Francine Topacio

We can see birds perched on tree branches and deer in fields. However, many young readers may not know about the complex world beneath their feet. Some animals make short-term homes underground whereas others live underground all the time. Your readers will find examples of underground animals and learn why they live there. While some people think underground animals are pests, readers will learn that many of these animals help maintain Earth's crucial ecological balance. They'll want to burrow into this book and find out about underground animals.

Marsupials are mammals that have a pouch or a fold of skin called a marsupium in which their young are protected, carried, and nourished. Almost all species of marsupials live in Australia, although some species live on land and others live in trees. Young explorers will learn about the early stages of marsupials' life cycle and the habitats in which they live. Captivating photographs draw readers in and fun facts maintain their attention throughout this learning experience.

Just as knights in the Middle Ages wore armor to keep their bodies safe during battle, some animals have strong, hard coverings to keep their bodies safe from predators. Some animals have hard scales, shells, or thick skin that acts as armor. Your curious learners are introduced to the different types of armor that animals have and they'll encounter examples of each. Bright photographs grab readers' attention while a graphic organizer presents key information in one go-to place.

Albinism is a condition in which there's a lack of pigment in an animal's eyes, skin, scales, or feathers. This condition is genetically transmitted from parent to offspring. Albinism is found in nearly all animal species, including humans, snakes, and beetles. Readers will learn what causes albinism, the challenges albino animals face, and why these animals are so special. Fact boxes provide readers with supplementary information while color photographs capture readers' attention.

Just as knights in the Middle Ages wore armor to keep their bodies safe during battle, some animals have strong, hard coverings to keep their bodies safe from predators. Some animals have hard scales, shells, or thick skin that acts as armor. Your curious learners are introduced to the different types of armor that animals have and they'll encounter examples of each. Bright photographs grab readers' attention while a graphic organizer presents key information in one go-to place.

Camouflage is when an animal's coloring makes it hard for other organisms to tell where they are, what they are, or where they're moving. This helps keep the animals safe from predators and helps them sneak up on their prey. Your readers will learn about the different types of camouflage and encounter examples of each. A graphic organizer displays information in a way that allows readers to quickly and easily draw connections while bright photographs depict the various types of camouflage in the wild.

Coral reefs are the rain forests of the ocean Scientists estimate that about one-quarter of all ocean species depend on coral reefs for food and shelter. This means coral reefs are a great spot to find many different species of plants and animals. Readers will explore colorful coral reefs and find creatures that don't exist anywhere else on Earth. Full-color photographs show readers how beautiful reefs are, while fact boxes provide them with additional information about why we need to keep these habitats safe.

Rain forests are hot spots for biodiversity. From the forest floor to the high canopy, many different creatures call rain forests their home. Readers will learn about some of the most interesting animals, such as peccaries and sakis that live in these amazing habitats. Full-color photographs captivate readers and depict the exciting atmosphere of the rain forest. Fact boxes provide readers with additional fun information about these bustling habitats.

Deserts are one of the harshest places to call home. Even though deserts may seem like barren wastelands, many animals live and thrive in these areas throughout the world. Readers will learn about the highly adapted animal species, such as jackrabbits and camels, that live in deserts. Full-color photographs grab readers' attention while fact boxes supplement the main text.

Dark caves are home to some of the world's most interesting creatures. Many of these creatures are highly adapted to living in their dark environment. Readers will learn about the different species of animals that live in and seek temporary shelter in dark caves throughout the world and the special adaptations that many of these animals have. Fact boxes provide readers with additional information to the main text, and full-color photographs depict these animals in their wild habitats.

Rain forests are hot spots for biodiversity. From the forest floor to the high canopy, many different creatures call rain forests their home. Readers will learn about some of the most interesting animals, such as peccaries and sakis that live in these amazing habitats. Full-color photographs captivate readers and depict the exciting atmosphere of the rain forest. Fact boxes provide readers with additional fun information about these bustling habitats.

The Modoc lived in what is now the border area of California and Oregon. When American settlers arrived in the area, they found between 600 and 800 Modoc people. What was life like for the Modoc people? What hardships did they face? Like many other American Indian groups, the Modoc were affected by the arrival of the Europeans. Many of them died from illnesses to which the Europeans were immune. The European presence would eventually become essential to the Modoc lifestyle. The information contained within this book provides readers with an all-encompassing perspective on the history of the Modoc and what their lives are like today.