Lizards are cool. Literally. They are ectotherms, which means they can?t make their own heat. That?s why you see many types of lizards basking in the sun, seemingly doing nothing at all. That?s the life. But make no mistake, lizards have very busy lives?looking for food and avoiding being food. Popular science writer Sneed B. Collard III gets down and dirty with all kinds of lizards?from your average "Joe Lizard," the western fence lizard, to the impressively large Komodo dragon. In a kid-friendly narrative, Sneed explores many different kinds of lizards, their habitats, defense systems, hunting techniques, and mating rituals. He reveals the exciting life of a lizard?from rappelling from the tops of trees to the forest floor, to dropping off a tail to get away from a predator.
Describes some of the exotic plants and animals that live in the cloud forest of Costa Rica, and discusses some environmental threats faced by this region.
As wildfires threaten his home, his stepfather's livelihood, and the raptors he has come to love, Luther struggles to resolve the conflicts in his community and the ones inside himself. The town of Heartwood, Montana, is burning out of control. Stoked by nearby wildfires, long-standing disputes over forestry policies have been reignited, pitting out-of-work local residents against environmentalists and state wildlife managers. At the center of the heated dispute is high school sophomore Luther Wright. Luther used to be just like all his friends, playing football and partying every chance he got. But now he spends his time helping the local veterinarian Kay rehabilitate injured raptors. Against the backdrop of Montana's worst wildfire season in years, Luther begins questioning many of the community's basic precepts, and in doing so faces alienation. But when someone starts shooting Kay's birds and suspicious fires start breaking out, Luther is drawn into a situation far more dangerous than he could have ever imagined. Award-winning author Sneed B. Collard III offers readers an affecting, realistic portrait of a teenage boy who learns to navigate a difficult course between standing up for what he believes and maintaining loyalty to his family and friends. Collard also provides a balanced look at the difficulties of balancing competing environmental and economic interests.
“In the grandest sense, the Big Year is more than just a game. Though few mortals will ever tackle the endeavor, most of us can appreciate the decision to follow a passion to its outer limits. Dedicating a whole year to birds is an exhausting, exhilarating, occasionally demoralizing, and addictive pursuit, and anyone crazy enough to go the distance is in for a wild ride.” —Noah Strycker, Audubon "What makes this big-year book different is the father-son bonding element . . . the picture of a teenager that emerges has the ring of truth. A proficient storyteller, Collard writes with style about their travels together . . ." —Kirkus Reviews From the killer bee-infested border region of southeast Arizona to the sultry islands of the Galapagos, Warblers & Woodpeckers recounts the quest of a father and his thirteen-year-old son to see as many birds as possible in a single year. With a measured blend of humor, natural history, and adventure, this tale takes readers to great birding hotspots of America and beyond, both to experience their incredible avian wealth and to experience the focused, often eccentric, world of ornithological travel. Along the way, readers share the ups and downs of the relationship between a father and his teenage son. Writer Sneed Collard and his son Braden set out to establish their own personal Big Year bird species count record. In Warblers & Wood peckers, Sneed shares the excitement, challenges, perils, and insights that come with crisscrossing the country in search of some of Earth’s most remarkable creatures. It’s a father-and-son tale, in which the adventure is in the journey and the surprising discoveries and encounters with our wondrous feathered friends. Sneed brings a fast-paced yet generous voice to the attempt, and readers of all stripes will appreciate the way backyard birders can create their own Big Year.
Mike and Kyle must outrun both a hurricane and thieves who will do anything to get their hands on a fortune in Confederate gold! The year is 1862. The Skink, a Confederate ship, is attacked by Union forces and sinks off the Alabama coast in the Gulf of Mexico. Although the ship was rumored to be carrying newly minted gold coins, no trace of the wreck and not even a single piece of Confederate gold is ever found. Fast forward to 1973. Mike is prepared for another routine summer in Pensacola with his marine biologist father. But plans suddenly change and Mike finds himself on Shipwreck Island—right near the site where the Skink went down. Mike and his new friend Kyle are intrigued by a salvage ship anchored just offshore. Some say it was brought in by fortune hunters, but when the boys scale a fence at the fort on the island, they realize that the fortune hunters may be looking in the wrong place. There in the sand-covered floor of an abandoned chamber they spot something shiny: an old double-eagle gold coin. Mike and Kyle agree to keep their discovery a secret and start their own investigation into the shipwreck and the missing gold. Award-winning author Sneed B. Collard III blends history and mystery to create a dramatic, page-turning story featuring a strong friendship and plenty of action.
Lizards are cool. Literally. They are ectotherms, which means they can?t make their own heat. That?s why you see many types of lizards basking in the sun, seemingly doing nothing at all. That?s the life. But make no mistake, lizards have very busy lives?looking for food and avoiding being food. Popular science writer Sneed B. Collard III gets down and dirty with all kinds of lizards?from your average "Joe Lizard," the western fence lizard, to the impressively large Komodo dragon. In a kid-friendly narrative, Sneed explores many different kinds of lizards, their habitats, defense systems, hunting techniques, and mating rituals. He reveals the exciting life of a lizard?from rappelling from the tops of trees to the forest floor, to dropping off a tail to get away from a predator.
Thirteen-year-old Guy tries to make the best of a difficult situation with the help of his beloved dog and a new friend. Montana is a long way from California. Guy and his mother have moved in with his grandfather after his father's "unannounced departure." Back home, Guy skateboarded, surfed, and played video games with his friends. Here the kids only seem to talk about cars, fishing, and hunting. Life at Big Sky Middle School is also a disappointment. Guy is bored in math class and over his head in English. He quickly becomes a target for Brad Mullen, class bully. But at least Guy has his beloved Border collie, Streak, and eventually he makes friends with classmate Luke Grant. Soon Guy and Luke hatch a plan to train Streak to compete against Brad Mullen and his dog at the town's Frisbee catching competition. But the rivalry between Guy and Brad escalates until an impulsive wager pits the boys head to head and places Streak in jeopardy. Sneed B. Collard III offers young readers an affecting, realistic portrait of an adolescent boy who must learn to cope with conflicts and challenges in an unfamiliar environment and to accept changes in his life that are beyond his control.
How can a toucan fly with such a large, cumbersome beak? A toucan's beak is actually light as a feather due to its honeycomb construction. And not only is it beautiful, but it's an extremely useful tool in foraging for food. Find out more fascinating facts in this remarkably illustrated study of bird beaks. Learn about several different birds, their habitats, and how their beaks are uniquely styled to help them survive. Outstanding 3-D cut-paper illustrations by Robin Brickman create amazingly realistic tableaus of birds in their natural environments with their beaks in action. Back matter includes a comprehensive quiz, a bibliography, and a list of related Web sites.
This fascinating look at thirteen unusual animals, many of them rare or endangered, introduces the remarkable world of monotypic animals—those without any close relatives. One-of-a-kind animals can be as familiar as the platypus or as unfamiliar as the purple frog. These fascinating and mysterious species belong to an exclusive club of living things: those with no close living relatives, making them monotypic species. Meet more than a dozen of these creatures (including humans!), learn what makes them unique, and explore the relationships among species on the evolutionary tree. Written by NCTE Orbis Pictus award-winning author Sneed B. Collard III, this fascinating nonfiction picture book is ideal for kids, teachers, and librarians and includes extensive back matter and activities.
In the Wild explains the vital role zoos are playing in the world by sending their scientists out into the field to save animals such as Africa's great apes and Brazil's golden lion tamarins.
What has a bill like a duck's and the body of a beaver? A platypus, probably. Engaging text follows a female platypus through her life, while sidebars offer in-depth information about this unique monotreme and her environment. Vivid, accurate illustrations capture the wonder of this amazing creature.
In 1980, scientists discovered that hundreds of corals on the Great Barrier Reef participate in a mass spawning event. Science author Sneed B. Collard III explains coral reefs, the coral larvae's perilous journey through the sea to their home on the reef, and the animals that depend on this ecosystem for their survival. Intricate cut-paper illustrations capture the eye-catching colors of this underwater world.
“In the grandest sense, the Big Year is more than just a game. Though few mortals will ever tackle the endeavor, most of us can appreciate the decision to follow a passion to its outer limits. Dedicating a whole year to birds is an exhausting, exhilarating, occasionally demoralizing, and addictive pursuit, and anyone crazy enough to go the distance is in for a wild ride.” —Noah Strycker, Audubon "What makes this big-year book different is the father-son bonding element . . . the picture of a teenager that emerges has the ring of truth. A proficient storyteller, Collard writes with style about their travels together . . ." —Kirkus Reviews From the killer bee-infested border region of southeast Arizona to the sultry islands of the Galapagos, Warblers & Woodpeckers recounts the quest of a father and his thirteen-year-old son to see as many birds as possible in a single year. With a measured blend of humor, natural history, and adventure, this tale takes readers to great birding hotspots of America and beyond, both to experience their incredible avian wealth and to experience the focused, often eccentric, world of ornithological travel. Along the way, readers share the ups and downs of the relationship between a father and his teenage son. Writer Sneed Collard and his son Braden set out to establish their own personal Big Year bird species count record. In Warblers & Wood peckers, Sneed shares the excitement, challenges, perils, and insights that come with crisscrossing the country in search of some of Earth’s most remarkable creatures. It’s a father-and-son tale, in which the adventure is in the journey and the surprising discoveries and encounters with our wondrous feathered friends. Sneed brings a fast-paced yet generous voice to the attempt, and readers of all stripes will appreciate the way backyard birders can create their own Big Year.
Mike and Kyle must outrun both a hurricane and thieves who will do anything to get their hands on a fortune in Confederate gold! The year is 1862. The Skink, a Confederate ship, is attacked by Union forces and sinks off the Alabama coast in the Gulf of Mexico. Although the ship was rumored to be carrying newly minted gold coins, no trace of the wreck and not even a single piece of Confederate gold is ever found. Fast forward to 1973. Mike is prepared for another routine summer in Pensacola with his marine biologist father. But plans suddenly change and Mike finds himself on Shipwreck Island—right near the site where the Skink went down. Mike and his new friend Kyle are intrigued by a salvage ship anchored just offshore. Some say it was brought in by fortune hunters, but when the boys scale a fence at the fort on the island, they realize that the fortune hunters may be looking in the wrong place. There in the sand-covered floor of an abandoned chamber they spot something shiny: an old double-eagle gold coin. Mike and Kyle agree to keep their discovery a secret and start their own investigation into the shipwreck and the missing gold. Award-winning author Sneed B. Collard III blends history and mystery to create a dramatic, page-turning story featuring a strong friendship and plenty of action.
The average human sleeps a total of twenty-four years over a lifetime. That's a lot of naps! Yet people aren't the only ones who enjoy a good rest; if you look around, you'll find that all animals have a biological need for sleep. But some animals snooze in ways that we would find startling--if not absolutely impossible. A sooty tern, an island bird, takes a nap in midair as it slowly flaps its wings. A fruit bat gets forty winks while hanging upside down from a tree branch. A bottlenose dolphin can put half of its brain to sleep while it continues to swim. What other remarkable methods of sleep exist?
What do you know about teeth? Animals use their teeth in many ways for many reasons. Grind. Mash. Munch. Simple text introduces various types of teeth, while detailed explanations regarding specific animals offer further information about teeth function, structure, and number. Vivid, accurate illustrations put teeth in context, from the great white shark with its rows of sharp teeth to the Cuban crocodile with its replacement teeth to the cutthroat trout with its tongue teeth. Teeth are amazing. They help animals survive in many ways. Young wildlife lovers will love learning all about these animals and their amazing teeth. Includes a glossary and additional resources.
Short listed for the Green Earth book award In early April, as Owen and his sister search the hickories, oaks, and dogwoods for returning birds, a huge group of birds leaves the misty mountain slopes of the Yucatan peninsula for the 600-mile flight across the Gulf of Mexico to their summer nesting grounds. One of them is a Cerulean warbler. He will lose more than half his body weight even if the journey goes well. Aloft over the vast ocean, the birds encourage each other with squeaky chirps that say, “We are still alive. We can do this.” Owen’s family watches televised reports of a great storm over the Gulf of Mexico, fearing what it may mean for migrating songbirds. In alternating spreads, we wait and hope with Owen, then struggle through the storm with the warbler. This moving story with its hopeful ending appeals to us to preserve the things we love. The backmatter includes a North American bird migration map, birding information for kids, and guidance for how native plantings can transform yards into bird and wildlife habitat.
This book explains what invasive species are and the damage they cause to local ecosystems and economies and discusses how scientists are working to combat these encroaching organisms.
Follow two endangered ocelots as they attempt to cross the border in this powerful picture book about the environmental impact of the Wall. Explore the beauty and biodiversity of our spectacular border area and see how the Wall impacts plants and animals. As two endangered ocelots attempt to cross the border, they face obstacles that drive home the catastrophic effects of the Wall--and the many benefits of keeping the border barrier-free. Powerful storytelling introduces young readers to the wildlife that thrives along the border and urges budding nature buffs to value and protect our environment. 2024 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award® for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
It's not easy to find biographies that truly appeal to very young readers. Perhaps it's because they take a special talent to write! What's needed is an author who can distill a lot of complicated facts into clear, simple concepts, add a touch of warmth and humor, and create a story that a little kid won't want to put down. Add to the mix some lovely child-friendly art set in a framework of pastels and that's Benchmark's American Heroes. These charming titles, all carefully researched and well-documented, will fire the imaginations of young readers and help set them on a lifelong path to learning.
It's not easy to find biographies that truly appeal to very young readers. Perhaps it's because they take a special talent to write! What's needed is an author who can distill a lot of complicated facts into clear, simple concepts, add a touch of warmth and humor, and create a story that a little kid won't want to put down. Add to the mix some lovely child-friendly art set in a framework of pastels and that's Benchmark's American Heroes. These charming titles, all carefully researched and well-documented, will fire the imaginations of young readers and help set them on a lifelong path to learning.
It's not easy to find biographies that truly appeal to very young readers. Perhaps it's because they take a special talent to write! What's needed is an author who can distill a lot of complicated facts into clear, simple concepts, add a touch of warmth and humor, and create a story that a little kid won't want to put down. Add to the mix some lovely child-friendly art set in a framework of pastels and that's Benchmark's American Heroes. These charming titles, all carefully researched and well-documented, will fire the imaginations of young readers and help set them on a lifelong path to learning.
It's not easy to find biographies that truly appeal to very young readers. Perhaps it's because they take a special talent to write! What's needed is an author who can distill a lot of complicated facts into clear, simple concepts, add a touch of warmth and humor, and create a story that a little kid won't want to put down. Add to the mix some lovely child-friendly art set in a framework of pastels and that's Benchmark's American Heroes. These charming titles, all carefully researched and well-documented, will fire the imaginations of young readers and help set them on a lifelong path to learning.
This fascinating look at thirteen unusual animals, many of them rare or endangered, introduces the remarkable world of monotypic animals—those without any close relatives. One-of-a-kind animals can be as familiar as the platypus or as unfamiliar as the purple frog. These fascinating and mysterious species belong to an exclusive club of living things: those with no close living relatives, making them monotypic species. Meet more than a dozen of these creatures (including humans!), learn what makes them unique, and explore the relationships among species on the evolutionary tree. Written by NCTE Orbis Pictus award-winning author Sneed B. Collard III, this fascinating nonfiction picture book is ideal for kids, teachers, and librarians and includes extensive back matter and activities.
Nature’s creatures can be ferocious! Lions and sharks leave many animals running scared. But some predators may be hunting beneath your feet or above your head—and you don’t know they’re there. Meet some of the most successful predators on Earth: little killers. These small creatures can have a big impact. They change ecosystems, control pests, and even take down much larger prey. Tiny predators use adaptations including poisons, strong jaws, and social groups hunt. From pteropods to driver ants, author Sneed B. Collard III shines a light on the lives of these voracious killers with jaw-dropping facts paired with incredible close-up photographs.
Incredibly rich and realistic illustrations take readers up close to the curious creatures and plants that thrive in the vast severe habitat of the ocean's floor. Marine biologist and renowned children's book writer Sneed B. Collard III introduces children to many fascinating sea creatures–from bioluminescent fish to giant tube worms–that survive without sunlight. A history of deep-sea exploration from sonar to submersibles shows how far scientists have come in their ability to investigate these great depths. Inspire young readers to explore the possibilities of marine science.
The United States Department of Defense has more than four hundred military bases across the country. They are used to house and train personnel, keep watch of enemies, support allies, and . . . protect America's plant and animal species. The Sikes Act of 1960 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 require military bases to collaborate with federal land management agencies to protect the endangered or at-risk species within their borders. On Eglin Air Force Base, scientists and soldiers work together to study and manage endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoises, and reticulated flatwoods salamanders. Discover the unique challenges endangered species face and the work the military is doing to protect them.
As wildfires threaten his home, his stepfather's livelihood, and the raptors he has come to love, Luther struggles to resolve the conflicts in his community and the ones inside himself. The town of Heartwood, Montana, is burning out of control. Stoked by nearby wildfires, long-standing disputes over forestry policies have been reignited, pitting out-of-work local residents against environmentalists and state wildlife managers. At the center of the heated dispute is high school sophomore Luther Wright. Luther used to be just like all his friends, playing football and partying every chance he got. But now he spends his time helping the local veterinarian Kay rehabilitate injured raptors. Against the backdrop of Montana's worst wildfire season in years, Luther begins questioning many of the community's basic precepts, and in doing so faces alienation. But when someone starts shooting Kay's birds and suspicious fires start breaking out, Luther is drawn into a situation far more dangerous than he could have ever imagined. Award-winning author Sneed B. Collard III offers readers an affecting, realistic portrait of a teenage boy who learns to navigate a difficult course between standing up for what he believes and maintaining loyalty to his family and friends. Collard also provides a balanced look at the difficulties of balancing competing environmental and economic interests.
Barely a century ago a vast tallgrass prairie covered America’s heartland. Bison, elk, coyotes, and bear roamed this wilderness. Hundreds of species of prairie plants supported an explosion of birds and insects, including hundreds of kinds of butterflies. By the early part of the twentieth century, however, the tallgrass prairie was gone, its rich soils converted to farms to feed a growing world population. Here, author Sneed B. Collard III tells the remarkable story of an effort to bring back part of the native tallgrass prairie. By following scientists who are working on the 8,000-acre Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Iowa, readers will learn where the vision for a new prairie came from and how a dedicated group of scientists and volunteers is working to turn this vision into reality, from locating seeds of native prairie plants to using fire to drive out weeds to "bringing home” bison, elk, and one of the prairie’s most spectacular butterflies, the Regal Fritillary.
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