Kids Can Press, 2022
ISBN: 9781525305375
Canadiana: 20210349956
Illustrated by Kim Smith

It’s not just humans combating global warming. Meet one of Earth’s “ecosystem engineers”!

In this fascinating and unique book, a marine biologist reveals how whales are “ecosystem engineers” — animals that create, modify or maintain a habitat or ecosystem. Whales do this by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. They store loads of carbon in their bodies for decades, even centuries; when they die, they sink to the ocean floor, taking their carbon with them. More carbon in the ocean means less carbon in the atmosphere. And it’s all thanks to whales!

Now kids get one more reason to love these amazing creatures! Whales are helping the planet!

“With the riveting declaration that “whale poop makes the world go round!” Mason launches an effervescent study of how whales affect oceanic food webs—not only by participating in “a massive poop pump” that feeds krill and phytoplankton on the surface, but by taking significant quantities of climate-changing carbon out of the air to store it in their bodies while alive and “export” it to the bottom of the ocean when dead. … “Makes a whale of a case for the importance of cetaceans.”  – Kirkus Review

“Mason introduces a book chock-full of fascinating, fun facts about whales. … In well-organized chapters, students learn about whales around the world, food webs, migration, and more. The “Poop Pump” chapter will hold special appeal for young readers. Colorful, well-drawn illustrations help bring the facts to life. … A comprehensive index, glossary, clear diagrams, and additional resources round out this title. VERDICT: Sure to be a welcome addition to school libraries and classrooms, this is an appealing and well-written title on a popular subject.” – School Library Journal

Happy to announce that Whales to the Rescue has been nominated for a Land of Enchantment book award and the Green Earth book award.

Purchasing
You can order this title from your local bookstore or online at:
In Canada: Kids Can Press or In the US: Kids Can Press USA

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

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:
In Canada: Kids Can Press or In the US: Kids Can Press USA

Kids Can Press, 2000
ISBN 1-55074-693-6
Illustrated by Pat Cupples

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

Kids Can Press, 2002
ISBN 1-55337-058-9 (hc)
ISBN 1-55337-059-7 (pb)
Illustrated by Pat Cupples

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

“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!

Honours
Our Choice , 2003 Canadian Childrens’ Book Centre

Kids Can Press, 2005
ISBN 1-55337-627-7 (hc)
ISBN 1-55337-628-5 (pb)
Illustrated by Nancy Gray Ogle

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

Kids Can Press, 2006
ISBN 1-55337-733-8 (hc)
ISBN 1-55337-734-6 (pb)
Illustrated by Nancy Gray Ogle

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)
* OUR CHOICE selection (Canadian Children’s Book Centre)

Kids Can Press, 1999
ISBN 1-55074-553-0
Illustrated by Pat Cupples

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

From the Editors of YES Mag

Kids Can Press, 2008
ISBN 978-1-55453-203-2 (hc)
ISBN 978-1-55453-204-9 (pb)
Illustrated by Howie Woo

The word “robot” may remind us of science fiction, but robots today are a science fact. Their role in our lives is growing all the time. This book presents a detailed look at robots yesterday, today and in the future. See robots at work (and play) in homes, factories, wrestling rings, sewers, hospitals, oceans and outer space. Learn about their many different shapes, sizes and uses and meet robots that do dangerous and dirty jobs, help perform surgery, look like us, show emotion like us and much more.

“[Robots] takes an intriguing subject and manages to be both comprehensive and entertaining. … Robots will be a satisfying read for many youngsters, and will be especially enjoyable for those who like their technology served with a healthy dose of context…” – Quill and Quire

“Overall, the treatment Robots gives its subjects is upbeat and a little showy, but it is refreshingly realistic and should provide a good introduction for young readers unfamiliar with what robots can really do outside of the movies.” – American Scientist

“Enhanced by abundant coloured photographs and diagrams, the text is highly engaging from start to finish. ” – Canadian Materials

Honours
Honour Book, Children’s Literature Roundtable of Canada, Information Book Award
Shortlist, Hackmatack Award, 2010
Shortlist, Rocky Mountain Book Awards, 2010
Shortlist, Grand Canyon Reader Award, 2011

$19.95
ISBN 978-1-55453-753-2

Earth is like an ark — a haven for a huge variety of plants and animals — and we are the Noahs who can protect it.

Planet Earth is home to millions of species, possibly as many as 20 million. Each species, from the lowliest earthworm to the majestic blue whale and the towering spruce tree, is unique and important. A rich biodiversity benefits plants and animals and humans, too. We depend on the natural world for inspiration, recreation, resources, air and water purification and many other thigns that we may not even be aware of.

Planet Ark sets out clearly what biodiversity is and the dangers that face it, from habitat destruction to overharvesting to climate change. And it shows how we can become Noahs and help protect and sustain Planet Ark. After all, we humans are the stewards of this planet we call home.

“…a thorough and informative addition to the Citizen Kids line. … Thompson complements Mason’s emphatic text with textured acrylic portraits of animals and ecosystems that resemble textured tapestries.” – starred review, Publishers Weekly

“…an accessible, informative introduction to the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect it. [Mason] explains in clear, engaging prose such concepts as species, habitats, ecosystems, food chains, ….” – Kirkus Review

Honours
In 2014, Planet Ark was short-listed for the Green Earth Book Award from The Nature Generation and was listed by Booklist as one of the “top 10 books on sustainability for youth.”

Purchasing
You can order this book from your favourite bookseller or purchase it on-line from Kids Can Press Canada or Kids Can Press US.

Kids Can Press, 2004
ISBN 1-55337-623-4 (hc)
ISBN 1-55337-624-2 (pb)
Illustrated by Nancy Gray Ogle

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.” – Review Books