Whales are the only mammals that spend their entire life in the water. From playful dolphins to enormous blue whales, the behavior, habitats, and physiology of these amazing marine mammals are explored in What is a Whale? Spectacular full-color photos help show flukes, flippers, and fins, the whale family tree, baleen and toothed whales, how whales communicate through echolocation, their watery homes and what they eat, baby whales, whale-watching and why whales are in danger.
Gray whales live in the Pacific Ocean and can grow to be 50 feet (15 meters) long. Readers will discover how whale hunters brought these huge mammals to near extinction and how people are working together to help these giants of the sea fight for survival.
Readers are introduced the habitat and lifestyle of the American Alligator and learn how the American Alligator is making a comeback from near extinction. Find out how people in the southeastern United States are learning to live with these amazing creatures.
An elephant seal has a thick layer of blubber that keeps it from freezing in cold northern waters. This protective layer of blubber was prized by hunters who killed so many elephant seals that there were fewer than 100 left alive. Discover how government leaders and others took action to save these sea mammals from extinction.
Zebra Mussels are known for their striped shells and clingy habits. These natives of Europe and Asia traveled to North America in by ship. Learn more about why the zebra mussel poses a threat to native animals and the health of North American waterways.
The Southern Ocean, also known as the Antarctic Ocean, was not officially recognized as a distinct body of water until the year 2000. Krill, lantern fish, and whales can all be found in this oceans chilly waters. Explore the Southern Oceans climate, currents, and sea life in this engaging title for beginning readers.
Covering nearly one-third of Earths surface, the Pacific Ocean is a treasure trove of natural resources and is home to many magnificent creatures. The Pacific Ocean has the deepest ocean trench called the Challenger Deep. Its more than 35,800 feet below the surface! Learn more about the largest ocean in this exciting title for young readers.
Submarine volcanoes and giant mountain chains lie deep below the Indian Oceans surface. Where the Indian Ocean ends has been debated, but its indisputably nestled between Africa, Asia, and Australia. Prone to torrential rain and cyclones, the Indian Ocean will enthrall curious minds!
For hundreds of years, travelers have braved the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, often trying to steer clear of the mysterious Bermuda Triangle! Islands have formed from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge located deep below the Atlantic Oceans surface. Discover more about the Atlantic Ocean and grasp important geography terms in this title for young students.
In Aquarium, emergent readers join a group of students as they visit an aquarium. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text engage young readers as they explore a marine environment and learn about the many animals that make their home there. A labeled diagram identifies common aquarium residents, while a picture glossary reinforces new vocabulary. Children can learn more about the aquarium using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Aquarium also features reading tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.
When Pierre, an African penguin living at the California Academy of Sciences, begins to lose his feathers, the zoo staff is at a loss as to what to do. The lack of feathers causes Pierre to lose warmth, making him afraid to swim in the zoo pool. And the other penguins start to shy away, giving Pierre the "cold" shoulder. Unfortunately, heaters and medications fail to correct the situation. But one rainy day, inspiration strikes a biologist named Pam. While walking her dog in the rain, Pam notes that her pet wears a raincoat. Could a "raincoat," or wet suit, help Pierre? A tiny neoprene wet suit is designed especially for Pierre. But will it work?
Explains how humpback whales live and grow; discusses their migration, its purpose, and its route; and lists threats humpback whales may face on their migration.
This book is an introduction to biomes and ecosystems and provides background for the in-depth discussion of the ocean biome. Reading Essentials in Science.
Oceanography is the study of the ocean's composition, movements, and organisms. Reading Essentials in Science.
A tiny baby sea turtle scrambles across the sandy beach and into the sea. Floating far out in the ocean, Kiki is becoming a gentle giant. She swims to shallower water where a rainbow of corals puts on a show. Kiki adopts the busy coral reef as her new home and discovers fish of all sizes and lots of surprises! But something keeps calling her back to the beach...and the circle of life continues.
Told in rhyming narrative, Habitat Spy invites children to find plants (or algae), invertebrates, birds, and mammals living in thirteen different North American habitats: backyard, beach, bog, cave, desert, forest, meadow, mountain, ocean, plains, pond, river, and swamp. Children will have fun discovering the characteristics of each habitat as they "spy," identify, and count the resident plants and animals and learn about the interactions between living and non-living things.
Fishers have provided food for thousands of years. Long ago, fishers had to fish close to land and used simple fishing tools such as knives, hoes, and spears. With the use of modern boats and fishing equipment, today's fishers fish far out in the ocean and catch a large variety of fish for market.
Hurricane . . . just the word brings to mind the power of these natural disasters. Humans watch the news and know of impending arrival. We board up windows and gather supplies. We might huddle in our homes or go inland. Then we wait for the storm to arrive. But what do wild animals do? Do they know when a storm is coming? If so, how do they prepare? This book explains how nine animals sense, react, and prepare for a hurricane. Based on research or observations, the brief portraits are explained in simple, poetic language for children of all ages.
This is a companion book to Mary Alice Monroe's novel, Swimming Lessons, the sequel to The Beach House. In the novel, the readers witness a young mother, Toy, writing a journal for her daughter, Little Lovie. This is the journal Toy is writing. Using original photographs, this scrapbook journal explains the nesting cycle of sea turtles and the natural life along the Southeastern coast, including local shore birds, shells, and the sea turtle hospital. Adults and children will enjoy the images, information and the journal with or without the novel. The "For Creative Minds" educational section includes turtle nesting facts, a shell identification activity, and a make-your-own nature journal.
Seasons change in the ocean much as they do on land. Spring brings new plants and baby animals, summer oceans glow with sparkly plankton lights, and autumn winds blow across the open water. In winter the humpback whales migrate to warmer waters, just as some land animals move to warmer climates. The cycle begins again as they return to the northern waters in the spring. In fun, fanciful form, Ocean Seasons introduces plants and animals that are joined through the mix of seasons, food webs, and habitats beneath the waves. While set in the Pacific, similar changes occur in the Atlantic also. The "For Creative Minds" learning sections features and "Ocean Food Web Card Game."
Enjoy a day in one of the most dynamic habitats on earth: the salt marsh. Fun-to-read, rhyming verse introduces readers to hourly changes in the marsh as the tide comes and goes. Watch the animals that have adapted to this ever-changing environment as they hunt for food or play in the sun, and learn how the marsh grass survives even when it is covered by saltwater twice a day. An activity on adaptations is included in the "For Creative Minds" section.
The sea is a place of mystery, where animals big and small play hide and seek! Can you imagine a shark hiding in the light? What about a clownfish in plain sight? Don't believe it? Then, sink into the deep blue sea with Jennifer Evans Kramer and Ocean Hide and Seek! Surround yourself with the vibrant ocean illustrations of Gary R. Phillips. The ocean is an old, old place, and the exotic animals in the depths have learned to adapt to their surroundings to survive. Can you find the creatures hidden on every page? Or will you, too, be fooled by an ancient, underwater disguise? The "For Creative Minds" learning section includes an "Animal Classification" and "Food for Thought" activity.
Follow the photo journal of Carolina, a critically ill loggerhead sea turtle, as she is cared for and nursed back to health at the Sea Turtle Hospital of the South Carolina Aquarium. Just like hospitalized children, Carolina goes through a variety of emotions and procedures during her care and recovery process. When she first arrives at the hospital, she is too sick, weak, and confused to understand what is happening. She has blood drawn, x-rays taken, gets shots, and is fed through an IV...just as ill children may be! As she gains strength, she begins to interact with her caregivers and to, begrudgingly, understand that they are really trying to help. Join her as she interacts with her many caregivers and her sick or injured roommate turtles. Celebrate the happy day she is released back into the open arms of the ocean - a healthy and happy sea turtle! The "For Creative Minds" section includes a craft, game ideas and information on sea turtles. The author and photographer donate a portion of their royalties to the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Program at the South Carolina Aquarium.
The question of who eats what in a freshwater habitat is answered in this book about food webs.
Acclaimed nonfiction author Sandra Markle presents the daring story of a mother emperor penguin's struggle to reach the sea, find food, avoid predators, and make her way back to her mate and their newborn chick before they starve. Alan Marks' luminous illustrations highlight the harsh conditions and stunning landscapes of Antarctica.