A hands-on project book about the keystone species keeping habitats healthy!

Who's keeping the ecosystem healthy?

In any ecosystem, every species has a role to play. From towering trees and ginormous whales to the smallest microorganisms, plants, fungi, and insects, each species is important to the overall health of the ecosystem. But some of those species play such vital roles that without them, the ecosystem might collapse. These are called keystone species.

In Keystone Species: Meet the Animals Key to Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity with Hands-On Science Activities for Kids, readers ages 9 to 12 are introduced to several different types of keystone species from around the world as they discover the crucial roles these animals play in their ecosystems. Meet the predators, herbivores, ecosystem engineers, mutualists, and foundational species that all play a keystone role in regulating an ecosystem. Investigate how these ecosystems function, learn about threats to wolves, sharks, beavers, alligators, flying foxes, bees, wildebeests, bison, and coral, and dive into what happens when these species disappear. Throughout the book, find stories about science-based conservation practices that inspire kids to do their part in protecting their own environments.

Keystone Species includes hands-on activities and critical thinking exercises to help readers gain a deeper understanding of ecosystems and the role of every species. STEM activities, a narrative writing style, fun facts, words-to-know, and links to primary sources, videos, and other relevant websites take readers on an exploration of keystone species around the world.

Additional materials include a glossary, a list of media for further learning, a selected bibliography, and index. All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

An inspiring collection of conservation stories for middle grade!

How do we make sure every species on the planet has a chance to thrive?

In Conservation Success: Protecting Wild Spaces and Species with Hands-on Science Activities for Kids, young scientists ages 9-12 discover different conservation efforts around the world. Learn about the individuals, scientists, organizations, and countries involved in protecting species, habitats, and our planet! From returning lynx to the Colorado high country and recovering the population of California condors to turning poachers into wildlife protectors and transforming dumps and golf courses into thriving habitats, these conservation success stories offer hope and inspiration along with scientific explanations on why these efforts work.

There are many ways to approach conservation including restoration, rewilding, reintroduction, recovering species populations, reconnecting habitats, community-based conservation, ecotourism, protections and laws, and, above all, education. Guided by science, these collaborative efforts foster biodiversity and encourage ecosystems to become healthier, stronger, and more resilient. In Conservation Success, we investigate the people and the science guiding the initiatives and see how these efforts will inform future conservation and add to the scientific knowledge of our natural world. Plus, you might become empowered to take part in conservation efforts in your part of the world!

Conservation Success includes hands-on activities and critical thinking exercises to help readers gain a deeper understanding of science-based conservation. These activities, a narrative writing style, fun facts, words-to-know, and primary source links combine to take readers on an investigative journey to conservation projects around the world.

Additional materials include a glossary, a list of media for further learning, a selected bibliography, and index. All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

Can a pirate and a prince learn to share?

In the fort in the woods, a prince is preparing his castle for a lively feast for the royal kingdom. Unbeknownst to him, a pirate uses the same fort as her ship, planning to venture out to the open seas in search of treasure. But when a treasure map appears on the prince's party invitations, and the pirate finds that her sword has turned into a scepter, they realize there is an intruder in the castle--no, ship Soon, a battle over the fort between the adversaries ensues, leading to a humorous showdown. When they make amends, their amazing imaginations come up with a new adventure...together.

Kids will revel in the spirited and imaginative battle and be thrilled by the turn of events. Dynamic and charismatic illustrations bring this witty tale and its celebration of sharing and teamwork to life.

A full-color nonfiction picture book for ages 5 to 8 about those billions of stars you see when you look up into the nighttime sky

The Universe is full of billions of twinkling stars that humans have told stories about, navigated by, and made wishes upon for centuries. But what is a star made of? How long will its light last? In The Stars: A Gazillion Suns, the character of the Universe takes us on a journey among the stars and explains how they are born, what makes them twinkle, how many there are, and even how they will come to an end. The Universe's conversational tone helps to engage and inform, bringing complex scientific concepts to a level kids can grasp. The two alien characters provide hilarious commentary while a poem at the beginning encourages language arts connections Through a hands-on activity and a glossary, kids are invited to explore a world previously out of reach.

Perfect as a read aloud or for beginner readers

The Stars: A Gazillion Suns is part of a set of four books in the Picture Book Science series that explore our incredible solar system. Other titles in this series include The Sun: Shining Star of the Solar System; The Earth: One-of-a-Kind Planet; and The Moon: Small-but-Mighty Neighbor.

• Provides layered text and back matter that encourage more in-depth discovery
• Promotes a sense of awe and wonder in astronomy
• Uses humor to engage children's attention
• Promotes cross-curriculum learning through poetry
• Includes a hands-on, science-minded project to help support and reinforce deeper learning
• Meets Next Generation Science Standards in Earth's Place in the Universe and Space Systems: Patterns and Cycles for grades K through 3

About the Picture Book Science series and Nomad Press

Nomad Press books in the Picture Book Science series present real-world examples of science topics kids find fascinating These nonfiction picture books consist of engaging narratives paired with detailed, accurate illustrations and layered text that offers ample opportunity for discussion and reflection. Elementary-aged children are equipped to recognize basic science concepts and identify the different ways they are demonstrated in real life, while being impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and laboratories.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

The Wildlife Watching Encyclopedia establishes the basics of finding and identifying wildlife, including looking for tracks and listening for calls. Alongside text that describes animal behavior and habitat, readers will learn the importance of respecting wildlife and how to prepare for a successful wildlife watching adventure. Features include a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Encyclopedias is an imprint of Abdo Reference, a division of ABDO.

It's your world, so make it a sustainable one! Learn how small, everyday choices can lead to big, positive changes for the planet--from how you use energy to what you wear, eat, and buy. Packed full of tips and relevant actions for kids to take, this is an empowering guide for any young reader looking to help the environment and make a difference. Get ready to go green and create a sustainable lifestyle, one choice at a time!

A hands-on project book about the keystone species keeping habitats healthy!

Who's keeping the ecosystem healthy?

In any ecosystem, every species has a role to play. From towering trees and ginormous whales to the smallest microorganisms, plants, fungi, and insects, each species is important to the overall health of the ecosystem. But some of those species play such vital roles that without them, the ecosystem might collapse. These are called keystone species.

In Keystone Species: Meet the Animals Key to Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity with Hands-On Science Activities for Kids, readers ages 9 to 12 are introduced to several different types of keystone species from around the world as they discover the crucial roles these animals play in their ecosystems. Meet the predators, herbivores, ecosystem engineers, mutualists, and foundational species that all play a keystone role in regulating an ecosystem. Investigate how these ecosystems function, learn about threats to wolves, sharks, beavers, alligators, flying foxes, bees, wildebeests, bison, and coral, and dive into what happens when these species disappear. Throughout the book, find stories about science-based conservation practices that inspire kids to do their part in protecting their own environments.

Keystone Species includes hands-on activities and critical thinking exercises to help readers gain a deeper understanding of ecosystems and the role of every species. STEM activities, a narrative writing style, fun facts, words-to-know, and links to primary sources, videos, and other relevant websites take readers on an exploration of keystone species around the world.

Additional materials include a glossary, a list of media for further learning, a selected bibliography, and index. All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

Slather on the sunscreen and get ready to journey to the desert biomes of the world in this nonfiction picture book!

In Destination Desert: Biome Explorers, kid scientists make the trek to four different types of deserts around the world--a hot and dry desert, a semi-arid desert, a coastal desert, and a cold desert. In each place, explorers discover the adaptations plants and animals such as cacti, shrubs, camels, ibex, and lizards have made to survive in these dry places! Plus, find out what humans can do to keep deserts from taking over too much of the land.

Scientifically accurate illustrations, photographs, fascinating facts, and a hands-on activity are all part of the opportunity for deeper learning about biomes. An introductory poem and glossary encourage language arts connections. Perfect as a real aloud or for beginning readers.

Destination Desert: Biome Explorers is part of a set of five books in the Picture Book Science series that explore the different biomes of Planet Earth. Other titles in this series include Grassland Globetrotting: Biome Explorers; Aquatic Adventures: Biome Explorers; Footsteps in the Forests: Biome Explorers; Tour the Tundra: Biome Explorers.

Showcases a variety of natural phenomena to give readers a taste of what nature has to offer. This book introduces the reader to four phenomena: frozen ice bubbles, colorful lakes, sailing stones, and lenticular clouds. The book explains what each phenomenon is, how and why it forms, and where and when viewers can see it. Vivid images and a helpful diagram will aid in comprehension. Additional features include a table of contents, sidebars, a phonetic glossary, fast facts, critical-thinking questions, an index, information about the author, and sources for further research.

Grab a coat to take a trip to the vast, treeless, mostly frozen tundra biome in this nonfiction picture book!

In Tour the Tundra: Biome Explorers, science adventurers ages 5 to 8 visit the Arctic, the Antarctic, and the alpine tundras. In these beautiful, remote places, we observe migrating animals, waddle like a penguin, and witness wildflowers in bloom in the mountains above the tree line. Plus, we learn about the impact of human activity on this fragile biome and find innovative ways of helping the plants and animals of the tundra thrive, even with the challenge of climate change!

Striking illustrations, photographs, fascinating facts, and a hands-on activity are all part of this foray into deeper learning about biomes. An introductory poem and glossary encourage language arts connections. Perfect as a real aloud or for beginning readers.

Tour the Tundra: Biome Explorers is part of a set of five books in the Picture Book Science series that explore the different biomes of Planet Earth. Other titles in this series include Grassland Globetrotting; Aquatic Adventures; Footsteps in the Forests; and Destination Desert.

Grasses and wildflowers cover the grasslands. Grassland Biomes explores the plants, animals, and climate that make up the biome. Easy-to-read text, vivid images, and helpful back matter give readers a clear look at this subject. Features include a table of contents, infographics, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Kids Core is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

Gear up to tour the world's forest biomes with trees large and small, creatures short and tall in this nonfiction picture book!

In Footsteps in the Forests: Biome Explorers, kids 5 to 8 take a walk on a rain forest canopy walkway, sit quietly to observe temperate forest wildlife, and bundle up to visit a chilly boreal forest. There are more than 3 trillion trees on Planet Earth, so we've got lots of exploring to do! Discover leafcutter ants, toucans, squirrels, opossums, ferns, mosses, snowshoe hairs, and much more on our tour of the world's forests. Plus, learn the role humans play in keeping the forest biome healthy, and why that's critical to the global environment.

Fun illustrations, color photographs, fast facts, and a science activity are all part of the learning in this nonfiction picture book! Make language arts connections with the introductory poem, and use the glossary for deeper language development. Perfect as a read aloud or for beginner readers.

Footsteps in the Forests: Biome Explorers is part of a set of five books in the Picture Book Science series that explore the different biomes of Planet Earth. Other titles in this series include Grassland Globetrotting: Biome Explorers; Aquatic Adventures: Biome Explorers; Tour the Tundra: Biome Explorers; Destination Desert: Biome Explorers.

Embark on a journey of the planet's grassland biomes with this brightly illustrated nonfiction picture book!

Hello biome explorers! Let's take a trip to the grasslands! These are wide open spaces of grasses, grazing animals, and swooping birds.

In Grassland Globetrotting: Biome Explorers, adventurous readers ages 5 to 8 journey to temperate grasslands and tropical savannas. Be on the lookout for bison and prairie dogs, wildebeests and giraffes! Kids are also introduced to the hardy plants that survive on the grasslands and learn why fire is an important part of grassland sustainability.

Vivid illustrations, fast facts, and a hands-on activity are all a part of this fun, foundational learning experience. An introductory poem incorporates language arts connections into this science title, which is perfect as a read aloud or for beginner readers. Also includes a glossary to support language development.

Grassland Globetrotting: Biome Explorers is part of a set of five books in the Picture Book Science series that explore the different biomes of Planet Earth. Other titles in this series include Footsteps in the Forests: Biome Explorers; Aquatic Adventures: Biome Explorers; Tour the Tundra: Biome Explorers; Destination Desert: Biome Explorers.

All aboard for a journey around the world's water biomes, where we'll find lots of plant and animal life in this nonfiction picture book!

In Aquatic Adventures: Biome Explorers, kids 5 to 8 embark on a voyage to Earth's largest biome--water! Our voyage takes us down the mighty Mississippi River to the Mississippi Delta, to the Caribbean, and then out to open ocean. Muck around on the riverbanks, wade into the ocean, and snorkel around a coral reef to discover the huge variety of plants and animals that live in both freshwater and saltwater. But the voyage isn't over back at the dock--vivid illustrations, fast facts, and a hands-on science activity encourage readers to keep exploring to find out why it's critical to protect our waterways from climate change and pollution!

In this nonfiction picture book, kids make language arts connections with the introductory poem and use the glossary for deeper language development. Colorful illustrations, photographs, and an activity round out the learning. Perfect as a read aloud or for beginner readers.

Aquatic Adventures: Biome Explorers is part of a set of five books in the Picture Book Science series that explore the different biomes of Planet Earth. Other titles in this series include Grassland Globetrotting: Biome Explorers; Footsteps in the Forests: Biome Explorers; Tour the Tundra: Biome Explorers; Destination Desert: Biome Explorers.

It's your world, so make it a sustainable one! Learn how small, everyday choices can lead to big, positive changes for the planet--from how you use energy to what you wear, eat, and buy. Packed full of tips and relevant actions for kids to take, this is an empowering guide for any young reader looking to help the environment and make a difference. Get ready to go green and create a sustainable lifestyle, one choice at a time!

This exciting book explores how dolphins in dolphin pods work as a team. The book describes how dolphins communicate, take care of younger dolphins, and hunt together. The book also features a That's Amazing! special feature, informative sidebars, a table of contents, a reading comprehension quiz, a glossary, additional resources, and an index. This Focus Readers series is at the Beacon level, aligned to reading levels of grades 2-3 and interest levels of grades 3-5.

A nonfiction picture book about the fabulous adaptations that keep amphibians alive and thriving in their unique habitats

How do sunscreen and mucus help amphibians survive?

In Sunscreen, Snot Homes, and Other Amazing Amphibian Adaptations, kids ages 5 to 8 discover how one frog uses sunscreen to protect itself through the dry season and how another uses its own mucus to create a cocoon. Amphibians spend part of their time on land and part in the water, so they've evolved fascinating methods of surviving these different environments. A cinquain poem at the beginning of the book offers a language-based entry into science details. Detailed illustrations, funny narrative, layered text, and backmatter all point science-minded, curious kids toward the fascinating world of animal adaptation

Sunscreen, Snot Homes, and Other Amazing Amphibian Adaptations is part of a set of five books in the Picture Book Science series that explore strange-but-true tales of adaptation. Other titles in this series include Stink Fights, Earwax, and Other Marvelous Mammal Adaptations; Antifreeze, Leaf Costumes, and Other Fabulous Fish Adaptations; Water-Walking, Sidewinding, and Other Remarkable Reptile Adaptations; and Spit Nests, Puke Power, and Other Brilliant Bird Adaptations.

• Provides layered text and back matter that encourages more in-depth discovery
• Promotes a sense of awe and wonder about the natural world
• Uses humor to engage children's attention
• Promotes cross-curriculum learning through poetry
• Includes a hands-on, science-minded project to help support and reinforce deeper learning
• Meets Next Generation Science Standards in ecosystems, biological evolution, and heredity for grades K through 2.

About the Picture Book Science series and Nomad Press

Nomad Press books in the Picture Book Science series present real-world examples of science topics kids find fascinating These nonfiction picture books consist of engaging narratives paired with detailed, accurate illustrations and layered text that offers ample opportunity for discussion and reflection. Elementary-aged children are equipped to recognize basic science concepts and identify the different ways they are demonstrated in real life, while being impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and laboratories.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

A fascinating nonfiction picture book about how fish adapt to their various underwater environments!

When might a fancy leaf costume be useful for a fish? And how do fish in Antarctica keep from freezing?

In Antifreeze, Leaf Costumes, and Other Fabulous Fish Adaptations, children ages 5 to 8 discover some of the amazing adaptations in the world of fish! Explore underwater habitats and discover the ways fish have evolved to avoid the danger that lurks around every waving piece of seaweed. Detailed illustrations, layered text, a hands-on activity, and plentiful back matter spur kids to dive further into the remarkable adaptations of fish. A free verse poem at the beginning of the book offers a language-based entry into science details. Perfect as a read aloud or early reader for kids who are curious about science!

Antifreeze, Leaf Costumes, and Other Fabulous Fish Adaptations is part of a set of five books in the Picture Book Science series that explore strange-but-true tales of adaptation. Other titles in this series include Stink Fights, Earwax, and Other Marvelous Mammal Adaptations; Spit Nests, Puke Power, and Other Brilliant Bird Adaptations; Water-Walking, Sidewinding, and Other Remarkable Reptile Adaptations; and Sunscreen, Frogsicles, and Other Amazing Amphibian Adaptations.

• Provides layered text and back matter that encourages more in-depth discovery
• Promotes a sense of awe and wonder about the natural world
• Uses humor to engage children's attention
• Promotes cross-curriculum learning through poetry
• Includes a hands-on, science-minded project to help support and reinforce deeper learning
• Meets Next Generation Science Standards in ecosystems, biological evolution, and heredity for grades K through 2.

About the Picture Book Science series and Nomad Press

Nomad Press books in the Picture Book Science series present real-world examples of science topics kids find fascinating! These nonfiction picture books consist of engaging narratives paired with detailed, accurate illustrations and layered text that offers ample opportunity for discussion and reflection. Elementary-aged children are equipped to recognize basic science concepts and identify the different ways they are demonstrated in real life, while being impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and laboratories.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.

An exciting book about the chain reaction world of Rube Goldberg for middle schoolers, including 25 engineering design projects that get middle schoolers applying the laws of physics to their own inventions as they learn the scientific principles behind the actions and reactions they create.

Why use a simple hand motion to wipe your mouth when you can build a machine to do it for you? Toppling dominoes, rolling marbles, racing balloon cars, springing catapults, and whizzing zip-lines are all elements used to build Rube Goldberg machines in Crazy Contraptions: Build Machines that Swoop, Spin, Stack, and Swivel with Hands-On Engineering Activities. The book introduces kids ages 9-12 (and beyond ) to the wacky machines designed by Goldberg, which were based on complicated chain reactions used to accomplish very simple, sometimes ridiculous, tasks.

- Through contraptions, the book discusses the basics of physics, including force, motion, and work. Each chapter introduces one of the six simple machines and how they can be used in Rube Goldberg contraptions--inclined planes, levers, wheels and axles, wedges, screws, and pulleys.

- Kids are challenged to design, build, and evaluate dozens of increasingly complex contraptions that do things like unscrew a lid, turn the page of a book, and pop a balloon.

- Projects use materials already in most homes--reimagining and repurposing everyday items, as well as mining the recycling

- Contraption hints, essential questions, short sidebars, and links to online primary resources help readers learn the basics of force, work, motion, and simple machines, while exploring their creativity as they design and build their own crazy contraptions.

About the Build It Engineering set and Nomad Press
Crazy Contraptions is part of a set of two Build It Engineering books that explore the engineering technology behind our daily lives. The other titles in this series is Bots Robotic Engineering with Hands-On Makerspace Activities.

Nomad Press books in the Build It series integrate content with participation. Combining content with inquiry-based projects stimulates learning and makes it active and alive. Nomad's unique approach simultaneously grounds kids in factual knowledge while allowing them the space to be curious, creative, and critical thinkers.

All books are leveled for Guided Reading level and Lexile and align with Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. All titles are available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook formats.