Books published by publisher Raintree 2011

Could a walrus play the saxophone? Could an earwig crawl into your ear? Can cows forecast the weather? This book takes a fun look at animals by asking and answering a series of quirky yet thought-provoking questions such as these! Although primarily a recreational read, the book nevertheless contains a wealth of fascinating information and bizarre facts about animals that readers will be sure to find captivating.

'Ancient Treasures' examines the hunt for ancient treasure troves and hoards, whether they contain gold and jewels, or important artifacts that offer us a window on to the past. Part of the Treasure Hunters series, 'Ancient Treasures' offers a crosscurricular mix of science & technology and history, with a fun, dramatic approach. Treasures covered in the book include the Roman Hoxne Hoard, the Anglo-Saxon Staffordshire Hoard, the extraordinary discoveries of the Rosetta Stone and Dead Sea Scrolls, and the South American treasures of Lake Guatavita. The book also looks at the motives for these searches, and the importance of responsible archaeology: were the treasure hunters driven by personal greed or glory, or did they embark on their quest with a historical interest and a desire to preserve the lost treasures?

Could a robot make my dinner? Why do we need rockets to go into space? Why don't cranes fall over? This book takes a fun look at technology by asking and answering a series of quirky yet thought-provoking questions such as these! Although primarily a recreational read, the book nevertheless contains a wealth of fascinating information and bizarre facts about technology that readers will be sure to find captivating.

Fighting Crime reveals the stories, people, and equipment behind the world's most dramatic police raids. Stunning photographs capture the drama and excitement of the missions, while concluding chapters look at the essential skills required by police officers, how readers can pursue a career in the police force, and what they should do in the event of a real-life emergency.

'Tomb Explorers' examines the hunt for and discovery of ancient tombs, and the valuable treasures they hold, whether that be gold and jewels, or important artifacts that offer us a window on to the past. Part of the Treasure Hunters series, 'Tomb Explorers' offers a crosscurricular mix of science & technology and history & civilizations, with a fun, dramatic approach. Tombs covered in the book include that of Tutankhamun, the Sumerian royal tombs of Ur, the Terracotta Army of ancient China, and the Mayan tombs of Palanque in the Mexican Rainforest, and the Oseberg ship burial. The book also looks at the motives for these searches, and the importance of responsible archaeology: were the treasure hunters driven by personal greed or glory, or did they embark on their quest with a historical interest and a desire to preserve the lost treasures?

The Celts lived thousands of years ago, but their myths are filled with characters, creatures, and stories that have fascinated people ever since. This book mixes dramatic retellings and non-fiction information to give a full picture of Celtic myths, exploring the gods, goddesses, heroes, villains, tricksters, and quests that make Celtic myths and legends so compelling.

Who would win the Olympic gold medals if all the competitors were animals? Each book in the series covers a different type of Olympic sport, while each chapter looks at a different event. Primarily intended as high-interest reads, the books contain information relating to biology, and allow readers countless opportunities to compare and contrast. In addition, medal tables at the back of the books tally medals won by the different animal classifications, including mammals, reptiles and birds. This book looks at Strength and Endurance, pitting elephant against ant in weightlifting and kangaroo against hare in boxing.