Coming Fall 2021

About Habitats: Tundras

Part of About Habitats

by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

This beginner’s guide to tundras explores the unique attributes of this cold habitat, showcasing its beauty and plant and animal diversity. From Cathryn and John Sill.

Former educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what tundras are, what kinds of animals and plants live there, and how certain species have adapted to the unique, harsh environment. The book covers the characteristics of Arctic, Antarctic, and alpine tundras. John Sill’s detailed, realistic paintings reflect the beauty and diversity of the habitat. A glossary and afterword provide more detail for further exploration.

Ideal for early childhood and elementary education units on biomes and environments, geography, habitats, and nature.

The award-winning About Habitats series introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components. Each book in the series provides information about the nature and characteristics of the habitat while the full-page illustrations expand on that information.

Also available by Cathryn and John Sill:
About Habitats: Deserts
About Habitats: Forests
About Habitats: Grasslands
About Habitats: Mountains About Habitats: Oceans
About Habitats: Polar Regions
About Habitats: Rivers and Streams
About Habitats: Seashores
About Habitats: Wetlands

Bird Show

by Susan Stockdale

Welcome to the Bird Show! Award-winning author-illustrator Susan Stockdale offers a front-row seat to a vibrant fashion show starring the world’s most diverse and spectacular birds.

★ “Stunning… Wonderful for reading aloud and sharing.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Stockdale’s background as a textile designer and award-winning nonfiction author-illustrator are immediately evident in this energetic, rhyming celebration of pattern, color, and nature.

Bird Show features a variety of fashionable feathered creatures—from the Mandarin Duck and the Grey-Crowned Crane to the Royal Flycatcher and Golden Pheasant. Their feathers may be simple and solid or speckled, striped, or spotted. They may “wear” a jacket, a scarf, an apron, a headdress. And just like people, each one contributes to our beautiful world, made more vibrant by their diversity.

Little ornithologists and fashionistas will marvel at the book’s color and style, and an afterword provides more information about each species as well as an entertaining pattern matching game.

Also by Susan Stockdale:
Bring on the Birds
Carry Me! Animal Babies on the Move
Fabulous Fishes
Fantastic Flowers
Spectacular Spots
Stripes of All Types

Mars Is

Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, and Startling Surprises

by Suzanne Slade

Award-winning author and NASA rocket engineer Suzanne Slade (Countdown, A Computer Called Katherine) explores the diverse magnificence of Mars in this photo-packed extravaganza.

For young readers eagerly following NASA’s Mars Exploration Program!

For centuries, people have been intrigued by Mars, and over time, scientists have made exciting discoveries, such as the planet’s Earth-like weather and seasons. But curious earthlings want to know more about the Red Planet. Does Mars have deserts? Volcanos? Or signs of life? Could people live there someday?

Scientists decided to take a closer look. They built a powerful camera called the HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) and loaded it onto a rocket. The rocket blasted off on August 12, 2005, and seven months later, the camera began orbiting Mars. It sent back surprising, revealing photos showing the world what Mars really is. Now, the world’s space community and NASA have renewed their exploration efforts, and interest in the Red Planet is in high gear.

With elegant, spare prose, award-winning nonfiction author and rocket engineer Suzanne Slade leads readers through some of the stunning photos taken by the most advanced camera ever sent to another planet. A visual feast for space enthusiasts and STEAM fans. Features remarkable full-color photography throughout.

Also by Suzanne Slade:
Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon
Dangerous Jane

Sobre los anfibios

Una guía para niños

English Edition: About Amphibians

by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

Now in Spanish, this award-winning book offers a first glimpse into the natural world of amphibians. From Cathryn and John Sill’s About… series.

“A great resource… An excellent introductory guide to amphibians; recommended for Spanish nonfiction collections for children.” —School Library Journal

Educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what amphibians are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live.

Beautifully detailed, realistic paintings by noted wildlife illustrator John Sill illuminate a variety of amphibians (from frogs and toads to salamanders and more), and an afterword provides details on the animals featured, inspiring readers to learn more.

Sobre los anfibios is part of the award-winning About… series. Ideal for casual exploration as well as for early childhood and elementary science and animal life units.

Also available from Cathryn and John Sill:
About Amphibians
About Amphibians / Sobre los anfibios: A Guide for Children / Una guía para niños (English/Spanish Bilingual Edition)

About Reptiles
About Reptiles / Sobre los reptiles: A Guide for Children / Una guía para niños (English/Spanish Bilingual Edition)
Sobre los reptiles

Sobre los reptiles

Una guía para niños

English Edition: About Reptiles

by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

Now in Spanish, this beginner’s guide offers a first glimpse into the natural world of reptiles. From the award-winning About… series team of Cathryn and John Sill.

“Well designed for classroom use, or as a browsing book for children fascinated by reptiles.” ―Booklist

Educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to explain the basic characteristics of reptiles, while offering a look at the variety of animals that fall into this category.

Noted wildlife illustrator John Sill offers beautifully detailed, realistic paintings of reptiles that shine a spotlight on their features and habitats, and an afterword provides details on the animals featured.

Part of the of the award-winning About… series. Ideal for casual exploration as well as for early childhood and elementary science and animal life units.

Also available from Cathryn and John Sill:
About Amphibians
About Amphibians / Sobre los anfibios: A Guide for Children / Una guía para niños (English/Spanish Bilingual Edition)
Sobre los anfibios

About Reptiles
About Reptiles / Sobre los reptiles: A Guide for Children / Una guía para niños (English/Spanish Bilingual Edition)

William Still and His Freedom Stories

The Father of the Underground Railroad

by Don Tate

From Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate comes a remarkable picture book biography of William Still, known as Father of the Underground Railroad. Essential for black history collections.

★ “Brings deserved attention to the life of a man who dedicated himself to recording the lives of others.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

★ “An illuminating picture book biography of a lesser-known hero.” —Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

★ “Inspirational.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

William Still’s parents escaped slavery but had to leave two of their children behind, a tragedy that haunted the family. As a young man, William went to work for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, where he raised money, planned rescues, and helped freedom seekers who had traveled north. One day, a strangely familiar man came into William’s office, searching for information about his long-lost family. Could it be?

Motivated by his own family’s experience, William Still began collecting the stories of thousands of other freedom seekers. As a result, he was able to reunite other families and build a remarkable source of information, including encounters with Harriet Tubman, Henry “Box” Brown, and William and Ellen Craft.

Award-winning author-illustrator Don Tate brings to life the incredible, stranger-than-fiction true story of William Still, a man who dedicated his life to recording the stories of enslaved people fleeing to freedom. Tate’s powerful words and artwork are sure to inspire young readers in this first-ever picture book biography of the Father of the Underground Railroad. eBook available.

Awards:

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book —Chicago Public Library
Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor —California Reading Association
Best of Picture Books —Kirkus Reviews
Children’s Crown Award (Nominee) —National Christian School Association
Golden Kite (Finalist, Nonfiction Text for Younger Readers) —Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) —Kansas National Education Association

Also available from Don Tate:
Carter Reads the Newspaper
Poet

Thanks to Frances Perkins

Fighter for Workers’ Rights

by Deborah Hopkinson
illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

An engaging picture book biography of Frances Perkins, the first woman cabinet member and activist who created the Social Security program. From award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson.

At 31, Frances Perkins witnessed the Triangle Waist Factory fire in 1911, one of the worst industrial disasters in U.S. history. The event forever changed her, and while some activists pressed factory owners for change, Frances actually got to work and joined the fight for workers’ rights.

It was when Frances Perkins became Secretary of Labor in Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s administration—the first woman cabinet member—that she had the opportunity to make real her bold vision of a country where no one is left out and Americans are protected. Thanks to her efforts, we have the Social Security program, a move that changed Americans’ lives for generations to come.

Deborah Hopkinson’s energetic text and Kristy Caldwell’s appealing illustrations unite to tell Perkins’ fascinating story as well as introduce early concepts of financial literacy, the Social Security Act, and the New Deal. Back matter features more information about Frances Perkins, Social Security, and resources for economic education. eBook available.

Awards:

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People —NCSS/CBC

Also by Deborah Hopkinson:
Carter Reads the Newspaper
Keep On! The Story of Matthew Henson
Sweet Land of Liberty

Life in a Frozen World

Wildlife of Antarctica

by Mary Batten
illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Award-winning nature writer Mary Batten uncovers the climate change mysteries of our planet’s coldest, most extreme environment—Antarctica. With magnificent illustrations from Thomas Gonzalez.

★ “Informative…fascinating…. A superb choice for students who are studying animal adaptation and how climate change impacts Antarctica. The well-researched text and captivating illustrations work well to convey the importance of conservation.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Did you know that Antarctica could be the key to long-standing questions about the Earth and climate change? Though it seems very far away from us at the bottom of the world, this frozen continent affects weather, ocean currents, and sea levels all over the Earth. Its wildlife survives—and even thrives—on ice. And in the long run, so do we.

From award-winning, experienced nature writer Mary Batten comes a remarkable nonfiction picture book that plumbs the mysteries of one of the most hostile environments on the planet. With clear, engaging language, Batten explores fascinating questions that scientists the world over have been researching, such as:

• In the intensely cold, windy, and dry environment of Antarctica, how does a wide variety of wildlife survive?
• How do some species of Antarctic fishes make a natural antifreeze that prevents their blood from freezing solid?
• How does a forest of giant seaweed flourish under the sea when no other trees grow on the continent?
• Antarctica’s creatures are exquisitely adapted to their extreme habitat, but can they survive warmer waters and atmosphere?

New York Times bestselling illustrator Thomas Gonzalez (14 Cows for America) brings Batten’s text to life with detailed, realistic paintings that leap off the page.

An ideal resource for young science lovers and educators, this informative volume is perfect for classroom units on climate change, conservation, ecology, environment, nature, oceanography, and more.

Also by Mary Batten:
Aliens from Earth
Hey Daddy! Animal Fathers and Their Babies
Please Don’t Wake the Animals
Who Has a Belly Button?

About Seabirds

A Guide for Children

Part of About…

by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

A simple first look at birds that spend most of their lives on or near the ocean. From Cathryn and John Sill, creators of the award-winning About… series.

In this addition to the About… series, award-winning author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what seabirds are, where they live, what they eat, and how they move.

Illustrator John Sill offers detailed watercolor art that shows the characteristics all seabirds share, while offering a closer look at a number of these distinctive birds that spend most of their lives on or near the ocean, lakes, or along the shore—from the Brown Pelican and the King Penguin to the Magnificent Frigatebird and the Blue-footed Booby.

A glossary, afterword, and suggestions for further reading will inspire young readers to learn more.

About Seabirds is part of the award-winning About… series. Ideal for casual exploration as well as for early childhood and elementary science units on birds, marine, and animal life.

Sobre los peces

Una guía para niños

English Edition: About Fish (Revised)

by Cathryn Sill
illustrated by John Sill

This beginner’s guide offers a first glimpse into the natural world of fish.

In this addition to the acclaimed About… series, educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children the basic characteristics of what fish are, how they swim, breathe, and reproduce, and the different ways they protect themselves from predators. With beautifully detailed, realistic paintings, noted wildlife illustrator John Sill introduces readers to the diversity of the fish population, from an Arctic char to a Porcupine fish. An afterword provides further details on the fish featured and inspires young readers to learn more.