In this unusual, educational book, fifty different librarians from 50 different states across the country describe why their state chose to join the union that today makes up The United States of America. Written by Adrienne Yorkinks, the book includes the explanations against a background of a quilted impression of that state, as crafted by the author.

Fresh off the surprising box office success of the documentary, "March of the Penguins" will soon be landing on shelves in the form of a childrenīs book. Illustrations and photographs taken by the filmīs director will keep kids enthralled, and the story will amaze and inspire them as they follow the penguins on their months-long journey to procreate.

Covering everything from unexpected triumphs to the simply unexpected, this is a comprehensive and completely enjoyable look at a winter institution and international pastime. This 96-page book includes spectacular photo galleries in addition to wonderful images throughout, a map of Winter Olympics sites, and a complete back matter Winter Olympics Almanac, with quick reference information on each Olympiad.

It’s dolphin o’clock. How can one tell? The National Geographic Animal Sounds Wall Clock blares out an appropriate animal sound that corresponds to the animal of the hour. Starting with 12:00 lion and progressing to 11:00 wolf, this hanging timepiece features 12 different sounds (one on each hour) from the mammal kingdom, ranging from the endangered Bengal Tiger to the American Bison. Each clock is accompanied by an educational booklet that provides detailed information about each animal featured, and is designed to educate children or facilitate interaction between parent and child. The Animal Sounds Wall Clock was launched in 2005.

This compact kid-sized telescope features two eyepieces, a diagonal mirror and a 2X Barlow glass lens that magnifies from 18X to 180X. It also comes with an aluminum tabletop tripod and instructions. Kids can use this durable scope to peer at land- or sky-based objects. Launch date: 2005.

Kids can launch into a 2-player dinosaur duel with these two battling Rexes. Their plastic base features an electronic scoring screen. Sound effects add to the grisly battle. This 8”H x 16.5”D requires 3 AAA batteries, which aren’t included, and instructions, which are.

Despite their lack of legs, snakes have several highly resourceful methods of getting around, including undulation. Now add RC to snakes’ capabilities: this 20” plastic serpent can crawl and slither like the real thing, with the aid of the RC control. His beady little eyes even light up threateningly. He works on any hard, smooth surface. The 6-piece set includes 3 chipboard obstacles and a set of instructions. Batteries not included.

Written by Ann Bausum, this gripping historical tale takes a look at women's struggle to gain voting rights in the United States. It received a starred review, Best Book of the Year, from the School Library Journal; a starred review from Kirkus Reviews; and was a winner of the Jane Addams Children's Book Award.

Ladies First introduces young readers to 40 American women of achievement who were first in their field. A full-page portrait begins each informative three-page profile. The life stories of these women are as inspiring as they are diverse.The book provides a vital starting point for report writers and
researchers, and a rich source of information for fact lovers of all ages. Who was the first woman to row across the Atlantic? Or to swim the English Channel? Or to graduate from medical school? Author Elizabeth Cody Kimmel presents a
rich cross-section of profiles from a broad range of endeavors. A rich source of educational and historica lmaterial for students, the book also highlights inspirational role models for girls. 192 pages, 7" x 9" hardcover. It's new for 2006.

National Geographic continues its award-winning series
of atlases for children with this new picture atlas designed with a puzzle motif especially for preschoolers to first graders. Colorful thematic maps introduce young children to the world, its countries, and its major physical features. Then the book takes a close look at the United States and examines each of the seven continents. Full-color photographs and illustrations, carefully selected for their appeal to children, supplement the large, easy-to-understand maps. Simple text presents basic concepts, and an interactive "Match Me" feature adds to the fun. Additional parent-child activities reinforce theconcepts presented. 32 pages. Hardcover. 10'' x 13''. The book was first published in 2003.

Blackbeard is one of the most famous and yet most mysterious pirates of the seven seas. We know that he was real, but in the almost three centures since he lived, truth and myth have blended until now it is hard to tell which is which. In "Blackbeard the Pirate King," poet J. Patrick Lewis has gone back to the earliest known record of Blackbeard, researched the theories, myths and early tales, and captured the swashbuckling Captian Teach in a rousing blend of rhyme and wordplay that celebrates our fascination with the man and the myth. This lavishly illustrated hardcoer book will be released May 9, 2006.

A deserted beach. A mother. A little girl. All the time in the world. These are the elements of magic in this luminous counting book from poetry champion Doris Gayzagian and accomplished printmaker Kristina Swarner. Children will love to lose themselves in the pages as they learn to count and rhyme. This book will be released on May 9, 2006. 32 pages, hardcover.

In just 64 pages, Liftoff chronicles the rise of a boy from a small Ohio town to astronaut to Senator. Author Don Mitchell weaves highlights from John Glenn’s extraordinary life with inspirational quotes and dynamic photographic images to create an intimate portrait of a man whose challenge to young people everywhere is to become dedicated “to a purpose larger than themselves.” Launch date: November 2006. (Read Review)

Children may journey through a land of incredible biodiversity, from the Rio Grand to the Sierra Madre. Author Beth Gruber covers subjects as diverse as the political aftereffects of Spanish Catholicism to the country’s history of earthquakes and volcanoes. The author also explains the importance of family and traditions in Mexican culture and the country’s rich artistic heritage. A history timeline from pre-1400 to 2004 is included. Hardcover, 64 pages. Launch date: February 2007.

This title by Judith Lloyd Yero completes National Geographic’s popular American Documents series. On November 10, 1620, after 66 days at sea crammed into a space about the size of a basketball court, 101 Pilgrims arrived on America’s shores. To survive in the wilderness of this strange, new land, they would need new rules and so wrote a document known as the Mayflower Compact, which laid the groundwork for American democracy in fewer than 200 words. Hardcover, 40 pages.

Author Deborah Heiligman welcomes readers to a holiday celebrated by Jewish communities around the world. Vivid National Geographic photography illustrates joyous celebrations in Ghana, Uganda, India, Israel, Perus, The United States and Poland, among others, as they light menorahs, spin dreidels and make latkes. A note from Rabbi Shira Stern, the book’s consultant, sets the holiday in its global religious and cultural context. Hardcover, 32 pages. (Read Review)

In a life of ceaseless exploration, Marco Polo pushed out the borders of his narrow medieval world. Born in Venice in 1254, the young Polo first met his father at age 15, when the elder man had returned from a trading expedition to the East. Fired by his father’s tales of Kublai Khan’s court in China, the boy joined him on his next voyage in 1271, traveling through the Middle East, across the Gobi Desert, until they arrived in Khanbaliq, China, 4 years later. Author Nick McCarty is an award-winning scriptwriter for television and radio. Hardcover, 64 pages. (Read Review)

Part of the “Holidays Around the World” collection, this book explores the American holiday of Thanksgiving and how it grew to become a national celebration. It is written by Deborah Heiligman, who was a religious studies major in college and specializes in writing about complex subjects for young people.

Author Deborah Heiligman, who majored in religious studies in college, highlights the month-long holiday of Ramadan in this title that’s part of the “Holidays Around the World” series. Exquisite images and elegant prose share about faith, family, community, study of the Qur’an and Mohammed’s teachings, and the joyous festival that follows the end of a solemn month.

This book in the “Holidays Around the World” series captures the spirit of a lively holiday celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains all over the world. Along with a collection of photographs, author Deborah Heiligman shares about the traditions of Diwali, which commemorates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Launch date: 2006.

This heavily researched and illustrated title introduces more than 1,000 species, offers fascinating facts, provides range maps for all major groups of animals, shares the latest conservation data, gives the scientific and common names for all included animals, features photo essays, and has a comprehensive glossary and index.

At age 5, he composed a minuet. By 6 he was performing for royalty. The story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a timeless tale of musical genius. Author and musician Marcus Weeks takes readers around Mozart's world — from the Royal courts of 18th century Europe to the opera houses and balls where Mozart enjoyed triumph and fame. We meet the kings and queens of the age, learn of the young Mozart's favorite games, and see the clothes he wore and the new musical instruments of the time. The lively text gives readers an appreciation of Mozart's vast legacy of immortal music. Launch date: 2007.

Anne Frank takes young readers back to the dark days of World War II through the story of the famous young diarist. Like teenagers everywhere, Anne wrote about friends, family, movies, her greatest joys and her deepest fears. Through her vivid, tender entries readers experience Anne's changing world, as persecution, hiding and betrayal become part of daily life in Nazi Europe. Ann Kramer's superbly illustrated book also celebrates the enduring legacy of Anne Frank. Launch date: 2007.

The eagerly awaited third title in the Cheryl Harness Histories series paints a vibrant portrait of Theodore Roosevelt — Rough Rider, trustbuster, explorer, President, and more — whose bullish attitude forever changed America. How did a sickly boy transform himself into one of the country's boldest leaders? Readers will get the full story — front page and behind-the-scenes — as only Cheryl Harness can tell it. Launch date: 2007.

Award-winning author Ann Bausum takes readers inside the White House to meet the women who have played the roles of partners, confidantes, hostesses, and activists in the midst of American history. Readers can learn of fascinating lives led by the wives (and sometimes daughters, nieces and friends) of our country's leaders. Bausum introduces readers to a private side of each First Lady, and connects each personality with the public persona to produce a book of uniquely revealing portraits. Launch date: 2007.