Best Selling Books by Ruth Owen

u0093Minibeastsu0094 is a fun way to describe all types of very small animals. Readers will have the chance to make all types of crafts, including ladybug dominoes and even a worm farm. Step-by-step instructions accompanied by colorful photographs will keep readers engaged from cover to cover.

Flowers bloom and start producing seeds. Trees covered with fresh green leaves are making food for themselves. Young animals born in the spring are striking out on their own. The days are long and sunny, and kids head back outdoors after supper to play. It’s summertime! This colorful, fact-filled title gives readers a chance not only to learn about summer, but also to develop their powers of observation and critical thinking. Fun activities, such as recording changes in temperature, precipitation, and the length of days in a weather notebook, give readers a chance to gain insights beyond just facts and figures. Expertly crafted to meet early elementary reading and science curriculum standards, How Do You Know It''s Summer? introduces young readers to science concepts and the two fundamental components of scientific inquiry--making observations, and drawing inferences from those observations.

Origami can be made to suit any occasion, including Hanukkah. Readers of this innovative guide follow step-by-step instructions to fold decorations such as a Star of David and a simple menorah using the Japanese art of paper folding. Colorful photographs are paired with accessible text, ensuring learners of many ages and abilities can follow along in folding their own keepsakes. This engaging volume provides a unique and creative way for readers to learn more about Hanukkah while also learning about the art of origami.

Readers will explore the ways plants and animals interact and help each other to live and flourish. Labeled full-color photographs will illustrate new terms and concepts, connecting readers to the natural world around them. Easy-to-follow text, helpful diagrams, and clearly labeled photographs will make this topic not only accessible but interesting to readers.

The center of your eye is known as the pupil. Although it looks black, the pupil is actually a small opening. Learn about the fascinating ways the human body functions in How I See, a My Body title. Each title in the series introduces readers to the ways in which their body senses things, grows, and interacts with the world around them.

Valentine''s Day is a holiday bursting with gifts, and homemade gifts are the most heartfelt of all. This sweet book enables artistic readers to make a number of origami gifts for their valentines, including a heart with wings, a red rose, and a teddy bear. They''ll be amazed how a few basic techniques can turn a piece of paper into an extraordinary shape. As a bonus in each well-explained and carefully illustrated activity, each symbol''s connection to Valentine''s Day is thoughtfully presented. Let''s get folding!

Could a creature really defy death by existing on human blood? If vampire myths are just stories, why have people continued to report seeing vampires for centuries? From Count Dracula to Edward Cullen and Bella Swan, both history and popular fiction have been fascinated by these creatures of the night. In Vampires and Other Bloodsuckers, children will read historical stories and modern-day accounts of vampire encounters. Children will explore the truth behind vampire tales, and examine the fears and superstitions of different cultures that might explain the origins of vampire stories. Kids will also look at the scientific facts that might explain the seemingly unexplainable. Could vampires and other bloodsuckers really exist? Check out this book and decide for yourself!

The American Longhair, also known as a Maine Coon, is one of the oldest natural breeds of North America. This is just one of the fascinating facts readers will learn about these cuddly cats. Easy-to-follow text accompanied by full-color photographs make this a great addition to any cat lover''s library.

It sounds like something from a science-fiction movie, but today, many scientists are exploring the possibility that humans could one day live on the planet Mars. This fascinating book, packed with real-life space science, explores the latest ideas of the people who dream of colonizing another planet. How would we get to Mars? How would we breathe? What would we eat and drink? What would a home on Mars look like, and what would everyday life be like on a freezing-cold planet millions of miles from Earth?

Reveals the human body as a habitat for an array of organisms that are both helpful and harmful.

What plants and animals live in a garden? What do the living things in this habitat need from their environment? And who eats who in a garden ecosystem? In this title, readers will investigate simple food chains and natural habitats, including a garden, forest, tide pool, desert, and even a tree stump micro-habitat.

Folding a paper craft and giving it as a gift can be a great way to give thanks to the important people in one’s life. Readers of this informative volume learn how to fold all sorts of Thanksgiving origami crafts, from leaves and pumpkins to a turkey and even a model of the Mayflower. The paper models can be used as decorations and place cards, or they can just be made for fun! Colorful photographs guide readers through the step-by-step instructions, making the activities accessible for readers of many levels.

Although adult Arctic foxes have the warmest fur of any mammal and can actually sleep out in the open, they need dens to raise their pups in. So every spring, the mother and father fox move into an earthen den that they have often used year after year. There, 7 to 15 pups are born, each blind and almost helpless. For two months, both parents work continuously to keep their babies fed, bringing them lemmings every single day. Readers will see how the cute little pups soon learn to hunt and feed themselves—and eventually, to move out and live on their own. Combining gorgeous photos and clear, simple text, this coming-of-age introduction to Arctic fox pups is sure to delight emergent readers.

Step-by-step instructions for origami Easter decorations.

One of the most popular questions of childhood remains confounding even to some adults: Why is the sky blue? This vibrant and informative volume presents a carefully crafted answer through achievable and age-appropriate text. Inviting images and fun photographs support the appealing content. Readers of all levels will be motivated to become inquisitive about other aspects and occurrences in the natural world around them.

From fabric-munching moth caterpillars and hungry houseflies to fur-dwelling fleas and biting bedbugs, our houses are homes to thousands of creatures that feed on our clothes, our food and garbage, our pets, and even human blood! Filled with fascinating facts, Icky House Invaders takes young readers on a voyage that will open their eyes to the tiniest, most unwelcome houseguests imaginable. Combining vivid, full-color electron microscope images and a controlled text that contains a wealth of information, Icky House Invaders is guaranteed to get young readers buzzing about the wonders of a world that exists right before our eyes—and just beyond our sight.

Readers will be awestruck as they learn to transform a simple piece of paper into a majestic elephant, towering giraffe, or bold zebra. As the clear text breaks each animal project into simple steps, pictures illustrate a variety of origami folds. Images of the animals in their grassland homes with depictions of each finished project will inspire and delight origami and animal enthusiasts alike.

In this title, join a tiny stag beetle as he grows from a larva that lives underground, to an adult insect. Watch as the stag beetle emerges from the dirt and flies through the forest, ready to do battle with other males, using his magnificent stag-like antlers. The book combines repetitive text with high-frequency and familiar sight words. Unfamiliar vocabulary is supported by detailed photographic images with labels, close photo/text matches, and a picture glossary.

Could a human being really come back from the dead to feed on human flesh and brains? If myths about zombies and other walking dead are just fictional stories, why have so many people claimed to have witnessed the return of the dead from the grave? What would it be like to become a zombie, and how can you tell if the person stumbling toward you with glassy eyes and outstretched arms is one of the living dead? In Zombies and Other Walking Dead, children will read historical stories and modern-day accounts of zombie encounters and get all the information they need to protect themselves from these frightening creatures. Children will also investigate the truth behind zombie stories and examine how the fears and superstitions of different cultures might explain the origins of zombie myths. Kids will also look at the scientific facts that might explain the seemingly unexplainable. If you love a spine-tingling horror story but also want to investigate the truth behind these myths, this is the book for you!

What are rovers, and how do they safely land on and explore other planets? The answers to these questions and more are waiting for readers to discover as they explore the fascinating world of rovers. Readers are introduced to the stories of famous Mars rovers, including Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity. They learn who controls rovers, what discoveries rovers have made, and many other fun facts about these space vehicles. Fact boxes provide additional information, and eye-catching photographs allow readers to see rovers and the planets they explore up close.

Presents facts about trees and leaves combined with such nature projects as bark castings, twig rafts, fall leaf wreaths, and leaf masks.

Astronomers have been studying the night sky for thousands of years. Today, technology including space telescopes, rovers, and deep-space probes makes astronomy a truly exciting field. Young readers may be inspired to help solve the mysteries of our universe when they grow up.

A powerful telescope has discovered a giant object speeding through our solar system. Is it an asteroid? Will its orbit bring it close to Earth? Is there a chance it could one day collide with our planet? It''s time for a team of asteroid hunters to go into action and track the object as it hurtles through space! Get to Work with Science and Technology is a fascinating new series that introduces readers to the real-life applications of STEM subjects. In Asteroid Hunters, readers will meet the scientists who use high-powered telescopes and super computers to watch for dangers from space. Told in a lively narrative style, this book includes firsthand accounts of life as an asteroid hunter, dramatic anecdotes, behind-the-scenes photos, and the coolest facts about asteroids and comets. Readers will also get the chance to try out their space scientist skills with activities that are perfect for science fair projects.

When you blow the fluttering fluff off a dandelion, what is the result? From acorns to pine cones, milk weed to walnuts, plants have a multitude of ways of spreading their seeds and ensuring more plants of their kind grow and multiply. Readers will delve into this vital science topic with zeal as they learn not only the ways plants spread their seeds, but how the seeds themselves are created.

What�s furry, gives birth to live babies, and feeds them milk? A mammal, of course! Readers will be surprised at how many different animals fall into this classification. They�ll love making elephants, dolphins, raccoons and other adorable creatures in this inspiring book. Step-by-step instructions with visuals for each fold make origami accessible and fun. As they craft, readers will learn fascinating facts about each mammal. This peaceful art form helps readers retain information and gets them excited about learning. Fun and informative, this unique mix of origami projects and important life science topics is a must-have for any library.

Our solar systemu0092s largest planet is also one of many mysteries, including its Great Red Spot, an enormous, perpetual storm. Stunning illustrations help to introduce young readers to this fascinating planet. Supplemented with a websites and a list of books for further reading.

Through the bitter Antarctic winter, a father emperor penguin nurtures and broods a large egg while his partner is out at sea, feeding. When the chick hatches, mom returns from the ocean to meet her new baby for the first time and bring it a nourishing meal of regurgitated fish. So begins the life of one of the most fascinating birds on Earth! In Penguin Chicks, readers will learn the details of how these baby birds grow up in a penguin nursery among thousands of other chicks. Each little penguin grows bigger and bigger until the day when its parents no longer arrive with a meal. Then the chick must trek to the freezing ocean to look for fish and begin its adult life. The colorful interior spreads and gorgeous photos of penguin chicks are sure to delight emergent readers.

Describes the physical characteristics, habits, and habitat of the Arctic fox.

Describes life on an egg farm, including hatching chicks, collecting and processing eggs, and bringing eggs to market.

How does an acorn become a mighty oak tree? What does a tiny sunflower seed need to grow into a tall yellow flower? In this title, readers will investigate how plants grow and how they disperse their seeds. They''ll also discover that many of the foods we eat are seeds!

Standing more than 40 stories high, the Great Pyramid of Giza has towered over the hot, dry Egyptian desert for more than 2,500 years. In this book, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World is explored. How was this massive structure created in a time before cranes and other heavy machinery? How did the thousands of pyramid builders live and work? And how are modern-day robots being used to explore tiny passages and mysterious shafts deep within this giant tomb?

St. Patrick''s Day is usually known as a fun holiday of parades, music, and people dressed in green from head to toe. Readers may wonder about the images associated with St. Patrick''s Day, though. They may question what a leprechaun is and wonder why a shamrock has come to symbolize the Irish people. In this engaging activity book, they''ll learn the answers to these queries and more, while using the exquisite art of origami to create the most popular symbols of St. Patrick''s Day. Colorful photos, labeled illustrations, and easy-to-follow steps guide budding origami artists through each paper-folding activity.

Provides information about lions, including their physical characteristics, habitats, life cycle, and eating habits.

Valentine’s Day is best celebrated with lots of fun decorations. With the help of this creative volume, readers can learn how to make some decorations of their own! This helpful guide introduces readers to the Japanese art of paper folding—origami—and shows them how to make Valentine-themed origami art. Simple step-by-step instructions are paired with eye-catching photographs to help visual learners understand the many folds involved in creating these beautiful origami models. The final products can be used to decorate, given as gifts, or just made for fun!

In a world of technology and pollution, gardening is a therapeutic and green hobby that anyone can enjoy. This accessible guide helps readers blossom into masterful gardeners with ease! Engaging projects and gardening crafts will entice even reluctant readers to try out their green thumbs. Charmingly designed, helpful visuals and simple step-by-step instructions make projects easy and fun. Readers will love innovative and eco-friendly activities, such as upcycling old rain boots into delightful flowerpots! They�ll gain confidence in their gardening skills and creativity. Projects act as springboards to help readers design and cultivate their own unique gardens. With inspiring ideas and easy instructions, this introduction to gardening will be popular in any library.

Turkeys, pumpkins, and apples are common sights on many Thanksgiving dinner tables, and they’re also fun things to make with paper! In this guide to Thanksgiving origami, readers are presented with cool crafts to make by folding paper—from a Pilgrim to an ear of Thanksgiving corn. Clear steps, visual examples, materials lists, and useful tips help readers master each project. Along the way, historical information and other fun facts give readers more insight into the story of Thanksgiving. The encouraging tone takes the stress out of crafts, creating an experience readers are sure to be thankful for.

Though people don’t often think of plants as needing to defend themselves, this book will illuminate the many ways that plants have developed defense mechanisms through subtle change over time. From prickly cactus spines to color changing and camouflage, varied adaptations of several plant species are covered. The illustrative labeled photos bring this fascinating topic to life and reinforce the concepts readers have learned.

For readers ready to learn a new art form, loom crafts are fun projects for creative crafters of all ages. Readers will use this easily accessible guide to master the art of making bracelets, flower charms, and coasters. The book also includes instructions for making a colorful circular rug for the reader’s bedroom. Colorful images allow readers to visualize each step in the creative process, while direct and clear instructions guide them through the project from beginning to end. There’s no limit on the number of decorations and accessories readers can make using their loom!

Independence Day is a day filled with fireworks, hot dogs, and symbols of America like the bald eagle. These are just some of the fun origami projects readers can make as they follow along with this encouraging and exciting guide to Fourth of July crafts. As readers follow each step, visual examples help them see what each stage of the process should look like. Additional help is provided in an opening section of basic tips and lists of materials needed before each craft. Fun facts about this holiday are also included to make readers feel even more patriotic.