Book Description

How does a tiny acorn grow into an enormous oak tree? At one time, the tree in your backyard could fit into your pocket! Look inside to learn the simple steps for turning a packet of seeds into you own garden.

How does a tiny acorn grow into an enormous oak tree? At one time, the tree in your backyard could have fit into your pocket! Look inside to learn the simple steps for turning a packet of seeds into your own garden. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

My five year old enjoyed this book
We enjoy the "Let's - Read - & - Find - Out" series of books. This one is a good addition, explaining seeds on my five year old son's level of understanding . Something that many adult writers of childrens' science books sometimes aren't very good at getting across. It is in my child's library at school.

The books in this series are informative and interesting for their target audiences. The illustrations are well done and add to understanding the process being described. They make it easier to follow for kids.

Life Springing Forth.
This book should have been more appropriately titled HOW TO WATCH A SEED GROW. Instead of discussing the various stages of development and explaining what happens, the book is basically an extended science project explaining how students can watch a seed grow into a plant. The book talks about the different stages, but only discusses what the planted beans should look like in those stages, not really explaining what is happening or why. Nevertheless, the book does outline a good science project for younger children, but isn't much as a book to read to kids.

A Kids First Science Book
This is one very good science book. If you would like to do a seed project then this is a good guide to lots of young peoples questions about plants. It has colorful illustrations about what is happening with your project. It is written in detail, but not like a boring high school science textbook that goes on, and on, and on about one thing, giving every detail that there is. So what I'm trying to say is that this is a good book. ... Read more

Book Description

"A scientifically accurate book which depicts the complex world of rain forests in easily understood text and sumptuous illustrations. The geography, climate and ecology of the rain forest are explained and the illustrations teem with the flora and fauna."--Children's Literature. ??? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Gail should hire an illustrator or a photographer !
Ms. Gibbons is a WONDERFUL writer. Her drawings, however, are definitely not in the category of her writing. They detract from her books. I am a children's librarian and I have seen time after time that kids will avoid her books because the pictures are so unappealing. This is a shame since the text is usually outstanding. Ms. Gibbons should think about getting an illustrator or a photographer to supply an equivalent to her text. If she were to do this, her books would reach a much greater audience.

An excellent, accurate book
This book can be used as an excellent teaching tool. It provides a great introduction to the rainforests, and is full of facts about animals, medicines, and plants that are found in the rainforests. ... Read more

Book Description

Most children have jumped into piles of leaves or helped their parents rake the yard, and everyone has wondered: Why do leaves change color? Activities that a child can do with leaves and even a list of places known for brilliant fall colors that readers can visit with their families is included. "An informative concept book."—BL.

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Reviews (1)

Fairly detailed book for early elementary children.
I have this book in my preschool classroom, but it is not one that I read at storytime. We use it as a resource when one child begins to question how or why the leaves change color. It is a helpful resource for me as an adult to understand the process, yet in simple language and with pictures to make it interesting for children. ... Read more

Book Description

It's the easiest and most fool-proof tree identification guideavailable.Four visual keys--die-cut leaf, bark pattern,distinguishing flower, seed, or nut, and photo of the full tree--anddescriptions of height, shape, habitat, and more combine to give acomplete picture of North America's forest and backyard trees.Inaddition, TREES is a cultural history--of the mighty White Oak andCalifornia Redwood, the tree that grows in Brooklyn and the importantWhite Ash, as useful for Native American bows as for the powerful batsof our national pastime. 50 individually die-cut cards, full-colorthroughout. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A cute guide to trees for kids and parents alike...
My kids find the Fandex format easy to use, and the information on them accessible. We have several, and they're fun for all of us to use together.

I like the fact that each page has illustrations that show the leaf, bark, and seeds. There is a brief description of the tree, some history as well as typical usage. Each page has the following descriptive categories: Leaves; Bark; Flowers; Fruit or Cones; Seeds; Tree Shape; Habitat; Range; and Other Names. Mind you, this is not a complete and scientific field guide for adults, but rather a book a family can take out on a day hike and have fun using.

The only quibble I have about these decks is that sometimes when they're completely fanned out, the edges of the illustrations get caught up in each other, making it hard to close them properly. But other than that, they're cute, informative, and a nice format for kids.

Disappointment
I was very disappointed with this "book." I felt the variety of trees found in this collection to be far too minimal. If you plan on learning about trees in the winter, good luck. The primary method for identification is based on leaves. Although you can identify trees based on bark, etc. it would take hours with this manual. Also, it is far to bulky and awkward to comfortably carry along on a hike.

a stroke of genius
I read a lot of field guides, and the format of this one is a stroke of genius. You match the leaf to the die cut leaves at the top of the "book" and you're well on your way. My kids also adore it.

Excellent, easy to find what you're looking for
This guide is very easy to reference the tree that you are looking for without having to read a tremendous amount of information in typical identification guides.

concise, wonderful color pictures,historical antenotes.
The Guide is good for initial identification to instruct and interest children. It also contains enough important information to impress the nature lover. The historical data and other interesting information makes for good reading. ... Read more

Book Description

What is the strangest plant in the rain forest? Which rain forest animal is the creepiest? What medicines have been discovered there? How can we save our rain forests? Find out the answers to these questions and more in Magic Tree House Research Guide: Rain Forests, Jack and Annie’s very own guide to the mysteries of the rain forest. Includes information on rain forests around the world; fun facts about rain-forest bugs, birds, plants, and animals; maps and photographs; and much more!
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Reviews (1)

Good info, v. readable
Our girls read this after a trip to the Amazon, and found lots that they recognized & enjoyed. The standard of information is rather higher than that in the Magic Tree house books, which is reasonable, given that they don't have to worry about plot & characters as well!

If your child enjoys Magic Tree house, and would like to know more about the Amazon this is fine, but I would also recommend One Small Square: Tropical Rainforests (by Donald Silver). We took this with us to the rainforest (see review) and found it to be excellent. ... Read more

Book Description

The Cat in the Hat takes Sally and Dick for an “umbrella-vator” ride through the understory, canopy, and emergent layers of a tropical rain forest, encountering a host of plants, animals, and native peoples along the way.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Book Description

Introducing the easiest and most enjoyable way for parents toencourage their children to read!Recently selected among the MostOutstanding Children's Books of 1998 by the Parent Council and one of the 100Best Children's Products of 1998, We Both Read is the firs series of books toinvite parents and children to share the reading of a book by taking turnsreading aloud.Parents read the more sophisticated text on the left-handpages and the children read the right-hand pages, which have been written atone of three early reading levels.Developed with reading educationspecialists, this delightful new series brings parents and children togetherfor a wonderful new reading experience and faster reading development!

About this Book:Explore the mystery and wonder of the tropical rain forest! Travel around the equator to Africa, Asia, and South America discovering theworld's most fascinating plant and animal life.Trees that give us rubberand chocolate, lizards that change color, and a cat that can fish with itstail are just some of the amazingspecies that you'll find in the densefoliage of the rain forest.Captivating photographs, along with compellingtext, make this book an exciting adventure and a great learning experience. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Kindergarten Rainforest Theme
I decided to teach a rainforest theme in Kindergarten, what an awesome book, the kids love the pictures and can't wait to find out about the different animals. I generally read the child's side, (this is set up for adult and child)to the class so I do not lose them and they LOVE IT. I just wish I could find more for this age.

Another great book for the early reader!
I have read several books in this series with my 4 year old daughter. She loves taking turns reading the pages. The books hold her attention much more than other beginning reader books that we have found. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great rainforest and ABC book.
I found this book in my quest for interesting books for a course I was teaching on the rainforest. At the ripe old age of 15, Kristin Joy Pratt (now Pratt-Serafini) developed this lovely book. Her illustrations take you on the journey through the rainforest with XYZ the ant. As the reader explores the ABC's, s/he also learns about the life within and the biodiversity. Words, facts and colorful illustrations will encourage discussion about this habitat and make learning the ABC's and exciting journey.

Wonderful classroom addition
A Walk in the Rain Forest is a wonderful introduction to the tropical rain forest- its plants, animals, and people. The book tells the story of XYZ- a small ant- and his journey through the rainforest. The beautiful pictures and simple text appeals to children of all ages. Additional factual information appeals to older children. This is a great book to use in the classroom to help introduce children to the wonders of the rain forest ... Read more

Book Description

Have you ever eaten part of a flower? You have if you have eaten an apple! Find out how an apple grows from bud to flower to fruit--ready for you to pick!

Have you ever eaten a part of a flower? You have if you have eaten an apple! Find out how an apple grows from bud to flower to fruit--ready for you to pick! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

How do Apples Grow?
Betsy Maestro has done it again! Her book about how apples grow is both informative and fun to read. Students will be captivated by the story and the pictures. This book is a must have for all classrooms! ... Read more

Book Description

This tree across the stream is a trickier bridge than it might seem... The author of The Great From Race and Other Poems has created a collection of short poems that celebrate trees and the amazing variety of ways they touch our lives. Deceptively simple verses reveal what trees think about and what they say to one another, as well as how they look and all the things they do for us. Humor and an unerring ear for the sounds of language make these poems an irresistible read-aloud; the luminous oil paintings evoke a country setting and the children who enjoy it through the year. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Terrific for Teachers and Poetry Lovers
I'm using this book for my Arbor Day and Earth Day units with a combination 3/4th class. The poetry is magical and gives a whole new dimension to trees and the environment. George's poems have inspired my students to write some of their most creative work so far this year. I don't think any of us will look at trees in quite the same way after reading Old Elm Speaks.

Runs the gamut from funny to wise
I LOVE this book. Tree Traffic cracked me up and has been making me and my kids giggle ever since we read it. I like this book even more than THE GREAT FROG RACE--and that's saying something! Pick a favorite poem from this new tree collection? No. Beaver Dam, Maple Shoot in the Pumpkin Patch (I know JUST how that helicopter pilot feels!), Tree Horse(all the kids think spending time in a tree is an adventure), At Night (deliciously shivery), Tree's Place, Knotholes (...not for naught...I went off on a whole list of knot/not/naught--hole/whole/'ol puns), Poaching (brought to mind not only ripe plums, but also brittle leaf litter and sticky sap-traps!), Lullaby (I teared up--emotions from mothering memories flooded me), Blue Spruce (our front yard!!), Autumn (SO appropriate after the forest fires in the hills last summer--echoed in the city foliage in the fall), Storm (bittersweet after watching the neighbors have their beautiful, tall, authoritative tree butchered last week because they were afraid it would snap and fall on the house), Avalanche (brought back pictures of Mt. St. Helen's after its volcanic tantrum), and of course, Old Elm Speaks. I see I listed nearly the whole book when I just meant to pick out a few for special attention. So much for restraint!!

Our family rates this book a "Best Buy." ... Read more

Book Description

A tree stands on a hill by a river. As the sky changes, so does the tree, its branches filling with clouds, stars, snow, birds, mists, and the golden spring sun. One tree can mean many things.

Thomas Locker's lyrical text records the changes in the tree's world just as simply as a child might observe them, and his magnificent paintings crystallize the natural phenomena that embellish the tree on each page. Questions at the bottom of each page lead to a unique discussion in the back of the book, where art and science are intertwined, and further depth is added to the wonder of Sky Tree.

Reviews (5)

Teaching Science Through Art
The artist Thomas Locker studies a tree through a year. The paintings are beautiful. Realism never looked so good in a children's book before.

One to look at over and over again.
I read this book with my 3 year old. The questions were over his head, but he still loved it. By simply discussing the pictures he learned about seasons, weather, the life cycle of a tree, and how painting techniques contribute to the mood of a piece of art.

Sky Tree is a beautiful book
I absolutely love Thomas Locker's art and share his love of trees. Each page of this book presents the same tree in a different light or season. Candance Christiansen's scientific and teaching background add good information to Locker's books. However, for me, it's still Locker's beautiful oil paintings that are the primary draw.
His painting of the tree with a night sky transports me to Georgia O'Keeffe's tree at night or Van Gogh's Starry Night. I'd have been just as thrilled with it at 3 as I am at 53.

SKY TREE
This is one of the most awesome books I have discovered for children in a long time. The pictures are wonderful, the questions asked about the pictures are pertinent and thought provoking, and the notes in the back of the book are great!
I found this book in our school library, brought it home to share with my granddaughter, and she was fascinated! I am purchasing this book for my family library! Kudos to the author and illustrator!

Beautiful illustrations of trees. Articulate descriptions.
I used this book for a language arts lesson for 3rd grade. Students were able to illustrate the tree based on the description alone! The illustrations are spectacular and students were in awe. Excellent book to have in your library in school or at home! ... Read more

Book Description

Apples, ho!

When Papa decides to pull up roots and move from Iowa to Oregon, he can't bear to leave his precious apple trees behind. Or his peaches, plums, grapes, cherries, and pears. Oh, and he takes his family along too. But the trail is cruel -- first there's a river to cross that's wider than Texas...and then there are hailstones as big as plums...and there's even a drought, sure to crisp the cherries. Those poor pippins! Luckily Delicious (the nonedible apple of Daddy's eye) is strong -- as young 'uns raised on apples are -- and won't let anything stop her father's darling saps from tasting the sweet Oregon soil.

Here's a hilarious tall tale -- from the team that brought you Fannie in the Kitchen -- that's loosely based on the life of a real fruiting pioneer.

Apple Facts

More than 7,500 varieties of apples are grown throughout the world.

About 2,500 varieties grow in the United States.

The apple variety Delicious is the most widely grown in the United States.

Apples are part of the rose family.

The science of fruit growing is called pomology.

Fresh apples float. That's because 25 percent of their volume is air.

Cut an apple in half, across the core, and you'll see a star shape.

It takes apple trees four to five years to produce their first fruit.

It takes about thirty-six apples to make one gallon of apple cider. ... Read more

Book Description

Explore the exciting world of the forest, where more than 125 different bugs, worms, and small critters play out the drama of life in miniature. Seven different life-size forest habitats, exploring the leaf-litter to the tree-top canopy through all four seasons, are vividly depicted in enticingly lush photographic scenes. Each scene is followed by "field notes" which identify all animals, relate intriguing facts about survival in each habitat, and share the excitement of discovery. Includes forest exploration hints, essential safety information, and a "picture index" for easy reference. ... Read more

Book Description

This die-cut, padded board book and beautifully animated DVD come together to offer great family entertainment at an unbeatable value. Told simply, in a language even the youngest family members will understand, this story begins with three young trees who dream-as children do-of doing big deeds. Yet when the woodcutters come, the trees each find that the reality of their existence doesn't match their dreams. Vivid visual imagery brings this classic legend to life, sharing a simple lesson about God's plan for each of us. Share the book with a little one as a bedtime story or gather the whole family and pop in the DVD-either way, this set offers hours of rewarding family entertainment.

The DVD includes a fully animated 30-minute retelling of this classic folk tale. Narrated by Hal Halbrook, the touching story contains a simple lesson about God's plan for every life.

Book Description

Looking for Jaguar takes you on an expedition through the world's rain forests. In Costa Rica you will trek across a jungle in the clouds. In Brazil you will canoe among treetops. In Belize you will stand in the spattering rain listening to howler monkeys roar. In Borneo you will cling to a rope bridge high in the canopy.

And what will you see? Astonishing things:

• A flower three feet in diameter that stinks like rotting meat
• An antelope so small and a frog so large that both are the same size
• A flying snake
• A tree that walks

Astonishing -- and true!