Most Popular Books by Laurence Pringle

From the tiny cookiecutter to the great white, the world''s oceans are home to hundreds of species of marvelous and mysterious sharks. There''s the giant whale shark - longer than two school buses but gentle enough to swim with humans; and the swell shark, which can wedge itself into a hideout and then swell so that it cannot be pulled out. There are sharks that lay eggs and sharks that have live babies. Some are small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, and some have teeth bigger than your fist. Join acclaimed author Laurence Pringle on a fascinating exploration of the wide variety of fish classified as sharks. Together with Meryl Henderson''s beautiful and realistic illustrations, young readers will be taken on an unforgettable journey deep under the sea.

Examines a variety of blunders and mistakes throughout history, some funny and some tragic, and causes for these errors.

Relates myths about dragons from different countries and from different time periods, including dragon lore from Egypt, Greece, England, and China.

Describes the sense of touch, how it works, and why it is important, discussing such related phenomena as goose bumps and phantom limbs, and examining this sense in a variety of animals.

This gorgeous and lyrical picture book follows a year in the life of a red fox named Vixen. Kids will learn about a common backyard neighbor as they read how Vixen finds food, hunts, escapes threats, finds a mate, and raises her kits—all the way to the day that she and her mate watch their kits head off to lead their own secret lives. Stunning, realistic illustrations celebrate the beauty of these mysterious creatures as readers learn important facts through an engaging and fascinating story. The book also includes back matter with more in-depth information, a glossary, and further resources.

Describes the parts of the mouth and how they function and discusses why things taste different to different people, the relationship between smell and taste, the sense of taste in animals, and more.

Describes the parts of the eye and how they work and discusses such topics as colorblindness, visual perception, eye care, and more.

We have been taught to fear scorpions in any form. But scorpions usually sting either to subdue their prey or to protect themselves. In fact, Earth has two thousand scorpion species, but only a few dozen are deadly to humans. With vivid descriptions of scorpions'' life cycle, body structure, habits, and habitat and beautiful, realistic illustrations, this new entry in the popular Strange and Wonderful series explores one of nature''s feared and misunderstood creatures.

A detailed account of the Lewis and Clark expedition features the dog that was its most unusual member. Selections from the actual journals of Lewis and Clark appear throughout the text.

Chronicles the discovery of the fossil reptiles that, until 150 years ago, were unknown. Relates how scientists are able to reconstruct the appearance of these animals and shows how some of them looked.

A simple discussion of death as it applies to the plant and animal kingdom.

Discusses the ecological restoration of prairies, marshes, forests, rivers, and other damaged environments of North America.

Learn all about the elephant in this nonfiction picture book that explores every aspect of these giant mammals. This latest title in the Strange and Wonderful series allows young readers to journey into the lives of elephants in various habitats throughout the world. Kids will learn how elephants use their trunk, how they communicate, what they eat, and about their family groupings. The book also shows how we can ensure that elephants continue to live and thrive. Combining careful research and beautiful illustrations, this book is perfect for those who have an interest in animals and conservation.

With its lively text and exuberant illustrations, "Bear Hug" celebrates a special outing shared by children and their father. Full color.

A brief introduction to one of the world''s most durable insect species that has survived over 300 million years and thrives almost anywhere in the world.

This highly engaging exploration of the concept of evolution lays out the history of life on earth—what we know and how we know it. Ever since Charles Darwin revealed his landmark ideas about evolution in 1859, new findings have confirmed, expanded, and refined his concepts. This ALSC Notable children''s book brings together the pillars of evidence that support our understanding of evolution. In addition to stunning illustrations, more than fifty photographs capture natural marvels, including awe-inspiring fossils, life forms, and geological wonders. The result is a full and clear account of the monumental evidence supporting the modern view of evolution.

Describes the steps in a food chain and discusses their importance in the maintenance of life.

When Mom goes out for the evening, Becky and Jesse start to bicker. But then Dad gives them an octopus hug, and the house is soon rocking with laughter. An octopus hug is just one of the silly games in Larry Pringle''s story that celebrates the special delight children feel when they engage in horseplay with their dads. Kate Salley Palmer''s energetic text illustrations, practically reach out and draw the reader into the fun. Here''s a book the whole family can enjoy.

A beautifully illustrated story of the life cycle of the Green Darner Dragonfly from American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Lifetime Achievement winner Laurence Pringle.

Discusses human life before birth and, hence, the reason for the bellybutton.

Discover how global warming began, what problems it is causing, and how it can be reversed.

Are kids going to love this book? Is a frog waterproof? The latest title in the popular Strange and Wonderful series delivers the awe-inspiring variety of frogs, the world''s hoppiest amphibians. Did you know that the Goliath frog is more than a foot long? Or that the tiny gold frog could sit on a dime? Some frogs have camouflage. Others wear bold colors warning their enemies that they are poisonous. Some frogs leap, others hop, one is a runner, and a few glide from tree to tree with their big, webbed hands and feet! Surprising facts and beautiful, realistic nature illustrations come together in this celebration of one of nature''s most fascinating marvels.

Kids often spot woolly bear caterpillars creeping across the ground in fall, but these furry-looking creatures seem to disappear as quicklyas they pop up. Where do they come from in autumn, and where do theygo? In fact, they live throughout North America all year long. In vividstorytelling style, Laurence Pringle uncovers the secret life of the woollybear caterpillar, following one caterpillar as she feasts, tiny and hidden, inthe tall summer grass; molts and grows; then sets off on the fall journeywhere she''s most likely to be seen. Packed with surprising details (did you know that woolly bears can survive freezing temperatures by producinga natural antifreeze?), this book will appeal to every child who''s been luck yenough to spy one of these beloved caterpillars—and to anyone who''d like to.

Describes the phenomenon of garbage, what it can indicate about particular cultures, and past and present problems and methods of solid waste disposal and management.

The little-known life of York, the African American man enslaved by William Clark, and his contributions to the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition are examined in this carefully crafted Society of School Librarians International Honor Book. Award-winning author Laurence Pringle gives an accurate account of York''s life—before, during, and after the expedition. Using quotations from the expedition''s journals, he tells how York''s skills, strength, and intelligence helped in the day-to-day challenges of the journey. Artists Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu consulted with a Lewis and Clark expert to create thoroughly researched and stunning watercolor paintings of York''s life.

Here is an accessible and comprehensive introduction to dolphin species from all over the world; this title is the latest installment in the popular Strange and Wonderful series and a terrific STEM choice. With fascinating facts and detailed, illuminating artwork, DOLPHINS! Strange and Wonderful introduces readers to dolphin species -- from the well-known bottlenose dolphin to several species of "blackfish" (including orcas) that most people believe are whales. Author Laurence Pringle''s clear, informative text describes dolphins'' habitats, physiology, communication, intelligence, parenting, what and how they eat, and much more. The book also discusses conservation and how dolphins can be protected from hunting, pollution, and other threats. Accompanied by Meryl Henderson''s beautiful and illuminating paintings, this book is a great STEM title that perfectly hits the mark for children interested in marine life. Includes a glossary, index, and further resources.

Follow a year in the life of Volans, a flying squirrel, as she glides in the night air to hunt for food, deftly avoids danger from a raccoon, and gives birth to three tiny pups before preparing once again for the coming winter. Emerging at night from a cozy nest high in a tree, Volans the flying squirrel glides down. Although called a “flying” squirrel, she actually doesn’t fly—she glides using fur-covered flaps. Her instincts lead her to her hidden cache of food. She is also looking for a roomier hiding place because she is ready to give birth. When her pups are born she stays close to home, giving them milk and keeping them safe from predators until they can venture out on their own. Filled with intriguing facts and gorgeous illustrations, readers will be fascinated by the story of these remarkable rodents. This latest title in the Secret Life series has been vetted by a flying squirrel expert and includes back matter with more in-depth information, a glossary, and further resources.

Introduces the life cycle, feeding habits, migration, predators, and mating of the monarch butterfly through the observation of one particular monarch named Danaus.

Laurence Pringle takes a fascinating look at earth''s only flying mammal in this fun and informative Parents'' Choice Award book. Readers will learn how bats can pluck insects from the air, and even fish from the water. They will discover how bats help giant trees and other tropical plants to reproduce, and gobble up pesky mosquitoes. They will find out, too, how you can help to protect bats and their homes. Dozens of bats swoop through Meryl Henderson''s striking illustrations. The colorful art and clear, concise text together demonstrate that bats may be strange, but that they are wonderful too, and well worth saving.

Depicts, in text and illustrations, the stages of fire and regrowth in a Western lodgepole pine forest over a period of three hundred years. Also discusses the fire cycle and the role of fire in forest ecology.

Discusses the effects of an expanding population upon man and his resources pointing out the proposals of various scientists for dealing with the major problems of growth.

Describes the history of alcohol, its effects on the body and personality, how to deal with peer pressure to drink, and how to get help for alcoholism.

Traces the history of nuclear warfare from the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to the present situation created by the arms race and predicts the effects of both a limited and a large-scale nuclear war.

Describes a variety of scary animals, including the alligator, black widow spider, and mountain lion.