Books published by publisher Mitten Press

A comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society throughout history, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel–driven civilization."I wait for new Smil books the way some people wait for the next 'Star Wars' movie. In his latest book, Energy and Civilization: A History, he goes deep and broad to explain how innovations in humans' ability to turn energy into heat, light, and motion have been a driving force behind our cultural and economic progress over the past 10,000 years.―Bill Gates, Gates Notes, Best Books of the YearEnergy is the only universal currency; it is necessary for getting anything done. The conversion of energy on Earth ranges from terra-forming forces of plate tectonics to cumulative erosive effects of raindrops. Life on Earth depends on the photosynthetic conversion of solar energy into plant biomass. Humans have come to rely on many more energy flows―ranging from fossil fuels to photovoltaic generation of electricity―for their civilized existence. In this monumental history, Vaclav Smil provides a comprehensive account of how energy has shaped society, from pre-agricultural foraging societies through today's fossil fuel–driven civilization. Humans are the only species that can systematically harness energies outside their bodies, using the power of their intellect and an enormous variety of artifacts―from the simplest tools to internal combustion engines and nuclear reactors. The epochal transition to fossil fuels affected everything: agriculture, industry, transportation, weapons, communication, economics, urbanization, quality of life, politics, and the environment. Smil describes humanity's energy eras in panoramic and interdisciplinary fashion, offering readers a magisterial overview. This book is an extensively updated and expanded version of Smil's Energy in World History (1994). Smil has incorporated an enormous amount of new material, reflecting the dramatic developments in energy studies over the last two decades and his own research over that time.

After traveling across his home state of Massachusetts (Book One) and Maine (Book Two), Nicholas learns that his cousin Francis has taken the precious copy of his family journal to New Hampshire. Nicholas knows that he must continue his journey to search for Francis and the journal, but how will one little mouse find them in the vast mountains of New Hampshire? Book Three in a four-book series about Nicholas’s adventures in the Northeast.

A top behavioral geneticist makes the case that DNA inherited from our parents at the moment of conception can predict our psychological strengths and weaknesses.In Blueprint, behavioral geneticist Robert Plomin describes how the DNA revolution has made DNA personal by giving us the power to predict our psychological strengths and weaknesses from birth. A century of genetic research shows that DNA differences inherited from our parents are the consistent lifelong sources of our psychological individuality―the blueprint that makes us who we are. Plomin reports that genetics explains more about the psychological differences among people than all other factors combined. Nature, not nurture, is what makes us who we are. Plomin explores the implications of these findings, drawing some provocative conclusions―among them that parenting styles don't really affect children's outcomes once genetics is taken into effect. This book offers readers a unique insider's view of the exciting synergies that came from combining genetics and psychology. The paperback edition has a new afterword by the author.

From Anglerfish to Zebra Lionfish, say hello to the most diverse delights in the deep blue sea!Toddlers will love learning their ABC’s with these weird and colorful undersea animals! Explore this silly underwater alphabet with kids of all ages!This creative alphabet picture book takes you deep under the ocean to your learn your ABC’s with a colourful collection of fascinating fish, impossible invertebrates and marvellous mammals. The playful illustrations and fun factoids are guaranteed to make kids of all ages more curious about the wonders of the ocean!Combines the excitement of exploration of The Octonauts with the colorful spirit of Eric CarleEncourages interest in scientific investigation, the study of marine life and the surprise of biodiversityA great addition to STEM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)Helps early reading comprehension, and features a full A-Z alphabet chartEvery page includes a sneaky sea creature to seek and find!Inspires creativity with lush, colourful illustrationsWhimsical trivia will have parents and kids alike excited to find out more about these deep sea marvelsFeatures animals living at sea level (Elephant Seal) all the way down to the very bottom of the ocean (Dumbo Octopus), and many more in-between (Red-Lipped Batfish, Thornback Cowfish and Immortal Jellyfish, among others)FREE Kindle e-book with each PaperbackOne of the best ABC books for children ages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and up.Ideal for jellyfish, octopus and shark fans everywhere, “A B Sea Creatures” makes a great gift for birthdays, Christmas or as a surprise for any little kid in your life.

To Nicholas, a small field mouse from Massachusetts, family is everything! A lovely leather journal chronicles all the important events of Nicholas’s family history. When it is destroyed in a flood, Nicholas sets off on a journey in search of his uncle and a copy of the precious journal. He crosses the state of Massachusetts in Book One and his adventures take him on to Maine (Book Two) following a cousin who has taken the copy of the journal with him when he traveled down east.Nicholas discovers just how large and diverse a state Maine is as he searches for his cousin Francis. Along the way, he’ll learn a great deal about the state—the animals that live there, the geography, industries, and even the state’s history. He’ll make many new friends and perhaps even bump into an old friend on his travels across the great state of Maine.Book Two in a four-book series about Nicholas’s adventures in the Northeast.

After traveling across his home state of Massachusetts (Book One), Maine (Book Two), and New Hampshire (Book Three), Nicholas and his friend Edward the chipmunk cross into Vermont, still in pursuit of the family journal. The two creatures make new friend and learn a great deal about the state of Vermont. But will Nicholas ever find the family treasure and return home? Book Four in a four-book series about Nicholas’s adventures in the Northeast.

One small bird is left behind to face the bitter winter alone. Freezing and hungry, the bird calls out to Santa for help. With a kind word the bird is invited to shelter itself in the cozy blanket of Santa’s beard. A warm friendship grows through the cold, cold winter. On Christmas morning, Santa himself receives one of the most wonderful gifts of all.The Bird in Santa’s Beard is a tale of compassion, kindness and cooperation. Santa and the bird overcome problems and solve one of the biggest mysteries of Christmas—why children see so many different Santas each year.In this new Christmas classic, Santa reminds us that a small friend in need can become a big friend, indeed!

After traveling across his home state of Massachusetts (Book One) and Maine (Book Two), Nicholas learns that his cousin Francis has taken the precious copy of his family journal to New Hampshire. Nicholas knows that he must continue his journey to search for Francis and the journal, but how will one little mouse find them in the vast mountains of New Hampshire?Book Three in a four-book series about Nicholas’s adventures in the Northeast.

“No English” is all that Blanca, the new girl from Argentina, says. She spends her time drawing pictures instead of doing class work and that hardly seems fair to second-grader Diane. One misunderstanding follows another until Diane begins to see how afraid Blanca must feel in their classroom. Their teacher, Mrs. Bertram, helps her class understand that “different” is just different, not strange or weird. She encourages them to learn about Blanca’s home country. Diane must make things right, but how will she do that when they don’t speak the same language?

To Nicholas, a small field mouse from Massachusetts, family is everything! A lovely leather journal chronicles all the important events of Nicholas’s family history. When it is destroyed in a flood, Nicholas sets off on a journey in search of his uncle and a copy of the precious journal. He crosses the state of Massachusetts in Book One and his adventures take him on to Maine (Book Two) following a cousin who has taken the copy of the journal with him when he traveled down east. Nicholas discovers just how large and diverse a state Maine is as he searches for his cousin Francis. Along the way, he’ll learn a great deal about the state—the animals that live there, the geography, industries, and even the state’s history. He’ll make many new friends and perhaps even bump into an old friend on his travels across the great state of Maine. Book Two in a four-book series about Nicholas’s adventures in the Northeast.