Walter LaPlante

No matter their age, sharing is one of the most important skills children can learn and practice. It's something they will do at school, home, and even later in life. Through understandable and age-appropriate language, readers learn what sharing is and how to do it. Common feelings associated with sharing are addressed, including the difficulties of sharing and why it's important. Photographs add color and enhance the ideas of friendship that are...

Manatees are often called "sea cows," but that name doesn't do them justice, even though they may weigh as much as a full-grown cow. These enormous ocean animals can cruise along underwater at as fast as 15 miles per hour. They have strong tales that propel them gracefully through the water. Beginning readers learn about where manatees live, what they eat, how they move, and much more, all while enjoying beautiful photographs of manatees with each...

The Great Lakes watershed can be traveled from end to end-from the St. Lawrence River all the way to Duluth, Minnesota. In order for that to happen, man-made waterways had to be constructed to bypass rapids and aid ships moving from one water depth to another. Readers travel the basin through main content that includes geography, history, and interesting details that tie it all together. Descriptive maps of the region aid understanding and complement...

Dolphins are often called friendly animals due to their "smiling" faces and their splashing fins and water play. Maybe because of this perception or dolphins' reputation for being very smart, dolphins are a common favorite among young readers. With this colorful volume, beginning readers can see this popular ocean animal up close in beautiful photographs that closely correlate with achievable text. Including information about dolphin pods, babies,...

Standing tall over New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty shines her light for all to see. This US monument isn't just a great place to visit on a trip to New York City. It has represented US freedom for more than 125 years! Readers learn that this US symbol was a gift from France for the country's centennial. They also learn about the construction of this beautiful statue and other important historical context. Full-color and historical images showcase...

Sitting Bull is best known for his part in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. He continually resisted the US government's mandate that all Native Americans must move to reservations they set up. Sitting Bull became an important leader to his people, the Lakota, and a symbol to others who wished to resist the US laws as well. With an emphasis on the Native American experience, this volume introduces readers to Sitting Bull and his cause. Important events...

The man who conceived of the Appalachian Trail believed that time outdoors was good for a clear mind. Millions of people couldn't agree more and hike the trail each year! In addition to the history of this famous trail, readers learn some of the coolest hikes they can go on along the trail as well as the national parks they might find along the way. Fact boxes introduce more information about where to go when on a road trip near the Appalachian Trail,...

During the early 1800s, it was difficult and expensive to transport goods from the East Coast to the Great Lakes region. The Erie Canal connected these two areas, causing a population boom in western New York and encouraging settlement around the Great Lakes. Readers learn the history of this important canal through the main content and fun fact boxes, and also discover the many ways travelers can use and enjoy the canal today. Full-color photographs...

Deserts are the driest places on Earth, but they're full of life! Cacti, kangaroo rats, shrubs, foxes, and more have found ways to adapt to the extreme temperatures and dry conditions of deserts around the world. Readers learn about many of these adaptations as well as the major features of the desert biome. Simple maps highlight some of the biggest deserts, helping readers learn map skills. Full-color photographs reinforce accessible information...