Books in Checkerboard Science Library: Rock On! series

Dig into the world of geology with the Rock On! series! Groovy Gems introduces readers to what gems are and how they form, including mineral gems and organic gems. Chapters discuss crystal systems, imitation and synthetic gems, cultured pearls, how gems are used, and their importance throughout history. Sidebars introduce birthstones, precious metals, and conflict diamonds. Full-color photographs of brilliant diamonds, pearls, geodes, star sapphires, and more will draw in readers while the easy-to-read text breaks down complex concepts. A colorful world map of where gems are found spreads across two pages and an at-home experiment provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. Glossary words in bold, an index, and phonetic spellings for those hard-to-pronounce geologic terms enhance and supplement the text. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Dig into the world of geology with the Rock On! series! Mighty Minerals introduces readers to what minerals are, how they form, and how we use them today. Chapters discuss how to identify minerals, including color, luster, streak, fracture, hardness, specific gravity, magnetism, and fluorescence. A colorful diagram of the rock cycle furthers understanding of mineral formation and an at-home experiment provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. Full-color photographs will draw in readers while the easy-to-read text and helpful diagrams break down complex concepts. Glossary words in bold, an index, and phonetic spellings for those hard-to-pronounce geologic terms enhance and supplement the text. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Dig into the world of geology with the Rock On! series! Super Soils introduces readers to what makes up soil, from humus and plants and animals to water and air. Chapters discuss how weathering, erosion, parent material, decay, bacteria, organic matter, climate, and time contribute to soil formation. Soil engineering comes to life with a real-world example, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Easy-to-read text and helpful diagrams break down complex concepts, such as soil horizons. Readers will also learn about composting and the importance of conservation of this vital natural resource. And, an at-home experiment provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. Full-color photographs, glossary words in bold, an index, and phonetic spellings for those hard-to-pronounce geologic terms enhance and supplement the text. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

This book breaks down concepts relating to what causes wind, as well as where certain winds blow and why they occur there. Readers will learn how the sun heats the earth unevenly, causing air pressure differences, or gradients, how the Coriolis effect influences wind patterns, how helpful winds spread pollen and turn turbines for wind power, and how scientists use anemometers, wind socks, and weather vanes to measure wind direction and speed. Chapters explain large wind systems such as Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells, trade winds, polar easterlies, prevailing westerlies, the intertropical convergence zone, the doldrums, and the horse latitudes. Monsoon winds, land and sea breezes, mountain breezes, Santa Ana and Chinook winds, wind shear's effect on tornado formation, and how pressure differences and the Coriolis effect help hurricanes form are also discussed. Clear, helpful diagrams, full-color photographs, bold glossary words, and an index support this easy-to-read, engaging text.

This fun and creative title introduces young readers to baking in a format that is easy to read and use. Feeding your pet has never been so much fun! From cornbread bones to tuna snacks, Cool Pet Treats contains kid-tested, cool recipes that will have children baking-and loving it! Basic baking techniques, tools, and ingredients are illustrated so kids can quickly prepare each recipe. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Box elder bugs are some of the world's most fascinating insects! This book's easy-to-read text and larger-than-life color photos bring the box elder bug's world to life, introducing readers to a box elder bug's diet, habitat, enemies, and methods of defense. Diagrams help readers investigate the concept of metamorphosis and identify body parts, from the box elder bug's red eyes to the X on its wings. The digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems are also described. A step-by-step approach to scientific classification helps place box elder bugs within the order Hemiptera. Readers are also encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of box elder bugs, as well as how they impact our daily lives. From resting on box elder trees to overwintering in your house, young entomologists will enjoy uncovering the lives of these amazing creatures. Informative sidebars and Bug Bytes aim to peak readers' interest, while bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability. Checkerboard is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Walking sticks are some of the world's most fascinating insects! This book's easy-to-read text and larger-than-life photos bring the walking stick's world to life, introducing readers to a walking stick's diet, habitat, enemies, and methods of defense. Diagrams help readers investigate the concept of metamorphosis and identify body parts, from the walking stick's long legs to its wings. The digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems are also described. A step-by-step approach to scientific classification helps place walking sticks within the order Phasmida. Readers are also encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of walking sticks, as well as how they impact our daily lives. From northern walking sticks to tropical walking sticks, young entomologists will enjoy uncovering the lives of these amazing creatures. Informative sidebars and Bug Bytes aim to peak readers' interest, while bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability. Checkerboard is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

This fun and creative title introduces young readers to baking in a format that is easy to read and use. From a heart cake to rhubarb crisp, Cool Holiday Treats contains kid-tested, cool recipes that will have children baking-and loving it! Basic baking techniques, tools, and ingredients are illustrated so kids can quickly prepare each recipe. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Centipedes are some of the world's most fascinating bugs! This book's easy-to-read text and larger-than-life color photos bring the centipede's world to life, introducing readers to a centipede's diet, habitat, enemies, and methods of defense. Diagrams help readers investigate the concept of metamorphosis and identify body parts, from the centipede's poisonous fangs to its many legs. The digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems are also described. A step-by-step approach to scientific classification helps place centipedes within the class Chilopoda. Readers are also encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of centipedes, as well as how they impact our daily lives. From house centipedes to tiger centipedes, young entomologists will enjoy uncovering the lives of these amazing creatures. Informative sidebars and Bug Bytes aim to peak readers' interest, while bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability. Checkerboard is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

These exciting books teach young readers about farms, and about life as a farm family. Children will learn about different kinds of farms. They will read about families working with the seasons, the 4H club, county fairs, and rodeos.-- Supports geography, science, and social studies curriculum-- Full-color photos and maps enhance the text-- Table of contents, glossary, index, and internet sites

Dig into the world of geology with the Rock On! series! Rockin' Rocks introduces readers to what rocks are and how they form. Chapters build concepts from the ground up, from atoms, elements, and minerals to Earth's layers, tectonic plates, and the three classes of rock. Real-world examples like the Grand Canyon, Devils Tower, and Arches National Park bring to life igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock. Full-color photographs will draw in readers while the easy-to-read text breaks down complex concepts. A colorful diagram of the rock cycle ties everything together while an at-home experiment provides the opportunity for hands-on experience. Glossary words in bold, an index, and phonetic spellings for those hard-to-pronounce geologic terms enhance and supplement the text. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.

Beetles are some of the world's most fascinating insects! This book's easy-to-read text and larger-than-life color photos bring the beetle's world to life, introducing readers to a beetle's diet, habitat, enemies, and methods of defense. Diagrams help readers investigate the concept of metamorphosis and identify body parts, from the beetle's antennae to its elytra. The digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and nervous systems are also described. A step-by-step approach to scientific classification helps place beetles within the order Coleoptera. Readers are also encouraged to consider the benefits and drawbacks of beetles, as well as how they impact our daily lives. From ladybugs to dung beetles, young entomologists will enjoy uncovering the lives of these amazing creatures. Informative sidebars and Bug Bytes aim to peak readers' interest, while bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index enhance readability. Checkerboard is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.