Books in Blastoff Readers, Level 1: Community Helpers series

Toads are masters of self-defense. When they face predators, they have several survival strategies. They can ooze poison, puff up their bodies, or play dead! This book introduces young readers to toads creatures with warty skin, long, sticky tongues, and a unique life cycle.

"Developed by literacy experts for students in kindergarten through grade three, this book introduces leopards to young readers through leveled text and related photos"--Provided by publisher.

Diggers come in all sizes and can dig very deep holes. The biggest digger weighs more than one million pounds! Find out how the different parts of this machine work together to dig into the ground.

Gophers are known for their puffy faces. They often stuff food into their cheek pouches and carry it back to their burrows. Young children will enjoy learning how gophers gather food and dig vast underground tunnels.

Wool keeps sheep warm on cool days. On winter days, wool sweaters keep people warm. Beginning readers will learn how a flock of wooly sheep lives.

Did you know that some big trucks have 18 wheels? All different kinds of trucks travel the roads daily. Young readers will learn about pickup trucks, big rigs, and monster trucks in this simple introduction.

Cats make excellent farm hands. They are successful hunters always on the lookout for mice. Beginning readers will learn about the features and behaviors of farm cats.

A flying V never fails to draw attention, but the geese on display aren t forming letters for our benefit. Indeed, the shape gets a flock from point A to point B in the most energy-efficient way. In this book, beginning readers will learn about the many habits of geese.

Blending in with their surroundings, praying mantises easily grab prey with their spiny front legs. These insects enjoy munching on grasshoppers, spiders, and even small birds and lizards! With a triangular head that can turn 180 degrees and long legs that look like theyre praying, these insects are sure to attract curious kids.

Ducks lead semi-aquatic lives. They spend a lot of time in water, paddling with their webbed feet or dipping their heads below for food. Presenting basic information about ducks, this title is sure to make a splash with young readers!

Why do police cars patrol the streets? Police cars help police officers fight crime and stop people from driving dangerously. Get a look into these cars and the equipment police use inside them.

Rising high into the sky, cranes are the tallest machines on a construction site. They lift and move equipment from one part of the site to another. This book explains how these tall machines help build bridges, skyscrapers, and other structures.