New Releases by Joyce L. Markovics

Darkness descends on an empty playground. Squeak, squeak. Squeak, squeak. A swing slowly begins to move back and forth. Is the wind pushing it? Then the swing flies higher and higher in the air. Yet no one is around. Suddenly, there''s the pitter-patter of small feet and the faint sound of a child''s laughter. Has a spirit come to play? In the 11 creepy places in this book, readers will explore a park that''s overrun with ghosts, a playground that was built on a graveyard, a spooky shifting staircase, and more. The haunting photographs and chilling nonfiction text will keep children turning the pages.

What''s that bird with the giant clump of feathers on its head? It''s a Polish chicken! Beginning readers will learn all about these strange yet wonderful creatures in this delightful title. They will also learn basic information about Polish chickens, including what they eat and the story behind their wacky feathers. Each 24-page book features controlled text with age-appropriate vocabulary and simple sentence construction. The lively text, colorful design, and eye-catching photos are sure to capture the interest of emergent readers.

Welcome to The City of Angels! Explore Hollywood, Venice Beach, and other iconic places around the city.

What has feathers, huge eyes and feet, and long, strong legs? If you guessed an ostrich, you''re right! This book introduces early readers to a mystery animal by describing its features, one by one, using short, simple sentences and eye-popping, full-color photos. At the end of the book, the secret animal is revealed across a colorful, two-page spread. Young children will love showing off their beginning reading skills as they learn about this dazzling collection of wild and wonderful zoo animals one clue at a time! Fast facts and habitat maps at the end of the book provide beginner readers with key information about the zoo animal. The clear text, clever design, and exquisite photos are sure to delight and engage emergent readers.

Woof I''m a sled dog. Dogs like me pull sleds through the snow. Look inside to learn all about the important jobs we do. Despite freezing temperatures, icy winds, and lots of snow, we are always hard at work Book jacket.

"Describes microscopic organisms that can cause illness and disease, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi"--

Provides information and advice about teen relationships, including friendship, family, and romance.

Describes acts of bravery and heroism performed by Army personnel in the current wars of the U.S.

Describes the origins, physical appearance, personality traits, and other characteristics of shih tzus.

A look inside a bat''s dark world, how bats hunt, sleep, and raise their young, and more.

Few living things can survive the harsh conditions of the Antarctic region. One plump animal that can is the weddell seal. This unique creature lives farther south than any other mammal. How does it survive? Biologist Terrie Williams has spent the last 25 years making trips to Antarctica to find out. In Weddell Seal: Fat and Happy, kids follow Williams as she studies how this amazing, uncommon animal weathers the most extreme conditions. Large, full-color photos and a narrative text will keep readers turning the pages for more.

Describes the physical characteristics, habits, and habitat of the Tasmanian devil.