Books published by publisher Formac

The wily, intelligent Red Fox takes on the Canadian wilderness in this classic novel by Charles G. D. Roberts. He tangles with numerous foes, including bear, goshawk, lynx, skunk and owl. Red Fox (with kits and mate) flees a major fire and has several encounters with hounds and men. In this 1905 novel G. D. Roberts set out to make Red Fox and the animal world around him more understandable to his readers, and to encourage awareness of the cruelty involved in humanity's relationship to wild animals.

Since the early days of flight, animals have helped researchers learn how to survive in the sky, and their role continues as humanity voyages into outer space. In 1783, a rooster, a duck and a sheep were placed in a basket attached to the first hot-air balloon. In the age of rockets and space travel, many more animals have travelled into orbit, and most have returned safely to earth.This book tells the stories of 50 trips into space, with details about the animals and the scientists involved. The experiments, often designed by students, originate from many countries. The book offers an appealing introduction to the purposes of space exploration and the possibilities of safe space travel. It encourages young readers to engage in real science like the young people they will read about in this book.

Adrian Carter is a young mixed-race teen struggling with poor self-image, but he's tired of being bullied for his weight. Adrian decides to shed the pounds, no matter what it takes. When he meets and falls for Mel Woods, a confident and sensible girl with a passion for fitness, his motivation to change leads him to take dangerous measures. When Mel confronts Adrian about his methods of weight loss he is left trying to find a balance between the number on the scale and wondering if he'll ever be worthy of love.

The perfect pocket companion for exploring nature trailsThis full-colour book is the perfect companion for anyone who likes to take a close look at nature. From bugs to birds, wildflowers to reptiles, this pocket-size book gives key information on the creatures and plants found in parks, woodlands and wilderness areas of Canada's Maritime provinces.Full-colour illustrations by Jeff Domm are accompanied by concise information that offers readers the keys to quick identification of many common species. Sections include:* Mammals* Reptiles* Birds* Butterflies* Insects* Mushrooms* Wildflowers* TreesAs in Jeff Domm's successful Formac Pocketguide to Canada's Atlantic Seashore, the pages are designed to convey information through visual and graphic keys and concise text. This book will appeal to nature lovers of all ages who are curious to know more about the environment and the wild creatures and plants of their area.

Frank and Hank Swank are identical twins: they look exactly the same, their fingerprints are the same, their bellybuttons are the same. No one, not even their parents, can tell them apart.They're like two pieces of a puzzle, like one person with the advantage of two bodies. Hank is good at sports and math. Frank is best at reading and geography. So they combine their talents to convince their teachers that they're the best single student in the school. When their teachers get suspicious, however, they talk to the Swank parents about their boys. Frank and Hank are identically worried.The Swank Prank! is a story about the unique advantages, and unique challenges, faced by close siblings.

Here's the perfect companion for having fun at the seashore: a book packed with great ideas for things to do, games to play, crafts and discovery--all at the ocean's edge. Have you wondered where jellyfish or shore crabs come from? Looked for the names of different seaweeds or shells? Are you interested in learning how you can adopt a killer whale? You can learn about the natural world, about plankton, fossils, bird and animal tracks in the sand, and at the same time discover how you can help care for the natural environment.At the Seashore is a lively and brightly illustrated guide to learning and enjoying the nature of the summer coastline.

On December 6, 1917, two ships collided in the busy wartime harbour of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The resulting explosion was the biggest man-made blast prior to the development of nuclear weapons. It flattened one fifth of the city. Thousands of people were killed that day and thousands more injured or made homeless. One lucky survivor, ten-year-old newsie Macky, has a key job to do -- get the news out. The beautiful and compelling illustrations in this book help tell the story of what it was like to be a working child of ten in the city that day. Macky, an unreliable and fun-loving boy, has to deliver the news to a confused and wrecked city where the only way to know what happened to missing loved ones was to read the local newspaper.This story is based on the real experiences of young boys who worked as paperboys in the 1900s. Jacqueline Halsey has woven a wonderful story, which conveys the value of the work of young people in a compelling real-life setting.

If Willie could have his dream, he would go to Sable Island and ride free over the sand dunes on the back of a wild horse. Instead, at eleven years old, Willie has to go to work in the coal mines of Cape Breton, hardly ever seeing the light of day. But with the help of Gem, the gentle pit pony he works with in the mine, he discovers that things aren't always as bad as they seem.Pit Pony is a beloved classic of children's literature, and has been turned into a movie and a television series. For this new illustrated edition, the story has been retold in an abbreviated version for young readers and is vividly illustrated by acclaimed illustrator Sydney Smith.

Morgan's best friend Charlie urges him to try the GraviTwirl ride at the Fall Fair. But Morgan is focused on the huge contender he has grown for the Perfect Pumpkin contest. That is, until Aldeen Hummel, the Godzilla of Grade Three, drops it! Morgan challenges Aldeen to bumper car wars. Aldeen dares him to go on the Asteroid Belt ride. Will Morgan be brave enough to try? And will Morgan win the Best Pumpkin Pie contest with the remains of his squished squash?

Jeffrey Domm, illustrator and author of many wildlife books, has compiled a whale watching guide with more than 50 species of whales, dolphins, porpoises and sharks. Features presented include the geographical range of species, the best months for sighting, and size and distinctive marks visible at the waterline. A full colour illustration of each creature is accompanied by informative text and graphics. Visitors and residents alike will find this guide informative and entertaining.For anyone whale watching on Canada's east coast, the Formac Pocketguide to Whale Watching on Canada's East Coast provides essential information for quick identification of these majestic sea mammals.

The life of a lighthouse keeper on the east coast was not an easy one. Isolated on stormy shores, their job was to keep those at sea safe, at any cost. After her father dies in a seafaring accident, eleven-year-old Sara goes to work for the Mosher family helping clean, maintain and keep the light. When the Mosher family must leave for the mainland in a medical emergency, Sara is left alone to keep the light as a terrible gale approaches.Dramatic and beautiful illustrations help tell the tale of a young girl alone and facing an emergency. When Sara sees a boat crashed on the rocks, young readers will feel as though they are standing on the wind-whipped shores making a life or death decision with her.This story is based on the real experiences of young girls and boys who worked at lighthouses in the early 1900s. Janet Barkhouse has taken their experiences and created a dramatic but realistic story that shows the value of the work young people had to do and the sacrifices they had to make.

Here's the perfect companion for having fun at the seashore: a book packed with great ideas for things to do, games to play, crafts and discovery--all at the ocean's edge. Have you wondered where jellyfish or shore crabs come from? Looked for the names of different seaweeds or shells? Are you interested in learning how you can adopt a killer whale? You can learn about the natural world, about plankton, fossils, bird and animal tracks in the sand, and at the same time discover how you can help care for the natural environment.At the Seashore is a lively and brightly illustrated guide to learning and enjoying the nature of the summer coastline.