Best Selling Books by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, and usefulness of these birds, which have lived with people since prehistoric times.

Describes the physical characteristics, habits, and behavior of llamas.

Retraces the Lewis and Clark journey and blends their observations of previously unknown animals with modern information about those same animals.

Did you know that beaver ponds provide habitat for hundreds if not thousands of life forms? Using their extremely strong teeth, beavers chop down trees to build a dam. The dam creates a pond that is habitat for everything from algae to giant moose. After creating the pond, the beavers build a lodge. The lodge is sometimes used by other animals besides beavers. Muskrats may live inside the lodge either with or without the beavers, or geese may build their nest atop the lodge. The dam itself is used as a bridge to cross the water by deer, ducks or any other number of creatures. The pond is home to numerous life forms. Lily pads grow in the pond and frogs sit on lily pads to catch flies. Learn about the pivotal role beavers play in making all of this life possible. Gorgeous photos and inviting text make AT HOME WITH THE BEAVER: THE STORY OF A KEYSTONE SPECIES a must have for young naturalists hoping to learn more about the interconnectedness of life. Other Books in the Series: AT HOME WITH THE GOPHER TORTOISE: THE STORY OF A KEYSTONE SPECIES.

Just in time for the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark''s expedition, the award-winning author of more than 100 nonfiction books for children, Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, joins photographer William Munoz to capture the contrast between the American West "then and now, " aided by old prints, photos, and paintings. Full color.

Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, feeding, family life, and habitat of the African elephant.

Incorporating the latest scientific findings and her own experiences in Manitoba, Dorothy Patent discusses this powerful and intelligent animal''s life cycle, imperiled status, and special relationship with humans. Anne Wertheim''s expressive artwork captures the splendor of the polar bear and the beauty of its ice-covered world. Notable Children''s Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council Incorporating the latest scientific findings and her own experiences in Manitoba, Dorothy Patent discusses this powerful and intelligent animals life cycle, imperiled status, and special relationship with humans. Anne Wertheims expressive artwork captures the splendor of the polar bear and the beauty of its ice-covered world.

Gorgeous photographs, and clear text introduce readers to the effects of climate change on the pika and on other life-forms in the high mountains.

Prairie dogs are dubbed a keystone species for good reason. The burrows they dig for shelter and raising their families are used by dozens of other animals, from insects and spiders to rattlesnakes, salamanders, owls and more. The highly endangered black-footed ferret depends almost completely on prairie dogs for food, and may also live in their abandoned burrows. In addition, prairie dog activity makes the grass areas around their burrows especially nourishing for grazing animals like bison and pronghorn. With up to 150 species associated with prairie dogs, this keystone species plays a pivotal role in keeping the prairie healthy and thriving.

An excellent book about killer whales with a well-written text and terrific photos with explanatory captions. Patent sllows that scientists do not know all the answers and leaves the reader with questions. Also introduced is the issue of animals in captivity for entertainment--a grand situation for discussion and debate.

Describes the different kinds of penguins, their habitat, behavior, and status as an endangered species.

Kids are invited to explore and discover the northern plains through the eyes and ears of a bison calf.

Explains how plants grow and offers tips on special techniques for growing better vegetables

Describes the black-footed ferret, an endangered mammal from Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota, and discusses efforts to preserve it.

Describes the physical characteristics and behavior of cattle around the world and their evolution from their ancestors, aurochsen, which have been extinct since 1627.

"A vivid description--in text and photographs--of the annual gathering of bald eagles in Glacier National Park and of a wildlife research project to study the life cycle of our national bird".--ALA, Booklist. 47 black-and-white photographs.

Homesteading: Settling America�s Heartland describes the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of the brave pioneer families who set out into the unknown to create a home on the vast, desolate grasslands of the Great Plains. The Homestead Act of 1862 offered, practically free, a 160-acre plot to anyone willing to develop it. Hundreds of men, women, and children took advantage of the opportunity to build a home, a farm, and a while new life on the western prairie. The homesteader�s life could be harsh. The Great Plains had few resources, unpredictable weather, and numerous dangers. Nevertheless, many stalwart Americans and immigrants took up the challenge. Many failed, but others survived and eventually thrived, opening the way for generations of Westerners to come. Kids and adults alike will delight in this engaging short history, beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs by William Mu�

With white and dark brown feathers and intense yellow eyes, ospreys are as eye-catching as their hawk and eagle relatives. Patent''s detailed and accurate text, together with Munoz''s vivid color photographs, creates a fascinating portrait of a bird that human conservation efforts have rescued from endangerment. 53 full-color photos.

Shows each step in the training of Newfoundland dogs for rescue work, and describes the kinds of work that they can do

Examines the origins, traits, and activities of this spotted breed and discusses racing and breeding.

Describes the origins and physical characteristics of the miniature horse, its breeding and care, and its role as work horse, show horse, and pet.

Documents the contributions of specially trained military dogs, profiling noteworthy canine heroes while covering such topics as how they are trained and what happens to them when they retire.

Discusses basic genetics, explaining how the combination of genes passed on from our parents makes each of us a unique individual.

Discusses the evolution and characteristics of various breeds of horses and identifies breeds for work, sports, and pleasure, and those that are "all-around" horses.

Examines the differences between dairy cows and beef cattle; identifies the most popular breeds; and covers such topics as raising calves, milking, and branding.

Provides brief descriptions of a variety of animals living in the rain forest, including piranhas, jaguars, and macaws.

Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, and behavior of the humpback whale.

Illustrates how animals use a variety of signals to communicate with each other.

Introduces the many colors and patterns occurring in horses, including the spotted pinto, dappled, two-tone, solid, and Appaloosa horses.

Discusses the anatomy, physiology, habits, and behavior of a group of insects both harmful and beneficial to man.

Discusses the characteristics and habits of those animals who can live both on land and in water.

Discusses the mosquito''s habits, development, and diseases it carries, as well as ways to control these creatures.

Text and photos discuss farm and ranch animals upon which we depend for survival.

Text and photographs describe how different varieties of wheat are planted, harvested, and processed into foods.

An overview of growing apples, from planting and harvesting to the grocery shelves.

Photographs and text depict the behavior, physical characteristics, uses, breeding, and different breeds of sheep.

An introduction to the quarter horse, the most popular breed of horse in the world.