Books in Books for young explorers series

Which state flag was designed by a thirteen-year-old?Which state lets you keep any gems you find while mining at the Crater of Diamonds State Park?And which state is home to the second most-visited house in America?Journey across the country with the Smithsonian and learn all about what makes our nation so great with Smithsonian Young Explorers: 50 States. This alphabetically arranged compendium of state trivia contains information on state birds, animals, and flowers, famous state residents, and a gaggle of fun facts. Once kids 6 and up have become experts on Alabama through Wyoming, they can have more fun assembling the included 130-piece puzzle of the United States. The adorably illustrated puzzle and map gives kids extra opportunities to learn about the 50 states and basic geography. And once kids are ready to see the states themselves, the book, puzzle, and map all tuck neatly into a snap-shut suitcase, ready to hit the road.(Answers: Alaska’s, Arkansas, and Tennessee, home of Elvis Presley!)

Can Carlene really be remembering things from a past life?Strange, fragmented memories have been haunting Carlene since she and her mother came to Lake Isadora. The vivid recollections don't seem to relate to anything in Carlene's own past. Until now, she hadn't even seen the place where Keith, the brother she never knew, disappeared during a storm fifteen years ago. Some think he drowned, but his mother thinks he was kidnapped and is still alive somewhere. She is sure the little boy's clothes that have just been found near the lake belonged to her son. Carlene knows that her bizarre memories have something to do with Keith. They might even help her discover the truth about what happened the day he disappeared. But she can't possibly be remembering things that happened before she was born-unless the memories are from a past life.

A reassuring look at the cycles of life."When I found a dead ladybug one day, my sister, Wilma, buried it for me. She painted a rock to use as a tombstone."It doesn't take much to start a bug cemetery-a dead ladybug or inchworm, a pitcher of lemonade, and a few tears for a show of proper respect. But when a beloved pet suddenly dies, funerals are no longer any fun. A bug is one thing, but how do you mourn a special friend?With warmth and sensitivity, this subtle picture book explores the difficult emotions associated with losing a loved one.

Witness loving, working hands in action in this vivid portrait of life in a Maya village."Grandmother Apolonia has gone to market for the day to weave and sell her baskets."Experience a day in the life of a Maya village. The wisdom of the phrase "Many hands make light work" comes across in vivid detail as the community prepares a warm meal, weaves clothing, constructs roofs, and creates art and music. Best of all-in the morning or at the end of the busy day, a pair of strong, gentle hands never seems hard to find.With its lyrical prose and richly textured photographs, this engaging picture book captures the hard work, love, and respect of the Maya culture.The proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to a high-school scholarship fund for the children of Maya Centre.

Busy machines for busy kids!"Diggers are good at dig, dig, digging,scooping up the earth and lifting and tipping.They make huge holes with their dig, dig, digging.They can work all day."Trucks and tractors, fire engines and helicopters-they all like to work hard. But after a long, happy day of beep-beeping and vroom-vrooming, even the busiest engines need to rest. This bright, bouncy, noise-filled book brings together all the vehicles that children adore.