Most Popular Books by Heather Moore Niver

Through simple, fact-filled text and vivid photos, readers will enjoy learning about this important American symbol, including why the bald eagle was chosen as the national bird, if Ben Franklin really wanted a turkey instead, and how the eagle on the Presidential Seal has changed over the years. A follow-up activity guides readers in researching other national symbols from around the world.

Almost everyone has heard the phrase: "A picture is worth a thousand words," and this book focuses on the very picture books that have intrigued and entranced readers young and old since the first one was published. Readers will learn about the basic types of picture books they are likely to find in their school libraries or books stores, starting with board books for babies and moving up to picture books for adults. Examples include authors and books that are sure to pique the interest of any reader.

Everyone loves a good story, whether it''s true or not. Even infants love a simple board book. In this lively resource, readers will learn about the craft of fiction. Simple explanations describe many of the most common types of fiction, as well as the parts that make it up. Age-appropriate examples and authors help explain the various elements and types of fiction. Readers will be engaged by a supplementary activity that will spark their imaginations and prompt them to start writing fiction of their own.

Different people find different things funny. Monkeys have been compared to humans in many ways, but this volume explores what makes a monkey chuckle. Readers will learn about the emotions behind a monkeyu0092s laughter. Is their panting as they play an indication that they are having fun? Do chimpanzees laugh when they are tickled? Readers wonu0092t be able to suppress a smile as they learn all about the side-splitting sides of a monkeyu0092s emotions. Full-color photos will show monkeys at their funniest. A u0093Words to Knowu0094 section will help them master new vocabulary. u0093Further Readingu0094 will inspire readers to learn more about animals and their emotions.

Why do we place our hand on our heart when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? Who wrote the original pledge? How has it changed over the years? Readers will learn the history and meaning behind these familiar words through easy-to-follow text and color photos. A follow-up activity encourages readers to research pledges and flags from around the world.

The Inca Empire is known for its gods, famous rulers, and high priests, but the daily lives of the Incan people were just as important to the society''s growth and development. This book covers the fascinating facts about daily life in the Inca Empire. Readers will delight in learning about Inca villages, the role of men, women, and children, and the farming and laboring lifestyle they experienced. Written with accessible language and accompanied by colorful images, this title presents fundamental social studies concepts through a curricular lens.

True stories often make for the most fascinating stories. This lively text will interest and engage students while teaching them all about the wide and sometimes wild world of nonfiction. Readers will learn what defines nonfiction, with age-appropriate examples and authors to pique their interest, such as Eric Carle. They will be intrigued by the wide variety within this one area of literature, and learn about some basic parts of a book, such as table of contents, glossary, and the index. A thought-provoking final activity challenges readers to research and write their own work of nonfiction.

Before there was the U.S. Constitution, there were the Articles of Confederation. Readers discover the story behind the first written constitution of the United States—from the factors that inspired its creation to the reasons why it was replaced. The detailed main text is enhanced by informative sidebars and graphic organizers. Historical images, including relevant primary sources, allow readers to immerse themselves in this historical period. Readers are given the chance to thoroughly examine elements of the original document, making them feel like true historians. They’re sure to enjoy this fresh take on common social studies curriculum topics.

The talented and side-splittingly funny Aziz Ansari is one of today’s most popular comedians. The versatile South Carolina native has made his mark in a variety of areas. A very successful stand-up comedian, Ansari has had several successful tours, a number of which resulted in filmed specials. He has also had success as an actor, particularly as the sarcastic, cocky, and entrepreneurial Tom Haverford on Parks and Recreation. Readers will learn which comedians have inspired Ansari and how he comes up with material. They’ll read about his enthusiasm for rap music, his social media savvy, and his thoughts on where his career is headed. A great portrait of one of today’s freshest voices.

There is much more to opossums than just their well-known ability to play dead. Opossums are great climbers and scavengers, as well as protective mothers. They have a well-developed sense of smell and strong jaws. Through fact-filled text and color photos, readers will learn all about these North American marsupials, including what they eat, where they live, how they are helpful to people, and how to stay safe around them.

After the sun sets, many coyotes come out to hunt, eat, and play. Words to Know, fun facts, accessible text, and safety tips inform readers about the different ways coyotes communicate, their hunting skills, their family life, and even how to stay safe around coyotes, while full-color photos illustrate the coyoteu0092s habits and environment.

Full-color images, fun facts, and informational text will bring readers into the secret world of bull sharks. This solitary hunter inhabits shallow areas of warm coastal waters throughout the world. Engaging text highlights this predatoru0092s habitat, diet, family life, and hunting style. A safety section educates readers about the possible dangers of encountering this fish in the wild.

Hunting by moonlight, the unique vampire bat is the only known mammal in the world that feeds exclusively on blood! How do these Central and South American bats feed, communicate, reproduce, and roost? Full-page photos share the lives of these nocturnal creatures. Fun facts showcase the vampire bat?s unique adaptations and Words to Know introduce readers to new vocabulary.

Midnight snacks arenu0092t just for people! River otters splash into the water at night, searching for their next meal. Full-page, color images and engaging narrative showcase the playful and industrious river otter. Read about its behavior, habitat, family life, and unique adaptations. Text features include Words to Know at the opening of the book and a Stay Safe section to inform readers how to act if they encounter a river otter in the wild.

Did you know that capybaras yelp, bark, chirp, whistle, huff, and growl? These Central and South American rodents have unique ways of communicating with each other. Vivid full-color images illustrate the nocturnal capybarau0092s habitat and unique adaptations in the wild. Words to Know, fun facts, accessible text, and safety tips educate readers about how capybaras eat, reproduce, and interact with other herds.

Aardvark, what a long snout you have! This nocturnal mammal uses its prominent nose to sniff out its next meal of termites and ants. Through fact-filled text and color photos, readers learn about these quiet African animals, including their relationship with their habitat. Read about their homes, body features, reproduction, diet, and family life. Words to Know appear at the front of the book so that readers are ready when they encounter a new term in the text.

Full-color images, fun facts, and informational text will bring readers into the secret world of badgers, from their hunting and eating habits to where they live and how they have impacted human life. In addition, safety tips explain what to do if someone comes face-to-face with a badger.

Cats are popular pets, but have you ever stopped to think about their emotions? Our feline friends are known for being a bit moodyu0097some more than othersu0097and this easy-to-read volume will highlight the ins and outs of why our feline friends get angry. Anger is one of the more obvious feelings in the range of cat emotions, and readers will learn some of the most apparent indications of a catu0092s ire. Full-color photos correlate easily with the text to help readers see the emotions their pets may be feeling. A u0093Words to Knowu0094 section will help readers extend their vocabulary, and a u0093Further Readingu0094 section will inspire them to learn more about animals and their emotions.

Through text filled with fascinating details and beautiful color photos, readers will learn about skunksu0092 behaviors, habitats, diet, family life, and struggles in the wild, as well as how to stay safe around skunks.

Most people never see the secretive and shy snow leopard. But the stunning full-color images and rich narrative of this book gives readers a special glimpse at this nocturnal predator of the mountains. Words to Know appear at the front of the book so that readers are ready when they encounter a new term in the text. Learn about a snow leopardu0092s behaviors, habitat, diet, and family life. Fun facts scattered throughout the book add even more insight into the lives of these majestic cats of Asia.

Readers learn about wolves and their extraordinary senses, their family life in the pack, and the dangers wolves face every day. Key details describe the life of the wolf and highlight what the future might hold for these majestic canines. Words to Know in the beginning of the text facilitates reading comprehension, and safety tips tell readers what to do if they ever encounter a wolf in real life.

Almost no one can resist the compulsion to start tapping their feet or snapping their fingers when a good song comes on the radio. Almost every young reader has been hearing songs since they were born. This book introduces the fundamental aspects of songs, paired with examples both new and familiar, from common songs they likely know to new, different songs from around the world. Eye-catching photographs help reinforce the text. This insightful book will get readers excited to explore more songs, and maybe even begin writing their own.

When you consider the fact that some of the plays written in Ancient Greece, 2,000 years ago, are still performed today, the importance of this genre really hits home. This simple yet insightful overview of plays offers readers a vibrant introduction that is bound to get them interested in learning more. Lively text is paired with vivid photographs to keep readers engaged. Carefully selected examples pertinent to the age group will encourage them not only to explore the plays on their own but to use these sources as a springboard to a lifetime of appreciating this long-lived art.

Bats—eek! Many people are afraid of these swooping nighttime flyers, but this book reverses that reputation to show readers how important bats really are. Readers will learn about different kinds of bats, including their anatomy, habitat, and behavior. The book will focus on the ways bats help us, from eating disease-carrying mosquitos to pollinating plants. Color photographs bring these beneficial bats to life, as readers learn about how bats are in danger and how humans can help. “Creature Clue” fact boxes and a graphic organizer supplement the main text to give readers a well-rounded learning experience.

Musician Taylor Swift has written music that puts her heart on the page, but even at a young age, Swift was clearly more than a lovelorn songwriter. This vibrant biography offers a glimpse into the musical celebrity''s life, her childhood, her rise to fame, and her impressive accomplishments along the way. Readers will learn about her staunch stance on how she is photographed, her support of other female musicians, and her giving spirit. Quotes straight from Swift''s lips further inspire the fan and budding musician alike.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg has been fighting for women’s rights for over 40 years. As a lawyer, a professor, and a Supreme Court Justice, Ginsburg has worked tirelessly for women’s issues on a national level. Her life story is presented to readers through accessible text meant to encourage them to fight for what they believe in as Ginsberg has. Detailed sidebars, a biographical timeline, and direct quotes from Ginsburg provide additional information. Full-color photographs help readers get a clear picture of who Ginsburg is and why she’s a role model for people around the world.

At one time or another, nearly every kid has cried out in frustration, "It''s not fair!" This easy-to-read book explains the sometimes complicated concept of fairness with interesting and thought-provoking examples. An empathetic tone recognizes that it can certainly be a struggle and encourages them to ask questions so that they understand the rules. They will learn about different views of fairness around the globe and everyday people who stood up to make sure things were fair. Age-appropriate examples of simple ways to be fair in their everyday lives will inspire readers to be advocates for fairness for everyone in their lives, no matter who they are. A final activity encourages readers to examine their own ideas about fairness in a historical context.

Amazing ecosystems are often hidden just below the ocean’s surface. A coral reef is teeming with life, and readers will explore that life with the help of a special ship that takes them up close to the fish, coral, and other creatures that call a coral reef home. From the formation of the reefs themselves to the bacteria and plants that help keep the reef healthy, readers will learn everything there is to know about the amazing and colorful creatures that make up one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems.

Eagles are majestic, awe-inspiring birds. Bald eagles were so inspiring that they became the symbol of the United States of America. In this fun, easy-to-read book, readers learn how bald and golden eagles grow from eggs in the nest into the great birds of prey that soar through the skies. Vibrant photographs illustrate the various stages of the eaglet''s life, as well as the nests they call home. Fun facts are featured throughout this engaging and entertaining book.

The largest animal to walk our Earth, the elephant, is a sight to see, whether itu0092s in the wild or a zoo. But did you know that they are actually a lot like us humans? Readers will learn how this is especially true regarding emotions, such as tears. This instructive resource will engage readers with tales of elephant emotions, such as tears of the death of a family member and concern over another elephant. They will also learn about body language other than tears that indicates their sadness or other emotions. Full-page photos will help readers visualize what they are reading, while a "Words to Know" section will help them master new vocabulary.

Eli Whitney is remembered as a great inventor. His cotton gin was one of the most important inventions of the Industrial Revolution, and it did much to shape the course of the American economy. This biography explores Whitney''s entrepreneurial mind, bringing into focus his inventions, innovations, and hardworking spirit. Through accessible language and detailed images, this curriculum-focused book provides an in-depth look at the Industrial Revolution, Whitney''s role in it, and how together they helped shape a growing nation. A timeline and primary sources complete a comprehensive learning experience.

Poetry is a word that strikes terror in the hearts of many creatively challenged readers, and often students come away with the impression that poems are dull and difficult to comprehend. In this accessible work, readers will be introduced to common terms to expect when reading poetry, including rhythm, rhyme, form, and more, with examples they can enjoy, such as nursery rhymes. This easy to understand introduction helps sort it all out and endeavors to spark an enthusiasm for the genre and inspiration to begin writing original poems for themselves.

This detailed resource offers a simple overview of fish basics. Readers will be able to identify and understand the general characteristics of the fish, as well as its life cycles, habitats, and other behaviors. Vivid photographs and descriptions accompany information about some of the water''s most fascinating fish, highlighting some of the water''s most interesting creatures, whether they''re in freshwater or saltwater. This engaging and informative book, which supports Next Generation Science Standards, is sure to keep even reluctant readers turning the pages.

Equality is as simple an idea as it is complex. This resource introduces young readers to the concept of equality using age-appropriate books, historical cases, and everyday examples. Lively, simple-to-understand text illustrates the problems with inequality and helps readers understand why and how it is an issue that needs to be addressed. They will learn why equality matters, as well as how they can make a difference in their own lives as well as in their own classrooms.

For a long time, aviation experts and pilots thought aircraft couldn’t fly faster than the speed of sound. They believed there was a point where the plane and pilot would just explode! They called it the sound barrier. In 1947, Chuck Yeager proved that to be untrue, and in 2012, a skydiver broke the sound barrier without a plane to fly in! From the challenges of airplane technology to daredevil parachutists, the story of breaking the sound barrier is one that will have readers on the edge of their seat. Full-color images and detailed sidebars take history to new heights.

Insects are the most abundant animals on our planet and predate even the dinosaurs by 170 million years. This informative book provides an overview of the fascinating world of insects, some of which are as minuscule as a pencil tip. Readers will learn about the physical characteristics of insects, as well as their life cycles and diets, all of which supports Next Generation Science Standards. Vibrant photographs and fun facts supplement the high-interest text, which will appeal to fans of bugs and butterflies alike.

Chancellor Bennett''s blazing rise to fame has made history, not only for its speed, but also in its unconventional path. Readers will learn about the childhood of the young man who would one day become Chance the Rapper. Frank but appropriate text tells the tale of a young rapper who got into trouble with drugs, but was able to turn his life around. Chance the Rapper went on to have a family and change history with his unique and memorable albums called mixtapes. Supplemented by color photographs and inspiring quotes, his story of music, family, and charity will remind readers to follow their hearts and make a positive difference in the world.

Bear cubs are super cute when they tumble and play, but this play with each other and their mothers actually teaches them how to survive on their own one day. Fun facts round out their story, and vibrant photographs show baby bears as they grow up, learning to forage, hunt, and defend themselves. Readers will learn all about the lives of bear cubs as they grow from helpless, hairless babies into adults ready to face the wild world.

Not all baby animals are teeny little bundles. Readers will learn about some big, but no less adorable, baby elephants. Vivid photographs paired with lively, easy-to-understand text will teach young readers about the lives of elephant calves. They will learn about elephants'' unusually long gestation period, the awkward stage of learning to use their trunk and four large legs, and on through to becoming one of the herd, or departing to live alone in the case of young bulls.