Books in A First Reference series

This fun-packed nature encyclopedia introduces children to every aspect of the natural world. Your child will learn how animals and plants live in harmony. Explore trees, plants, bugs, and all sorts of exciting habitats! Includes close-up photography and full-color illustrations. In this thrilling book, divided by habitat, children will discover polar regions, cool forests, deserts, mountains, caves, oceans, and more. Features detailed information boxes and curiosity quizzes sure to inspire children and encourage a healthy curiosity about the world around them.

The new "nonfiction"—the adaptation of storytelling techniques to journalistic articles in the manner of Truman Capote, Tom Wolfe, and John McPhee—is an innovative genre that has been awarded virtually every Pulitzer Prize for literary journalism since 1979. And now Jon Franklin, himself a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and undisputed master of the great American nonfiction short story, shares the secrets of his success. Franklin shows how to make factual pieces come alive by applying the literary techniques of complication/resolution, flashback, foreshadowing, and pace. He illustrates his points with a close analysis and annotation of two of his most acclaimed stories, so that the reader can see, step-by-step, just how they were created. This lively, easy-to-follow guid combines readability and excitement with the best of expository prose and illuminates the techniques that beginning journalists—and more experienced ones, too—will find immensely helpful:Stalking the true short storyDrafting an effective outlineStructuring the rough copyPolishing like a proand the tips, tools, and techniques that will put your stories on the cutting edge

This informative and activity-filled reference introduces younger children to human biology in a lively and accessible way. The book's thematic structure makes it easy for young readers to understand the various systems and organs that make up the body. Dozens of activities and experiments, including - Keeping a food diary (to analyze diet) - provide children with the opportunity to reinforce newly learned information. Full-color spreads address the questions that fascinate children, such as: What are we made of?, Why do we need to sleep?, and How do we breathe? A reference section at the back of the book includes a glossary, an index, and an 'Amazing facts' section. Special Features: Over 1,000 appealing, colorful photographs and illustrations. Clear and easy-to-understand definitions. Related activities and projects. Vocabulary carefully chosen for the 5-8 yr. reading level. Cross-references encourage further exploration.

Reach for the stars in the updated First Space Encyclopedia!Explore the planets and discover amazing facts about nearby galaxies. A delightful first reference book about space for young astronomers, First Space Encyclopedia takes readers on a journey through the universe, from the beginning of space itself to current space technology.Find out what it takes to be an astronaut, what it is like to live in space, and what they take with them in their suitcases! Children can test their knowledge with quizzes, try out at-home space activities, learn how to find constellations in the night sky, and see the phases of the moon.Packed full of engaging photography and easy-to-follow text, First Space Encyclopedia brings space down to Earth for curious young readers.

Bringing young readers into the world of science with gorgeous photography, accessible information, quizzes, fun facts, and more, First Science Encyclopedia is the latest addition to DK's First Reference series, a collection of reference books for children to use at school or home. With spectacular close-up photography and full-color illustrations, children can set out on a journey of discovery and take a truly comprehensive look at the forces and elements that make up our amazing world.

Covering the essential curriculum areas of human geography, physical geography, geology, and ecology, First Earth Encyclopedia is a comprehensive introduction to the world around us. The engaging style of DK's First Reference series is applied to such topics as where and how people live, how to use maps, weather, world environments, and the changing climate — inspiring younger readers to think about their own place in the world. With superb artwork, straightforward text, buttons, and quizzes, First Earth Encyclopedia makes our world simple to understand.

With more than 4,000 entries, this updated edition of First Children's Dictionary is an ideal reference book for children five and older that will soon have kids expressing their thoughts in wonderful new ways.Designed with age-appropriate text and highly visual pages featuring more than 800 images, this dictionary is accessible and will not intimidate readers. Definitions are written in full sentences, helping children learn how to write correctly, and example sentences illustrate use and meaning. Opposites are included, themed feature pages highlight related words, and spelling and writing tips at the back of the book give children even further insight into the art of using words.More than just a dictionary, First Children's Dictionary is the perfect beginning reference book for kids.

A highly visual Spanish dictionary that uses hundreds of images to support Spanish-language learning for beginners.Featuring more than 2,000 common words in subject areas that are relevant to children, like school, friends, pets, and sports. Each word is accompanied by a photo, encouraging visual learning, and also the correct pronunciation, breaking the words down easily. At the back of the book there is an English A-Z and Spanish A-Z, providing multiple ways of exploring language and building vocabulary. This book is essential for parents and teachers who want to teach kids a second language.

A perfect first visual reference book for children ages 7–10 eager to learn about all things science, now revised and updated.Packed with amazing photography and fun facts, First Science Encyclopedia will take kids on a journey of discovery with its comprehensive look at the forces and elements that make up our amazing world.This visual reference covers many different subjects, from the human body and animals to space and matter. Kids can discover how a flower grows, what's in the air we breathe, and why what goes up must come down. Photos and illustrations bring science to life and quizzes make learning even more fun. A glossary at the back provides a quick reference of key science terms, from bacteria and genes to global warming and fossil fuels.First Science Encyclopedia is an ideal starting place for budding scientists.

Bringing the amazing world of words to children ages five and older.This photographic encyclopedia is packed with clear, well-researched information and quizzes for curious minds. around them, and an engaging way to encourage exploration and self-guided learning. With captivating full-color photographs and easy-to-read text, the book covers topics including history, geography, animals, plants, people, science, and space — and makes the perfect springboard for further investigation. Bite-sized key points, fact buttons, and quiz questions bring information to life. Also supports school curriculum with project ideas and games to boost learning and capture children''s imagination.