Click book caption for details
   
Drop of Doom
Lost and Found
   
 
Touch It
Move It
Build It

Change It

Snakes
Owls
Skunks
Otters

Bats

 
Secret Codes
Sound Off
Spy Stuff

Carnival Caper

 
World of Marine Mammals .
Living Things
Oceans

Mealworms

 
The Drop of Doom. . . L u . & . C l a n c y . L e v e l l e d . R e a d e r s

Kids Can Press, 2007
ISBN: 978-55453-035-9 (hc)
ISBN: 978-1-55453-036-6 (pb)

Illustrated by Pat Cupples

Lu and Clancy are back. In The Drop of Doom, Lu and Clancy uncover a plot to rob patrons of The Drop of Doom – the scariest ride at the carnival. The doggy duo needs to save the day before it’s too late, but Lu’s cousin Jake will do anything to avoid that scary ride…

The Drop of Doom is part of Kids Can Press’s “Kids Can Read!” series. It is a Level 2 reader (Kids Can Read with Help), which is defined as being a longer story with varied sentences, increased vocabulary, more difficult visual clues and some repetition.

“[T]he setting, slapstick humour and magic tricks will make these popular with the intended audience. Pat Cupples’ lively, optimistic illustrations, are a great partner to these texts. Cupples has captured the joie de vivre and enthusiastic nature of these characters.”
        - Canadian Materials

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:

 

Lost and Found. . . L u . & . C l a n c y . L e v e l l e d . R e a d e r s

Kids Can Press, 2008
ISBN 978-1-55453-251-3 (hc)
ISBN 978-1-55453-252-0 (pb)

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In Lost and Found, Lu and Clancy are babysitting two puppies and need desperately to tire them out. A long walk to Magic Lake should do the trick. Suddenly a storm hits and everybody takes cover in the bushes. Now one of the puppies is missing. The dog detectives are on the case!

Lost and Found is part of Kids Can Press’s “Kids Can Read!” series. It is a Level 2 reader (Kids Can Read with Help), which is defined as being a longer story with varied sentences, increased vocabulary, more difficult visual clues and some repetition.

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:

 

Touch It! Materials, matter and you . . . . Primary Physical Sciences Series


Kids Can Press, 2005
ISBN 1-55337-760-5 (hc)
ISBN 1-55337-761-3 (pb)

Illustrated by Claudia Dávila

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This title is available in French Les matières c’est quoi? (Editions Scholastic)

Touch It! is a lively and easy-to-understand first science book that explores materials – their color, shape, texture, size, mass, magnetism and more.

Touch It! is part of the Primary Physical Sciences series. These books include easy-to-read text, hands-on activities, energetic illustrations and a special section for parents and teachers with more activity ideas and information. This series was created with the cooperation of a Primary Science consultant and fits science curricula in the largest states and provinces.

“The drawings are colorful and age appropriate for young children. The vocabulary is also suitable for children and has scientific validity. The text is suitable for reading by children in primary grades or for reading to them.”

- Science Books and Films

“[Touch It! includes] two pages of very good science content information and teaching suggestions for parents and teachers, and an index an definitions of ‘Word to Know’. Touch It! is certain to be a book that is welcomed by many teachers, librarians, and parents. Author, Adrienne Mason and illustrator Claudia Dávila are certainly helping to fill a void.”

- Canadian Materials

“This excellent series is a must-have for elementary schools.”
        - Canadian Children’s Book News

Honours: Best of 2005 (Non-fiction; Pre-school to Grade 6), Resource Links

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:

Move It! Motion, forces and you . . . . Primary Physical Sciences Series


Kids Can Press, 2005

ISBN 1-55337-758-3 (hc)
ISBN 1-55337-759-1 (pb)

Illustrated by Claudia Dávila

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This title is also available in French as Les forces c’est quoi? (Editions Scholastic)

Move It! takes the physics of why and how things move and transforms it into an enjoyable and easy-to-understand first science book.

Move It! is part of the Primary Physical Sciences series. These books include easy-to-read text, hands-on activities, energetic illustrations and a special section for parents and teachers with more activity ideas and information. This series was created with the cooperation of a Primary Science consultant and fits science curricula in the largest states and provinces.

“The drawings are colorful and age appropriate for young children. The vocabulary is also suitable for children and has scientific validity. The text is suitable for reading by children in primary grades or for reading to them.”

- Science Books and Films

“…a welcome contribution to the resources available for teaching young children.”

- Canadian Materials

“This excellent series is a must-have for elementary schools.”

- Canadian Children’s Book New

Honours: Best of 2005 (Non-fiction; Pre-school to Grade 6), Resource Links

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:

Build It! ...Structures, systems and you . . . . Primary Physical Sciences Series

Kids Can Press, 2006

ISBN 1-55337-835-0 (hc)
ISBN 1-55337-836-9 (pb)

Illustrated by Claudia Dávila

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This title is also available in French as Les structures, c'est quoi? (Editions Scholastic)

From bicycles to bridges to beaver dams, structures are all around us. Build It! explores the function of structures, the materials they’re made of, how their parts are joined together and more.

Build It! is part of the Primary Physical Sciences series. These books include easy-to-read text, hands-on activities, energetic illustrations and a special section for parents and teachers with more activity ideas and information. This series was created with the cooperation of a Primary Science consultant and fits science curricula in the largest states and provinces.

"Build It! is a great book for growing minds. It's not just about the structures around us and their functions, it's about the materials they're made of, and how those materials were joined together."

- Calgary Herald

“Whether your child has the curious mind of a future architect or just wants to know how tissues catch a sneeze, the answers are in these pages…. This delightful, well-illustrated book has more ideas and experiments listed in the back pages for parents and teachers to use.”

- Together Magazine

“The description of … [each] concept being introduced is appropriate for the intended audience and is often presented in a manner that tests children’s understanding … There are too few books like this available for young children. I recommend the “Primary Physical Science” books to parents and to school librarians responsible for adding important books to their library’s collection. Highly recommended.”

- Canadian Material

Honours: 2007 OUR Choice, starred selection (Canadian Children’s Book Centre)

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:

Change It!...Solids, liquids, gases and you. . . . Primary Physical Sciences Series


Kids Can Press, 2006

ISBN 1-55337-837-7 (hc)
ISBN 1-55337-838-5 (pb)

Illustrated by Claudia Dávila

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This title is also available in French as Les solides, est quoi? (Editions Scholastic)

What does the smell of baking bread or the fizz in your pop have to do with science? Lots. Science is all around you, even in the simplest things. Change It! takes the physics of matter – solids, liquids and gases – and transforms it into an enjoyable and easy-to-understand first science book.

Change It! is part of the Primary Physical Sciences series. These books include easy-to-read text, hands-on activities, energetic illustrations and a special section for parents and teachers with more activity ideas and information. This series was created with the cooperation of a Primary Science consultant and fits science curricula in the largest states and provinces.

“The description of… [each] concept being introduced is appropriate for the intended audience and is often presented in a manner that tests children’s understanding… There are too few books like this available for young children. I recommend the “Primary Physical Science” books to parents and to school librarians responsible for adding important books to their library’s collection. Highly recommended.”

- Canadian Materials

“An enjoyable and easy-to-understand first science book…”

- Books for Growing Minds

“It is often difficult to find a book on any aspect of physical science that is suitable for very young children. The Primary Physical Sciences Series by Kids Can Press fills this important niche. “

        - National Science Teachers’ Association – “NSTA Recommends” list

Honours:

  • 2007 Information Book Award (shortlisted)
  • 2007 OUR Choice, starred selection (Canadian Children’s Book Centre)

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online.

Snakes . . . .W i l d l i f e . . S e r i e s

Kids Can Press, 2005

ISBN 1-55337-627-7 (hc)

ISBN 1-55337-628-5 (pb)

Illustrated by Nancy Gray Ogle

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This title is also available in French as Les serpents (Editions Scholastic)

The snake waits patiently, without moving. But when the moment is right, it strikes with lightning speed. If the prey is small, it is eaten alive. Larger animals must first be made helpless, often by poisonous venom. The snake can’t chew — it swallows food whole. Its loosely jointed jaw can open very wide…

How snakes hunt and eat is just one of fourteen topics in this clearly written study of snakes around the world. You’ll find out where they live, how they use their senses, how they move and much more.

Did you know?

  • no wild snakes live in New Zealand, Ireland, Newfoundland or on many other islands
  • a few snake species can glide through the air
  • the venom of baby snakes can be stronger than that of their parents
  • a snake’s tongue helps it tell if food, enemies or other snakes are nearby.

East-to-read text and accurate, detailed illustrations meet the research needs of young children and satisfy their curiosity about these fascinating and often misunderstood reptiles.

“…the text is calm and factual… The author avoids the pitfalls that plague so many other books about snakes. For instance, instead of calling them cold-blooded, she describes how they regulate their temperatures behaviorally. She is clear that constricting snakes don’t crush their prey but rather suffocate them in their coils. Instead of using the common error of referring to ‘poisonous’ snakes, she correctly uses the term ‘venomous’…”

  • Teacher Resources, National Science Teacher’s Associations

“…an informative book with illustrations sure to keep the attention of most children.”

  • Science Books and Films

“… an excellent resource for a very young reader working on a project.”

  • Quill and Quire

Honours: 2005 “Recommended” List – National Science Teachers’ Association

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:

Owls . . . . W i l d l i f e . . S e r i e s

Kids Can Press, 2004

ISBN 1-55337-623-4 (hc)

ISBN 1-55337-624-2 (pb)

Illustrated by Nancy Gray Ogle

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This title is available in French as Les rapaces nocturnes (Les Editions Scholastic)

It’s a dark winter night, but the owl is wide awake, listening and watching. A mouse moves under the snow, far away. The owl swoops down, needle-sharp talons ready. Its silent wings, fine-tuned hearing and large eyes are designed for hunting…

How owls hunt is just one of fourteen topics in this clearly written look at the two main groups of owls – typical owls and barn owls. You’ll find out where owls live, what they eat, how young owls learn and much more.

Did you know?

  • a group of owls is called a parliament
  • owls can’t move their eyes from side to side, but flexible necks allow then to look over their backs
  • owls use hoots, whistles and screams to warn unwanted visitors away from their territories
  • owls live on every continent except Antarctica

East-to-read text and accurate, detailed illustrations meet the research needs of young children and satisfy their curiosity about these mysterious birds.

"This one is for inquisitive young readers. Excellent detailed illustrations and information to satisfy curiosities about owl wildlife. I highly recommend it."

  • Reivew Books

“Takes readers to the realm of the owl, where they will meet different types of owls and learn all about their habitats, survival tactics and much more.”

  • Books and More for Growing Minds

Honours:

  • 2005 short-list, Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize
  • OUR Choice, 2005. Canadian Children’s Book Centre

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:

Skunks . . . . W i l d l i f e . . S e r i e s

Kids Can Press, 2006

ISBN 1-55337-733-8 (hc)

ISBN 1-55337-734-6 (pb)

Illustrated by Nancy Gray Ogle

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This book is also available in French as Les mouffettes (Editions Scholastic)

Skunks do lot more than just create a stink! (One species can do a perfect handstand, for instance!) The stinky way skunks defend themselves is just one of fourteen topics in this clearly written book about skunks. Kids find out why skunks are black and white, where they live, how they raise their young, how they hunt and much more. Easy-to-read text and accurate, detailed illustrations provide a perfect learning resources for young children and satisfy their curiosity about these often misunderstood animals.

“…this book delivers almost anything one would want to know about that small black-and-white terrorist… Illustrator Nancy Gray Ogle does a fine job with visuals of skunks in their natural habitats and, most particularly, with their young.”

  • The Globe and Mail

“Mason has provided readers with an accurate, fun-to-read look at this sometimes misunderstood animals… A solid, well-organized addition.”

        - School Library Journal

“The story line is clear and concise… the illustrations are extremely well done and accurate.”

- Science Books and Film

“…this book blew my mind!”

- young reader, Reid C.

Honours:

  • Short-list for Silver Birch Award (Express Category)
  • 007 OUR CHOICE selection (Canadian Children’s Book Centre)

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online.

Otters. . . . W i l d l i f e . . S e r i e s

Kids Can Press, 2003

ISBN 1-55337-406-1 (hc)

ISBN 1-55337-407-X (pb)

Illustrated by Nancy Gray Ogle

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This book is available in French as Les loutres (Les Editions Scholastic)

Following their mother, two otter pupas slide down the muddy bank and slip into the river. It’s time for their daily lessons. Mother is teaching them how to swim, dive and catch food. When the pups are a year old, they’ll leave their mother’s side. But for now there is still time to wrestle and play. Splash!

How otters grow and learn is just one of the fourteen topics in this clearly written look at the two kinds of North American otters – river otters and sea otters. You’ll find out about where otters live, what they eat, how they protect themselves and much more.

Did you know?

  • sea otters’ hind feet are so large they look like flippers
  • river otters can swim fast enough to catch fish
  • sea otters can stay underwater for as long as four minutes
  • river otters sometimes sneak into a beaver’s den or muskrat’s burrow to fight them

“Offers young readers a comprehensive look at this unique aquatic animal through informative facts about its habitat, diet, survival skills, and more.”

  • Books and More

“How can you resist that face staring out at you from the cover of this informative and fact-filled book? This is a great addition to the [Kids Can Press] Wildlife series…”

  • Brandon Sun

“…this book [is] a useful reference for readers interested in wildlife.”

  • Science Books and Films

Honours:

  • Our Choice , 2004, Canadian Children’s Book Centre
  • Science in Society Book Award, 2003, shortlist
  • Best Bet, 2003, Ontario Library Association

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:

Bats. . . . W i l d l i f e . . S e r i e s

Kids Can Press, 2003

ISBN 1-55337-524-6 (hc)

ISBN 1-55337-525-4 (pb)

Illustrated by Nancy Gray Ogle

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This title is available in French as Les Chauves-souris (Les Editions Scholastic)

It’s a calm summer night when suddenly, the air is filled with flying shadows. Bats! As they hunt for food, the bats make squeaking noises that bounce off objects and echo back to them. This tells them whether the object ahead is something to avoid, like a tree, or whether it’s a tasty dinner treat!

How bats use their senses is just one of the thirteen topics in this clearly written look at the two main kinds of bats – megabats and microbats. You’ll find out where bats live, what they eat, how they move and much more.

Did you know?

  • bats are not blind
  • bats are the only mammals that have wings and can fly
  • the tiny bumblebee bat weighs less than a penny
  • mother bats usually give birth while hanging upside down

Easy-to-read text and accurate, detailed illustrations meet the research needs of young children and satisfy their curiosity about these unusual mammals.

“A book that I am happy to have for my child’s home library and that I recommend for libraries serving children in lower elementary school grades.”

  • Science Books & Films

“Bats is a straightforward look at critters with a high cringe quotient. The clear text and equally clear illustrations describe the various types of bats, explain how they live and may demystify them for the frightened.”

  • Associated Press

“Wonderfully detailed realistic illustrations by Nancy Gray Ogle complement this informative reference book. The table of contents reveals 13 separate bat topics from where bats live to what bats eat. And a handy index for quick reference and a glossary make this fascinating read a great addition to your research library.”

  • New Brunswick Reader

“[In] her clear, simple style, Adrienne Mason offers interesting and accurate facts for beginning researchers. Focusing on North American bat species, each section presents brief information in an easy-to-read print format, with generous illustrations and labels. Most sections include a Bat Fact box with a neat bit of trivia. There’s enough data here to satisfy a youngster with early reading skills or to intrigue an older reader who can use the book as a starting point for further investigation of the topic.”

  • Canadian Materials

“…an excellent read for a young reader doing research on this mammal.”

  • Resource Links

Honours: Science in Society Book Award, 2004, shortlist

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:

Secret Codes . . . L u . & . C l a n c y . S e r i e s

Kids Can Press, 1999

ISBN 1-55074-553-0

Illustrated by Pat Cupples

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Secret Codes

Suppose you had to send a secret message to a friend. How would you do it? Dog detectives Lu and Clancy will show you more than 20 fool-proof codes. You’ll discover how to:

  • hide your message in a crossword puzzle
  • use your telephone as a code machine
  • make a code wheel that will baffle spies
  • send a musical message, and much more.

Once you’ve tried a code, you can help Lu and Clancy unravel the mystery of Lu’s missing sister.

“This new, very appealing series will find an audience with kids as well as educators and youth leaders. Clearly designed and well illustrated with attractive color pictures, [the book] should be a hit with kids who want to learn about detection and secret codes. Highly recommended.”

  • Canadian Book Review Annual

Secret Codes delivers an equal quotient of wit and exuberant illustration.”

  • The Globe and Mail

“Kids will find loads of fun in both the silly story and the intriguing projects.”

  • Chicago Parent

“… [the] story is excellent for building vocabulary and observational skills, while appealing to the natural curiosity of this age group.”

  • School Library Journal

“Lu and Clancy adventures are great fun for all ages.”

  • Children’s Book Review Service, Inc.

“This book is recommended, especially for classroom teachers who could invite students to figure out the codes. This challenge will delight students who tend to be finished the regular assignments quickly.”

  • Canadian Materials

Purchasing: You can purchase this title directly from the author.

Sound Off . . .L u . & . C l a n c y . S e r i e s

Kids Can Press, 2002

ISBN 1-55337-058-9 (hc)

ISBN 1-55337-059-7 (pb)

Illustrated by Pat Cupples

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“I’m going to search for Sophie,” Clancy announced. But he had only taken a few steps out of the cave when they heard the loudest, strangest sound.

“Are there any monsters in these woods?” asked Fanny.

Stuck babysitting Lu’s sister, Sophie, and her friend Fanny, dog detectives Lu and Clancy come up with a plan to tire out the mischievous pups—a hike to Mystic Lake and back! But when Sophie mysteriously disappears, the dog detectives must spring into action…

Help Lu and Clancy as they search for Sophie—and learn about the science of sound at the same time. You’ll find out how to

  • use sound vibrations to make a bug buzzer
  • figure out how far away a thunderstorm is
  • build junk band instruments including a tin drum, a kazoo, a guitar and more…

With Lu and Clancy around, Sophie’s sure to be found – safe and sound!

The book has also been published in German as Lu & Leo Geheimnisvolle Klange, by Edition Bucherbar, ISBN 3-401-08436-4.

Honours: Our Choice , 2003 Canadian Childrens’ Book Centre

Purchasing: You can purchase this title directly from the author.

Spy Stuff . . .L u . & . C l a n c y . S e r i e s

Kids Can Press, 2000

ISBN 1-55074-693-6

Illustrated by Pat Cupples

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Could Lu’s favorite aunt be a spy? If not, then why does she have disguises and fake Ids hidden in an old trunk? Lu and Clancy are suspicious and decide to investigate. How will they find out who Aunt Izzy really is? By using the techniques that real spies use. Follow Lu and Clancy on their mission, and discover how to

  • make your own spy code ring
  • disguise yourself and fool the enemy
  • make a spy scope to see around corners
  • construct a burglar alarm to catch spies, and much more.

Learns loads of spy stuff and help Lu and Clancy uncover the true identify of the mysterious Aunt Izzy.

“The plot [is] simple but interesting enough to hold readers’ attention. [this book] will satisfy browsers and will especially appeal to fans of Nate the Great, Detective Mole, and other primary-grade sleuths.”

  • School Library Journal

“…the spy activities promise hours and hours of construction, imaginative planning, and harmless schemes. [Lu & Clancy’s Spy Stuff] promotes innocent fun, open-ended, self-generated amusement that is refreshing in an age when adults tend to control their children’s free time.”

  • Quill and Quire

Purchasing: You can purchase this title directly from the author.

Carnival Caper . . . L u . & . C l a n c y . S e r i e s

Kids Can Press, 2002

ISBN 1-55337-027-9 (hc)

ISBN 1-55074-838-6 (pb)

Illustrated by Pat Cupples

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Summer’s here and the carnival’s in town! Lu and Clancy can’t wait to go on their favorite ride, the Drop of Doom. The only problem is that Lu’s annoying cousin, Jake, is tagging along…

While Jake takes part in a magic show, Clancy uncovers more than hocus pocus when he overhears two crooks planning a robbery at the Drop of Doom. Now the dog detectives must launch into action to stop the crime—but first they have to get Jake off their case!

Help Lu and Clancy foil the evil plot—and learn to do simple magic tricks at the same time. You’ll find out how to

  • pour water into a hat without getting it wet
  • step through an ordinary piece of paper
  • slice a banana without peeling it, and more…

Carnival magic saves the day when the thieves come out to play!

This title was also published in German as Lu & Leo Diebe auf dem Rummelplatz, Edition Bucherbar, ISBN 3-401-08435-6.

“The simple text is geared to newly independent readers, and the five magic tricks that are included are sure to capture interest. Children can be encouraged to problem solve and try to figure out how to pour water into a hat without getting it wet, slice a banana before peeling it, and walk through a playing card. Step-by-step instructions with plenty of illustrations explain how to perform these tricks. Great for budding sleuths and magicians alike.”

  • Canadian Materials

“I get the biggest kick out of the Kids Can Press book featuring two great dogs Lu & Clancy.”

  • Prime Time

“An easy to read beginning chapter book in picture book format, The Carnival Caper combines story and directions for magic tricks. It is a good read aloud, and the tricks would be great fun to try.”

  • Resource Links

Honours: Our Choice , 2003, Canadian Childrens’ Book Centre

Purchasing: You can purchase this title directly from the author.

The World of Marine Mammals

Orca Book Publishers, 1990

ISBN 1-55143-046-0

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In The World of Marine Mammals you’ll find out how these amazing animals adapt to life under water, how they find food and how they play and fight. You’ll also meet some of the scientists who have dedicated their lives to the study of marine mammals and their watery world. And along the way, you’ll find out:

  • how to make your own “fossil”
  • which mammal is the deep-sea diving champ
  • how to make sound “bounce:
  • what walruses do with those tusks
  • why sea otter mothers wrap their babies up in kelp
  • and many other facts about the lives of these unique and fascinating creatures.

“…a throrough, well-written book for children. Marine biologist Adrienne Mason writes in an engaging and entertaining style that will appeal to young readers. Mason covers everything from evolution to adaptations for the marine environment, and she augments her narrative with activities, diagrams and comparisons with humans. Another excellent feature of the book is the series of sidebars inviting readers to “meet a marine biologist.” The World of Marine Mammals is an excellent introduction to the group of fascinating animals….”

  • Royal British Columbia Museum , Discovery Magazine

“Marine biologist Adrienne Mason writes with a deft hand, describing marine mammals from majestic whales to fetchingly cute sea otters. Their anatomy, their special adaptations, and their habits and behaviour are described with scientific accuracy and a lively style that captures the reader’s interest. The best part is the easy, authoritative style of writing. It’s well organized, easy to follow, and interestingly presented.”

  • Resource Links

“This very informative book, which will appeal to budding scientists, is recommended for school and public libraries serving children aged 8 to 12.”

- Canadian Materials

Honours:

  • Our Choice designation in 2000, Canadian Children’s Book Centre (starred selection)
  • Short-list BC ’s Red Cedar Book Awards

This book is out of print. Look for it in a library or second-hand book shop.

Living Things

Kids Can Press, 1997

ISBN 1-55074-343-0 (hc)

ISBN 1-55074-393-7 (pb)

Photographs by Ray Boudreau

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What is a living thing? Living things are made of cells. They need food, air, water and a place to live. And they grow, reproduce and respond to their environment. Living Things encourages children to explore the characteristics and basic needs of living things.

Children age five to nine will learn by doing with these 13 hands-on science activities. They grow plants with tattoos to find out about photosynthesis. They turn kitchen utensils into beaks and discover why birds eat what they do. They also raise insects to study metamorphosis and life cycles, create a mini-habitat out of a pop bottle, start a flower collection, and more. All activities are safe and require only easy-to-find equipment and minimal supervision.

Clear explanations and a special page for parents and teachers provide information to help you answer kids’ challenging questions.

Click here for a downloadable PDF activity from Living Things.

Living Things is a collection of simple but enjoyable science experiments…. The kids depicted seem to be having so much fun that readers will surely want to try these experiments themselves.”

  • Quill and Quire

“How wonderful to realize that Living Things is not just another haphazardly thrown together elementary science picture book… This book is highly recommended for the primary classroom.”

- Crucible (Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario)

“Budding scientists are sure to get a kick out of their first experiences with the forces of nature.”

  • Boston Herald

“Even children as young as five can learn to look with a scientist’s eyes. Adrienne Mason describes experiments that help children discover the characteristics of all living things.”

  • City Parent

“…the organization and presentation in these publications is excellent. [An] excellent activity resource, and I recommend it for school or home use.”

  • Science Books and Films

“This would be a good book for home-schooled students because the experiments can be conducted easily. Simple directions and a short explanation also make is easy for a beginning teacher to use.”

  • Science and Children

Honours:

  • Parents’ Choice, 1998 – Parents’ Choice Foundation
  • 1997 shortlist, Science in Society Book Award, Canadian Science Writers’ Association

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:

Oceans: Looking at Beaches and Coral Reefs, Tides and Currents, Sea Mammals and Fish, Seaweeds and Other Ocean Wonders

Kids Can Press, 1995

ISBN 1-55074-147-0

Illustrated by Elizabeth Gatt;
Photographs by David Denning

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Oceans cover almost three-quarters of Earth. Dive into Oceans and explore this vase and rich storehouse of living things. You don’t need to be near the ocean to learn about it. Oceans is a comprehensive kids’ guide with straightforward information, detailed drawings and full-color photographs that bring the ocean to you.

Learn about: tides, currents and waves, ocean habitats, ocean plants and animals, the ocean’s unique conditions and how sea life adapts to them. Safe and simple experiments and activities give children hands-on experience with ocean creatures and basic oceanography.

“Here’s a stellar, beautifully designed addition to a child’s nature library. Visually and informatively it is a treat. It is right no for its target of 8-to12-year-old readers, those inquisitive early scientists and crusaders for ecology.”

  • Quill and Quire (starred review)

“OCEANS is an excellent book, filled with facts, photos and illustrations that make you want to keep turning pages. Every page is packed with just the right amount of detail so the reader learns something new without feeling overwhelmed. The writing is crisp and lively and easily holds the attention of readers and listeners young and old.”

  • Book Beat

“This book employs a pithy text, provocative questions, a bold layout, and colorful illustrations to inform young readers about all aspects of oceans. A big pedagogical plus throughout the book is the wide range of simple but effective exercised teachers can use to illustrate important points and to emphasize safety and environmental problems. Highly recommended.”

- Canadian Children’s Literature

Honours:

  • Red Cedar Book Awards 1998, shortlist (Young Reader’s Choice Award)
  • Silver Birch Award 1997, shortlist (Ontario Library Association)
  • Our Choice selection, 1996 – Canadian Children’s Book Centre
  • Science in Society Book Award 1995, shortlist, Canadian Science Writers’ Association

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:

 

Mealworms: Raise Them, Watch Them, See Them Change

Kids Can Press, 1998

ISBN 1-55074-448-8 (hc)

ISBN 1-55074-506-9 (pb)

Illustrated by Angela Vaculik

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This slim book is filled with information about mealworms as well as ideas for activities for the home or classroom. Many teachers use mealworms to teach children about insect metamorphosis. The larva (mealworms) metamorphose quickly and the adults (darkling beetles) don’t fly, so they made ideal temporary pets. Children can easily see the larva, pupa and adult stages of this insect. Easy to use and follow!

Did you know?

  • The mealworm is the larval stage of the darkling beetle.
  • The four stages of a mealworm’s life cycle occur over six to eight weeks.
  • Mealworms don’t fly so they won’t escape as you raise them.
  • You can buy mealworms for a few cents at pet stores.

“This delightful little book should stimulate any youngster to develop an interest in scientific exploration.”

  • Science Books and Film

“This new book will be invaluable to classrooms as they continue their work with mealworms. It provides just the right amount of information for young scientists. That information is accurate and useful for young readers. Well-organized, timely, useful…this book will be a welcome addition to library shelves and an easy introduction to the inquisitive child who wants to learn more about insects and metamorphosis.”

  • Brandon Sun

“Primary-age readers will enjoy the straightforward text, and readers and nonreaders alike will be delighted by the large, clearly-labeled drawings. The hands-on experiments and accompanying guided observations will help make young scientists independent learners and skilled observers.”

  • Library Talk

“There’s something kind of humorous (maybe even icky) about growing mealworms—but this lively book is very good at following the four stages of a mealworm. A great project book for insect and bug study.”

  • Teacher-Librarian magazine

Honours:

  • Our Choice List 1998 – Canadian Children’s Book Centre
  • Parents’ Choice 1998 – Parents’ Choice Foundation

Purchasing: You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:

 

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