Books published by publisher Silverleaf Press

Simple, step-by-step instructions and illustrations guide children through the 25 unique science experiments in this activity book that explains the basic principles of chemistry, biology, simple machinery, electricity, and magnetism. Experiments are conducted using a minimum of readily available equipment and include learning how to extract iron from a dollar bill, control the bubbles in a soda can, and make water disappear. This engaging introduction to the sciences provides kids with a fun way to explore the universe and spice up their indoor playground.

Tease kids' taste buds and tickle their imaginations with the 20 dreadfully wonderful recipes in this unique cookbook. Deceptively tasty confections, such as the Open Wound Cake and the Toenail Torte, are broken down into steps kids can do themselves and those grown-ups should supervise and each cake is rated on a one-to-five "worm scale" degrees of difficulty. These appalling concoctions are accompanied by full-color photographs and thorough instructions for creating a hideously delicious centerpiece for birthdays, holidays, school parties, and other occasions.

In this classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale that follows the tradition of “Hansel and Gretel” and “Snow White,” a young peasant boy is predestined to greatness—once he overcomes an outlandish decree from the king. Demanding that the boy pluck three golden hairs from the scalp of the devil in order to win the princess’s hand, the king dispatches him to the devil’s cottage in the woods. Along the way many helpers materialize, including the devil’s grandmother, helping the boy on his quest and reassuring readers that the peasant boy will prevail. Illustrations of the deep forest creep and crawl thrillingly—with hidden snakes and demons for children to identify—as the hero pushes on towards his encounter with the devil.

This charming retelling of a Japanese folktale couples stunning illustrations with a magical story of love, integrity, and self-sacrifice. The tale begins when a loving couple discovers a tiny baby girl in a thicket of bamboo stalks and takes her home to raise as their own. The Bamboo Princess, as she comes to be known, grows into womanhood while fending off suitors, caring for her new family, and ultimately fulfilling her destiny by returning to her true and rightful home—the moon. In the mold of traditional Japanese morality tales, this story reinforces values of bravery, hard work, and humility. A full explanation of the research and meticulous preparations behind the illustrator’s intricate artwork, which harkens back to time-honored Japanese block prints, is also included.

It's Brynne's birthday, but because it is June, Brynne is confused when her Grandma hands her a package decked in holiday bows. Out spills fabric of green and red—a birthday gift for her and a Christmas gift for a child in a far away land. Each day Brynne goes to Grandma's house to learn to quilt, and as they sew, Grandma tells Brynne of Christmases past, including the first when a baby was born in a lonely stable. But Brynne's parents have a Christmas surprise of their own—the quilt she is making is for her new baby brother!

Ten-year-old Nicholas Turner and his kid sister Sarah sniff out local crimes, mysteries, and unexplained events in this collection of mini-mysteries. As the kids follow their nosy bassett hound, Gator, around town, they find themselves investigating enigmas such as the disappearance of a Komodo dragon from the zoo, a forged painting at the museum where their Dad works, street signs that disappear from downtown, and a seemingly possessed computer. Each of the 20 four-page whodunits include solutions located in the back of the book.

The fictional story of Josephine Baker's childhood, this picture book showcases the dreams and the performances of this figure of the American civil rights movement. Born poor in money but rich in talent, Josephine Baker sang, danced, crossed her eyes, knocked her knees, and made crazy, funny faces—eventually stealing the show. She discovered it was hard for a black performer to see her name in lights in America in the 1920s, so she packed her bags and went to France, where she later joined the French underground during World War II. After her return to America, she joined Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., speaking at the March on Washington—the only woman to do so. With lively illustrations, this book blends history and fiction, capturing this important figure's ambitions and dreams.

From rebel uniforms to Yankee jargon, these interactive educational tools cover all the details that kids need to authentically portray a Civil War soldier for either the Confederacy or the Union. The more than 25 activities include a myriad of Civil War topics, including the battle names used by the Southern states, the famous army and government leaders of both the Confederacy and the Union, and the proper dress and symbols associated with both sides. Fun, hands-on activities are also presented for kids' educational entertainment, from baking army victuals and learning how to load a musket to creating their very own Civil War–era currency.

From rebel uniforms to Yankee jargon, these interactive educational tools cover all the details that kids need to authentically portray a Civil War soldier for either the Confederacy or the Union. The more than 25 activities include a myriad of Civil War topics, including the battle names used by the Southern states, the famous army and government leaders of both the Confederacy and the Union, and the proper dress and symbols associated with both sides. Fun, hands-on activities are also presented for kids' educational entertainment, from baking army victuals and learning how to load a musket to creating their very own Civil War–era currency.

It's Brynne's birthday, but because it is June, Brynne is confused when her Grandma hands her a package decked in holiday bows. Out spills fabric of green and red—a birthday gift for her and a Christmas gift for a child in a far away land. Each day Brynne goes to Grandma's house to learn to quilt, and as they sew, Grandma tells Brynne of Christmases past, including the first when a baby was born in a lonely stable. But Brynne's parents have a Christmas surprise of their own—the quilt she is making is for her new baby brother!

From buzzing bees to morning toast, this enlightening resource invites children to discover how the honey they love to eat is made. Both the historical and the modern processes of producing this commonplace condiment are explained through simple lessons in biology, chemistry, and agricultural science. Interesting facts about nutrition, bees, and the everyday uses of honey are also provided, along with several fun recipes for kids to prepare.