Books in The Fascinating World Of... Series series

Perceived for too long as predatory killers, crocodilians face their gravest danger--extinction--with little human help and sympathy. As this volume proves, alligators and crocodiles can be extremely fascinating. Examine this creature's anatomy to see why it makes such a fine hunter: its almost fully submerged body remains nearly invisible, its slit eyes help it see in the dark and judge distance precisely, and its tough skin protects it against the salt water. Many societies viewed crocodiles with awe because of their power and size, and even made them a part of their folklore and religion. Information on origins, evolution and distribution, courtship, reproduction, and many individual species paint a thorough portrait. Maps of their habitats, disappearing swiftly because of environmental damage, trace their presence worldwide, and excellent color photos bring these sometimes scary reptiles up close and personal. Blandford 192 pages, 40 color illus., 80 b/w illus., 6 x 9.

Celebrate and explore the diversity of Native American cultures in this superbly illustrated gift book.The North America ‘discovered’ by Christopher Columbus in 1492 was actually home to millions of people across the continent. Through lively, informative text and detailed reconstructions, find out how these different peoples adapted to their individual surroundings – how the Plains Indians depended on the great buffalo for food and raw materials, which tribes lived in dome-shaped wigwams and which tribes wore snowshoes in the winter.Complete with detailed maps, glossary, index, and a suggested reading section, this book is the perfect introduction to the fascinating and diverse cultures of the native Americans.

Waiting for Sinterklaas: A Family in the Netherlands is a nonfiction book describing one day in the life of a family in The Hague, Netherlands. Through the eyes of the Oltheten-Pelder family (including Father, Mother, two brothers, and a sister) we learn about environmental issues, life in a large European city, family relations, cultural customs of the family, and many other aspects of life in the Netherlands. The book also includes maps, geographical information, and cultural and social facts. Written for children in grades 4 to 6. Both readers and non-readers of all ages will also find the book interesting and informative.

Letters From Ritang: A Family in Kiribati is a nonfiction book describing one day in the life of a family in Utiroa, Kiribati. Through the eyes of Ritang Aram’s family (including her parents, two younger brothers, and a younger sister) we learn about life on a Pacific island, family relations, cultural customs of the family, and many other aspects of life in Kiribati. The book also includes maps, geographical information, and cultural and social facts. Written for children in grades 4 to 6. Both readers and non-readers of all ages will also find the book interesting and informative.

Living With Aunt Sasa'e: A Family in Western Samoa is a nonfiction book describing one day in the life of a family in Malaemalu, Western Samoa. Through the eyes of Sesilia Lemusa we learn of village customs, agrarian life, family relations (including her large extended family), and many other aspects of life in Western Samoa. The book also includes maps, geographical information, and cultural and social facts. Written for children in grades 4 to 6. Both readers and non-readers of all ages will also find the book interesting and informative.

Kirsten’s Photo Essay: A Family in Germany is a nonfiction book describing one day in the life of a family in Bischofsheim, Germany. Through the eyes of Kirsten Schmidt we learn about her family (including her parents and sister), the city where she lives, the school she attends, social and cultural customs of the family, and many other aspects of life in Germany. The book also includes maps, geographical information, and cultural and social facts. Written for children in grades 4 to 6. Both readers and non-readers of all ages will also find the book interesting and informative.

They make up three-quarters of the world's living creature, and that's counting only the 800,000 types we know. Though many people feel we're already too well acquainted with insects, by pollinating plants, producing honey and silk, and acting as monitors of pollution they're beneficial to us. Here you'll encounter -- from a safe distance! -- armies of ants, magnificently hued butterflies, shining silverfish, colorful tree-hanging moths, fierce yellow assassin bugs, blue weevils, and many more in this thriving world.