Books published by publisher Crabtree Publishing Company, 2006

A classroom favorite!An inspiring story of intergenerational friendship, activism, and how our actions can drastically impact our environment. “Harley’s appealing story shows readers that adults and children can connect in meaningful friendships, and reminds them that conservation can begin in their own backyards.” ―Kirkus ReviewsWhen his father takes a new job in Massachusetts, Ben Moroney must leave behind his best friend Tony, a western banded gecko named Lenny, and worst of all, the Arizona desert home he has loved and explored.Ben’s adjustment to his new environment is not going well until he unexpectedly finds a kindred spirit in his eccentric fifth-grade science teacher, Mrs. Tibbets. She introduces him to the rare and elusive Eastern spadefoot toads that make their home on her rural property. When Ben discovers that Mrs. Tibbets’s land may be sold to developers, he knows he has to do something. As Ben’s obsession with saving the spadefoot toads’ habitat grows, his schoolwork and his relationships with his family and new friends suffer. But just when it seems things can’t get any worse, Ben finds a way to meet his responsibilities to the people around him and demonstrates the importance of even the smallest efforts to save the earth’s rapidly disappearing habitats.A beloved exploration of important environmental themes, this appealing middle grade novel comes from renowned storyteller and two-time Grammy Award winner Bill Harley.Green Earth Book Award (Children’s Fiction) – Newton Marasco FoundationTeacher’s Guide available!

Bacteria are microscopic organisms with a cell structure that is very different from that of the other kingdoms. Traditionally classified according to their shape, scientists now use DNA studies to refine the groupings of bacteria. This book examines bacteria that are found in virtually every environmentincluding those that are characterized by extreme heat, cold, and depthand, of course, bacteria that are found inside our bodies. Intriguing information highlights the key role that bacteria play in shaping the ecology of our planet, how some bacteria make their own food while others feed on ready-made food, and how some do indeed cause disease, while most do not. Case studies examine the development of new vaccines against bacterial diseases and the use of bacteria to help fight pollution.

A 2020 Caldecott Honor Book "On reunion morning, we rise before the sun. Daddy hums as he packs our car with suitcases and a cooler full of snacks. He says there’s nothing like going down home.” Down home is Granny’s house. Down home is where Lil Alan and his parents and sister will join great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Down home is where Lil Alan will hear stories of the ancestors and visit the land that has meant so much to all of them. And down home is where all of the children will find their special way to pay tribute to family history. All the kids have to decide on what tribute to share, but what will Lil Alan do? In this rich and moving celebration of history, culture, and ritual, Kelly Starling Lyons' eloquent text explores the power of family traditions. Stunning illustrations by Coretta Scott King Honor-winner Daniel Minter reveal the motion and connections in a large, multigenerational family.

For all the little makers and inventors comes a STEAM-infused tale of determination, ingenuity, and friendship starring a feisty, diverse female engineer. “This story of a girl engineer is sorely needed and has potential to develop and nourish readers’ interest in STEAM subjects.” ―Kirkus ReviewsIzzy Gizmo’s inventions are marvelous, magnificent . . . and often malfunction. Despite the fact that she loves to invent, it never seems to work out in her favor. But when she finds a crow with a broken wing, she has to help! Izzy tries again and again to build a new pair of wings, but nothing is working. Can Izzy overcome her failures? Or is her friend destined to live as a crow who can’t fly?From author Pip Jones, this inspiring story of creativity and perseverance in the face of failure showcases a sweet friendship and is illustrated with bright, zany art from the acclaimed Sara Ogilvie.Also available: Izzy Gizmo and the Invention ConventionActivity Sheets and Teacher’s Guide available!Parents’ Choice Fun Stuff Award – Parents’ Choice Foundation

Lavishly illustrated with artwork and amazing photographs, Alphabasics are a combination of ABC books and picture dictionaries. Each book names an object for each letter and gives fascinating information on topics that are fresh and appealing to children.-- an entire page explores one subject and its related topics-- lavish illustrations and photographs help provide further information-- entertaining and informative factsLet's meet people who make our communities cleaner, safer, more pleasant places to live. Full-color photographs and illustrations with informative captions feature workers performing tasks related to their occupations putting their various roles into a context children will recognize. This alphabet book introduces young readers to a range of community helpers including: -- agricultural workers-- firefighters-- recycling workers-- veterinarians, and more!

This book is intended for ages 8-14. The Indus River Valley was once home to thriving communities of peoples who worked the land now known as Pakistan. Some of the world's oldest civilisations, including the Harappans and the Maurya and Gupta empires, grew in this fertile region. This beautiful new book, beautifully documents the lives of these remarkable people from long ago. The topics include: farming innovations that helped support larger populations; the arrival of Hinduism and Buddhism; daily life in a Harappan village; the development of the caste system; early language and writing; and the arrival of the White Huns.

Intended for ages 5-9, this book takes readers on an exciting underwater journey to one of the world's most fascinating habitats. Stunning photographs and detailed illustrations help show: the relationships between the plants, herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores that live in and around the reef; the dangers to these fragile habitats; why coral reefs are described as the rainforests of the sea.