New Releases by Mary Kay Carson

A new addition to the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series, Urban Coyotes follows the scientists of the Urban Coyote Research Project as they track, study, and care for coyotes living among humans in one of America's largest cities, Chicago. But that’s the thing about coyotes. They don’t necessarily do what’s typical or usual, nor what’s expected or predicted. Coyotes are rule breakers. The fourth largest metropolitan area in North America is home to more than nine million people and a surprisingly large population of coyotes. Join the wildlife scientists of the Urban Coyote Research Project as they carry on their twenty-five-year mission: Studying the coyotes of Cook County, Illinois, home to the city of Chicago. Explore questions such as "Where did the coyotes come from—and why?," "Are they a danger to Chicagoans?," and "Do predators create healthier urban ecosystems?" with real-life scientists in the field. Started by urban ecologist Stan Gehrt in the late 1990s when coyotes were first noticed entering the Chicago region, the Urban Coyote Research Project's mission is to help coyotes and human city dwellers live together in peace. With stunning up-close photography by Tom Uhlman, author Mary Kay Carson offers an in-depth look into how these mystifying wild creatures, and those dedicated to studying and protecting them, navigate urban spaces. How do scientists study one of North America’s most adaptable predators right in the middle of a bustling city? Real-World Science: Join the Urban Coyote Research Project team as they use tracking gear, data, and detective work to understand Chicago’s clever canines. Ecology for Kids: Explore how these predators fit into the urban ecosystem, why they are considered “rule breakers,” and how they can actually make a city healthier. Up-Close Photography: See stunning, full-color photos that bring you face-to-face with coyote pups, their parents, and the scientists studying them in the field. Wildlife Conservation: Learn about the mission to help people and wild animals share the same space peacefully, and what it means for the future of our cities.

Stay out of the water! During the summer of 1916, the "Jersey man-eater"-a great white shark-terrorized the coast of New Jersey. Based on real events, new friends Ed and Mike have to work together to survive one of the deadliest shark attacks in history! In the blistering summer of 1916, Ed Mitchell is melting in the heat wave boiling New York City. All the city pools are closed because of the polio epidemic, so Ed can't wait to flee to the Jersey Shore and cool off in the ocean. But during his first dip, a great white shark attacks a swimmer and sends the coastline into a panic. Ed is sent away from the shore to visit his aunt in Matawan, New Jersey, where he can stay safe and cool. In Matawan, Ed meets Mike Anders-a local boy who knows all the best spots in the nearby creek. Mike vows to teach Ed to swim, and Ed promises to help Mike read better. Little do they know, the new friends are about to have the summer of their lives. The "Jersey man-eater," the dangerous shark who keeps attacking swimmers, is headed right up the coast and into their favorite swimming spot! Will Ed and Mike be able to survive one of the deadliest shark attacks in history?

Nature is in session!

Using the structure of 'The House that Jack Built' and the example of the gray wolf reintroduction to Yellowstone National Park, the interconnectedness of the wildlife that lives in a place and how the presence (or absence) of a single species can impact an ecosystem is explained.

Ghost stories from Cheyenne, Wyoming have never been so creepy, fun, and full of mystery! The haunted history of the Magic City of the Plains comes to life--even when the main players are dead. Visit the Plains Hotel to catch a glimpse of the spirits who checked in but never checked out. Or look for the ghosts of cowboys at the town's Wrangler Store. Dive into this spooky chapter book for suspenseful tales of bumps in the night, paranormal investigations, and the unexplained; just be sure to keep the light on.

As concern for the welfare of species like honey bees and monarch butterflies grows alongside awareness of the impact of climate change, inspiring the next generation of citizen scientists is more important than ever. With Wildlife Ranger Action Guide, kids can make the world better for the animals and insects they love, starting right in their own backyards. Dozens of hands-on activities and habitat creation projects, such as making a frog pond from a kiddie pool, planting a pollinator garden for bees, painting a bat house, and building a lodge for lizards, encourage children to learn about and take an active role in protecting local wildlife. Lively photographic field guides covering 78 North American wildlife species teach kids about the habits and habitats of each and include tips for providing the plants and food needed for their survival.

"An easy-to-follow and alluring narrative . . . instructive and captivating."--School Library Journal What would it be like to travel to Mars? Find out, in this incredible book, written in coordination with the world-famous American Museum of Natural History. Perhaps no planet has stirred our imagination more than Mars. And this book, based on the American Museum of Natural History's exhibit "Beyond Planet Earth: The Future of Space Exploration," provides an extraordinary introduction to the Red Planet. Through breathtaking images from NASA, and information sent to Earth from satellites, budding astronomers and astronauts can explore Mars's climate and features--and find out what it would take for a human to travel there.

In July of 2015 a robotic spacecraft reached Pluto after a nine-and-half-year journey. New Horizons is the first spacecraft mission to Pluto and revealed its five moons as never before seen. Images from the mission show a reddish surface covered in ice-water mountains, moving glaciers, and hints of possible ice volcanoes and an underground ocean. Pluto is geologically alive and changing! This addition to the Scientists in the Field series goes where no person or spacecraft has ever gone before. Follow along with the team of scientists as they build New Horizons, fly it across the solar system, and make new discoveries about a world three billion miles away.

Could there have been life on Mars? Learn about the red planet and find out! --Page 4 of cover.

In the Arizona desert, scientists conduct studies and experiments aimed to help us better understand our environment and what sort of things are happening to it due to climate change. The location is Biosphere 2, an immense structure that contains a replica ocean, savannah, and rainforest, among other Earth biomes. It’s a unique take on the Scientists in the Field mission statement — in this case, the lab is a replica that allows the scientists to conduct large-scale experiments that would otherwise be impossible.

What was the Underground Railroad--and who traveled on it? Who was Harriet Tubman and what did she do? This gripping book tells kids all about the perilous journey to escape slavery and finally become free: how long it could take, where the fugitives

Now early readers can take a ride on the Magic School Bus! With the help of Ms. Frizzle, young readers can develop their reading skills while they pick up fun facts about the world's ocean in this engaging and accessible reader. Full color.

Now early readers can take a ride on the Magic School Bus! With the help of Ms. Frizzle, young readers can develop their reading skills while they pick up fun facts about the world's ocean. Ms. Frizzle's class will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about the deep sea through this engaging and accesible reader. This is a great introduction to the Magic School Bus program.

Answers questions about planet Earth, including how big it is, why the sky is blue, and what makes up the Earth's core.

Why is there life on earth? How did Saturn get its rings? Which planet is biggest, which one's hottest--and which has a cloud named Scooter? Take a trip into outer space to learn about the asteroid belt, Martian volcanoes, dwarf planets, and other fascinating facts about our universe.

"Is each snowflake unique? What comes first: thunder or lightning? What causes the seasons? Whatever the weather question a child has--from sunshine to storms or snow--the fascinating answers are right here! "--

Are there more insects than people on Earth? Are all bugs insects? And can all insects fly? From the number of legs a ladybug has to the truth about whether termites eat wood and why crickets chirp, this cool book helps children discover some of the world's most amazing creatures.

Tracing the evolution of humankind's pursuit of astronomical knowledge, this resource looks deep into the furthest reaches of space. Children will follow along as the realization that the Earth is not at the center of the universe leads all the way up to recent telescopic proof of planets orbiting stars outside the solar system. In addition to its engaging history, this book contains 21 hands-on projects to further explore the subjects discussed. Readers will build a three-dimensional representation of the constellation Orion, see how the universe expands using an inflating balloon, and construct a reflecting telescope out of a makeup mirror and a magnifying glass. It also includes small biographies of famous astronomers, a time line of major scientific discoveries, a glossary of technical terms, and dozens of full-color images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory.

Earth is the only planet in our solar system that is suitable for life. It has liquid water, oxygen, and enough gravity to hold its own atmosphere. But did you know that Earth is always changing? Scientists have used spacecraft and satellites to learn more about our planet. They can better predict natural disasters like hurricanes, and monitor volcano eruptions and climate changes. Learn lots of far-out facts about our home planet.

Cratered Mercury is the smallest and fastest planet in the solar system. Temperatures there vary more than on any other planet. Learn lots of far-out facts about the closest planet to the Sun. This book features a center spread with fast facts, perfect for report writing.

Jupiter is bigger than any other planet in our solar system. It has rings and centuries-old storms. It has more than sixty moons, too—some with underground oceans! Featuring a center spread with fast facts, this great addition to the FAR OUT GUIDE TO THE SOLAR SYSTEM series will tell you everything you need to know about the biggest planet—including missions and the scientists who planned them, and the spacecraft they used to do so.

Earth has many satellites, but the Moon is Earth's only natural satellite. Spacecraft and astronauts have visited the Moon to learn more about it. From the Apollo missions to the most current robotic spacecraft, this book highlights our adventures in studying our neighbor in space.

At a scorching 462°C, Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system—and poisonous clouds of gas surround it. Spacecraft from Earth have visited Venus. Learn about the amazing missions and the scientists who plan them This book features a center spread with fast facts, perfect for report writing.

How do scientists know anything about Uranus? Spacecraft from Earth have visited Uranus. Featuring a center spread with fast facts, this book highlights the missions, the men and women who plan them, and more far-out facts about the seventh planet from the sun.

Our solar system used to have nine planets. But recently, scientists ruled that Pluto was actually a "dwarf planet." So what exactly is a dwarf planet, how many of them are there, and how do scientists study and classify them? All the facts you need, and lots more, are included in this up-to-date book, featuring a center spread with fast facts.

Have you ever seen a comet or a shooting star? You may think they look pretty, but these giant space rocks can cause major destruction. Scientists keep a close watch on comets and asteroids using high-powered telescopes and spacecraft. Get ready to learn lots of far-out facts about asteroids and comets!

Everything in our solar system orbits the Sun. It is the center of our solar system, and affects everything in it. Robotic explorers have taught us a lot about the star at the center of our solar system. Learn about the amazing missions, the dedicated scientists who plan them, and more far-out facts about the Sun. All the facts you need, and lots more, are included in this up-to-date book.

An introduction to the example and achievements of the influential civil rights leader poses and answers key questions about his life and time, offering insight into such topics as segregation, the 1963 Civil Rights March, and the history and purpose of his famous speeches.

Answers to questions on the sinking of the Titanic.

Tornadoes are the most violent storms on the planet, as these dramatic photographs and gatefolds vividly reveal. Includes first-person accounts of historic storms, fascinating facts on climate change, and hands-on activities. Full color.