In this second of the BLUES Go Birding series, five adorable cartoon bluebirds go on another bird watching adventure. This time they follow in the footsteps of the famed Roger Tory Peterson, and see birds on every coastline of America. Filled with both information and entertainment, the BLUES are a delightful introduction to birdwatching and the major shorebird species for children.

This third and final volume of the "Earth Heroes" books features the youth and careers of eight of the world’s greatest environmentalists who championed the protection of wildlife. It includes the historic and contemporary figures of William Hornaday (saved the bison from extinction), Ding Darling ("A Duck’s Best Friend"), Rachel Carson (author of Silent Spring), Roger Tory Peterson ("Inventor of the Modern Field Guide"), R.D. Lawrence ("Storyteller for Wolves"), E.O. Wilson ("Lord of the Ants"), Jane Goodall ("Champion for Chimps"), and Iain and Saba Douglas-Hamilton ("Saving the Elephants"). This highly readable volume with illustrations and photographs calls attention to the waves of influence that spread from the ideas and actions of these heroes for the Earth.
Awards: 2010 Mom's Choice Award - Gold Medal

Years after a big old tree tumbles to the ground and is rotting, is it really dead? In a new picture book for children, author Anthony Fredericks invites children to take a closer look. Roly-polies and daddy longlegs and velvet mites prowl here and there, while salamanders and chipmunks dash everywhere. Old logs offer a wonderful opportunity for a low-cost field trip. There might be one in your own backyard. Tons of small creatures live there, so often overlooked. A letter from roly-poly to the reader introduces this “neighborhood,” saying, “I have lots of weird neighbors, and remember, weird is interesting.” With a blend of science and rhyming text, Fredericks and illustrator Jennifer DiRubbio have created a lighthearted yet educational picture book. To further whet the appetite of nature-loving kids, Fredericks provides “field notes” and “fantastic facts” about the animals at the back of the book. And as a courtesy to teachers and parents, he provides an extensive description of projects and activities to do based on the book, ranging from simple finger play to readers theater. This is the sixth book in a series by the same author/illustrator team. Previous titles include Under One Rock; In One Tidepool; Around One Cactus; Near One Cattail; and On One Flower. Also available in hardback ($16.95).

This new picture book by Marianne Berkes introduces children to some of the unique and interesting animals of Australia.  This new book is partnered after Berkes’ award-winning books Over in the Ocean, Over in the Jungle and Over in the Arctic. Illustrated by Jill Dubin. 32 pages long. Also available in hardback ($16.95).

In the third book in the popular Blues Go Birding series, the adventurous Blues are filled with amazement as they discover the world’s most extreme birds—the fastest-diving, deepest-diving, highest-flying, keenest-hearing—and many more. It’s a fast-paced romp around the world with solid information about birds to inspire a future generation of birders. Written by Carol L. Malnor and Sandy F. Fuller, illustrated by Louise Schroeder. 36 pages. Also available in hardback ($16.95).

Arrow-shaped footprints lead a young backyard naturalist to a flock of funny-looking birds with big strong feet: Wild Turkeys. Once nearly extinct, these comical critters now gobble their way across North America. Follow Jenny through a year of enchantment as she shares her discovery of these wonderful birds. Gobble, gobble! Jenny wrote a journal, too, with lots of fascinating stuff about a distinctly American bird. Although it once numbered in the millions, wild turkeys nearly disappeared with over-hunting and habitat destruction, but are now making a comeback. The unique illustrations are block prints over collages. The collages are made from cut and torn paper plus all sorts of things from nature – bark, leaves, feathers, even wasp nests. Author Cathryn Falwell also offers tips for children to make their own cut-paper pictures and how to keep a nature journal. Also available in Hard Cover.

Old MacDonald had a … pond? Come along with Jo MacDonald and learn about the wild creatures at the farm pond, including fish, frogs and ducks – and a few surprises. This riff on “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” introduces youngsters to the concept of ecosystems. Author Mary Quattlebaum engages little ones with rhythm, repetition, wordplay, and onomatopoeia, while illustrator Laura Bryant charms them with lively watercolors of a pond community. A resource section in the back features both outdoor and indoor activities and games sure to encourage young naturalists at home and school. Jo MacDonald’s pond discoveries closely resemble those that Mary discovered, too, when she grew up in the country with fields, gardens and ponds.

Just imagine—you are a young orca whale. Your special friends are two cousins and your 100 year-old great grandmother, the clan leader. You learn to play with them, face danger with them, hunt with them—and even go people-watching with them. Based on actual orca, or killer whale, research, this book combines science with the real story of how family, friendship, and a grandmother’s love are helping this magnificent but endangered orca clan to survive.

Just imagine all of nature—mountains, prairies, oceans, and all—lying on your bed as a patchwork quilt. Take flora and fauna in their unique habitats, fold them up and you have a book, this book. Earth’s major habitats are spread before you, ready to be examined. Here in this beautiful package are revealed the key concepts of natural science. This patchwork quilt of nature covers the whole Earth to learn about, to enjoy, to care for, and to love.