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A Short Philosophy of Birds
by Philippe J Dubois Elise Rousseau“Brilliant, magical and engrossing–I will never see birds the same way again.” — Peter Wohlleben, author of The Hidden Life of TreesTHE INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENONTwenty-two short lessons from the secret lives of birds on living harmoniously and reconnecting with nature.This charming volume on bird behavior invites us to take a step back from our busy lives and to listen to the tiny philosophers of the sky. From the delicate sparrow to the majestic eagle, birds are among the most fascinating species on earth, and there is much to be learned from these paragons of beauty and grace that can be applied to our lives, including:Independence: what it means to be “pushed out of the nest.”Vulnerability: what the mallard teaches us about giving up our old feathers for new ones in order to fly.Gender equality: what happens when a papa Turtledove sits on the nest.Hierarchy and power: what the raven and the vulture know about the pecking order.Filled with elegant illustrations of bird species, this gem of a book celebrates of our friends in the sky, and what they can teach us about the rhythms of life.
A Short Tale About a Long Dog (Here's Hank #2)
by Henry Winkler Lin Oliver Scott GarrettHere's Hank stars the same Hank as in the bestselling Hank Zipzer series, only this time he's in 2nd grade! Hank is a kid who doesn't try to be funny, but he somehow always makes the kids in his class laugh. He's pretty bad at memorizing stuff, and spelling is his worst subject. (But so are math and reading!) In the second book in this new series, Hank has finally persuaded his dad to get the family a dog, and Hank couldn't be more excited! Mesmerized by a little wiener dog chasing his tail (making him look like a Cheerio) at the animal shelter, Hank declares him to be the new Zipzer dog. But when Cheerio gets loose in the park, Mr. Zipzer furiously announces that the dog must go. Can Hank convince his father that he wasn't the one who let Cheerio off his leash, or will he really lose his new pet and best friend?
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
by Philip C. Stead Erin E. SteadTHE BEST SICK DAY EVER and the animals in the zoo feature in this striking picture book debut. Friends come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In Amos McGee's case, all sorts of species, too! Every day he spends a little bit of time with each of his friends at the zoo, running races with the tortoise, keeping the shy penguin company, and even reading bedtime stories to the owl. But when Amos is too sick to make it to the zoo, his animal friends decide it's time they returned the favor A Sick Day for Amos McGee is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year and the winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal. Images and image descriptions available.
A Siege of Bitterns: A Birder Murder Mystery
by Steve BurrowsNewly appointed police inspector Domenic Jejeune doesn’t mind ruffling a few feathers to flush out suspects in the brutal murder of a renowned ecological activist. 2015 Arthur Ellis Award — Winner, Best First Novel • Globe and Mail 100: Best Books of 2014 • 2015 Kobo Emerging Writer Prize — Shortlisted, Best Mystery Inspector Domenic Jejeune’s success has made him a poster boy for the U.K. police service. The problem is Jejeune doesn’t really want to be a detective at all; he much prefers watching birds. Recently reassigned to the small Norfolk town of Saltmarsh, located in the heart of Britain’s premier birding country, Jejeune’s two worlds collide when he investigates the grisly murder of a prominent ecological activist. His ambitious police superintendent foresees a blaze of welcome publicity, but she begins to have her doubts when Jejeune’s most promising theory involves a feud over birdwatching lists. A second murder only complicates matters. To unravel this mystery, Jejeune must deal with unwelcome public acclaim, the mistrust of colleagues, and his own insecurities. In the case of the Saltmarsh birder murders, the victims may not be the only casualties.
A Simple Case of Angels
by Caroline AddersonNicola’s adorable little dog, June Bug, keeps getting into trouble. She steals the neighbor’s turkey, yanks down the Christmas tree and destroys Mum’s almost-finished giant crossword. Everyone is mad, and it looks as though June Bug’s days are numbered.Will doing a good deed make up for June Bug’s bad behavior?Nicola certainly hopes so. And when she and June Bug come across a new nursing home in the neighborhood, it feels like a Sign. They volunteer to become regular visitors at Shady Oaks, certain that June Bug’s cute tricks will cheer up the elderly residents.In fact, they could all use some cheering up. It’s the holiday, and yet everyone seems to be cranky and off balance. Nobody has put up any lights, Nicola’s grade five teacher is inexplicably crabby, and Nicola’s big brother Jared stays holed up in front of the computer playing Inferno 2, eagerly sending winged creatures into a fiery abyss. Even Nicola is not herself, and when a new girl, Lindsay, tries to be her friend, Nicola finds herself being uncharacteristically mean, because Lindsay seems to be one of those hair-and-jewelry girls who wants her own subscription to Bride magazine for Christmas.But Nicola’s mother won’t let her visit Shady Oaks by herself, so when Lindsay offers to go with her, Nicola agrees. And the girls discover that something unusual is going on at the home, where it seems that a few of the more remarkable patients are being kept against their will. Freeing them will bring out the very best in Nicola, and especially in June Bug.
A Skunk in the House
by Constance Taber ColbyBringing a new baby home is a memorable occasion--especially when the baby disappears behind the washing machine and steadfastly refuses to come out. One furious little skunk, acquired from a pet shop, took up residence under the Colbys' washer and launched the family into a series of unexpected, often hilarious adventures which Constance Taber Colby relates in this delightful book. The story of Secret--a name the family decided on after long debate--is told with sensitivity and affection; the reader shares the Colbys' excitement as they follow the little creature's step-by-step acceptance of, and affection for, his family. Secret, however, had his own ideas about training--training them--and soon the Colby household, whether in its Manhattan apartment or at Stillmeadow Farm, was geared to his routine. With unwavering determination Secret turned his environment into a proper habitat for a skunk. He forged his own trails through the house and chose his own favorite places for napping. He followed a rigid daily schedule and even initiated games and play periods with the single-mindedness of a cruise director. A Skunk in the House, an intriguing portrait of an unconventional pet, also reveals a charming family sharing the joys--and the sorrows--of daily life. More than that, Constance Taber Colby has produced a clear-eyed account of what happens when man comes in close contact with nature--nature in the form of one stubborn, instinct-governed, and quite amiable but untamable animal. Life with a skunk, with its odd surprises and unexpected lessons, is a humbling experience, Mrs. Colby admits, as four humans learned to adjust to--and respect--the integrity of a wild creature. Constance, daughter of Gladys Taber, studied historical linguistics at the University of Michigan and Columbia, and archaeology at the National University of Mexico. She has taught at a number of universities and colleges and most recently at Barnard. Mrs. Colby, her husband, and two daughters divide their time between Stillmeadow Farm in Connecticut and an apartment in New York City.
A Sky Full of Birds
by Matt Merritt'Prose from a poet and a personal take on the spectacles' Chris Packham, author of Fingers in the Sparkle JarShortlisted for Richard Jefferies Society & White Horse Bookshop Literary Prize 2017Longlisted for the Wainwright Prize 2017Britain is a nation of bird-lovers. However, few of us fully appreciate the sheer scale, variety and drama of our avian life. From city-centre hunters to vast flocks straight out of the Arctic wilderness, much-loved dawn songsters to the exotic invaders of supermarket car parks, a host of remarkable wildlife spectacles are waiting to be discovered right outside our front doors.In A Sky Full of Birds, poet and nature writer Matt Merritt shares his passion for birdwatching by taking us to some of the great avian gatherings that occur around the British isles – from ravens in Anglesey and raptors on the Wirral, to Kent nightingales and Scottish capercaillies. By turns lyrical, informative and entertaining, he shows how natural miracles can be found all around us, if only we know where to look for them.A Sky Full of Birds is the perfect read for avid birdwatchers and a beautiful gift for lovers of nature and poetic prose.
A Sky Full of Kindness
by Rob RyanRob Ryan's papercut prose is so exquisitely intricate, it begs closer examination—and always captures a lingering eye. The story Ryan tells in this jacketed hardcover is a celebration of love and family just as heartfelt as it is visually arresting: two songbirds eagerly anticipate the arrival of their first child, and as they tend to their nest, they can't help but worry about becoming parents. It's the generosity and support of their avian friends and neighbors that confirms the world awaiting their unborn chick is indeed full of kindness. Brimming with poetic verse, each page is a work of art that will charm new parents and longtime fans of Ryan's evocative imagery.
A Sky That Sings
by Anita Sanchez George SteeleMia, a blind girl who enjoys identifying birds by their distinct calls and songs, leads her aunt through the park on a bird-listening adventure!Mia and her tía are spending a sunny afternoon at the park bird-listening! Some people enjoy bird-watching but as a blind person, Mia uses her other senses to identify different birds by their unique calls and songs. She calls it bird-listening. Mia loves naming each of the birds that she hears. Sweet! Sweet! Sweet! Is that the chipper call of a yellow warbler? At first Mia's aunt doesn't know what to expect, but with Mia's guidance, she learns to listen and enjoy the bright melodies pouring from the sky. Their adventure will take them past a lively pond, through the hush of the quiet woods, and up a breezy hilltop for a soaring encounter with Mia's favorite bird of all! Perfect for bird lovers of every feather, A Sky That Sings invites us to open our senses to life's everyday treasures--the delights of nature and spending time with loved ones.
A Sleuth of Bears and Other Amusing, Beguiling, and Peculiar Collective Nouns
by Colter JacksonFrom a sleuth of bears solving a mystery to a parliament of owl judges, a romp of otters playing a game to a grumble of pugs exercising, this delightful picture book reveals the fun and surprising collective nouns of the animal kingdom in action!Join author-illustrator Colter Jackson on a journey of animals on land, in the air, and at sea that’s sure to entertain and educate young readers. From sloths and elephants to whales and flamingos, come learn about the humorous, surprising, and joyful collective nouns that describe our favorite groups of animals. A Sleuth of Bears features rhyming text and inviting watercolor illustrations that explore the many ways animals are busy all day, including a creep of tortoises commuting to work, a congregation of gators singing in a chorus, a colony of chinchillas sailing the sea, and a dazzle of zebras acting on stage. For animal-loving kids and eager language learners, this makes a beautiful gift that will be enjoyed again and again.SWEET & FUNNY NATURE BOOK FOR KIDS: An engaging read-aloud, A Sleuth of Bears and Other Amusing, Beguiling, and Peculiar Collective Nouns engages young readers on a learning journey to find out how groups of animals (with charming and hilarious names) spend their busy days. ANIMAL ART: Expressive, playful, and joyful, Colter Jackson's illustrations will delight young and old alike. An accomplished artist, her work has been published in the New York Times’ Modern Love column, Epoch Magazine, Tin House, Bellevue Literary Review, and more. She is the author of several children's books, all featuring wild and wonderful animals. VOCABULARY BUILDER: Informative and entertaining, this funny take on wildlife offers an excellent opportunity to explore nature with children and add terrific new words to their vocabulary.Perfect for: Kids who love animals and nature Parents and educators seeking fun and informative books for children Gift-giving for kids ages 4 - 8 Readers who enjoy clever zoology books like The Atlas of Amazing Birds and An Anthology of Intriguing Animals
A Small Blue Whale
by Beth Ferry Lisa MundorffFrom New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry (Stick and Stone) and talented newcomer Lisa Mundorff comes a gorgeous and utterly charming picture book about a lonely blue whale who learns the meaning of friendship. A small blue whale sits in a silver sea . . . wishing, wanting, waiting for a friend. Waiting is hard, but he doesn&’t mind; he&’s sure a friend will be worth the wait. First, the whale meets a quiet pink cloud, and he thinks this might be the friend he&’s been waiting for. But when he finds himself in trouble, a group of penguins comes to his rescue and the small blue whale finally gets his wish. This heartwarming story about friendship—what it looks like, sounds like, tastes like, and feels like—will have readers agreeing that a true friend is definitely worth the wait.
A Small Collection of Happinesses: A tale of loneliness, grumpiness and one extraordinary friendship
by Zana Fraillon'I enjoyed this strange, inventive and moving tale' DAVID ALMONDAn unforgettable story of friendship, hope and happiness from renowned Australian writer Zana Fraillon.Are you ready? Are you listening? Something is about to begin.When Ada arrives on the day of the Great Summer Storm, it is like the wind had picked her up and blown her in - walking stick and all - and dumped her right at the front gates of number 9 Hawkhurst Lane.Unfortunately, Ada is not the kind of neighbour Hettie was hoping for. Cranky, impatient and a hater of cats, Ada has no intention of making friends.But as the summer unfolds, Hettie and Ada discover they have more in common than they think. Could their unlikely friendship be the missing piece they never knew they needed?With illustrations by Stephen Michael King.'A gem of a book. The story is a powerful one of community and understanding, exploring deep themes with the lightest of touch - and warm humour. One of the best books I've read this year - I loved it' GILL LEWIS, author of Moonflight'A beautiful story of friendship and love across generations for readers aged 12+ who enjoy Karen Foxlee and Kate DiCamillo's books' BOOKS+PUBLISHING
A Small Furry Prayer: Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life
by Steven KotlerSteven Kotler was forty years old and facing an existential crisis--which made him not too different from just about every other middle-aged guy in Los Angeles. Then he met Joy, a woman devoted to the cause of canine rescue. "Love me, love my dogs," was her rule, and not having any better ideas, Steven took it to heart. Together with their pack of eight dogs--then fifteen dogs, then twenty-five dogs, then, well, they lost count--Steven and Joy bought a tiny farm in a tiny town in rural New Mexico and started the Rancho de Chihuahua, a sanctuary for dogs with special needs. While dog rescue is one of the largest underground movements in America, it is also one of the least understood. This insider look at the cult and culture of dog rescue begins with Kotler's personal experience working with an ever-peculiar pack of dogs and becomes a much deeper investigation into exactly what it means to devote one's life to the furry and the four-legged. Along the way, Kotler combs through every aspect of canine-human relations, from human's long history with dogs through brand new research into the neuroscience of canine companionship, in the end discovering why living in a world of dogs may be the best way to uncover the truth about what it really means to be human.
A Small Problem
by Jay HoslerTwo ants have lost their queen’s pink sprinkle! Now they must go on an adventure to find their queen’s sugary snack. They need to ask all the other creatures that live around them if they have seen it! Will they ever be able to find the sprinkle?
A Snake Called Monty
by Prg CollinsMonty saw some young boys playing with matches and lighting a fire in the bush, even though they knew they shouldn’t be doing it! When the fire got worse, and one of the boys, Andy, fell in its path as he tried to escape it, Monty had to quickly take his family to the safety of the river nearby as the boy’s father ran to help his frightened son. What happened to Andy? What lesson did he and the other boys learn?
A Snake's New Skin (Fountas & Pinnell Classroom, Guided Reading)
by Catherine FriendNIMAC-sourced textbook. Bigger and Bigger. A snake grows and grows and grows … right out of its skin.
A Snow Day for Plum!
by Matt PhelanThe animals of the Athensville Zoo are thrilled to be visiting a local school to star in a presentation—everyone except for a very nervous peacock named Plum. And then an unexpected blizzard strands the animals at the elementary school overnight—yikes! From award-winning author Matt Phelan, creator of Knights vs. Dinosaurs and its two sequels, this companion to Leave It to Plum! is a highly illustrated young middle grade novel perfect for reluctant readers and animal lovers everywhere. The animals of the Athensville Zoo are going to school! Lizzie the zookeeper has Plum the peacock and his friends loaded in the zoo van to travel to a nearby elementary school to give a presentation. Most of the animals are excited—especially Itch, who has always wanted to share his knowledge with the world. But Plum is nervous. What if he doesn’t like school? What if the students don’t like him? What if he messes up the whole presentation?Then an unexpected blizzard derails the whole trip, and Plum and his friends have to stay overnight in the empty school. They’ll meet new friends, such as the classroom mice who rule the school, and the wise old turtle who supervises the library. And when Itch gets himself into a whole snowdrift of trouble, Plum overcomes his nerves to save the day!With short chapters and humorous black-and-white art throughout, award-winning author-artist Matt Phelan’s young middle grade novels about bighearted Plum the peacock and the Athensville Zoo are just right for newly independent readers. The Plum books are fun and funny adventures that tackle relatable emotional themes such as performance anxiety and being a good friend. A Snow Day for Plum! continues the hilarious adventures of the young peacock with a big heart and the small mammal with a big ego. A Snow Day for Plum! is perfect for fans of the Princess in Black and the Mercy Watson series.
A Snowbound Christmas Cowboy (Texas Cowboys & K-9s #5)
by Sasha SummersHe&’s back in town to apologize…Not fall in love all over again. Rodeo star Sterling Ford broke Cassie Lafferty&’s heart when he chose a lifestyle of whiskey and women over her. Now the reformed party boy is back, walking the straight and narrow, determined to reconnect with the woman who got away. When he rescues Cassie and her dogs from a snowstorm, she learns her heart—and her desire—aren&’t immune to Sterling&’s smoldering presence. Maybe a canine Christmas miracle will make their holiday romance permanent!From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.Texas Cowboys & K-9s Book 1: The Rancher's Forever FamilyBook 2: Their Rancher ProtectorBook 3: The Rancher's Baby SurpriseBook 4: The Rancher's Full HouseBook 5: A Snowbound Christmas Cowboy
A Snowflake in My Hand
by Samantha MooneyA miracle of a book--a joyous celebration of the unspoken but deeply felt bond between animals and people and, in Roger Caras's words, "a celebration of life in the face of death".
A Soldier's Friend
by Megan RixSAMMY is a football crazy rescue puppy.MOUSER is a fearless black and white tomcat.Together they make an unlikely pair that won't be parted, not even by the First World War.As the war rages in Europe, Londoners are sending brave animals to help the soldiers - and Mouser and Sammy are soon on their way to the trenches. Boldly criss-crossing no-man's land they make new friends of every nationality - and reunite with old ones. But on the muddy front line, under fire and constantly in danger, will their friendship be enough to save them so they can return home together?'If you love Michael Morpurgo, you will enjoy this' Express 'A moving tale told with warmth, kindliness and lashings of good sense that lovers of Dick King-Smith will especially appreciate' The Times'Every now and then a writer comes along with a unique way of storytelling . . . Meet Megan Rix . . . her novels are deeply moving and will strike a chord with animal lovers.' LoveReadingAbout the author:Megan Rix lives in England with her husband, and their adorable dogs, Traffy and Bella. Also available by Megan Rix:The Great Escape, The Victory Dogs and The Bomber Dogwww.meganrix.com
A Solitude of Wolverines: A Novel of Suspense (Alex Carter Series #1)
by Alice Henderson“Both a mystery and a survival story, here is a novel written with a naturalist’s eye for detail and an unrelenting pace. It reminded me of the best of Nevada Barr…It’s so fraught with excitement and wondrous details that it demands to be read in one sitting and savored afterward. Don’t miss it.” —James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Odyssey The first book in a thrilling series featuring a wildlife biologist who courts trouble as she saves endangered species . . . and a mysterious killer who buries his dead in the land she helps preserve—a fast-paced, action-driven tale of suspense with the atmosphere and propulsive tension of works by Jane Harper, Craig Johnson, William Kent Krueger, and Nevada Barr.While studying wolverines on a wildlife sanctuary in Montana, biologist Alex Carter is run off the road and threatened by locals determined to force her off the land.Undeterred in her mission to help save this threatened species, Alex tracks wolverines on foot and by cameras positioned in remote regions of the preserve. But when she reviews the photos, she discovers disturbing images of an animal of a different kind: a severely injured man seemingly lost and wandering in the wilds.After searches for the unknown man come up empty, local law enforcement is strangely set on dismissing the case altogether, raising Alex’s suspicions. Then another invasive predator trespasses onto the preserve. The hunter turns out to be another human—and the prey is the wildlife biologist herself. Alex realizes too late that she has seen too much—she's stumbled onto a far-reaching illegal operation and now has become the biggest threat.In this wild and dangerous landscape, Alex’s life depends on staying one step ahead—using all she knows about the animal world and what it takes to win the brutal battle for survival.
A Song Full of Sky
by Ruth DoyleA joyful picture book celebrating the beauty and wonder of nature, and its power to improve well-being whilst soothing anxieties among little onesFrom galloping horses to moon-dappled owls, sun-scented flowers and soft floating bees, this joyful picture book celebrates the beauty and wonder of nature - and encourages every child to claim their rightful place within it!A powerful manifesto for reconnecting with nature, wherever we find it.
A Song for Snow (Hoot and Peep)
by Lita JudgeA young owl experiences the magic of a first snowfall—the quiet wintery wonder, the pristine beauty, and snowballs!—in this follow-up to the adorable Hoot and PeepIt&’s Peep&’s first winter, and it&’s going to snow very, very soon. Peep has so many questions for her older brother Hoot: Does snow drop, polppety splop, like the rain's song? Does it scrinkle scrattle like falling leaves? But Hoot can't remember snow very well. The one thing he knows for sure is that it is worth waiting for.But Peep doesn't have his patience, and as she flies around the gorgeous Paris skies, she tries her best to make up her own snow song. But once those first snowflakes start to fall, Peep realizes just how wise her older brother really is for waiting...and just who she wants to cuddle up to when the snow starts to really sing.With all the wonder and the joy of a first snow day, and perfect for fans of The Quiet Book and Little Owl's Night, this tender follow-up to Hoot and Peep is certainly worth waiting for, too.
A Songbird Dreams of Singing: Poems about Sleeping Animals
by Kate HosfordLearn more about the variety of fascinating ways animals sleep: from upside down and holding hands, to sleeping while swimming or flying!Did you know otters sleep while holding hands; zebra finches rehearse their songs while dreaming; ducks and dolphins sleep with one half of their brains at a time; and, frigate birds sleep while flying? A Songbird Dreams of Singing: Poems about Sleeping Animals is a book of poetry with a scientific-and child-friendly-underpinning. With a poem for every animal, followed by a paragraph explaining the fascinating science behind how that animal sleeps, this artfully compiled book captures the wonder of our ecosystem. Designed with the look of a classic storybook/collection, with special effects on the cover, the book makes the perfect gift for young children!
A Sparrowhawk's Lament: How British Breeding Birds of Prey Are Faring (WILDGuides #71)
by David CobhamBritain is home to fifteen species of breeding birds of prey, from the hedgerow-hopping Sparrowhawk to the breathtaking White-tailed Eagle. In this handsomely illustrated book, acclaimed British filmmaker and naturalist David Cobham offers unique and deeply personal insights into Britain's birds of prey and how they are faring today. He delves into the history of these magnificent birds and talks in depth with the scientists and conservationists who are striving to safeguard them. In doing so, he profiles the writers, poets and filmmakers who have done so much to change the public's perception of birds of prey. There are success stories—five birds of prey that were extinct have become reestablished with viable populations—but persecution is still rife. Featuring drawings by famed wildlife artist Bruce Pearson, this book reveals why we must cherish and celebrate our birds of prey, and why we neglect them at our peril.