Books published by publisher Checkerboard Books

This biography introduces readers to Paul O. Zelinsky, author and illustrator of the incredibly popular Wheels on the Bus and Rapunzel. Readers will learn about Zelinsky's childhood in Illinois and his current family life in Brooklyn, New York, his early interest in drawing, his experience living and learning in Italy, the classical inspiration for some of his picture books such as Rumpelstiltskin. Easy-to-read text and full-color photos highlight Zelinsky's childhood, family, education, life as an illustrator, and beloved works, including Swamp Angel and the recently re-released Knick-Knack Paddywhack. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.

These fun, fact-filled books are perfect for research projects by young readers. The history, geography, economy, and peoples of each state are covered thoroughly in each book. Fascinating details make them ideal for both reference and entertainment.-- Supports social studies curriculum-- Text is enhanced with maps and graphs-- Full-page timeline and fun facts sections reinforce text

This book introduces how different types of precipitation form and the dangers and benefits they provide. Readers will learn how fast-moving molecules escape bodies of water through evaporation, how air rises, how the dew point affects condensation and the formation of clouds, and how cloud droplets grow and become heavy enough to fall as precipitation. Other chapters highlight raindrop shapes, hailstorms and the layers that form when hail circulates in strong updrafts, the difference between sleet and freezing rain, and snowflake formation with a sidebar on snowflake shapes. Measuring precipitation using rain gauges and snow courses, how water moves across the earth from the ocean to clouds to the ground and back again, accompanied by a diagram of the hydrologic cycle, and precipitation extremes, including flash floods and droughts, are also discussed. Clear, helpful diagrams, full-color photographs, bold glossary words, and an index support this easy-to-read, engaging text.

Montana author Christopher Paolini experienced a sudden rise to fame due to his Inheritance Trilogy, which begins with Eragon and continues with Eldest. Full-color photos, a glossary of key terms, and an index enhance this biography, which introduces Paolini's childhood, family life, experience with homeschooling, and the influence of other fantasy authors, as well as the discovery and success that led to a movie version of Eragon and his plans for the future.

This biography introduces young readers to the life of English soldier, explorer, knight, and poet Sir Walter Raleigh. Through engaging text, readers learn about Raleigh's childhood, family life, and education. The book also explains that Raleigh was a favorite of England's Queen Elizabeth I and the legend that he once laid his cloak over a puddle so the queen wouldn't muddy her shoes. Readers discover that Raleigh established colonies in North America, searched for the fabled El Dorado in South America, fought the Spanish Armada, and was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Raleigh's career as a writer is also covered, as is his aid to English poet Edmund Spenser publish The Faerie Queene. Full-color photos, a detailed map, an index, a timeline, discussion questions, bold glossary terms, and phonetics accompany easy-to-read text.

Today's popular rising stars are profiled in this series, which features actors, singers, and even royalty. Each biography covers their accomplishments, personalities, and dreams for the future.-- Full of fun facts, revealing quotes, and personal anecdotes-- Up-to-date text and current, eye-catching photos-- Vital statistics, awards, and accomplishments are summarized for each celebrity