Books published by publisher First Avenue Editions TM

The four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—face good times and bad while growing up in a small New England town. Their father is away, serving as a chaplain for the Union in the Civil War, and the family has fallen on hard times financially. Yet their wise and patient mother, Marmee, guides them through every twist and turn. The girls play games, make friends, have adventures, learn from disappointments, fall in love, and strive to follow their dreams as they grow into young women. This unabridged version of Louisa Mae Alcott's well-loved American novel is taken from the 1880 copyright edition, which features original illustrations by Frank T. Merrill.

Why does a volcano erupt? How many different kinds of volcanoes are there? Once believed to be the work of a fire god named Vulcan, volcanoes have long fascinated people. Looking at three different types of volcanoes―composite, cinder cone, and shield―uncover how and why these magnificent and deadly mountains change the earth for the better, and for the worse.

One hundred bolts of lightning strike the earth every second. Each bolt has two or more electrical flashes moving quicker than the eye can see. In Lightning, find out about the powerful forces inside a thundercloud, how lightning forms, and what happens when it strikes. You'll see amazing close-up photographs of lightning, and you'll learn some handy safety tips for the next time a storm comes up. Science writer Stephen Kramer and award-winning photographer Warren Faidley present an engaging text and dramatic photographs for a fascinating look at the natural phenomenon of lightning.

The day is hot and muggy, but cool weather is moving in. All at once, there's a thunderous rumble that sounds like an approaching freight train. The sky darkens and the wind picks up. A spinning cloud touches the ground, tossing roofs, cars, and trees skyward. A tornado is on the move. In Tornado, learn about what causes dangerous swirling storms--from water spouts to violent "twisters." Amazing photographs and a clearly written text explain what happens inside the storm clouds and give you tips about how to stay safe--even if you live in "Tornado Alley."

The sky god Nyame owns all the stories in the world. He keeps them to himself in a box in his kingdom in the clouds. But Anansi thinks the stories should be shared by all creatures. So one day he strikes a bargain with the sky god. If Anansi can trick some of the earth’s fiercest and quickest creatures, Nyame will share his stories. Learn how Anansi wins the box of stories in this ancient tale from West Africa.