New Releases by Betsy Maestro

It''s fall! The leaves are changing color. This Level 2 Let''s-Read-and-Find-Out picture book by Betsy Maestro and illustrated by Loretta Krupinski explains the magical process of how leaves change their color in the autumn.

It began in Boston, with angry colonists objecting to the tyranny of a king who ruled from an ocean away. It was voiced by patriots such as Sam Adams and Patrick Henry and echoed by citizens from New England all the way to the Carolinas. It was fought by many -- colonists and patriots, Loyalists and slaves, Frontiersmen and Indians, British and French soldiers. Over more than ten years, sides were taken, guns drawn, lives lost. But through it all, one man -- a general from Virginia named George Washington -- held the young colonies together and led them to victory, beating almost impossible odds. History lovers Betsy and Giulio Maestro tell this true story of extraordinary times, incredible drama, and the birth of a new nation.

This ongoing series introduces our country''s history to young readers in an appealing picture-book format. Clear, simple texts combine with informative, accurate illustrations to help young people develop an understanding of America''s past and present. The New Americans is the story of the colonists -- the more than two hundred thousand new Americans -- who came over from Europe and struggled to build a home for themselves in a new world.

Most children have jumped into piles of leaves or helped their parents rake the yard, and everyone has wondered: Why do leaves change color? Activities that a child can do with leaves and even a list of places known for brilliant fall colors that readers can visit with their families is included. "An informative concept book."—BL.

Explores the evolving history of immigration to the United States, a long saga about people coming first in search of food and then, later in a quest for religious and political freedom, safety, and prosperity.

Text and illustrations describe the unceasing activity at a busy seaport, including various ships coming and going, and cargo moved by big machines.

Relates the story of the the first European explorers and settlers to come to America and details their effect on the people they encountered there

Apples/center Have you ever eaten part of a flower? You have if you have eaten an apple! Find out how an apple grows from bud to flower to fruit--ready for you to pick! CENTER Apples Have you ever eaten a part of a flower? You have if you have eaten an apple! Find out how an apple grows from bud to flower to fruit--ready for you to pick!

A history of money, beginning with the barter system in prehistoric times, to the first use of coins and paper money, to the development of the modern monetary system.

"The Maestros do a real service here in presenting the more familiar explorers in the context of all the migrations that have populated the Western Hemisphere....An outstanding introduction."--Kirkus Reviews. "The dazzlingly clean and accurate prose and the exhilarating beauty of the pictures combine for an extraordinary achievement in both history and art."--School Library Journal.

The reader is introduced to such typical city words as "theater, ""museum," "office building," and "train station" as a taxi travels through a hectic workday in and around the city.

Describes how the constitution was drafted and ratified.

"Written for the youngest audience...the text is very simple yet manages to convey all the major events in Liberty''s creation....The full-color watercolors show amazing detail and are extremely rich."--Horn Book.

Harriet''s search for her friend introduces a number of location words.

Text and illustrations introduce words with opposite meanings such as over and under, big and little, and front and back.

Children will learn in simple terms the concept of photosynthesis, pigments, and chlorophyll. Also includes activities and a list of places to visit.