Written by Karen E. Lange and featuring photographs by Ira Block, this is the ultimate book for the 400th anniversary of America's first settlement. It combines gripping narrative with expert appraisal of the latest archaeological evidence. The text has been researched with the help of Dr. William Kelso, a National Geographic grantee, who also provides the foreword. The pages come alive with Block's stunning photography, detailing newly discovered artifacts and highlighting authentic Jamestown reenactments. A map of the colony places it in its historic and modern-day context. Launch date: 2007.

Part of the Holidays Around the World series, this book by Deborah Heiligman teaches readers about Easter, a time to rejoice and give thanks for life, and for Christians, a day to recall Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and celebrate the miracle of the Resurrection. Vivid photography supports the author’s look at the meanings and traditions surrounding Easter. Launch date: 2006.

Part of the Holidays Around the World series, this book by Deborah Heiligman teaches readers about Passover, the most celebrated holiday in the Jewish year. It commemorates the 3,500-year-old Exodus — the story of how the Hebrew slaves in Egypt finally escaped to freedom. The author combines graceful prose with gorgeous pictures as she explains the Passover meals, special foods and other traditions. Launch date: 2006.

Readers might know that New Hampshire's proud motto is "Live Free or Die." But do they know that it was a quest for sassafras and a shortcut to Asia that brought the first Europeans to this part of America? Or that John Smith of the Virginia Colony officially claimed the land for England in 1614? Now readers can follow the rich history and changing boundaries of this colony. Scott Auden's narrative also details the challenges of colonial life, how good relations with the native Abenaki deteriorated into nearly a century of warfare, and the daring deeds of New Hampshire Patriots during the War of Independence.

A Spanish conquistador hunts for gold. Colonists vanish from Roanoke. Pirates lurk among the coastal islands and inlets. Colonists and Native Americans battle fiercely in the Tuscarora War. The early history of North Carolina reads like an adventure novel, and the story accelerates when thousands of Scotch-Irish and German immigrants flock to the colony, making it the fourth largest on the eve of the American Revolution. Readers of this dramatic history will also relish episodes such as the bloody showdown at Alamance Creek, the Edenton Tea Party, and the Battle at Moore's Creek Bridge — all important historical markers.

Archaeology gives readers a window into the wondrous world of ancient Iraq, in the region once known as Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization. Kids can join scientists as they study the Citadel in northern Iraq; explore the ancient city of Nineveh; and see how ancient treasures help scientists reassemble the mosaic-like puzzle of Iraq's past.

Archaeology reveals the rich histories of complex cultures in the cradle of humankind. Study the Dogon people of Mali. Explore the ancient city of Jenne-jeno. Learn how computer technology has recreated the Kushite temples at Jebel Barkal and how artifacts bring new insights, helping scientists to piece together the puzzle of ancient Africa.

In this book by Ellen Galford, readers can discover the ancient Roman world, from its god to gladiators and slaves to senators. A timeline features Caesar’s life and achievements, putting them in the broader context of world history, and illustrations and maps bring ancient Rome to life. The text also includes a glossary. Launch date: May 2007.

This book by Flora Geyer explores Mao Zedong’s childhood, including school lessons and life in a village, and includes a timeline of his mistakes and achievements. It also features colorful illustrations, maps of China and a glossary. Launch date: May 2007.

This book of maps, paintings and timelines by Marc Aronson and John W. Glenn explores the meeting of complex civilizations during the Age of Exploration, including stories of Columbus and the European explorers, enslaved African and Native Americans. Launch date: August 2007.

Caterpillar expert and photographer Darlyn A Murawski takes readers on a journey to discover species of caterpillars and interesting facts about them. Launch date: May 2007.

When a teenage girl is attacked by a bear in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Jack and Ashley Landon try to find out why before officials have to close the park. An argument over ancestral land rights puts the kids in the middle of a culture clash, and tensions mount when their friend Merle is caught in a lie that leads right to the conclusion. Launch date: May 2007.

Part of the “Holidays Around the World” series written by Deborah Heiligman, this book explores traditions of the Jewish New Year, celebrated by Jews globally as the anniversary of the creation of the world. It also covers the tenth Day of Awe, Yom Kippur, during which Jews fast, pray and ask God’s forgiveness for their sins. Launch date: June 2007.

This book by Barbara Kerley features colorful photographic images of peace from all over the world. Launch date: May 2007.

This book features the tales of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore who has tracked grizzly bears from Alaska to the Rocky Mountains. It answers important questions and inspires readers to care about their future. Launch date: May 2007.

This book presents a fresh look at one of the most famous battles in American history. The story has been told countless times, but little mention is made of the Tejanos — Mexican Texans — who put their lives on the line to fight alongside other defenders. Paul Robert Walker has studied evidence, consulted with experts, examined historic sites, and read recent scholarly theories to present the story of the Alamo through the eyes of Texians, Tejanos and Mexicans as its never been heard before. Launch date: February 2007.

Part of the "Holidays Around the World” series written by Deborah Heiligman, this book explores the festivities that take place on the Fourth of July — the day that marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Through lively text and vibrant photography, it shares traditions across the United States, and even looks at how people from other countries celebrate their Independence Days.

This book by Ann Bausum tells stories of how journalists such as Ida Tarbell, Upton Sinclair and Lincoln Steffens helped expose scandal, inspire reform and invent investigative journalism — bringing truth to light through their reporting.

This book serves as a companion to the major motion picture “Arctic Tale,” which tells the story of a walrus calf and polar bear cub as they embark on an astonishing journey from infancy to maturity amidst the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape. Although well protected by their mothers, the cubs face ever-present threats of starvation, predators and a harsh homeland in an unrelenting life-and-death struggle to survive. This book features color photos throughout.

This book serves as a companion to the major motion picture “Arctic Tale,” which tells the story of a walrus calf and polar bear cub as they embark on an astonishing journey from infancy to maturity amidst the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape. Although well protected by their mothers, the cubs face ever-present threats of starvation, predators and a harsh homeland in an unrelenting life-and-death struggle to survive.

Written by Philip Steele, this book chronicles the life of Isaac Newton and educates readers about the time in which he lived. A sickly child, Newton was fascinated by inventions and grew up to be one of the world’s greatest scientists. The book includes a timeline, numerous graphics and a glossary.

Written by Judy and Dennis Fradin, this book features photographs and real-life testimonies from those who’ve witnessed volcanic eruptions. It also includes a glossary of terms.