Books published by publisher Checkerboard Books

Through engaging text, readers learn about the human body's digestive system, which turns the foods you eat into substances your body can use. This book explains how food moves through the digestive system. Readers learn that chewing breaks food into small pieces and helps saliva reach all of the food. The tongue's duties, which are to mix the food with saliva, position the food within the mouth, form food pieces into a bolus, and finally push the bolus to the back of the mouth, are also discussed. Other topics discussed include the pharynx, or throat, the esophagus, the large intestine, and the small intestine, and the pancreas, which releases enzymes, such as amylase and maltase to break down carbohydrates, trypsin to break down proteins, and lipase to break down fats to break down food into its individual nutrients. Readers will learn how extra gas gets into the body, how it escapes, and how to prevent it. Digestive problems, such as indigestion, and ways to keep the digestive system working properly, including a healthy diet with plenty of fiber, are also highlighted. Full-color photos, detailed diagrams, medical models, phonetics, glossary, and index enhance the text.

This biography introduces readers to Pam Muñoz Ryan, the Pura Belpré medal winning American author of Esperanza Rising, Becoming Naomi León, and Paint the Wind. Readers will learn about Ryan's childhood in central California, the influence of her Mexican grandmother, and her commitment to telling the stories of strong female characters overcoming hardship. Easy-to-read text and full-color photos highlight Ryan's childhood, education, and early influences. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

This biography of children's author Margaret Wise Brown presents her childhood, education, career, world travels, and life in the United States. The book discusses her major works such as Goodnight Moon, The Runaway Bunny, and The Important Book, as well as other publications and her work as an educator. Full-color photos, a glossary, and an index supplement the text.

This book introduces young readers to the Abyssinian cat, the cat with the unique banded coat. In engaging, easy-to-read text readers examine the history, physical attributes, development, and behavior of the breed. Coat, color, size, and care instructions are also covered. Beautiful, full-color photos allow students to see the Abyssinian in a variety of situations. An index and glossary are also included. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

With the Cat series, readers will gain fascinating insight into the true nature of cats and their relationships with humans. The books explore their eating habits, growth patterns, communication, and care. Cats come to life through fun photos and informative text.-- Eye-catching, full-color photos-- Simple terms and large type ideal for the young reader-- Supports basic science curriculum for young students

This biography introduces readers to J.R.R Tolkien, the British author who wrote The Hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy which includes The Two Towers, The Fellowship of the Ring, and The Return of the King. Readers will learn about Tolkien's journey from his birthplace in South Africa to England, where he developed an interest in philology and ancient languages, and his career as a professor at Oxford University. Easy-to-read text and full-color and historic black and white photos highlight Tolkien's childhood, education, and early influences. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

This book introduces the U.S. Marine Corps, which is closely associated with the U.S. Navy. Historical information covers the Continental marines of the Revolutionary War, as well as vital Marine Corps participation in the Mexican War, World War I and the battle of Belleau Wood, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The book highlights key Marine Corps commanders such as two-time Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Major Daniel "Dan" Daly and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace. Other chapters introduce readers to the organization's hierarchy with a sidebar on officer and enlisted ranks, requirements for enlistment, weapons and combat training, the U.S. Naval Academy, officer training, and the training and job opportunities in the Naval ROTC and the Marine Corps Reserve. Other sections introduce the reader to the Marine Corps' unique role in military service abroad, as well as the aircraft and weapons they depend on, such as the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, the F/A-18 Hornet airplane, the AV-8B Harrier jet, amphibious assault vehicles, and other unique transport options, as well as the M16 rifle, the M9 Beretta pistol, grenade launchers, night vision goggles, and other advanced technology that helps the Marine Corps train for the future. Full-color photographs, sidebars, fun facts, a graphic timeline, a glossary, and an index accompany this easy-to-read text.

This book contains facts about collecting rocks that will inspire the reader to start his or her own collection. Readers will gain a working knowledge of this hobby which includes rock elements, like aluminum, iron, magnesium etc., how geologist classify rocks into igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic groups, the difference between minerals and rocks, the best places to find or buy rocks, how to break a geode, and how to organize, store and care for a rock collection. There is also a crafts section for the creative use of extra rocks. Full-color photographs, materials & techniques, tips & sidebar information, a glossary and an index are all included in this title.

This book examines the Schnoodle, a cross between a schnauzer and a poodle. The history, development, and behaviors of the Schnoodle's parent breeds are discussed. Genetics are introduced, as are inherited traits and their role in the possibility of illness in the dog and allergic reactions in people. The Schnoodle's coat, color, size, behavior, and care instructions are also highlighted with full-color photos and engaging, easy-to-read text. Includes an index and glossary.

The world's biggest spider is a bird-eater! This book introduces young readers to bird-eating spiders. Students will learn about the sizes, behaviors, habits, dietary needs, methods of defense, anatomy, and colors of different bird-eating spiders. Reproduction and spiderling development are also introduced. A diagram of a spider's body aids readers in identifying anatomical features. Threats to the spiders and their habitat including predators and humans are covered. Readers will also learn where the spiders build their unique homes. A distribution map shows where bird-eating spiders are found, so the young arachnologist can be on the lookout for a specimen to observe. Full-color photos allow close observation without travel or fear of a bite! Glossary words in bold, phonetic spellings, and an index supplement easy-to-read text. These books are ideal for research reports and general reading. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.