Blastoff! readers. Level 2
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1) Orcas
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Orcas communicate with whistles and clicks and can recognize each other's voices. Young readers will learn how orcas look, breach the water to breathe, hunt ocean animals, and live in pods.
2) Puffer Fish
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Did you know that a puffer fish inflates into a ball when it senses danger? It uses size to intimidate predators. This book introduces children to the appearance, eating habits, and predator escape tactics of puffer fish.
3) Sea Lions
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A sea lion can hold its breath below water for three to nine minutes. After that, it must come to the surface for air. Follow this coastal creature as it lives in water and on land.
4) Barracudas
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With sleek bodies, dagger-like teeth, and ferocious appetites, barracudas are excellent ocean hunters. Beginning readers will learn where barracudas call home and why they are nicknamed the "tigers of the sea."
5) Sea Turtles
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A sea turtle uses four flippers to move through the ocean water. Its flippers help it paddle, turn, and stop. Discover where sea turtles live, how they look, and all about baby sea turtles.
6) Beetles
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With estimates between 5 and 8 million, beetles have more species than any other insect. Beetles can live in almost all habitats, using their strong jaws, legs, and other body parts to find food and defend themselves from predators. Eager readers will discover beetles of all shapes, sizes, habits, and colors!
7) Dairy Group
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Got calcium? Dairy foods are the gateway to this bone buffer, but most kids don't understand the mineral's importance. Readers will discover what dairy foods do for their bodies and the creative ways they can incorporate these foods into every meal.
8) Fruit Group
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Natural storehouses of vitamin C, fiber, and untamed sweetness, fruits are ripe with health benefits. In this book, kids will learn why it's important to bite into that apple or peel that orange.
9) Grains Group
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Not all grains are created equal. Many grain products are made with only part of the grain kernel, but we need the whole thing. Learn why the difference is significant and how you can fill your plate with the right kind of grain.
10) Healthy Eating
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There's a lot to consider if you want to eat healthy. What kinds of food are best for me? How much of each kind do I need in one day? This title introduces young readers to MyPlate and the five food groups that should fill their plates.
11) Keeping Fit
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Eating well is just part of the equation. Kids need an hour of exercise every day to feel the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. Readers will learn what it means to be physically fit and why it's important to stay active.
13) Vegetable Group
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Vegetables deserve more than side-dish status. They boast many of the benefits of other food groups, and they're a main source of vitamin A to boot. Discover the fun in preparing vegetables for your plate. The more colors, the better!
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This cat is a true companion. The American Shorthair loves being held by all ages, but feel free to give them their independence, too. This breed is perfectly content basking in the sun and watching birds. Snuggle up with these lovable cats in this informative title for young students.
15) Humidity
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Humidity measures the water vapor level in the air. If levels are high, the air will feel damp. When levels are low, the air feels dry. Check your forecast for each day's humidity prediction! Read more and learn how to understand humidity in this title for young learners.
16) Temperature
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The temperature for a day depends on a few things. Is it windy? Are there clouds? What season is it? As your part of the world circles the sun, the temperature will change. Get your thermometers in hand for this informational title!
17) Abyssinians
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Sometimes referred to as the Aby-silly-an, this happy, active cat feeds off of attention. Abyssinians are impressively athletic with a playful nature. Explore the lifestyle of this adventurous feline in this beginner book kids will love.
18) Birmans
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This fluffy feline is perfect for a family home. Birmans love both affection and play, but are quiet and refined as well. Some of their favorite things to do are play with interactive toys and run around with other pets. Cuddle up with this silken cat in this fun title for beginner readers.
19) Cloud Cover
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Clouds cover the sky in many shapes and sizes. Some clouds are thick and filled with rain. Others are thin and come with sunshine! Come cloud watch in this title for young readers.
20) Counting Money
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How many pennies go into a quarter? How many quarters make up a dollar? Math skills go a long way when trying to count money. Learn how math and money go together in this title for young counters.
21) Devon Rexes
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Devon Rexes are the ultimate cat companions. They will eat what you eat and go where you go! Devons like to perch on the shoulders of their owners and use their large ears and eyes to keep track of everyone in the house. Learn more about this curly-haired cat breed in this title for young learners!
22) Earning Money
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Buying things can be fun, but first you've got to earn them! Hard work and a good job will help you earn money. Discover the different ways to earn money in this title for responsible readers.
23) Egyptian Maus
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Egyptian Maus have retained enchanting traits from their ancient ancestors. They are the only breed with natural spots, can run up to 30 miles per hour, and live to protect their territory-especially their one favorite person! Dash into the lives of Egyptian Maus in this title for beginning readers.
24) Exotics
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Mild-mannered and loving, the Exotic breed is much like its Persian ancestor but requires less grooming! Unlike more high-spirited felines, Exotics wait patiently on their owners for food, affection, and playtime. Young readers will delight in this book, discovering the special traits of Exotics.
25) Forecasts
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A forecast warns us of possible weather conditions. It shows temperature, wind, humidity, and more! Whether hot and sunny, or cold and breezy, knowing the forecast can help you prepare for a day. Learn how to read the sky in this beginner book.
26) Maine Coons
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Native to Maine, these felines have been mousers, farm cats, and 19th Century ship cats. Their good nature allows them to adapt well to many lifestyles and personalities. Both playful and calm, this breed is a great house pet. Cozy up with these cuties in this engaging title for growing readers.
27) Manx
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One of the most ancient cat breeds still popular today is the Manx. Manx cats are tailless, sociable, and strong, originating from an island off the coast of Britain. Due to their oceanside beginnings, these felines sometimes play in the kitchen sink! Investigate the lives of these quirky cats in this title for early readers.
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Once mousers for Vikings, Norwegian forest cats are a populous breed in the U.S. today. Tufts of fur pour out of their ears and toes, hailing back to their rugged, northern ancestry. Wegies, as they are often called, are affectionate pets. Discover more about the evolution of this wild breed in our title for young readers.
29) Orientals
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With the largest gene pool of any of the cat breeds, Orientals come in more than 300 different combinations of colors and coat lengths! Playtime and socialization are especially important for these intelligent, talkative cats. Orientals will go in search of stashed toys when they're ready to play. Pick up this title about active Orientals for cat-loving kids!
30) Persians
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You will not find this cat scaling the heights of your home. Instead, the Persian can be found relaxing on a couch or playing with a peacock feather. This breed is quiet and soft in every sense of the word. Learn to lounge like this calm cat in this beginner book.
31) Precipitation
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When you think of precipitation, rain may come to mind. Did you know that precipitation could be a solid, too? Whether rain, sleet, hail, or snow, all precipitate from the sky! Learn the facts about what falls from the clouds in this beginner book.
32) Ragdolls
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Like the name suggests, this cat has a relaxed nature. Ragdolls love to cuddle in your arms and will follow you wherever you go. They are even willing to be walked on a leash or dressed up in doll clothes! Enjoy learning about this patient pet in this interesting title for early readers.
33) Russian Blues
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The intense gaze of a green-eyed Russian blue draws the attention of any cat admirer. Glistening, plush fur, a regal Russian history, and chosen loyalty to its owner give this cat a reputation of luxury. But the breed was not always so significant. Learn more about how the Russian blue earned a place among cat fanciers in our book for beginning readers.
34) Saving Money
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Saving money is an important part of life and there are plenty of ways to do so. Sometimes saving money can even earn more money for you by collecting interest. Read about the benefits of saving your cash in this title for money-savvy students.
35) Scottish Folds
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Not only are the ears of Scottish Folds smaller than ears of other breeds–they fold down flat on the cats' heads! Scottish Folds have personalities as soft as their bodies. They bond closely with family members and savor every cuddle. Nestle up with Scottish Folds in this beginner read for students.
36) Severe Weather
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Severe weather can happen over land or water. With varying degrees of severity, it's important to be aware! Knowing when to take cover and retreat to shelter can keep you safe during dangerous conditions. Sharpen your senses in this title for weather watchers.
37) Siamese
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This striking breed will demand your devoted attention. Curiously smart and willing to converse with you, the Siamese makes a great pet. When left alone, these intuitive animals will entertain themselves with faucets, cupboards, and other tricky traps. Read about these cute cats in this informative book for young students.
38) Spending Money
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Before you spend money, learn how to be a smart shopper. Make a list of items you need. Buy them when they are on sale, and don't buy more than you need. Learn to spend wisely in this beginner book.
39) Sphynx
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Hairless, fearless, and big-eared are all traits that make up this feline. Sphynx are known for their bald bodies, but their snuggly and affectionate personality is overlooked. These cats will be your permanent shadow and household greeter, befriending anyone who will help them keep warm. Learn more about these clever cats in this interesting read for young readers.
40) Types of Money
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Money comes in many shapes and sizes beyond the green paper found in a cash register. Young students will learn the basics of cash, coins, checks, and even credit cards. Learn to master money in this title for young readers.
42) American Curls
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American Curls are Peter Pan in feline form. Though they grow in size, they never grow out of their kitten ways. Even their ears resist conformity by curling backward just days after birth! In this book, curious young readers will meet a cat breed fit for life in Neverland.
43) Balinese
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Smooth just might be the best description for the Balinese breed. The cats' long, silky coats do not mat, and their body movements flow with a beautiful grace. This easy-to-read title shows why Balinese cats were named after Indonesian dancers. Its photographs put the breed's elegance on full display!
45) Burmese
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Burmese cats dress well for their body type. You might not guess that sturdy bodies are hiding underneath silky coats. This book will spark curiosity about cats and show elementary readers that Burmese cats are much more than balls of fluff.
46) Chinese New Year
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You could say the best is saved for last when it comes to Chinese New Year. The Lantern Festival stands as the holiday's grand finale. Dragon and lion puppets dance by day. At night, glowing lanterns float on water and across sky. This introduction to China's most famous celebration will mesmerize beginning readers.
47) Christmas
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Christmas is a holiday of symbols. Evergreen trees stand for life in the dead of winter. Nativity scenes remind Christians of Jesus's birthday. Santa Claus is the image of cheerful gift-giving. In this title, young readers will discover the meaning behind a few popular Christmastime traditions.
48) Cornish Rexes
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Cornish rexes are the curly-coated supermodels of the cat world. Long, graceful, and poised, it is true that brains come along with their beauty, too! They are interactive with their owners and don't like to be left alone for long. Cat-loving readers will enjoy learning about the quirks and antics of Cornish rexes!
49) Cranes
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Boom and jib. These are two crane parts with fun names. They are the long arms of the machine, moving to lift heavy materials to skyscraper heights. In this low-level read, children will learn how the many parts of a crane work together to build towering structures.
50) Diwali
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For five days every fall, India shines especially bright. The occasion is Diwali, the country's Festival of Lights. Clay lamps, fireworks and sparklers, and colorful rangoli sand art all add visual brilliance. The Diwali celebration will come alive in this early elementary read.
51) Dump Trucks
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In need of a giant hauler? Bring in the dump truck! The big truck looks very much like a heavy-duty sandbox on wheels. It moves dirt, rocks, and other loose loads. This book geared toward beginning readers spills basic facts about dump trucks.
52) Easter
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A celebration of new life. That is the point of Easter for Christians and non-Christians. So the holiday's spring backdrop of budding trees and blooming flowers could not be more fitting. This book will help beginning readers crack the meaning behind the Easter bunny, dyed eggs, and more!
53) Fire Trucks
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With lights flashing and siren blaring, a fire truck can make a dramatic entrance. And it often has to. There are fires to put out and people to save! The bright red rescue machines featured in this title will capture the full attention of young readers.
54) Garbage Trucks
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Trash cans and dumpsters are the weights garbage trucks lift with their robotic arms. Once lifted, the bins lose their weight, being flipped upside down and emptied into the trucks' hoppers. In this low-level title, children will pick up a basic knowledge of garbage trucks.
55) Hanukkah
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Spinning the dreidel. This is what many Jewish children most look forward to during Haunukkah. A twirl of the four-sided dice-like top can earn a candy jackpot! Young readers will learn how to play this game and how it connects to the eight-day celebration of light.
57) Kwanzaa
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Black, red, and green. These are the colors of Kwanzaa, the celebration of African-American culture. Black represents African heritage. And red and green stand for the hard times of the past and hope for the future. Beginning readers will learn some Swahili as they read about the seven days of Kwanzaa.
58) Monster Trucks
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Revving up a ramp and then flying over parked cars. This is just one monster truck stunt. The supercharged machine exists to show off, and to do so in extreme fashion. The monster trucks in this book will shock elementary-age readers with their jumps, spins, and more!
59) Ocicats
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Ocicats are tame pets disguised as wild animals. Their spotted coats make them look a lot like small ocelots, the wild cats they are named after! Looking past the spots and behind the name, this title introduces kids to a special kitten named Tonga that started a breed.
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Legend has it that Pembroke Welsh corgis were born in the homes of fairies and elves. Whether or not the story is true, Pembrokes have been cherished pets for centuries! Short and sturdy, these dogs are reliable herders as well as caring companions with big grins! In this title, curious readers will love reading more about the history and family dynamic of Pembroke Welsh corgis.
61) Police Cars
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Often racing at high speeds, police cars command attention on the road. Their blue and red lights signal other cars to either pull over or get out of the way. This book will offer young students the thrills of an exciting ride-along in a cop car.
62) RagaMuffins
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RagaMuffins have all the qualities needed to win a best companion award. Just consider the way the cats seek out human laps for relaxing, or the open invitation they give cat lovers to pet their soft fur. This book will make beginning readers wish for a RagaMuffin to cuddle or dress up!
63) Ramadan
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Lunch is the favorite time of day for many kids. So it might be hard for them to understand why Muslims would choose to skip this meal for a whole month. This look at Ramadan explains the basic Islamic beliefs behind daytime fasting.
64) Selkirk Rexes
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Another bad hair day. Such is life for the Selkirk rex breed. These cats are famous for their unruly curls. Even their whiskers curl! Beginning readers may want to pet and style the plush hair of a Selkirk rex after reading this book.
65) Ships
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How can aircraft carriers support heavy jets and helicopters without sinking? Why do cruise ships the size of cities stay afloat, but submarines often disappear underwater? This title answers the questions bobbing in young readers' minds as they learn about a fleet of diverse ships.
66) Siberians
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Siberian cats proudly wear their Russian heritage. The triple coats they sport are thick and water repellent for survival in their homeland's often-harsh climate. The extra ruffs of fur around their necks function like scarves. In this title, early readers will find it easy to warm up to the loving Siberian breed!
67) Thanksgiving
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Often called Turkey Day, Thanksgiving is a scary time to be a gobbler. The bird is often at the center of the celebration, but unfortunately in the center of the table for feasting. In this title, young readers will learn about the President's annual turkey pardon and other fun Thanksgiving facts.
68) Tractors
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Up for almost any job, a tractor is a dependable farmhand. This field machine plows, plants, and bales hay, among other things. It also lets many different pieces of farm equipment hitch a ride. The powerful tractors rolling through this book will pull along beginning readers.
69) Trains
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From freight carriers to passenger transports, trains have chugged along throughout history. Over time, these traveling machines have advanced and picked up speed. The fastest bullet trains of today zoom around at more than 300 miles per hour! This book will have young readers calling "all aboard!"
70) Bulb to Tulip
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Tulips are a welcome sign of springtime. But before their colorful blooms can be enjoyed, their hearty bulbs require a winter's rest! Inside the covers of this early reader, peel back the layers of tulip bulbs, see how they grow, and enjoy images of bright blooms. Along the way, special features show where tulips are grown, what they need to grow, their life cycle, and more!
71) Clownfish
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A clownfish darts into the tentacles of a sea anemone. Safe at last! Other fish don't stand a chance against the anemone's painful stings. But the clownfish is immune! This special skill is one of many adaptations detailed in this simple title clownfish in coral reefs. Special features include additional information such as range, conservation status, life span, and diet.
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The cotton T-shirt is a staple in many closets. But this classic piece of clothing has quite the journey. It begins in a cotton field before it becomes a favorite T-shirt. This title for early readers follows the process from cotton to T-shirt. Readers will find a map of where cotton is grown, a feature highlighting special machines, and plenty of other information in this fascinating title!
73) Gray Wolves
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A long howl rises over the dark forest. It is a gray wolf calling for its pack! Gray wolves are intelligent creatures whose bodies and behaviors are adapted to thrive in the forest biome. This title features low-level text and striking photos to take readers on a journey into the life of a gray wolf. Maps and other features show off range, conservation status, life span, and diet.
74) Great Gray Owls
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Great gray owls can rotate their heads 280 degrees! This unique skill is one of many adaptations outlined in this low-level title about great gray owls. Simple text and beautiful photos combine to offer readers an inside look at how these forest flyers were made for the forest. Added features offer information such as range, conservation status, life span, and diet.
75) Maltese
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Whether their straight, white coats are trimmed short or tied into a topknot, maltese are too cute not to love! These cuddly canines enjoy snuggling up, but they can be bold and fearless, too. Early readers will learn all about maltese in this engaging title. The text is supported by bright photos, a breed profile, a coat feature, and a map showing the dogs' origins.
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Curious and always ready to play, miniature schnauzers are one dog breed that early readers will love to learn about! As members of the Terrier Group, mini schnauzers are alert and fearless. Readers will enjoy learning about this fun breed through engaging text, photos, and special features a breed profile, a map, and a coat graphic.
77) Moose
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Moose are forest survivors! Split hooves, thick fur, and other adaptations help these tall mammals thrive in the diverse forest biome. This simple text takes readers on a journey through the forest for an up-close look at the lives of moose. Special features offer extra information such as range, conservation status, life span, and diet.
78) Octopuses
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Oceans are full of predators. But octopuses know how to survive! Long arms, soft bodies, and many other adaptations help these creatures live in the coral reef biome. This title explores how the bodies and behaviors of octopuses help them avoid predators, find food, and thrive. Special features add information about range, conservation status, life span, and diet.
79) Sea Snakes
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Snakes do not just live on land! Sea snakes thrive in the warm, salty waters of the coral reef. They can breathe through their skin and expel salt through special glands! Readers will be introduced these adaptations and more in this low-level title about sea snakes. Special features support the text with extra information about range, conservation status, life span, and diet.
80) Shiba Inus
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Shiba inus are playful companions and skilled hunters from the mountains of Japan. They are a little shy, but these fluffy friends are also loyal and loving. Discover more about this bold breed through leveled text, striking photos, and features highlighting the breed, where they are from, and more in this title for early readers.
81) Vizslas
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Fast, friendly, and sweet, vizslas are one breed early readers will want to check out! These smart dogs love to play and work, often taking on special jobs to help their communities. Engaging text combines with vibrant photos and special features such as a map and a breed profile to introduce readers to this awesome dog!
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In the distance, a twig snaps. A white-tailed deer perks up. Time to run! White-tailed deer thrive in the forest biome. Special adaptations such as strong senses and speedy running help them find food and avoid danger. This low-level title uses simple text to explore the lives of the deer. Special features offer extra information such as range, conservation status, life span, and diet.
83) Softball
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It's the bottom of the seventh, and the bases are loaded. The score is tied. Who will win? Young readers will love this home run title about softball! Leveled text covers the rules of the game and the gear needed to make plays. A champion spotlight highlights a professional's career, while a field diagram and gear feature visually reinforce the text. Step up to bat and into the pages of this fun and informative title!