Gemstones are more than just pretty rocks. These stones serve a purpose far beyond jewelry or decoration! In this book, beautiful photos and interesting text combine to create a fascinating glimpse into the world of gemstones. Many special features turn this into a stand-out introduction to the subject, including a gemstone profile, comparison features, a formation diagram, and an activity. The text, photos, and features combine to create an engaging...

The insect symbol of hard work just might be a worker ant. A worker ant's life is fully committed to finding food for a colony and caring for young. This book for beginning readers magnifies an insect that can carry more than its own weight!

Animal trainers have a wild job. From tigers to orcas, trainers teach animals to perform for circuses, movies, and more. Discover the dangers of working with unpredictable animals in this exciting title for young readers.

When people are stranded in remote locations, it's time to call in the wilderness rescue pilots. These gutsy flyers often travel around rough terrain and in severe weather to find people in danger. One small mistake could send their aircraft crashing to the ground! Find out more about these brave pilots in this exciting title for reluctant readers.

A wasp might sting you, but you can't say you weren't warned! Wasps have bright colors to caution that they do have a dangerous side. This insect introduction makes it safe for beginning readers to get up close to wasps and enter their world.

Only the most dangerous circumstances call for a visit from the SWAT team. Using special weapons and techniques, these highly trained officers keep people safe in a variety of situations. Learn what it takes to be a SWAT team member in this book for young students.

Some animals do some really gross things. Horned toads shoot blood out of their eyes, turkey vultures vomit in self-defense, and skunks spray their nasty-smelling mist more than ten feet! Learn about animals with the ick factor in this high-interest title for young readers.

There are many strange foods out there that don't sound appetizing at first. From rotting shark meat to fried spiders, there's sure to be something that can test the strength of your stomach. Discover foods called yucky more often than yummy in this low-level title for young readers.

Predators turn up their noses when they come across the black and orange of the milkweed bug. These foul-tasting critters have found the perfect defense from becoming someone's lunch! Unlike the effects of their black and orange colors, this book is sure to keep beginning readers coming back for more!

Moths are like the butterflies of the night. Their scale-covered wings carry them from plant to plant in search of sweet nectar. There's a lot to learn about these dark-winged insects in this fact-filled book for beginning readers!