New Releases by John Himmelman

From the venerable John Himmelman comes something new—a collection of story poems perfect for fans of Shel Silverstein. Ivo lived in a great big shell. That floated in the sea. He wrote stories to make the time pass. Millions and millions of stories. More than a shell could hold. More than a boy’s life could hold. A boy named Ivo lives in a giant moon snail shell on a beach. One day, a wave carries him out to sea. While he waits to be rescued, he makes the best of his time writing story poems on the walls inside the shell. In his poems, Ivo introduces you to characters such as dolphin, the nicest creature in the ocean who brings him a crayon when he needs a new one. Crab who takes over when Ivo sleeps and writes crabby poems. There’s carrot boy who eats so many carrots that he turns into a rabbit. And two sibling pups taken in by different owners and can’t stop looking for each other. John Himmelman’s masterful collection of poems—each illustrated in full-color art—is filled with unforgettable characters and begs to be read time and time again.

Two children argue over the phrasing and description of different fruits'' colors until they come across one they both agree upon.

In lively, accessible prose, John Himmelman explains the intricacy of moths'' life cycle, their importance in nature, and how just a tiny handful of the many moth species are truly pests to humans. He tells how to attract moths with lights and bait, when and where to observe them, and how best to photograph these tiny subjects. Entertaining personal anecdotes and short profiles of some of the country''s foremost moth-ers add human interest. This new edition updates photos and information while focusing on states east of the Mississippi.

On a dig in a Spanish desert, archeologist, Jennifer Moore uncovers the skeleton of a young Neanderthal, a prehistoric branch of humans that mysteriously vanished. In its hand is a bone flute. But Neanderthals were not known to create music. 40,000 years earlier, Skeetu, one of the last remaining Neanderthals, finds a flute. This leads her to a small band of Homo sapiens-our ancestors. With her Woolly Rhino, Bulo, they travel together in search of more of their kind. Saber-toothed tigers, monstrous hyenas, cave bears, wolves, and winter storms challenge their survival. Forward to present time: Jennifer is racing backwards through her dreams; seeing through the eyes of one ancestor to the next. Could it have something to do with the flute she stole from the dig site? Neandergirl is in essence a time travel story, joining family across the span of 40,000 years, and plays with the challenges of companionship-not between two races, but two different species of human beings.

Have you ever wondered how some of nature''s smallest creatures spend their days? Here''s your chance to take a scientifically accurate peek into the life of the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopsus). Striking illustrations and lively storyline capture the real life changes for this small animal as it hunts for food, faces its enemies, and interacts with humans. The white-footed mouse is common throughout most of the United States and Canada. It usually sleeps during the day and spends the night searching for food. Seeds and nuts are this mouse''s favorite food, but it also eats insects, fruit, and mushrooms. Of course, a piece of cheese left out is always welcome. The white-footed mouse is active all year long. It builds a nest of twigs, leaves, and grass in tree holes, abandoned bird houses, and wood piles. It may even make a nest in your attic or basement. Owls and cats are the biggest enemies of the white-footed mouse. When a mouse senses danger, it drums its feet to warn other mice. The mice run and hide until the danger has passed. White-footed mice live for about 2 to 3 years in the wild. They may give birth as many as four times a year. Each litter has two to six babies. That''s a lot of mice!

Have you ever wondered how some of nature''s smallest creatures spend their days? Here''s your chance to take a scientifically accurate peek into the life of a mealworm, (Tenebrio molitar), beginning with egg-laying. Striking illustrations and a lively storyline capture the real life challenges of the mealworm. Perfect to read to young children.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection! In John Himmelman''s early chapter book series, Albert Hopper is a frog—and a science hero! He seeks to explore the world and beyond, generating laughs and imparting STEM wisdom as he goes. Science Hero Albert Hopper and trusty Junior Science Heroes Polly and Tad are ready for their next adventure. This time, they''re blasting through the solar system! As the heroes float through the sulphuric acid clouds of Venus, dodge the solar flares of the sun, and weather the space storms of Jupiter, their science smarts are put to the test. Anything can happen on this hilarious ride in Albert Hopper, Science Hero: Blasting Through the Solar System.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection! In John Himmelman''s early chapter book series, Albert Hopper is a frog—and a science hero! He seeks to explore the world and beyond, generating laughs and imparting STEM wisdom as he goes. Albert Hopper, Science Hero is on a mission: to travel to the center of the earth! With his wormlike ship Wiggles and the help of his niece and nephew, trusty Junior Science Heroes Polly and Tad, Hopper is ready to go where no frog has gone before. Thick layers of rock and rubble, tunnels of lava, and temperatures of 6,000 degrees stand between our heroes and their prize. Will they make it? Find out in this funny and informative adventure.

Jat is a boy who wants more from life than collecting coal from the Fire Sea. Newton is a misfit giant, cast out of his homeland for his love of science and reading. Brought together by chance, the two become the best of friends. But when enemy giants threaten to ruin everything, it''s up to Jat and Newton to defend Jat’s village, leading to the journey of a lifetime.

This is the charming story of a box turtle whose life begins in a New England forest in 1890, and who lives over 100 years and witnesses changes to the landscape that threaten her habitat until the spirit of conservation transforms her remaining woodlot. A charming story that teaches, conservation, wildlife biology, and history.

"Up" meets "The Adventures of Beekle" in this sweet story of friendship about a grouchy old man who finds a floating dog on his doorstep. A heartwarming, hilarious tale about embracing the unexpected. Full color.

The further adventures of Isabel the Bunjitsu Bunny, packed with action and Zen-inspired wisdom—a fun chapter book with two color illustrations throughout Isabel is the best bunjitsu artist in her class. She can throw farther, kick higher, and hit harder than anybunny else. But her strongest weapon is her mind. Bunjitsu Bunny vs. Bunjitsu Bunny, the fourth book in this series by John Himmelman, follows Isabel as she makes friends, faces her fears, and fights her toughest opponent yet—herself! Read the whole Bunjitsu Bunny series: Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny Bunjitsu Bunny''s Best Move Bunjitsu Bunny Jumps to the Moon Bunjitsu Bunny vs. Bunjitsu Bunny Praise for Bunjitsu Bunny Jumps to the Moon: "Isabel does a good job of approaching every challenge with spunk and determination, and manages to do the right things under the circumstances. . . . As part of the Bunjitsu Bunny series, this book is appropriate for children who are beginning to read chapter books, and the stories are fun to read aloud to younger children." —Childrens Literature Praise for Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny: "Cleverly wrapped in an entertaining package, the zen-type morals are edifying but not preachy and serve to genuinely enrich the stories." —The Horn Book, starred review

An interactive experience for readers to move the bugs around their book while learning important characteristics about these creatures. Learning becomes fun as children form a deep appreciation for the world around us! Do you know any 3 or 4 year olds who love bugs? Young or old, you will love this book! Beetles fly, frogs hop, and slugs slide over the pages of this cute bug book, made to be read by a child while lying on the grass. Children interact with the book, with a tip, tap, and turn of the book, moving the critters along. The critters even interact with each other in surprising ways. John Himmelman brings together his expertise as both a naturalist and an artist to encourage children to explore nature in their own backyard. Backmatter Includes: Explore More for Kids: photos and information about what it means to think like a scientist and more about the bugs in the book. Explore More for Teachers & Parents: STEM activities, read aloud suggestions, and a quick summary of Science and Engineering Practices. Perfect for anyone looking for books: for homeschool materials. for outdoor learning activities. to provide an interactive experience. that make learning fun!

On a drizzly day, a cow hears a cat meowing to be let into the house, and gets an idea that spirals out of control.

Follows Isabel, the best bunjitsu artist in her class, as she makes friends, faces her fears, and more.

The acclaimed author and illustrator of Chickens to the Rescue has created a sweet, funny, and entirely irresistible new character—a little dog just bursting with good intentions. Katie is so excited when Sara Ann brings home three little kittens that she can''t stop herself from howling "AROOOOO!" and trying to run after them. She loves them so much! But Katie''s enthusiasm frightens the kitties, and she''s sad when they run away from her. Don''t they know that she just wants to play? Katie Loves the Kittens is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children''s Book of the Year.

Isabel is back The best bunjitsu artist in her class, she can throw farther, kick higher, and hit harder than anybunny else. But her strongest weapon is her mind With even more fun, adventures, and wisdom than before, author/artist John Himmelman continues to charm in this beguilingly funny series of adventures.

Listen to the birds! They are often very noisy. You can tell what kind of bird it is just by listening.

Introducing Isabel, aka Bunjitsu Bunny! She is the BEST bunjitsu artist in her school, and she can throw farther, kick higher, and hit harder than anyone else! But she never hurts another creature . . . unless she has to. This series of brief stories about Isabel''s adventures are a beguiling combination of child-friendly scenarios and Eastern wisdom perfect for the youngest readers.

When something goes wrong on the farm, Ernie the duck is determined to help out, but no matter how hard he tries, nothing goes quite as he plans.

One by one, ten excitable dachshunds pile onto a chair.

This book takes readers outside to see and hear all the sights and sounds of frogs. The illustrations are fun and use the sounds of the frogs to direct the readers eye to all the cool sounds they make. Accurate scientific information accompanies all of the fun of heading out to go exploring for frogs! When frogs get together, they love to sing! They fill their big, bulgy throat pouch with air and sing out loud. Some peep, some trill, some growl, some creek, and some go WAAH, WAAH, WAAH! It''s a chorus that happens near almost every pond and stream. Learn more about these delightful creatures-and sing along with them! A perfect book for: parents and teachers needing homeschool supplies for kindergarten (or any grade!) anyone looking for bug books and singalong books for toddlers! anyone looking for children''s books to help instill an appreciation of our planet!

A surefire hit with young backyard diggers and bug-watchers, Basic Illustrated Guide to Frogs, Snakes, Bugs, and Slugs combines detailed illustrations of bugs, slugs, snakes, toads, and other creepy crawlies with clear and kid-friendly information to help the young bug-lover identify what’s crawling up the tree, buzzing in his ear, or hiding under a log.

Katie is surprised when Ruby, the new puppy next door, comes for a visit. Ruby runs right into Katie''s house and starts playing—with Katie''s favorite things! She even eats Katie''s food! Katie thinks this is terrible, and she chases Ruby away. But Sara Ann is disappointed. She wants Katie to share. She says sharing is fun. But Katie has her doubts about that!

An onomatopoeic celebration of the myriad sounds of the insect world invites youngsters to listen to bugs that are active during the day and at night, identifying familiar buzzes and chirps while providing scientifically accurate, close-up illustrati

At a time when night-singing insects have slipped beyond our notice—indeed, are more likely to be heard as NatureSounds than in a backyard—John Himmelman seeks to reconnect us to creatures whose songs form a part of our own natural history. On warm summer evenings, night-singing insects produce a whirring, chirping soundscape—a calming aural tapestry celebrated by poets and naturalists for millennia. But “cricket radio” is not broadcast for the easy-listening pleasure of humans. The nocturnal songs of insects are lures and warnings, full of risks and rewards for these tiny competitive performers. What moves crickets and katydids to sing, how they produce their distinctive sounds, how they hear the songs of others, and how they vary cadence, volume, and pitch to attract potential mates, warn off competitors, and evade predators is part of the engaging story Cricket Radio tells. Himmelman’s narrative weaves together his personal experiences as an amateur naturalist in search of crickets and katydids with the stories of scientists who study these insects professionally. He also offers instructions for bringing a few of the little singers into our homes and gardens. We can, Himmelman suggests, be reawakened to these night songs that have meant so much to the human psyche. The online insect calls that accompany this colorfully illustrated narrative provide a bridge of sound to our past and to our vital connection with other species.

From Australia''s outback to the neighborhood lawn, animals great and small fill the pages of the 13 Sylvan Dell books in this Wildlife Set. The picture books in this set are each fictional stories with nature & science themes designed for reading fun but, at the same time, to pique a child''s interest and tee-up science, math, and geography learning. Titles include: Tudley Didn''t Know**, Habitat Spy, In My Backyard, Little Skink''s Tail**, Kersplatypus**, Animals are Sleeping, Blackberry Banquet, One Wolf Howls**, Moose and Magpie**, Felina''s New Home, Baby Owl''s Rescue**, Fur and Feathers, River Beds: Sleeping in the World''s Rivers**, and Little Red Bat. (**Award Winners) 4-6 pg For Creative Minds educational section in the back 40-60 pg cross-curricular Teaching Activities and 3 Interactive Quizzes available free on the book''s homepage eBooks with Auto-Flip, Auto-Read and selectable English and Spanish text and audio.

This set contains 15 Sylvan Dell books between 510 and 580 Lexile Levels. Titles include: Champ''s Story: Dogs Get Cancer Too!; Kersplatypus**; Tudley Didn''t Know**; What''s New at the Zoo?**; My Half Day; Burro''s Tortillas; Julie The Rockhound; Pieces of Another World; Whistling Wings**; Little Skink''s Tail**; Moose and Magpie**; One Odd Day**; Pandas'' Earthquake Escape**; Deep in the Desert; Big Cat, Little Kitty. (**Award Winners) 4-6 pg For Creative Minds educational section in the back of each book 40-60 pg cross-curricular Teaching Activities and 3 Interactive Quizzes available free on each book''s homepage eBooks with Auto-Flip, Auto-Read and selectable English and Spanish text and audio

6 Sylvan Dell books between Accelerated Reader Levels 2.0 and 2.8: One Odd Day; My Even Day; Little Skink''s Tail; Newton and Me; Pieces of Another World; Tudley Didn''t Know

This set contains 13 Sylvan Dell books between Reading Counts Levels 2.1 and 2.9: Count Down to Fall**; What''s New at the Zoo?; Moose and Magpie**; Twas the Day Before Zoo Day**; Kersplatypus**; Tudley Didn''t Know**; Burro''s Tortillas; Julie The Rockhound; My Half Day; Pieces of Another World; Little Skink''s Tail**; One Odd Day**; Whistling Wings** (Award Winners**). 4-6 pg For Creative Minds educational section in the back 40-60 pg cross-curricular Teaching Activities and 3 Interactive Quizzes available free on the book''s homepage eBooks with Auto-Flip, Auto-Read and selectable English and Spanish text and audio