Books published by publisher Owlkids

It has taken billions of years for Earth to become the planet it is today. When Planet Earth Was New looks back to the very beginning, using a poetic approach grounded in scientific fact to give an overview of how the planet has changed over time: from hot lava to the formation of oceans to the evolution of living things in water and on land. The book also includes the relatively recent evolution of humans ― who are just a tiny speck in the sweep of Earth’s history. This broad look at the Earth is designed to inspire awe and inquiry. With STEM connections to biology, geology, evolution, and more, it is a springboard for discovery, discussion, and research. A striking design with full-spread, digitally enhanced watercolor art gives the book a rich, atmospheric feel. Back matter includes informational notes about each spread, as well as sources, an author’s note, and a glossary.

From the first Stone Age "immigrants" to more recent arrivals, people have been coming to Canada for millennia by every means possible — foot, boat, car, train, and airplane. This lavishly illustrated and richly detailed look at the fascinating history of multiculturalism in Canada collects the compelling stories of these pioneers. In the spirited and always thorough text that her readers have come to expect, Susan Hughes tells Canada’s special story by focusing on the country’s major ethnic groups and waves of immigration. Interspersed throughout the chronologically arranged stories are "spotlight" spreads that explore special historical events, neighborhoods, and individuals. A wealth of compelling archival photographs, artwork, rare memorabilia, documents, posters, tickets, craftwork, recipes, tools, clothing, and toys show how diverse groups helped shape a people and a country.

For more than 100 years, Over in the Meadow — a traditional southern Appalachian counting rhyme — has been a joyous introduction for young children to counting, rhyming, and nature. In this lyrical book, readers will meet ten different meadow-dwelling mother animals and their babies, brought to life by Jan Thornhill in an ingenious way. Thornhill uses everyday objects to construct this imaginary meadow: a beaver's dam is built of pretzels, a dragonfly flits with paperclip wings, and fish shimmer with coins for scales. Children will enjoy identifying these familiar objects — a "Where is It?" guide is included at the back of the book — as much as they will enjoy the sing-song cadence of this rhyme. Plus, hand-drawn text incorporates rebus elements to help even the youngest readers follow along.

On a camping trip with the Junior Rangers, Jay feels like the odd one out. He’s determined to get a photo of Bigfoot―but none of his friends believe Bigfoot exists. But if there’s no such thing as Bigfoot, why is there a giant footprint? And who is stealing all the snacks? Meanwhile, Sass the Sasquatch and her curious forest friends are playing practical jokes on the campers. On the last day of camp, disaster strikes when Jay falls into a rushing river. Sass comes out of the woodwork―despite her parents’ warnings to stay away from humans!―just in time to save his life. Soon after, Jay and Sass become fast friends, proving that nothing is impossible when it comes to friendship. Told in ten short chapters, this is an accessible book with an action-packed story line perfect for building early literacy skills, with sequential illustrations that provide contextual clues to the text.

The environment is an essential but sometimes tough and weighty concept to grasp. This engaging nonfiction book takes readers back to the basics, offering an accessible overview of what makes up our environment, how those parts work, and why they matter. Divided into five sections―water, air, soil, energy, and climate―the book uses facts, figures, and simple language to give an overarching survey of our environment. Questions run throughout the text, creating a spirit of inquiry. Where does the water we use every day come from? What is the atmosphere? How does pollution affect soil? What is renewable energy? What influences climate? And how do we protect our planet for the future?With an appealing design and simple drawings and diagrams to support comprehension, this book takes a positive spin on the environment, reinforcing the importance of taking care of each element. Informational text features include a table of contents, sidebars, diagrams, and glossary.

We live in a time of heightened environmental awareness, and this knowledge is creating a generation of children with feelings of eco-anxiety — the world is doomed, isn't it? Maybe not. Not Your Typical Book about the Environment allays kids’ fears by showing how all is not lost. Young readers learn about the remarkable time they live in: smart technologies, innovative ideas, and a growing commitment to alternative lifestyles are exploding around the world. Awareness is creating a future that will be brighter than we sometimes might think. Each chapter begins by taking familiar objects — T-shirts, video games, bikes — and using these as launching pads to delve into related environmental issues. Plus, profiles of unexpected personalities, like happiness researcher Catherine O'Brien, show how many are seeking viable solutions to the serious problems facing our planet.

Clarence Brazier kept a big secret for nearly one hundred years: he didn’t know how to read. This picture book tells the true story of his journey to learn―and then love―to read. As a young boy, Clarence cut class and took over the farm work when his father was blinded in an accident. Clarence worked as a logger, maintained his own successful farm, and became a father and a grandfather. All the while, he never learned to read. His wife was the only one who knew his secret. When she passed away, Clarence taught himself to read using junk mail. He was almost one hundred years old! Eventually, Clarence confessed to his daughter, a teacher, who helped him learn more. He went on to love reading and became a passionate literacy advocate until he died at age 105. This inspirational and empowering story highlights Clarence’s resourcefulness and the power of literacy. It illustrates the use of growth mindset to achieve difficult goals, and shows it’s never too late to learn a new skill.

Around the world, baby animals eat to grow big and strong. Whether it’s bear cubs snacking on clams, giraffes munching on leaves, or chimpanzee babies drinking milk from their moms, baby animals eating are not only adorable―they can teach us about animal behavior, too. The third book in the Baby Animals series, Baby Animals Eating showcases more than 10 species from around the world eating different things. Stunning, intimate, full-color photographs by Suzi Eszterhas are each paired with a short sentence highlighting information about the animal. Designed both to be read aloud and for young children to explore independently, this book will encourage readers to make connections between themselves and the animals. Back matter gives further information about Suzi Eszterhas and some behind-the-scenes detail.

1968 was a year of unrest: many nations were at war. People marched for peace, fairness, and freedom. At the same time, the Apollo 8 crew was about to go farther into space than anyone had gone before―to the moon. As they surveyed the moon’s surface, astronauts aboard Apollo 8 looked up just when Earth was rising out of the darkness of space. They saw the whole planet―no countries, no borders. The photograph they took, Earthrise, had a profound effect when published widely back on Earth, galvanizing the environmental movement, changing the way people saw our single, fragile home planet, and sparking hope during a year of unrest. This important and timely picture book is publishing to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 8 mission, telling the story behind the photograph, both inside the spaceship and back on Earth. Text includes dialogue pulled from NASA’s Apollo 8 transcript, drawing readers into the iconic moment Earth was photographed from space. An author’s note at the end explains more about the photograph, the Apollo 8 mission, and how Earthrise went on to inspire Earth Day.

Humans are eating more meat than ever before. At the same time, vegetarianism is capturing more widespread attention. From Meatless Mondays to vegan options, people are talking more about meat and whether or not to eat it. Journalist Sarah Elton tackles the topic by explaining what vegetarianism is, why people choose it, and how their reasons―including religion, animal rights, food security, and the environmental cost of eating meat―have changed over time. The book closes with practical tips for making the switch, and perspectives from vegetarian kids. As a conflicted meat eater herself, Elton encourages freedom to choose. Lively illustrations, sidebars, and sources, plus a glossary, index, and further reading suggestions make this a friendly, comprehensive introduction to why some people eat meat, why others don't, and what kids might consider when making that choice for themselves. LEVELINGGrade Range: 4–8Fountas & Pinnell: TLexile: 1020LCOMMON COREW.5.1,2,4,6,7,8,9,9b,10SL.5.1,1a,1c,1d,2,3,4,5,5RF.5.3,3a,4,4a,4cL.5.3,4,4a,4b,4c,5,5a,6RI.5.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,9,10

In a story set deep in the wild winter wood, two hungry ravens fly in search of their next meal. A pack of wolves is on the hunt, too. Food is scarce, but, if they team up, the ravens and wolves just might be able to help each other.The ravens follow a pack of starving wolves on the hunt. The wolves come up empty handed – and even lose one of their own in the chase – but the ravens have better luck. The wolves hear the ravens cawing and investigate only to find an injured deer, the perfect meal! The wolves make the kill; the opportunistic ravens benefit, feasting alongside and after the wolves.The Wolf-Birds takes an honest, unflinching view of survival in the wild, highlighting the fact that one animal’s life helps many others live. Based on scientific data and anecdotal reports from Aboriginal hunters, the book explores the fascinating symbiotic relationship shared by wolves and ravens. Because ravens follow and scavenge food from wolves — which scientists believe hints at an ecological relationship thousands of years old — ravens have been dubbed “wolf-birds.” An informational author’s note at the back of the book explains more about