Books with author Kristin Petrie

Through engaging text and full-color photos, readers learn that there are 600 muscles in the human body and that there are three different types of muscles, cardiac, smooth, and skeletal. Other topics discussed include tendons, cardiac muscle, and smooth muscles, which make up the walls of blood vessels, the stomach, and intestines and are found in the body's hollow organs. The book explains that cardiac and smooth muscle are involuntary muscles, while skeletal muscles are voluntary. Readers discover that every muscle has its own name, including flexors, extensors, abductors, and adductors. Readers also learn that the trapezius and gluteus maximus muscles are examples of muscles that are named for their size, shape, or location. Muscular diseases and the ways to keep muscles healthy, including exercise and a healthy diet are also highlighted. Detailed diagrams, medical models, phonetics, glossary, and index enhance the text.

This biography introduces young readers to the life of English soldier, explorer, knight, and poet Sir Walter Raleigh. Through engaging text, readers learn about Raleigh's childhood, family life, and education. The book also explains that Raleigh was a favorite of England's Queen Elizabeth I and the legend that he once laid his cloak over a puddle so the queen wouldn't muddy her shoes. Readers discover that Raleigh established colonies in North America, searched for the fabled El Dorado in South America, fought the Spanish Armada, and was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Raleigh's career as a writer is also covered, as is his aid to English poet Edmund Spenser publish The Faerie Queene. Full-color photos, a detailed map, an index, a timeline, discussion questions, bold glossary terms, and phonetics accompany easy-to-read text.

Beetles are some of the world's most fascinating insects! This book's easy-to-read text and larger-than-life color photos bring the beetle's world to life, introducing readers to a beetle's diet, habitat, enemies, and methods of defense. Diagrams help readers investigate the concept of metamorphosis and identify body parts, from the beetle's antennae to its elytra. The digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems are also described. A step-by-step approach to scientific classification helps place beetles within the order Coleoptera. Readers are also encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of beetles, as well as how they impact our daily lives. From ladybugs to dung beetles, young entomologists will enjoy uncovering the lives of these amazing creatures. Informative sidebars and Bug Bytes aim to peak readers' interest, while bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability. Checkerboard is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

With a wag and a "woof," this book invites readers to meet the Cesky terrier, a determined hunting dog. Readers will examine the history, physical attributes, development, and behavior of the Cesky terrier breed. Coat, color, size, and care instructions are also discussed. Full-color photos allow readers to see these active, elegant dogs in a variety of situations. An index and glossary are also included. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

This biography introduces young readers to the life of Marco Polo. Readers learn about Polo's childhood in the busy port city of Venice, Italy, his education, and his family life. Readers discover that as a teenager, Polo traveled to present-day China with his father and uncle. A detailed map allows readers to follow this journey from Venice to Shangdu through Jerusalem and present-day Turkey, Armenia, Iraq, and Iran. Polo spent some time in Badakhshan in Afghanistan then crossed the Gobi Desert. The book discusses how Polo made friends with Emperor Kublai Khan and served as one of his ambassadors. Through engaging text, readers discover that as ambassador, Polo visited such places as Tibet, India, and present-day Myanmar. Polo's life upon returning to Venice is also covered. Readers learn that Venice was at war with the neighboring city of Genoa and that Polo joined the fight and was captured and imprisoned. Readers learn that during captivity Polo met writer Rustichello of Pisa, who helped him write a book about his journeys titled Description of the World. Full-color photos, an index, a timeline, discussion questions, bold glossary terms, and phonetics accompany easy-to-read text.

From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, this title will work up adventurous readers' appetites with a flavorful look at food culture. Bright, colorful photos will entice readers as they learn about the role food plays in daily life as well as various celebrations, festivals, feasts, and holidays. Readers will also gain an understanding of how folklore, available ingredients, and cooking styles have worked to influence regional specialties and food culture over time. Engaging chapters present tales, traditions, and tasty dishes from around the world and approach eating styles and religious practices, such as fasting, in a straightforward, positive light. Smart sidebars highlight additional opportunities for exploring food culture, while a full-page spread offers ideas from the Let's Move! campaign for healthier holiday foods. This title will leave readers feeling hungry for their next food celebration! Bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index are included. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Lice are some of the world's peskiest insects! This book's easy-to-read text and larger-than-life photos bring the louse's world to life, introducing readers to a louse's diet, habitat, and methods of defense. Diagrams help readers investigate the concept of metamorphosis and identify body parts, from the louse's chewing or sucking mouthparts to its large abdomen. The digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems are also described. A step-by-step approach to scientific classification helps place lice within the order Phthiraptera. Readers are also encouraged to consider how lice impact our daily lives, including prevention and treatment. From head lice to body lice or crab lice, young entomologists will enjoy uncovering the lives of these troublesome creatures. Informative sidebars and Bug Bytes aim to peak readers' interest, while bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability. Checkerboard is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.