Books published by publisher Firefly%20Books

The quest for the land speed record in the 1960s and the epic rivalry between two dynamic American drivers, Art Arfons and Craig Breedlove. "Interesting and complex. . . .The best job I've seen done on the subject so far." -- Craig Breedlove Until the 1950s, the land speed record (LSR) was held by a series of European gentlemen racers such as British driver John Cobb, who hit 394 miles per hour in 1947. That record held for more than a decade, until the car culture swept the U.S. Hot-rodders and drag racers built and souped up racers using car engines, piston aircraft engines and, eventually, jet engines. For this determined and dedicated group, the LSR was no longer an honor to be held by rich aristocrats with industrial backing -- it was brought stateside. In the summer of 1960, the contest moved into overdrive, with eight men contending for the record on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. Some men died in horrific crashes, others prudently retired, and by mid-decade only two men were left driving: Art Arfons and Craig Breedlove. By 1965, Arfons and Breedlove had walked away from some of the most spectacular wipeouts in motor sport history and pushed the record up to 400, then 500, then 600 miles per hour. Speed Duel is the fast-paced history of their rivalry. Despite the abundant heart-stopping action, Speed Duel is foremost a human drama. Says author Samuel Hawley, "It is a quintessential American tale in the tradition of The Right Stuff, except that it is not about extraordinary men doing great things in a huge government program. It's about ordinary men doing extraordinary things in their back yards."

This thorough and witty culinary guide demystifies the kitchen and its contents for young adults and anyone who's found themselves in front of a full fridge exclaiming, "There's nothing to eat here!" With 200 easy-to-follow recipes, Evelyn Raab shows the culinary neophyte how to make all kinds of simple and scrumptious dishes for every meal and occasion. Revised for a new generation of students, this amusing cookbook focuses on creating whole, healthy foods using fresh ingredients. Recipes are coded with easy-to-understand icons and symbols that sort each dish into categories, such as vegetarian meals, cheap eats, couch potato, mom and family food, and cooking to impress. Clueless in the Kitchen includes informative and entertaining chapters on: The Kitchen -- a guide to alien territory Shopping -- you can't cook if you don't have it! Salads, soups and side things Meat dishes (beef, chicken and other critters) Vegetarian options Egg, fish and pasta entrees Baking and desserts Snacks and munchies. The book also features information and advice on meal planning, a glossary, a conversion chart and a handy index. Whether living on their own for the very first time or just on their own for dinner, Clueless in the Kitchen is the only guide novice cooks need to create an interesting, easy, delicious and nutritious meal.

"Who is William Shakespeare?" For more than 20 years, Lois Burdett has asked that question of her elementary school students in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, leading them on a voyage of discovery that brings the Bard to life for boys and girls ages seven and up. Twelfth Night for Kids, written in rhyming couplets is suitable for staging as class plays as well as reading aloud.

A beloved classic continues to reassure children. I Promise I'll Find You is a moving story that parents will love reading to and sharing with their children again and again. The fear of being separated from loved ones is a universal emotion. Consider a child who feels lost -- wandering away from home, becoming separated in a crowd, or feeling frightened in a new and strange place? I Promise I'll Find You is a perennial favorite of parents and children alike; it's like a comforting hug, a warm lap, a reassuring kiss, and the enveloping arms of a parent who pledges, no matter what happens: "I promise I'll find you." In eleven warm and simple verses, Heather Patricia Ward delivers a timeless message of reassurance. Sheila McGraw's imaginative illustrations show a devoted mother and an amusing dog as they search the world over for a lost child: at sea, in the city, over mountains, and even in outer space. Together, parents and children will enjoy the gentle language and the calm, reassuring pictures of this thoughtful and important book.

The quest for the land speed record in the 1960s and the epic rivalry between two dynamic American drivers, Art Arfons and Craig Breedlove. "Interesting and complex. . . .The best job I've seen done on the subject so far." -- Craig Breedlove Until the 1950s, the land speed record (LSR) was held by a series of European gentlemen racers such as British driver John Cobb, who hit 394 miles per hour in 1947. That record held for more than a decade, until the car culture swept the U.S. Hot-rodders and drag racers built and souped up racers using car engines, piston aircraft engines and, eventually, jet engines. For this determined and dedicated group, the LSR was no longer an honor to be held by rich aristocrats with industrial backing -- it was brought stateside. In the summer of 1960, the contest moved into overdrive, with eight men contending for the record on Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. Some men died in horrific crashes, others prudently retired, and by mid-decade only two men were left driving: Art Arfons and Craig Breedlove. By 1965, Arfons and Breedlove had walked away from some of the most spectacular wipeouts in motor sport history and pushed the record up to 400, then 500, then 600 miles per hour. Speed Duel is the fast-paced history of their rivalry. Despite the abundant heart-stopping action, Speed Duel is foremost a human drama. Says author Samuel Hawley, "It is a quintessential American tale in the tradition of The Right Stuff, except that it is not about extraordinary men doing great things in a huge government program. It's about ordinary men doing extraordinary things in their back yards."

A comprehensive introduction to their biology, natural history and classification. With flattened bodies, opposed feet, independently swiveling eyes, a prehensile tail, and the ability to change color to match their environment, chameleons are both fascinating and charismatic. Chameleons is the first popular authoritative guide to this extraordinary animal group. This fully illustrated book begins by exploring chameleon evolution and classification, describing how they fit into life's evolutionary tree and revealing their close relations. Covering all of the 192 species of chameleon, the book reveals: Species variation in size, shape, color and markings Why chameleons look like they do Reproduction and development Food and feeding Habitat and distribution Defense against predators Chameleons and humans, mythology, superstition Worldwide conservation efforts Keeping chameleons as pets, care and breeding in captivity. Drawing on their vast experience, the authors provide an illuminating insight into the lives of these unusual animals. As the first authoritative guide to chameleons written for the lay reader, this will be a popular choice for dedicated owners of pet chameleons.

"An excellent book in every way... Best of all, the book is accessible to early readers. Superb coverage of a popular sport." -- School Library Journal (starred review) This indispensable guide is simply the best book for beginners to the sport of artistic gymnastics. Illustrated with full-color photographs of gymnasts balancing, tumbling and jumping, The Gymnastics Book features skilled guidance from a medal-winning Ontario Sports Hall of Fame gymnast who is now a noted instructor. The topics covered in detail include: Finding a good gymnastics club Qualities to look for in a coach Warm-up and cool-down exercises Entering competitive gymnastics Managing victories and losses The importance of family and friends Nutrition and apparel Financial aspects A typical day of training for competition. This edition is updated for 2018 with new interviews and updated profiles on the most prominent star gymnasts of today and yesterday, including Simone Biles, Ellie Black, Ragan Smith, Kyle Shewfelt, Emily Boycott and many more. Anecdotes and advice from Olympic stars take beginners behind the scenes and offer a no-holds-barred account of life as a competitive gymnast. Updated profiles on the Olympic greats and gymnasts who have become well-known coaches, gym owners, and gymnastics judges show young gymnasts career pathways beyond the competition. The Gymnastics Book provides motivation and detailed instruction to young gymnastics students

The first three chapters in this book--Animal Dangers, Natural Dangers, and Human Hazards--describe what to do in a total of 24 specific emergencies. The fourth chapter, Basic Survival Skills, has 14 important tips on emergency preparedness and survival skills. Each crisis is summarized on a double-page spread with 1-2-3 what-to-do checklists, "Fast Facts", "Life Savers", "Did You Know", and "If You" sidebars, and margin notes. The book's eye-catching design features brilliant full-bleed color and dynamic action photographs. The life-threatening scenarios include: Animal Dangers What to do if you are bitten by a snake How to escape from a bear What to do if you are chased by bees Natural Dangers How to survive a hurricane How to avoid being struck by lightning What to do if you are caught in a food Human Hazards How to escape from water in a car How to escape from a burning building How to avoid being crushed in a crowd The Survival Skills include: Planning a trip Using a penknife Finding food Making a shelter Making a fire Tying knots. Children like to feel in control. Knowing what to do in the case of an emergency increases the chance of survival and it also reduces fear. Even if readers never venture beyond the front door, they will enjoy Ultimate Survival Guide for Kids.

A beautiful tribute to the charm and brilliance of our beloved best friend. Dogs are universally admired for their loyalty and intelligence. Dog lovers return that devotion and are forever curious to learn more and look at anything about their companion, especially gorgeous photographs. Good Dog! has all of that and more as it explores the charm and brilliance of our canine friends. While dogs were the first animal to be domesticated, its origins as a species remains a mystery beyond their ancestry from wild wolves. We also know the early human relationship was as hunting partner and protector. Fast forward to today and dogs are thoroughly domesticated and have taken their place by the hearth of millions of homes while keeping us safe and in many places still helping with the hunt and protecting livestock. For most of us, however, a dog is a loyal companion who returns our affection freely and forever. Good Dog! uncovers the secrets of 36 dog breeds and what makes each distinctive and irresistible. With 170 gorgeous photographs to admire and adore, including a double-page portrait of each breed, this collection is the perfect guide for dog lovers everywhere. Popular Pets: German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Bulldog, Beagle, Yorkshire Terrier, Poodle, Boxer Hounds and Hunting Dogs: Greyhound, Basset Hound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Jack Russell Pocket-sized Companions: Bichon Frise, Chihuahua, Papillon, Pomeranian, Pug, Lhasa Apso Farming Dogs: Border Collie, Komondor, Samoyed, Old English Sheepdog, Welsh Corgi Pets with a Purpose: Siberian Husky, Dalmatian, Schnauzer, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Rottweiler Unusual Breeds: Xoloitzcuintli, Afghan Hound, Shar-pei, Tibetan Mastiff, Chow Chow. Sure to delight dog lovers of all ages, Good Dog! is a beautiful and informative keepsake to peruse again and again.

A lavishly illustrated who's who of the prehistoric world. Firefly Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals is a stunning new reference to 350 of the most amazing animals ever to have roamed the Earth. More than 1,000 full-color commissioned artworks bring the prehistoric world to vivid life and make the book exciting to look at and read. The encyclopedia covers all of the dinosaurs plus the full scope of prehistoric animals, including birds, camels, fish, reptiles, porpoises, apes and many more. Timelines, family trees and hundreds of fact boxes throughout the book will engage and inform readers. Full-bleed illustrations on every page show the prehistoric world in exciting detail. Easy-to-read text presents accurate, succinct and essential information that includes: Classification of animal groups Vertebrate characteristics Common and species names Biology, anatomy, habitats and survival skills Features on animal behavior Accurate labeled illustrations and maps. This richly illustrated, authoritative reference will capture readers' imagination and provide hours of discovery. It is ideal for home and school where it will be especially useful for reports.

An interactive reader experience that poses the question: which machine will save the day? What child doesn't turn to see where a siren is coming from? Flashing lights and screaming sirens trigger excitement and anticipation but a serious situation calls for the right machine. Emergency Machines looks at a rescue crisis then provides information on the right machine to help, whether a fire engine, ambulance, helicopter, water-bombing plane or all-terrain vehicle. The book includes sections on a mountain rescue, water rescues, helping at a road accident and putting out an airplane fire. Each section begins with an emergency scene and asks "what sort of machine would you choose to come to the rescue?" A sidebar gives the reader different machine options and subsequent spreads take a detailed look at the amazing machines that are up to the challenge. Accessible text gives the key characteristics of the machines and colorful sidebar boxes give each machine's vital statistics. Value priced, colorful and informative, this is the perfect book for all young machine enthusiasts! Pack it up with Construction Machines (9780228101116) to make a great gift.

A beautifully rich and personal exploration of the plight of amphibians and the people working to save them. Moore's book proves him not just a fantastic photographer but an excellent reporter and compelling storyteller. Such a vital part of the natural world, amphibians are lucky to have this artist on their side. -- Jennifer S. Holland, NYT best-selling author of Unlikely Friendships and Unlikely Loves. Her latest book is Unlikely Heroes. A magnificent record of the global hunt for "lost" frog species. Dr. Robin Moore has a passion for frogs and a fascination with finding new and "lost" species. In 2010, he spearheaded the worldwide "Search for Lost Frogs" campaign, which coordinated the efforts of 33 teams of scientists in 19 countries on five continents in a quest to find 100 species of amphibian not seen in over a decade. In Search of Lost Frogs is a stunning record of Moore's journey and what he and his team did (or did not) find. The book is overflowing with exquisite close-up photographs by Moore that display the frogs' remarkable coloring and camouflage, and reveal their diminutive size -- many of the frogs are less than 5 cm long, if that. Moore's engaging text tells the story of the expedition, its highs and lows, discoveries and failures, and the campaign's ongoing work. The book's first half covers what frogs do for the health of the planet, the slippery slope of extinction, what is being done to monitor frog populations and find lost species, the Lazarus project (which aims to "revive" lost species) and the author's career-long resolve to find the Mesopotamia Beaked Toad. The second half of the book is about the searches. Moore describes the struggles, victories and dangers as well as the science. He takes readers along as his team trudge through rainforest, climb mountains and paddle rivers in search of the lost frogs, some not seen for more than a century. He tells a story of perseverance, disappointment, rediscovery, resilience, but ultimately of hope, written with passion and illustrated with superb photographs. And a surprise ending: they found 15 lost frogs. They include: In Ecuador, the Rio Pescado Stubfoot Toad, not seen since 1995 In Haiti, six rediscoveries, including the Ventriloquial Frog and Mozart's Frog, both lost for 20 years In India, the Dehradun Stream Frog, last seen (and only once) in 1985; the Elegant Tree Frog (1937); the Chalazodes Bubble Nest Frog (1874); the Anamalai Dot-Frog (1938) In Democratic Republic of Congo, the Omaniundu Reed Frog (1979) In Ivory Coast, the Mount Nimba Reed Frog (1967). Naturalists, lovers of all things frog, schools and interested general readers will enjoy the stunning photographs, the science and the adventurous stories of discovery.