Best Selling Books by Louise Spilsbury

Which plant has flowers up to three feet across? How do plants give us energy from sunshine? How is VIADOCS helping scientists? How are plants organized into different groups? Can you easily name plants? Do you need a microscope to identify a plant? 'Plant Classification' provides the answers you want.

A description of life in the Islamic empires written in the form of a travel guide.

Look inside a garbage can and discover a world of inhabitants! A close look at this microhabitat reveals an unbelievable variety of organisms. Vibrant photographs and detailed illustrations combine to make these books informative and engaging. A visual table of contents helps readers navigate the text, and informative labels make the photographs valuable sources of information.

Discusses the history of, and problems specific to, dams around the world, including Egypt's Aswan High Dam, China's Three Gorges Dam, and India's Narmada Valley dams.

Explores the different ways plants scatter their seeds by using insects, animals, and the wind.

Discover what are paleontologists, what do they do, and how to become one.

"What can you spot on the beach? This book guides readers on a beach walk, gradually introducing clues such as bird nests and burrows to help them learn more about the diversity of beach habitats. This title includes stunning photographs, a simple guide on what to wear and take on a beach walk, and a detailed glossary"--

Earth—it’s a disaster zone! For thousands of years, Earth has been battered by horrific hurricanes that rage across its surface, wreaking devastation as they move. But what causes these awesome forces of nature and where in the world are they most likely to occur? Discover the science behind hurricane horrors, the world’s worst-ever hurricane disasters, and the technology that scientists are using to help prevent devastating hurricanes of the future.

Earth—it’s a disaster zone! For thousands of years, Earth has been set alight by raging wildfires that rip across its surface, torching everything in their paths. But what causes these awesome forces of nature and where in the world are they most likely to occur? Discover the science behind raging wildfires, the world’s worst-ever wildfire disasters, and the technology that scientists are using to help prevent devastating wildfires of the future.

This book looks at volcanoes and some of the major volcanic eruptions of the past.

Describes how and where fossils are found and what they represent using examples of real fossils, from the point of view of a paleontologist.

As the 13 colonies grew, they prospered with new industries and trade. However, some of these trades, like tanning animal hides, were unpleasant. In fact, from slaves and indentured servants, to “mad hatters” and risk-taking whalers, jobs in the colonies could be downright horrible! Readers will delight in viewing the colonial world through a different lens while they continue to learn about life in early America. Enhanced by detailed images, the social studies content augments classroom learning through true—though sometimes disgusting—facts and examples of making a living in the 13 colonies.

Describes the geography, history, government, economy, people, lifestyle, religion, language, arts, leisure, festivals, and food of twenty-four countries.

Earth—it’s a disaster zone! For thousands of years, Earth has been exploding with super volcanoes whose magma flows and gas clouds destroy everything in their paths. But what causes these awesome forces of nature and where in the world are they most likely to occur? Discover the science behind super volcanoes, the world’s worst-ever volcano disasters, and the technology that scientists are using to help prevent devastating volcanoes of the future.

The animals you will meet in this title are not champions because they train in a gym. The reason for their success is the cells in their bodies. Find out why when you read this title.

This book looks at the different places light comes from, including natural and artificial sources. - Discover the difference between a light source and a reflective object and how you can tell which is which. - Look at our largest and most important light source - the Sun - and what happens when you take sunlight away. - Explore light technology by finding out how we use lasers and fibre optics. And much more!

The sea turtle is one of Earth's most entrancing creatures, yet it is also one of its most threatened. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save sea turtles, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series. Mission Survival explores why humans are endangering sea turtles and their biomes and how and why some people have devoted their careers to helping save them. Some of the world's most beautiful creatures are threatened because of human action. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save them, what kids on a mission are doing to save them, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series. Mission Survival includes case studies that explore the work people are undertaking to save threatened animals, and career information that shows children how they can build their own careers in animal conservation.

The snow leopard is one of Earth's most entrancing creatures, yet it is also one of its most threatened. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save snow leopards, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series. Mission Survival explores why humans are endangering snow leopards and their biomes and how and why some people have devoted their careers to helping save them. Some of the world's most beautiful creatures are threatened because of human action. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save them, what kids on a mission are doing to save them, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series. Mission Survival includes case studies that explore the work people are undertaking to save threatened animals, and career information that shows children how they can build their own careers in animal conservation.

Animals engineer lots of tricks and traps to ambush or snare their prey. From shrimps with stun traps to spiders with trapdoors, discover how they make sure they get a tasty meal in even the most difficult situations.

Within the world of medicine, robots are on the rise! From performing surgery to administering medicine, robots are making it possible for us to save lives like never before. In this exciting high-tech series, readers will discover how robots are revolutionizing the world of healthcare.

Contents include: What do Archaeologists do?; How do Archaeologists find clues?; Where do Archaeologists study their finds?; How do Archaeologists reconstruct the past?; What does it take to be an Archaeologist?

Explains how erosion and weathering can cause landslides, sinkholes, canyons, and waterfalls.

The Mound Builders were some of the most advanced Native peoples to be encountered by European explorers. They made their homes in the part of North America along what is now known as the Mississippi River. Their complex, ancient culture is very impressive: the Mound Builders are credited with being the first group of people to rely on farming as a major source of food. This book features photographs of cool artifacts and critical thinking questions to engage readers as they draw their own conclusions while learning about the Mound Builders.

Robert Goddard changed the face of air and space travel forever when he launched his invention—the first liquid-fueled rocket. This book introduces readers to Goddard’s early days, from the moment he set his eyes to the vast sky and the space beyond, to his first explosive experiments. Readers will learn about the technology behind Goddard’s first rockets and how they affected the design and use of later rockets. This is a high-interest approach to introducing important STEM topics, as well as history. Readers will love paging through the authentic photographs and exploring the information-rich text and timeline for a deeper understanding of this exciting biography.

It's important for students to understand how tornadoes form, their structure, and when and where they're likely to strike. Perhaps even more important is learning the damage they cause and how they affect communities around the world. This book offers readers both important STEM content they'll need for science class as well as real stories of recent tornadoes, including eye-opening photographs of the devastation they may cause and statistics boxes quantifying the damage. A news magazine style layout makes each section seem fresh and exciting, while also allowing for the inclusion of witness quotes and headlines.

Skeletons are more than classic Halloween décor – they’re intricate structures inside every human being! In this innovative book, readers will learn how bones and muscles work together to support the human body and enable its many movements. Fun graphics and easy-to-comprehend language makes this important topic accessible to all readers. Concise flowcharts emphasize key concepts at the end of each chapter, helping readers visualize and retain essential science curriculum material. Even readers who are reluctant to engage with science will enjoy this unique, visually based approach to learning. Any library will have a home for this reader-friendly look at the human skeleton and muscles.

Examines the characteristics of and threats to the alligator.

What do nails, hammers, axes, and human teeth have in common? They're all examples of wedges. This fascinating simple machine takes many important forms that shape how humans interact with the world. This innovative book introduces readers to real-world examples of the wedge and thoroughly explains how this tool works. Detailed pictures with extensive annotations explain essential engineering concepts. "Technology in Action" spreads give readers an inside look at wedges in action. This accessible book introduces readers to simple machines in a fun way, encouraging an early interest in STEM.

The orangutan is one of Earth's most entrancing creatures, yet it is also one of its most threatened. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save orangutans, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series. Mission Survival explores why humans are endangering orangutans and their biomes and how and why some people have devoted their careers to helping save them. Some of the world's most beautiful creatures are threatened because of human action. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save them, what kids on a mission are doing to save them, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series. Mission Survival includes case studies that explore the work people are undertaking to save threatened animals, and career information that shows children how they can build their own careers in animal conservation.

The Mayan Empire is remembered as one of the most progressive but violent civilizations in history. Readers will explore a variety of unsavory topics, from bloody battles and skull racks to living with the dead and human sacrifices. Features like detailed sidebars and full-color photographs and illustrations will engage readers as they discover a whole new side to the history of the ancient Americas.

All materials can exist in different states, but what are the differences, and how do materials change from one state to another? This book explores solids, liquids, and gases, looking at their properties and the processes involved in changing state.

Readers will learn what atoms and molecules are and what's inside them; how we measure matter; what solids, liquids, and gases are; when matter changes state; melting and boiling points; and the water cycle.

Stories about ghosts and haunted places have gripped human imagination throughout history. From poltergeists through ghostly figures and haunted buildings, our supernatural history is full of unanswered questions. This high-interest title will enthrall readers with its investigation of the paranormal past and the intriguing answers that could solve spooky mysteries of history.

Without Johann Gutenberg, the way we read, write, and distribute printed information would be completely different. Readers will take a close look at the life of the man who invented the printing press, an invention that revolutionized publishing. This book takes readers through Gutenberg’s early years as a goldsmith, and how they led to his invention of a moveable type machine. Engaging and information-rich text is paired with vivid photographs and a timeline to make this a dynamic read, one that supports both STEM and history curricula in an accessible way.

When would a woman wear a 'bindi'? Why do cows wander freely around the city? How do Ganges river dolphins find food? In this book you will learn about the way people live on the River Ganges. The books in the 'World Cultures' series use colourful photographs, maps and fun activities, and give advice on where to get further information.

The Asian elephant is one of Earth's most intriguing creatures, yet it is also one of its most threatened. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save Asian elephants, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series. Mission Survival explores why humans are endangering Asian elephants and their biomes and how and why some people have devoted their careers to helping save them. Some of the world's most beautiful creatures are threatened because of human action. Find out why some people are making it their mission to try to save them, what kids on a mission are doing to save them, and what readers can do to make it their mission too in this call-to-action series. Mission Survival includes case studies that explore the work people are undertaking to save threatened animals, and career information that shows children how they can build their own careers in animal conservation.