have been used by assassins to kill kings, and sorcerers to revive the dead. Here, too, is vegetation with astonishing properties to cure and heal, many of which have long since been lost with the advent of modern medicine.Organized alphabetically, The Big, Bad Book of Botany combines the latest in biological information with bizarre facts about the plant kingdom’s oddest members, including a species that is more poisonous than a cobra and a prehistoric plant that actually “walked.” Largo takes you through the history of vegetables and fruits and their astonishing agricultural evolution. Throughout, he reveals astonishing facts, from where the world’s first tree grew to whether plants are telepathic.Featuring more than 150 photographs and illustrations, The Big, Bad Book of Botany is a fascinating, fun A-to-Z encyclopedia for all ages that will transform the way we look at the natural world.
The Big Bang Symphony: A Novel of Antarctica
by Lucy Jane BledsoeAntarctica is a vortex that draws you back, season after season. The place is so raw and pure, all seal hide and crystalline iceberg. The fishbowl communities at McMurdo Station, South Pole Station, and in the remote field camps intensify relationships, jack all emotion up to a 10. The trick is to get what you need and then get out fast. At least that's how thirty-year-old Rosie Moore views it as she flies in for her third season on the Ice. She plans to avoid all entanglements, romantic and otherwise, and do her work as a galley cook. But when her flight crash-lands, so do all her plans. Mikala Wilbo, a brilliant young composer whose heart--and music--have been frozen since the death of her partner, is also on that flight. She has come to the Ice as an artist-in-residence, to write music, but also to secretly check out the astrophysicist father she has never met. Arriving a few weeks later, Alice Neilson, a graduate student in geology who thinks in charts and equations, is thrilled to leave her dependent mother and begin her career at last. But from the start she is aware that her post-doc advisor, with whom she will work in Antarctica, expects much more from their relationship. As the three women become increasingly involved in each other's lives, they find themselves deeply transformed by their time on the Ice. Each falls in love. Each faces challenges she never thought she would meet. And ultimately, each finds redemption in a depth and quality of friendship that only the harsh beauty of Antarctica can engender. Finalist, Lambda Literary Awards Finalist, Ferro-Grumley Award for LGBT Fiction, awarded by the Publishing Triangle Finalist, Northern California Independent Booksellers Association Honorable Mention, Foreword Magazine's Gay/Lesbian Fiction Book of the Year Best Books for General Audiences, selected by the Public Library Association
Big Basin Redwood Forest: California's Oldest State Park (Landmarks)
by Traci BlissThe epic saga of Big Basin began in the late 1800s, when the surrounding communities saw their once "inexhaustible" redwood forests vanishing. Expanding railways demanded timber as they crisscrossed the nation, but the more redwoods that fell to the woodman's axe, the greater the effects on the local climate. California's groundbreaking environmental movement attracted individuals from every walk of life. From the adopted son of a robber baron to a bohemian woman winemaker to a Jesuit priest, resilient campaigners produced an unparalleled model of citizen action. Join author Traci Bliss as she reveals the untold story of a herculean effort to preserve the ancient redwoods for future generations.
Big Bear Feet (Lucky Luke's Hunting Adventures)
by Kevin Lovegreen James Monroe Design Angela WiechmannJoin Luke and the gang on another amazing Lucky Luke's Hunting Adventure-Award Winning Best Chapter Book Series. This time, the stage is set in northern Minnesota for a thrilling bear hunt. After working hard to prepare for the hunt, the team eagerly counts down to a nail-biting opening weekend. In a twist of luck, Luke ends up in the hot seat, ready and waiting for the bear of his dreams to arrive at the stand. See how his practice, patience, and determination reward him on this unforgettable weekend.
A Big Bed for Little Snow
by Grace LinA companion to the Caldecott Honor book A Big Mooncake for Little Star!A heartwarming and tender picture book introducing readers to their first snow, from award-winning, bestselling author-illustrator Grace Lin.When it was quiet, Little Snow grinned and then jumped, jumped, jumped!Little Snow loves the new big, soft bed Mommy made him for the long, cold winter nights. But Mommy says this bed is for sleeping, not jumping! What happens when he can't resist jump, jump, jumping on his new fluffy, bouncy bed?Bestselling and award-winning author Grace Lin artfully introduces young readers to their first snow through striking illustrations and heartwarming moments.
Big Book of Animal Illustrations
by Maggie KateDo you need an accurate representation of a Painted Lady butterfly to complete your collage? Will a letterhead designed around a stately lion make your memos roar? Are you in search of a picture of Tyrannosaurus rex for an article on prehistoric life?Whatever your need for animal illustrations, chances are you'll find the perfect image in this superb, royalty-free compendium. Conveniently arranged in 16 categories, including Dinosaurs, Prehistoric Mammals, Small Animals of North America, Arctic and Antarctic Life, Horses of the World, Snakes of the World, Insects, and nine more, this volume features 688 detailed black-and-white drawings of wildlife in accurate, natural poses. Among the animals pictured are lions and tigers; monkeys, apes, and antelopes; fish, including sharks; anteaters, armadillos, and red-sided garter snakes; extinct dinosaurs and early mammals; bombardier beetles, birds of prey, and bullfrogs.These up-to-date illustrations, ready for immediate, royalty-free use, will be of immense value to commercial artists, illustrators, and graphic designers, students, nature enthusiasts, collagists, decoupeurs, and other crafters.
The Big Book of Backyard Cooking: 250 Favorite Recipes for Enjoying the Great Outdoors
by Betty RosbottomFood just tastes better under an open sky. In this handbook to the alfresco life, one of our best-known cooking teachers shows how to please friends, neighbors, and family with hundreds of delicious dishes suitable for enjoying the great outdoors--whether it's a rooftop garden or a sprawling lawn. With classic fare such as fried chicken and potato salad, grilled favorites like juicy burgers, barbecued ribs, and sweet summer corn, plus fabulous new creations like Lamb Chops with Roquefort, Figs, and Rosemary and Chocolate Toffee Brownie Cake, eating and entertaining outdoors has never been easier. Rosbottom includes her favorite marinades and sauces, appetizers to keep the crowds at bay, deliciously fresh salads and starters, summery desserts, and much more, not to mention great tips for making sure grilled meats are done to perfection. Covering everything from fine dining under the stars to Sunday picnics by the lake, this latest addition to the big-selling Big Book series is the perfect guide to taking it outside.
Big Book of Bird Illustrations (Dover Pictorial Archive)
by Maggie KateAn indispensable resource for anyone in need of avian art, this magnificent compendium comprises more than 600 royalty-free images. Featuring the work of many different artists, it abounds in accurate renderings of ducks and geese, herons, owls, eagles, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and many other birds, both familiar and less well known, from the world over.
The Big Book of Nature Activities: A Year-Round Guide to Outdoor Learning
by Jacob Rodenburg Drew MonkmanThe average child can identify over one thousand corporate logos, but only ten native plants or animals--a telling indictment of our modern disconnection from nature. Soaring levels of obesity, high rates of ADHD, feelings of stress and social awkwardness, and "Nature Deficit Disorder" are further unintended consequences of a childhood spent primarily indoors.The Big Book of Nature Activities is a comprehensive guide for parents and educators to help youth of all ages explore, appreciate and connect with the natural world. This rich, fully illustrated compendium features: Nature-based skills and activities such as species identification, photography, journaling, and the judicious use of digital technology Ideas, games, and activities grounded in what's happening in nature each season Core concepts that promote environmental literacy, such as climate change and the mechanisms and wonder of evolution, explained using a child-friendly, engaging approach Lists of key species and happenings to observe throughout the year across most of North AmericaPerfect for families, educators, and youth leaders , The Big Book of Nature Activities is packed with crafts, stories, information and inspiration to make outdoor learning fun.Jacob Rodenburg is the Executive Director of the Camp Kawartha summer camp and outdoor education centre. As well as publishing numerous articles on children, nature and the environment, he has worked in the field of outdoor education for twenty-five years.Drew Monkman is an award-winning environmental advocate, naturalist, and retired teacher. In addition to his weekly nature column, Drew is the author of two season-based nature guides, including Nature's Year.
Big Book of Nature Stencil Designs (Dover Pictorial Archive)
by DoverIf you're a graphic artist, crafter, or hobbyist in search of attractive, nature-related images, then this comprehensive collection of handsome designs is just for you. The 850 practical, attention-getting motifs for inventive and bold stencil illustrations offer a broad range of subjects: animals of all types -- fish, mammals, amphibians, mollusks, and even dinosaurs; exotic birds, waterfowl, and other avian species; roses, wildflowers, and a variety of garden florals shown as single blossoms and in bouquets and sprays; and many other popular designs.A rich source of inspiration for use in countless art and craft projects, these professionally rendered illustrations -- easily reduced or enlarged to suit any decorative need -- also make ideal spot illustrations in varied graphic assignments.
Big Book of Plant and Flower Illustrations
by Maggie KateThis treasury of more than 600 royalty-free illustrations of nature's handiwork will be an indispensable resource for anyone in need of plant and flower illustrations. Showcasing the work of 11 different artists, this highly useful compilation attractively and accurately displays a profusion of wildflowers, trees, herbs, cacti, tropical blooms, garden flowers, common weeds, house plants, mushrooms, roses, orchids, medicinal plants, and much more. Each illustration is identified, and an index makes it easy to find specific plants.Sure to be welcomed by artists, illustrators, and desktop publishers, these versatile, clearly rendered illustrations will also appeal to students, nature enthusiasts, collagists, and anyone with a need for high-quality images of flowers and other plants.
The Big book of Serial Killers
by Rosewood JackThese serial killers are not mythical beasts with horns and shaggy hair. They are people living among society, going about their day to day activities until nightfall. They are the Dennis Reader's, the fathers, husbands, church going members of the community.
The Big Book of Wooden Boat Restoration: Basic Techniques, Maintenance, and Repair
by Thomas LarssonAn excellent manual for embarking on a wooden boat restoration project.The Big Book of Wooden Boat Restoration is the perfect introduction or reference guide for both novice and experienced wooden boat enthusiasts. Author Thomas Larsson, one of Sweden’s most experienced and premier wooden boat restorers, has compiled his knowledge of the craft for readers and placed it in this book. This ultimate guide to restoration contains useful facts and an extensive glossary, accessible to both new hobbyists and longtime boat lovers.Also within this book are chapters on boat care, including winter maintenance, racing, finishing, and stripping. Additionally, there is updated information on boat building, gluing, and tools. The most extensive part of this book consists of chapters that describe the detailed clean repair of wooden boats-everything from plug accession and bonding to changing socks and bottom engine installation.Larsson includes a history of boat building and provides a nice glimpse of different wooden boats with more than two hundred sketches and photos in both color and black-and-white. He explains how staying on top of maintenance keeps a unique fleet of wooden boats alive. With practical instructions and fact boxes with advice and tips, this book will teach you all about maintenance: surface treatment, scraping the hull, equipping the boat in the spring, and looking after it in the winter. Also included are tips on buying a boat, installing an engine, and more.Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports-books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team.In addition to books on popular team sports, we also publish books for a wide variety of athletes, including books on running, cycling, horseback riding, swimming, tennis, martial arts, golf, camping, hiking, aviation, boating, and so much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Big Brownie
by Rutherford MontgomeryIN the story of Big Brownie, one of the rare Kodiak bears, largest flesh-eating animal in the world, Rutherford Montgomery gives a wonderful portrait of a true king of beasts, in a swift tale of action and wild life. As Big Brownie and his sister, orphaned by bear hunters, grow up alone, learning their wilderness lessons and the danger of human foes, we see how these powerful, slow-to-anger animals' live, fish, and hunt on their island homes. Drama comes when the Miller Sheep Company sends bear hunters to Happy Valley, the Kodiak Island retreat of Ruth Keller and her father, to exterminate the bears. The Kellers love and understand these great fellows, particularly Big Brownie, and they have learned to live in peace with them. Ruth cleverly outwits the bear hunters, only to find that the sheep company can legally evict her father and herself. It is then that young Chuck Miller convinces Ruth he is on her side, despite his name, and solves their problem. BIG BROWNIE is based on the dramatic true story of the successful fight of nature lovers and conservationists to protect the Kodiak bear when it was faced with extinction. And today BIG BROWNIE has added interest, for Mr. Montgomery gives a vivid picture of Kodiak Island, so near our present Alaskan fighting front.
Big Bucks The Benoit Way
by Bryce M. TowsleyBy following the legendary Benoit family, hunters can learn to track and harvest the biggest whitetail bucks on consistent basis. The full-color photography and time-tested methods will gain anyone the advantage over whitetails and the bragging rights over camp.
The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America (Playaway Adult Nonfiction Ser.)
by Timothy EganNational Book Award-winner Timothy Egan turns his historian's eye to the largest-ever forest fire in America and offers an epic, cautionary tale for our time. On the afternoon of August 20, 1910, a battering ram of wind moved through the drought-stricken national forests of Washington, Idaho, and Montana, whipping the hundreds of small blazes burning across the forest floor into a roaring inferno that jumped from treetop to ridge as it raged, destroying towns and timber in the blink of an eye. Forest rangers had assembled nearly ten thousand men to fight the fires, but no living person had seen anything like those flames, and neither the rangers nor anyone else knew how to subdue them. Egan recreates the struggles of the overmatched rangers against the implacable fire with unstoppable dramatic force, and the larger story of outsized president Teddy Roosevelt and his chief forester, Gifford Pinchot, that follows is equally resonant. Pioneering the notion of conservation, Roosevelt and Pinchot did nothing less than create the idea of public land as our national treasure, owned by every citizen. Even as TR's national forests were smoldering they were saved: The heroism shown by his rangers turned public opinion permanently in favor of the forests, though it changed the mission of the forest service in ways we can still witness today.
The Big Burn
by Jeanette IngoldWinner of the Western Writers of America Spur Award for Teen Fiction from the author of Hitch and Paper Daughter. “A must-read for adrenaline junkies.”—VOYAOn a hot summer day in 1910 a teenage soldier assembled his rifle. A girl argued to save trees on a mountain homestead. A young man set out to fight fire. None knew that soon the many blazes burning across northern Idaho would blow up and send a wall of flame racing their way.Portraying a natural disaster that would dictate how the United States would fight wildfire in the 20th century, The Big Burn brings to life a turning point in fire science, forestry, and history. Richly drawn characters doing their best against gigantic odds will grip your heart. The realistic depiction of wildfire will make you feel you were there.With non-fiction Field Notes and an Afterword about firefighting today, it’s a novel that moves from the 1900s into the 21st century. Whether you’re an adult or young adult reader, you’ll come away with a new understanding of nature and a “heighten[ed] appreciation for the courage and sacrifice of firefighters and settlers” (Publishers Weekly).Montana Book Award Honor“Historically accurate and dramatically engaging.”—Teen Reads“Presents a vivid picture of a natural disaster while skillfully conveying in fluid prose the individual stories of the three young people.”—Horn Book“Fascinating and harrowing . . . for any kid whose tastes run to disaster and survival, mixed into a coming of age story.”—Richie’s Picks“A solid adventure story with a well-realized setting.”—Booklist
The Big Camp Secret (Sweet Valley Twins Super Editions #3)
by Francine Pascal Jamie SuzanneGirls, boys, and ghosts ... Identical twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield can't believe they're finally at sleep-away camp. Even though there are no boys, and Elizabeth's friend Grace had to cancel her plans to go at the last minute, it may be two whole weeks of fun, fun, fun! The twins waste no time diving into their favorite activities. Jessica begins to arrange a rendezvous with the boys' camp across the lake. Elizabeth spends much of her time horseback riding and making new friends. But the real excitement starts when Grace turns up in the most unexpected place. Should the twins take a chance and hide Grace? If they do and they're caught, camp may just turn out to be the worst two weeks of their lives!
Big Cats: Revised Edition
by Seymour SimonIn this completely updated edition of Big Cats, award-winning writer Seymour Simon celebrates the grace and power of lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, pumas, and snow leopards. Readers will learn all about how they hunt, care for their young, and rest in their varied natural habitats. This nonfiction picture book is packed with information and beautiful color photographs. Cat fans and kids ages 6 to 10 looking for facts, whether for a report or just for fun, will find much to like in Big Cats.This updated edition includes:Author’s noteStunning full-color photographsGlossaryIndexAdditional reading sourcesSupports the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards.
Big City Bees
by Maggie De Vries Renne BenoitVivid writing and luminous art combine to tell a modern story that introduces young readers to the wonders of bees For city kids like Sophie and Matthew, growing pumpkins is a big thrill.But they're worried. They know they need bees to make their pumpkins grow. But will the bees find their garden? Are there even bees in the city?So one day, Grandpa and the children set out to look for bees. They arrive downtown just in time to see something amazing: a buzzing ball of bees hovers from the branch of a nearby tree. And high on the terrace of a towering hotel are four brightly coloured beehives!For Matthew and Sophie, this is the beginning of an exciting adventure. All summer they tend their plants, eagerly watching as their seeds sprout and turn into shoots, then vines and leaves. But they're still worried. Will the bees come when they're needed?Finally, the golden pumpkin flowers appear among the leaves. The female flowers will be open for just one day, and Matthew and Sophie arrive at the garden early in the morning to wait and watch. Will the bees arrive in time to pollinate the plants?
Big data's big potential in developing economies: impact on agriculture, health and environmental security
by Nir KshetriBig data involves the use of sophisticated analytics to make decisions based on large-scale data inputs. It is set to transform agriculture, environmental protection and healthcare in developing countries. This book critically evaluates the developing big data industry and market in these countries and gives an overview of the determinants, performances and impacts. The book provides a detailed analysis of technology creation, technology infrastructures and human skills to utilize big data in these countries. It discusses novel applications and business models involving big data to overcome healthcare barriers. The book also offers an analysis of big data's potential to improve environmental monitoring and protection. It posits that big data is likely to have far-reaching and profound impacts on the agricultural sector. A key question addressed is also how gains in agricultural productivity associated with big data will benefit smallholder farmers relative to global multinationals in that sector. It also probes big data's roles in the creation of markets that can improve the welfare of smallholder farmers. The book gives special consideration to big data-led transformation of the financial industry and discusses how the transformation can increase small-holder farmers' access to finance by changing the way lenders assess creditworthiness of potential borrowers. It also takes a look at data privacy and security issues facing smallholder farmers and reviews differences in such issues in industrialized and developing countries. The key ideas, concepts and theories presented are explored, illustrated and contrasted through in-depth case studies of developing world-based big data companies and deployment and utilization big data in agriculture, environmental protection and healthcare.
Big Dog, Little Dog
by Seth CasteelFrom the bestselling photographer behind Underwater Dogs and Underwater Puppies, a new irresistibly cute concept featuring tiny dogs and giant dogs side by side.A collection of stunning photographs, each featuring two dogs: one big, one small. These unexpected pairs are utterly adorable, making this book the perfect gift for the biggest (or littlest) dog lover in your life, or the perfect coffee-table book for anyone who loves cute pups.
Big Ecology
by David C. ColemanIn Big Ecology, David C. Coleman documents his historically fruitful ecological collaborations in the early years of studying large ecosystems in the United States. As Coleman explains, the concept of the ecosystem--a local biological community and its interactions with its environment--has given rise to many institutions and research programs, like the National Science Foundation's program for Long Term Ecological Research. Coleman's insider account of this important and fascinating trend toward big science takes us from the paradigm of collaborative interdisciplinary research, starting with the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957, through the International Biological Program (IBP) of the late 1960s and early 1970s, to the Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) programs of the 1980s.
The Big Empty: Contemporary Nebraska Nonfiction Writers
by Ladette Randolph Nina Shevchuk-MurrayExploring the State of Nebraska from its rural reaches to its urban engines, from its marvelous ecosystems to its myriad historical and cultural offerings, these narratives evoke Nebraska in all its facets.