Books in Biomes of the World series

Through the voice of a young girl, the life of the people known as Irish Travelers is explored. Megan spends her summers traveling around the Irish countryside with her family. They move from place to place, hauling their camper behind their old car. But they aren't on vacation. This is their way of life. Megan and her family are Travelers. As part of their summer life, Megan's father works odd jobs, from fieldwork to roofing houses. Despite the rough living, Megan loves her life and the freedom that comes from traveling the open road. But at summer's end, when there's no more work to be had, the family moves to the city of Dublin. The camper is parked and they move into a cramped house. Megan and her siblings attend the local school as their parents struggle to make ends meet. And as the seasons pass, Megan counts down the days until she can return to her summer life. Gloria Whelan's other books in the Tales of the World series are Waiting for the Owl's Call, Yuki and the One Thousand Carriers (2008 Society of Illustrators Gold Medal winner), and Yatandou (a Junior Library Guild selection). Ms. Whelan lives in Michigan. Beth Peck earned a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and has illustrated many books for children, including A Christmas Memory, Just Like Josh Gibson, and Music for the End of Time. Ms. Peck lives in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

The Biomes of the World series is an introduction to the ecosystems, or ecological communities, that make up the Earth. Each book in this eight-volume series presents clear, scientific information about one specific biome. Each book explores what makes up a particular ecosystem, where in the world the biome is found, and what kinds of living organisms are supported by it. For example, in the Temperate Forests readers can discover the variety of wildlife that lives in this unique environment, as well as explore the natural balance of the temperate forest ecosystem and examine the impact of humans on that system.While these books are scientific in nature, they also include ecological issues that are of particular interest to children and are frequently in the news. In this way, Biomes gives readers an in-depth scientific perspective of a given ecological community and a basis of knowledge that allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the ecological issues that affect the health of our planet.Colorful photographs, maps and ecological diagrams stimulate readers' interest and enhance their understanding.

The Biomes of the World series is an introduction to the ecosystems, or ecological communities, that make up the Earth. Each book in this eight-volume series presents clear, scientific information about one specific biome. Each book explores what makes up a particular ecosystem, where in the world the biome is found, and what kinds of living organisms are supported by it. For example, in the Temperate Forests readers can discover the variety of wildlife that lives in this unique environment, as well as explore the natural balance of the temperate forest ecosystem and examine the impact of humans on that system.While these books are scientific in nature, they also include ecological issues that are of particular interest to children and are frequently in the news. In this way, Biomes gives readers an in-depth scientific perspective of a given ecological community and a basis of knowledge that allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the ecological issues that affect the health of our planet.Colorful photographs, maps and ecological diagrams stimulate readers' interest and enhance their understanding.

In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Japanese provincial governors had to travel between the cities of Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). This 300+ mile journey on the historic Tokaido Road required the presence of one to three thousand attendants (carriers). Yuki's father has been called to Edo and she, along with her mother and pet dog, must accompany him in this royal procession. Yuki does not want to go. She will miss her home and her teacher. But she must not be disrespectful so Yuki captures her thoughts in haiku, a Japanese form of poetry. Once outside the gate How will I find my way back? Will home disappear? Inspired by the woodcuts of Japanese printmaker, Hiroshige, award-winning author Gloria Whelan brings a cultural event to life through the observant eyes and thoughtful verses of a young Japanese girl. Gloria Whelan's many award-winning books include Homeless Bird for which she received the National Book Award. Her work with Sleeping Bear Press includes Yatandou and Mackinac Bridge: The Five-Mile Poem (a 2007 Michigan Notable Book). Ms. Whelan lives in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. Yan Nascimbene studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York and at the University of California at Davis. His work has appeared in numerous publications including TIME. He has illustrated over 50 books, including Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog. Yan twice received the Society of Illustrators' Silver Medal and many other awards. He lives in Provence, in the village of Cotignac.

The Biomes of the World series is an introduction to the ecosystems, or ecological communities, that make up the Earth. Each book in this eight-volume series presents clear, scientific information about one specific biome. Each book explores what makes up a particular ecosystem, where in the world the biome is found, and what kinds of living organisms are supported by it. For example, in the Temperate Forests readers can discover the variety of wildlife that lives in this unique environment, as well as explore the natural balance of the temperate forest ecosystem and examine the impact of humans on that system.While these books are scientific in nature, they also include ecological issues that are of particular interest to children and are frequently in the news. In this way, Biomes gives readers an in-depth scientific perspective of a given ecological community and a basis of knowledge that allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the ecological issues that affect the health of our planet.Colorful photographs, maps and ecological diagrams stimulate readers' interest and enhance their understanding.

Eduardo and his family live in a small town in Ecuador, not far from the Amazon rainforest. The rainforest is an important part of their lives. Each month Eduardo and his father travel by river from their town to the rainforest. There, using just a basket and a machete, they gather Brazil nuts. They are castañeros and this is how they earn their living. But the rainforest is not only important to the castañeros; it is home to many exotic species of plants, birds, and mammals, including two playful tamarins that Eduardo has named Tuki and Moka. So although it is difficult work being a castañero, Eduardo looks forward to his visits to the rainforest so he can play with his two friends. But one night, the peace of the forest is threatened by poachers, animal traffickers who illegally capture and then try to sell some of the birds and animals. Can Eduardo save his friends?

La Bonne Vache (The Good Cow) is a little restaurant in the south of France. It takes its name from and is famous for its boeuf à la mode, a delicious beef stew. Ten-year-old Pierre longs to follow in the culinary footsteps of his father, Monsieur Valcourt. Monsieur Valcourt is the chef and owner of La Bonne Vache. Pierre spends as much time as possible in the restaurant's kitchen, hoping for a chance to demonstrate his cooking skills. But his parents shoo him away and he is not allowed to cook. One day Pierre meets a visitor who is on his way to eat at the restaurant. This is no ordinary visitor but an important food critic. His experience at La Bonne Vache could bring great honor to the restaurant. At last, Pierre sees his chance to prove himself. Award-winning author Gloria Whelan received the National Book Award for her young adult novel, Homeless Bird. Her books with Sleeping Bear Press include The Listeners, Friend on Freedom River, and Jam and Jelly with Holly and Nellie. She lives in Michigan.

Elena lives near a small town in western Guatemala. She lives there with her mother, her younger brother, Luis, and her baby sister, Ana. Her father is far away, working on a plantation. Elena struggles to keep up in school. Her teacher says she needs to practice her reading, but it's hard to find time to read. She must help her mother with the cooking and housework, as well as the hard work of planting and weeding their garden. As the big sister Elena is also in charge of watching over Luis to keep him out of mischief. It isn't always easy and she gets impatient with her little brother. But at the end of the day, when Elena shares a book with Luis, carefully sounding out the words, she comes to better understand and appreciate her role in the family.