Books published by publisher Peachtree Publishing Company

A young girl eagerly identifies and counts the birds she observes around her town during the New England Christmas Bird Count.Young Ava and her mother prepare to participate as “citizen scientists” in the Christmas Bird Count. She is excited when Big Al, the leader of their team, asks her to record the tally this year. Using her most important tools―her eyes and ears―and the birding ID techniques she’s learned, Ava eagerly identifies and counts the birds they observe on their assigned route around the town. At the end of the day, they meet up with the other teams in the area for a Christmas Bird Count party, where they combine their totals and share stories about their observations.This informative story by author Susan Edwards Richmond, coupled with Stephanie Fizer Coleman’s charming depictions of birds in their winter habitats, is the perfect book to introduce young readers to birdwatching. The text offers simple explanations of the identification methods used by birdwatchers and clear descriptions of bird habitats, and a section in the back provides more information about the birds featured in the book and the Christmas Bird Count.

Jack has a sizzling fastball, but does he have what it takes to pitch his team to victory?Last season, Jack’s could always rely on his fast pitches to strike out his opponents. But now he’s playing in a new league where the distance to the catcher’s mitt is a lot greater, and he can’t get seem to get into the strike zone. Then Finn, a baseball coach at a local college, shows Jack some new pitches and tells him about Steve Dalkowski who never made it out of the minor leagues because he wouldn’t throw other pitches. At first Jack doesn’t listen to the coach’s advice, but with the season on the line, he realizes that Finn was right. Is it too late to change his game plan?Author Fred Bowen continues his Sports Story series with play-by-play action that’s sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats! An afterword provides the real stories of pitching phenomes Steve Dalkowski and Sandy Koufax and their Major League Baseball careers.

This stunning picture book offers a riveting account of African-American explorer Matthew Henson’s 1909 journey to the North Pole with Admiral Peary.Matthew Henson was born just after the Civil War, a time when slavery had been abolished, but few opportunities were available for black people. As a child, Henson exhibited a yearning for adventure, embarking at age thirteen on a five-year voyage sailing the seven seas. Henson’s greatest adventure began when Robert Peary invited him to join an expedition to the North Pole. After many storms, injuries, and unimaginable cold, on April 1, Peary, Henson, and four Inuit men began the final 133-mile push to the Pole.Award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson pays tribute to a great but under-recognized figure from America’s past in this remarkable story. Illustrator Stephen Alcorn’s large-format, stylized ink-and-watercolor illustrations capture all the action. Excerpts from Henson’s expedition diaries, a time line, and an epilogue place the story in its historical context.

The inspiring story of one of the greatest moments in civil rights history seen through the eyes of four young people at the center of the action.The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March was a turning point in American history. In the streets of Birmingham, Alabama, the fight for civil rights lay in the hands of children like Audrey Hendricks, Wash Booker, James Stewart, and Arnetta Streeter. We’ve Got a Job tells the little-known story of the 4,000 black elementary, middle, and high school students who voluntarily went to jail between May 2 and May 11, 1963. The children succeeded ―where adults had failed―in desegregating one of the most racially violent cities in America.By combining in-depth, one-on-one interviews and extensive research, author Cynthia Levinson recreates the events of the Birmingham Children’s March from a new and very personal perspective.

This beginner’s guide offers a first glimpse into the diverse and natural world of mammals.In this addition to the acclaimed About… series, educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what mammals are, what they eat, and where they live. With beautifully detailed, realistic paintings, noted wildlife illustrator John Sill introduces readers to the huge variety of mammals, from the tiny White-footed Deermouse to the large American Bison. An afterword provides details on the animals featured and inspires readers to learn more.

A moving story of the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the people of New Orleans, as seen through the eyes of a ten-year-old boyLouis Daniel hates it when Mama treats him like a baby. But when Hurricane Katrina blows through the Gulf Coast, Louis feels like a little kid again. With no time to gather their belongings―except Louis’s beloved horn―Daddy leads the family and into an unfamiliar, watery world of floating debris, lurking critters, and desperate neighbors. Taking shelter in the already-crowded Superdome, Louis and his parents wait…and wait. Conditions continue to worsen and when Daddy fails to return from a scouting mission within the Dome, Louis knows he’s no longer a baby. It’s up to him to find his father―with the help of his prized cornet.Myron Uhlberg highlights resilience and hope throughout this sensitively portrayed fictional story based on the real events of Hurricane Katrina. Colin Bootman’s illustrations enhance the warmth and strength of the young narrator’s family as they work through such a great tragedy.

Under the shadow of the white-capped mountains of Japan, a kind and gentle monk takes in a white cat with unusual markings and names him Tama, Lucky Cat.Tama watches as his new master teaches Buddha’s ways to poor farmers, caring for their welfare while ignoring his own empty stomach. Tama truly earns his nickname―“Lucky Cat,’ when during a powerful thunderstorm, he sees a towering warlord on a white horse. The cat beckons the warrior forward just as a large branch crashes to the ground and lands right where the warlord had previously stood. In gratitude to Tama, the warlord lavishes gifts on the monk’s poor temple.In a marriage of graceful text based on one of the legends of Maneki Neko―“beckoning cat,” in early Edo-period Japan―and breathtaking watercolor illustrations, debut author Wendy Henrichs and award-winning illustrator Yoshiko Jaeggi offer a beautiful story of friendship, generosity, and kindness.

This beginner’s guide explores the major attributes of Wetlands and showcases their remarkable diversity using examples from around the globe.In this addition to the About Habitats series, award-winning author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what the wetlands are, what kinds of animals and plants live there, and how wetlands help maintain the delicate balance of Earth’s environments. John Sill’s detailed, full-color illustrations reflect the diversity of wetlands topography―from salt marshes to tropical mangrove swamps. A glossary and afterword provide further fascinating details about the wetlands to inspire readers to learn more.

This beginner’s guide explores the major attributes of mountains and showcases their striking beauty and remarkable diversity using examples from around the globe.In this addition to the About Habitats series, award-winning author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what mountains are and what kinds of animals and plants live there. John Sill’s detailed, full-color illustrations reflect the diversity of mountain landscapes―from the snow-covered peaks of the Himalaya Mountains to the forested slopes of the Appalachians. A glossary and afterword provide further fascinating details about mountains to inspire readers to learn more.

This fact-filled, colorful book looks at the amazing world of birds.Stewart provides an intriguing look at birds, the ecosystems that support their survival, and the efforts of some people to save them. Glorious full-color illustrations vividly and accurately depict birds and their surroundings. A Place for Birds opens readers’ minds to a wide range of environmental issues and provides instruction on how to help protect birds in their communities.

Now available in revised and bilingual editions, this guide is a thoughtful first glimpse into the world of reptiles.About Reptiles explains the basic characteristics that all reptiles share, while offering a look at the animals that fall into this diverse category. An afterword provides further detail on the animals portrayed to inspire young readers to learn more.Former teacher Cathryn Sill and noted wildlife illustrator John Sill, use clear, informative text and detailed illustrations to explain reptiles and everything that makes them unique.

Ready to hit the basketball court?Check out this action-packed Sports Story Series book from Washington Post KidsPost columnist and author Fred Bowen – perfect for fans of Mike Lupica and Tim Green.“Briskly paced… a good bet for use with sports-minded reluctant readers.” ―School Library JournalRyan, Zeke, Eli, and Miles have always shared a love of sports, especially basketball. When it’s time for basketball team tryouts, these best friends practice together, compete in a local 3-on-3 tournament, and carefully compute their chances of making the team. However, when tryouts arrive, will all their athletic skills pass the test? Can their friendship survive if one of them doesn’t make the cut?Fred Bowen keeps readers on the edge of their seats with play-by-play basketball action and real court strategy along with a story about winning and losing as well as the value of practice and competition. In the sports history epilogue, Bowen reminds readers that even famous players like Michael Jordan didn’t make their high school basketball teams the first time around.Discussion Guide available.