Books with author Valerie Bodden

From antlered elk to pouched pelicans, and from scouting prairie dogs to upright-swimming seahorses, the world of animals is wonderfully diverse. This popular series—extended to include more Spanish-language titles—travels the planet to study these and other fascinating mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Beautiful photos are paired with STEM-appropriate text to examine the featured creature's appearance, habitat, behaviors, and life cycle. Each book also presents a folk story that people have used to help explain the animal's appearance or behavior. A basic exploration of the appearance, behavior, and habitat of elk, the second-largest North American deer. Also included is a story from folklore explaining how elk came to live in the mountains.

A basic introduction to stick insects, examining where they live, how they grow, what they eat, and the unique traits that help to define them, such as their ability to hide on plants. Some of our world's most intriguing animals are among its creepiest. Creepy Creatures looks into the microscope, combs through fur, and investigates the outdoors to spotlight six more mini-beasts that scurry, fly, or jump. Each book matches clear text with up-close (and often startling) photos to give young readers an easy-to-follow introduction to the featured creature's body, growth process, behavior, food sources, and common habitats. Each title concludes with an activity that emphasizes the animal's defining physical characteristics.

From flightless, long-legged ostriches to winged rays, and from elusive, long-tailed snow leopards to wily foxes, the world of animals is wonderfully diverse. This popular and newly expanded series continues traveling the planet to study these and other fascinating mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Beautiful photos are paired with STEM-appropriate text to examine the featured creatures appearance, habitat, behaviors, and life cycle. Each book also presents a folk story that people have used to help explain the animals appearance or behavior. A basic exploration of the appearance, behavior, and habitat of snow leopards, the non-roaring big cats of Central Asia. Also included is a story from folklore explaining why snow leopards have spotted fur.

“Beautiful story.... A second chance not only for love, but for friendships, faith, and even for grief to finally be acknowledged.... The author did a wonderful job of making me feel the deep emotions of these characters.” -Britt Reads FictionShe chose her career over him. He put his family before her. When they get a second chance, will they choose to put each other first?As she climbs the corporate ladder, Sophie doesn’t let herself think about what she gave up when she declined Spencer’s proposal five years ago. So when she’s called home to say goodbye to her dying grandmother, she goes out of her way to avoid seeing him. Of course, that means he’s the first person she runs into. Much as she fights against it, being near him stirs up old feelings and makes her question old decisions.Leaving college to help on the family farm cost Spencer the woman he loved. But he couldn’t turn his back on his family. Now that Sophie’s back in town, Spencer’s determined to protect his heart. Only he senses something new in Sophie—something that makes him think maybe they could have a second chance. But when his family needs him again, he feels like he’s repeating the past.Only this time, he’s not sure what choice he should make.Is God giving them a second chance? Or are the heartaches of the past too much to overcome?If you love fast-paced, emotional stories filled with faith, forgiveness, love, and the promise of forever, then you'll love this touching reminder that it's never too late for a second chance. ***"I actually felt like I was visiting with friends, not reading a book. Even though it was very much a complete story, I wanted to know about everyone else. I am ready for another book in the series." -Amazon reviewer***While the books in the Hope Springs series are linked, each features a complete romance about a different couple and can be read in any order.Hope Springs SeriesNot Until ForeverNot Until This MomentNot Until YouNot Until Us

"Do you think about science when you play baseball? Probably not. But you use science anyway." In sports, Making the Play involves more than athletic skill—it's all possible because of physics! Linking scientific concepts such as momentum and launch angle to actions common to each sport, this new series unveils the unseen world of forces at work behind each bat, ball, or club. High-contrast design and relatable images of people at play provide a colorful backdrop to each high-interest title. An elementary introduction to the physics involved in the sport of volleyball, including scientific concepts such as gravity and acceleration, and actions such as bumping and spiking. Includes TOC, diagrams, glossary, book references, websites, and index. Full-color photographs throughout.

"This was a fabulous, fantastic, best ever Christmas book. WOW!" -Advance ReaderShe’s a fixer… He’s about as broken as they come… Can they learn to turn to God for healing and hope this Christmas?Leah has always been a fixer. That’s why she decided to foster a troubled teen. And it’s why she’s determined to give him the perfect Christmas. It might also be why she feels compelled to reach out to her grinchy, reclusive neighbor Austin. But she’ll have to be careful that reaching out doesn’t turn into something more—she’s been hurt by crossing the line from friendship to romance once, and she’s not willing to let it happen again.After losing his leg, his friend, and his faith in Afghanistan, Austin figures he’s about as broken as they come. For Austin, Hope Springs is simply a stopping point—a place to rehabilitate his leg, get over the burden of his PTSD, and get back into shape to redeploy. He has no desire to get to know anyone while he’s here, least of all the meddlesome—if sweet—woman next door. But when she calls on him to help her make Christmas special for her foster son, something compels him to relent. Soon, his heart belongs to both of them.But what if Austin is too broken for even Leah to fix? Can the two of them learn to turn to God for hope and healing—and maybe even a chance at love—this Christmas?Not Until Christmas Morning is a heartwarming Christian romance filled with faith, love, and the reminder to trust God "even if." ***"Not Until Christmas Morning is such an inspiring and uplifting book that you won't want to wait until Christmas to read it! I loved this story of how God can make something beautiful out of broken people and their painful circumstances. If you've ever been angry with God about the suffering in your life or the lives of loved ones, then this book will give you hope. Highest recommendation!" -Advance Reader***While the books in the Hope Springs series are linked, each features a complete romance about a different couple and can be read in any order.Hope Springs SeriesNot Until ForeverNot Until This MomentNot Until YouNot Until UsNot Until Christmas Morning