In true National Geographic style, this book excites young people about their world and everything in it, so it's no surprise that the 2012 edition landed at #3 on the New York Times best seller list! The 2014 Almanac features fun information, browsable features, and helpful reference on subjects including technology, countries, presidents, animals, weather, funny roadside attractions, outer space, green tips, and natural disasters, just for starters. Chapters include Amazing Animals, Going Green, Geography Rocks, Super Science, Wonders of Nature, Awesome Adventure, Culture Connection, History Happens, and an interactive Fun and Games chapter. Exciting changes for 2014 include:  • Forty percent NEW content, including photos and articles  • Mobile media features in every chapter that readers can download to an iPod Touch or smart phone, including National Geographic animal videos, photo galleries, and interactive games • A brand new special section on cute animals • A fully revamped continents of the world section • A special Fun and Games chapter featuring all-new jokes, games, and comics, featuring funny animal photos and colorful illustrations • A fully updated "Your World" section, which opens the Almanac, will include all-new, up-to-the-moment content • All-new fun facts, activities, games, and crafts • More than 500 photographs, including incredible gorgeous new photo spreads featuring animals, adventure, nature, and more  • 8 Homework Help sections • All facts, figures, and reference material will be updated • And much more...

    It was a trick! Now they've tracked down all the best, most fun, most tricky magic tricks and put them together in one book. With simple instructions, easy-to-follow diagrams, and tips from Jack and Annie,  Magic Tricks from the Tree House is tailor-made to teach kids how to wow friends and family in their very own magic shows. Includes facts about famous magicians and famous tricks.

    The stories explore themes from the Eightfold Path, which is Buddhism's practical route to a happy life. Topics covered, with the lightest of touches, include speaking in a kind and truthful manner, behaving with compassion, thinking selflessly and avoiding the pitfalls of egotism. Although providing gentle guidance on the art of living well, which is the basis of true happiness, each story is also compelling in its own right, featuring characters, settings and events that every child will find absorbing. Each narrative concludes with an affirmation that helps to draw out its positive message, while the superb, specially commissioned illustrations will delight your child and provide a starting-point for discussion and further enjoyment.The helpful introduction provides insights into the value of Buddhist principles for children and shows how visualisation, imaginative thinking and even first steps in meditation can help to nurture young minds and hearts.

    But Amelia Bedelia's mom says that a bike like Suzanne's is so expensive it will cost an arm and a leg! What? Amelia Bedelia doesn't want to give away one of her arms and one of her legs. She'll need both arms to steer her new bike, and both legs to pedal it. Amelia Bedelia decides to get a job, so that she can earn the bike money instead. She tries:1. Helping out at Pete's Diner2. Opening a lemonade stand3. Entering a contest to win a prize4. Baking treats and selling themWill Amelia Bedelia ever get the bike of her dreams?

    But Zeke Meeks is determined to become the best fund-raiser around. After all, the student who sells the most cake mixes will win four tickets to Thrillsville amusement park. There's just one problem. Zeke is a terrible salesperson. Maybe his great grandma can teach him a thing or two about selling.

    New topics this year include Superheroes, Venom, and Social Networking, and feature chapters on the Circus and Dynamic Earth round off our most exciting and explosive edition yet. And finally, jumping off the page this year are even more Officially Amazing Augmented Reality features. Just download the free app to your phone or tablet device and look for the "See-It-3D" icons scattered throughout the book.

    After all, even he would rather go to their over-the-top parties than his simple celebration. But Zeke and his classmates are in for a surprise. Bigger doesn't always mean better.

    *FOIL ON THE COVER!*

    They all dance together at the same studio, run by their choreographer (and former ballerina) Antoinette “Toni” Moore. Toni is known for creating winning routines . . . and she doesn't like anything other than first place! These girls travel all around competing for titles-but every number drums up drama. Can Scarlett hold on to her national junior title? And will the other girls learn to work together in order to defeat their fiercest competition yet? This first book in a new dance series is sure to sweep young readers off their feet!

    Includes historical notes about Aesop and the tales, and facts about the animals and locations photographed.

    

    Amazing animal photos will wow kids as they discover how predators hunt, raise their young, and contribute to the food chain. This Level 2 reader is written in easy-to-grasp text and will help kids understand who rules in the wild!

    Zombies: Brains and the Beanstalk is a mash-up of the insanely addictive video game and a classic fairy tale.In Plants vs. Zombies, winner of more than 30 Best Game of the Year Awards, plants—including Sunflowers, Peashooters, Wall-nuts, and Cherry Bombs—defend humans against an array of brain-chomping zombies, such as the Pole-Vaulting Zombie and the Cone Zombie.Now in a thrilling picture book for kids, Jack—of Jack and the Beanstalk fame—enters the fantastical world of the game. He will battle the zombies with his magical beanstalk fighting by his side. The fun never dies in this action-filled adventure for kids with full-color illustrations.

    When Lacey ends up with popular girl Paige Harrington's smart-mouthed fairy godmother, Katarina, trapped in her hair, life gets more magical--just not in a 'prince charming' kind of way. Katarina's wings are too damaged to continue her fairy duties, and Lacey must take over as Paige's fairy godmother. Distracted by her new responsibilities, Lacey's in danger of losing her best friend, Sunny. Can Lacey get the hang of magic, make Paige's dreams come true, and survive middle school? Barbara Brauner and James Iver Mattson's debut novel is full of heart and charm. Get ready for the Oh My Godmother series to cast a spell on tween girls!

    But when it comes to brown, that’s a color to love, not just like — especially if it’s related to Big Nutbrown Hare!

    With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!Alexander has just moved to a new town where he is about to uncover all sorts of monsters! He finds an old notebook with the word "DOOM" inscribed on the front cover. The Notebook of Doom, which Alexander now holds, contains top secret information about monsters! In this first book, Alexander goes up against spooky balloon goons--unique and twisted arm-waving balloon guys! This book is full of humor, engaging black-and-white illlustrations, and of course . . . monsters!

    Freddy is back -- and he's ready for second grade!Freddy likes his new second- grade teacher, but he doesn't like being stuck with Max and Chloe -- especially since his best friend, Robbie, is in another class! Is Freddy ready to reach out to the new student, Josh, and make a friend?

    The story follows the friendly trio as they learn all about how a plane flies and how it is constructed. Detailed illustrations show the inner workings of a plane, teaching children the basics of how each part works together to get the plane flying. Through hard work and perseverance, Eli, Phoebe, and Hank learn about both planes and teamwork. With the help of this sweet story, children will learn how airplanes stay up in the air, how a pilot controls the plane, what an aircraft engine looks like, and much more.

    Filled with fabulous photos and peppered with great facts, this is a must-have for all young nature lovers, sure to satisfy kids' curiosity about natural disasters and the powers of nature.National Geographic Kids Everything Volcanoes and Earthquakes explodes with incredible photos and amazing facts about the awesome powers of nature. You'll find out that three quarters of Earth's volcanoes are underwater and that an earthquake in Chile shortened the day by 1.26 milliseconds, and much more. Bursting with fascinating information about biggest volcanic eruptions and earth-shattering earthquakes, this book takes a fun approach to science, introducing kids to plate tectonics and the tumultous forces brewing beneath the Earth's surface.

    5 book setHas the following booksWho was Thomas Jefferson?Who was Ronald Reagan?Who was George Washington?Who Is Barack Obama?Who was Abraham Lincoln?

    Zombies: The Three Little Pigs Fight Back, the famous fairy-tale pigs are thrown into the fun-dead world of Plants vs. Zombies, the award-winning video game.Instead of the big bad wolf, the brave pigs must escape a mob of fun-loving, brain-eating zombies from the wildly popular game. The pigs will have to think fast and team up with some zombie-fighting plants to stay alive.The fun never dies in this action-filled adventure for kids with full-color illustrations.

    

    But every new home he tries introduces a new problem. Little Bunny trips over the piles of toys at Mouse’s house and Squirrel’s house is up too high. Even his cousin’s house isn’t right. Something is missing!Little Bunny soon discovers there’s no place like home—even if you do occasionally disagree.

    N.D. Wilson and Forrest Dickison tell the story of our father in the Christian faith with wild realism that brings new depth to old truths. Ages 5 and up.

    Young train enthusiasts will love learning about record-breaking trains, mountain trains, luxury travel, diesel power, steam giants and high speed electric and lots more featured in this great big book packed with stats and facts. Includes four gatefold spreads which open out to reveal the truly stunning types of the world's trains.

    Marty has always loved baseball and is known as "Smarty Marty" to her friends at school because she knows more about baseball than most grown-up baseball fans. However, her younger brother, Mikey, couldn't be bothered and just doesn't get it...UNTIL, Marty and Mikey attend a real baseball game, where Marty gradually teaches Mikey the ins and outs of baseball, the lingo, strategy, and more, often using real-life examples so Mikey can better understand. Before long, Mikey is no longer solely interested in the salted pretzels and garlic fries of the ballpark but is soon engrossed in the game and cheering along with his older sister. Amy G's story appeals to both boys and girls and also defies the strong gender stereotypes that Amy herself has battled in her 16-year career as a sports journalist and reporter.

    They are sure it's haunted. So scary! But if anyone can handle ghosts, it's Billie B Brown!

    Puffin Audiobooks presents two of Roald Dahl's magical stories brought to life on audio by Kate Winslet and Bill Bailey, The Minpins and The Magic Finger.

     In Sweet Land of Liberty and Land of the Pilgrims' Pride, Ellis the Elephant explored pivotal moments that shaped American history. Now Ellis is back, and eager to learn about America’s most beloved patriots and their courageous fight for independence. Traveling through time, Ellis the Elephant encounters the Sons of Liberty, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, the Founding Fathers, Betsy Ross, and more. Authored by Callista Gingrich and illustrated by Susan Arciero, Yankee Doodle Dandy educates and entertains as Ellis the Elephant experiences the American Revolution. With beautiful illustrations and charming rhymes, Yankee Doodle Dandy is a must read for young and old alike who want to know how America became a free and independent nation.

    Magic beans bring young Jack luck and wealth, and then danger when he pushes his luck due to greed.

    You might know that her flight accomplishments were heralded across the globe. But what about the story of her teeth, which were so perfect that her dentist wanted to remove all of them to show his other patients? Or her refusal to read chapter nine in any book? You’re about to be treated to the Lieographical aspects of Amelia Earhart’s life, in this funny, lighthearted, “all that didn’t happen” take on this larger than life woman. The book ends with a short—but true—account of Amelia’s life—just enough to encourage kids to find out more on this important historical figure. But even if readers have already learned about Amelia, the wacky stories in this tall-tales book will be even more enjoyable.

    The books feature Tinker Bell’s little sisters and are a must-read for lovers of the Rainbow Fairies and Disney Fairies stories.Clara Bell, Golden Bell, Rosy Bell, Sylva Bell, and baby Squeak are fairy sisters who live on Sheepskerry Island. Usually Sylva and her sisters get along just fine—until the week of the Fairy Ball. Sylva has her heart set on going—she’ll get to wear magical diamond wings and walk on beautiful satin ribbons under the stars! But fairies must be at least eight years old to attend, and poor Sylva’s birthday is the day after the ball. But before the night is over, Sylva’s big sisters will need her to come to their rescue.Charming illustrations by Julia Denos bring the world of fairies to life.

    The lessons encourage the reader to think how the body, wings, eyes, beak, feet, legs, and feathers of each bird are suited to protect it and to assist it in getting its living. Subsequent chapters feature familiar birds of field, forest, and stream, with questions that stimulate careful observation.

    This children's knowledge book is a must-have addition to every family library!Does your little one have big questions about the world we live in? This fully updated kid's encyclopedia from DK has all the answers! It includes:- Clear and simple text, with modern additions, and definitions- A wide range of subject areas to keep young minds stimulated- Valuable teaching aid for parents and teachers with helpful notes included- Builds knowledge and vocabulary, and introduces key features of non-fiction reading- Arranged in order to parallel a child's developing curiosity and interestsThis illustrated encyclopedia is perfect for curious children aged 4-7 years! It is sorted into themes to make finding information and learning new things quick and easy. The clear text is perfect for parents to read aloud or for beginner readers to read themselves. There is no better starting block for learning than with My First Encyclopedia! Packed with fascinating facts and modernised content, plus a mixture of bold new photography and specifically tailored illustrations, the design and layout are guaranteed to capture a child's imagination. It is the perfect gift for young children who are not afraid to ask why.My First Encyclopedia is part of the wonderfully revised reference book series from DK. There are more titles to discover! Packed with colourful pictures and clear definitions, let My First Dictionary help your child perfect their As, Bs and Cs in no time.

    Jack thinks it will be the best birthday ever, until things start to get sticky...

    The remaining chapters describe the appearance and habits of the fish a child is likely to encounter as he fishes in local streams or ponds: the bullhead, the common sucker, the shiner, the brook trout, the sunfish, the stickleback, and the johnny darter.

    Written in clear accessible prose and interlaced with anecdotes, this book presents fascinating information about these remarkable winged creatures and is likely to inspire further study. Miller offers a colorful picture of the life and practices of birds; readers will be amazed to discover how much a bird will eat each day, how they learn their songs from their parents, how readily they help other birds in danger, and how high they are able to fly! Each chapter awakes a new sense of wonder. Miller introduces her readers to bird anatomy, as well, describes many of the ways in which birds assist mankind, and gives suggestions for attracting them to your homes and for beginning your own study of them.

    Readers can probe the mysteries of the pyramids of ancient Egypt for themselves. Pictures and words combine to show how one small city became the heart of the mighty Roman Empire. Find out how the Aztecs treated rattlesnake bites and tarantula stings, and learn the secrets of the Japanese martial arts.

    It also covers pollination, how they defend themselves by stinging and how honey is made and collected.

    He wanders into a school where he discovers many new things like a ruler and books. He has no idea how to use these new items, but an Earthling boy comes to the rescue!