New Releases by Betsy Maestro

Read and find out about the magical process of how leaves change their color in this colorfully illustrated nonfiction picture book. This book includes simple, fun diagrams that help introduce concepts like photosynthesis and the different types of leaves. This book also includes a list of the best spots to view leaves changing color as well as simple activities to do with leaves, like leaf rubbings and leaf pressings. Questions addressed in this book include: How do leaves feed trees? What kind of weather brings out the best colors? Why is winter a time of rest for trees? Read and find out in the proven winner Why Do Leaves Change Color? This is a Level 2 Let''s-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades. The 100+ titles in this leading nonfiction series are: hands-on and visual acclaimed and trusted great for classrooms Top 10 reasons to love LRFOs: Entertain and educate at the same time Have appealing, child-centered topics Developmentally appropriate for emerging readers Focused; answering questions instead of using survey approach Employ engaging picture book quality illustrations Use simple charts and graphics to improve visual literacy skills Feature hands-on activities to engage young scientists Meet national science education standards Written/illustrated by award-winning authors/illustrators & vetted by an expert in the field Over 130 titles in print, meeting a wide range of kids'' scientific interests Books in this series support the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards. Let''s-Read-and-Find-Out is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series.

From small acts of rebellion through major battles of the Revolutionary War, this informative guide provides readers with an in-depth review of the events that led to the colonies gaining their freedom from the British in order to become the free nation that it is today.

Travel through time with the maestros as they explore the amazing history of timekeeping! Did you know that there is more than one calendar? While the most commonly used calendar was on the year 2000, the Jewish calendar said it was the year 5760, while the Muslim calendar said 1420 and the Chinese calendar said 4698. Why do these differences exist? How did ancient civilizations keep track of time? When and how were clocks first invented? Find answers to all these questions and more in this incredible trip through history.

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.

As early as 1630, Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands had settlements or colonies in North America. Always looking for ways to expand their territory, these European nations were constantly at war with one another over trade, borders, and religious differences. Beginning in 1689, their conflicts in Europe spread across the Atlantic to America. Over the next seventy years, competing European powers would battle for control of the New World. The winner would take the prize -- all of North America. Struggle for a Continent tells the riveting story of the French and Indian Wars seventy-four years of fighting that determined the destiny of the future United States. Notable Children''s Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2001, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council

Describes the life cycle of an apple from its initial appearance as a spring bud to that point in time when it becomes a fully ripe fruit.

A basic guide to voting and the election process in the United States.

Christopher Columbus was not the first to discover the Americas, but his voyages led to European exploration of the New World. Rich in resources and natural beauty, the Americas were irresistible to gold-hungry conquistadors. The newcomers gave little thought to those who had called the lands their home, and exploration soon came to signify conquest. The New World -- and the lives of its inhabitants -- would be changed forever.

Depicts Harriet and her activities at each hour of the day.

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.

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

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.

Introduces a number of compound words, such as suitcase, railroad, and tablecloth, through the story of a family taking a train trip.

A family takes a bicycle trip and experiences the sights, sounds, and smells of town, country, and seashore.

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.

Text and illustrations describe what happens after a major snowstorm, from plowing driveways and rescuing stranded motorists to clearing train tracks, airports, and harbors.

Harriet the elephant is determined to be the first in line for the circus.

As Harriet attempts to earn five dollars for a new kite, the reader learns about the coins that add up to a dollar.

A family crosses a river on a ferryboat and observes how the ferry operates.

Labeled illustrations present such activities of camping as packing, fishing, chopping, singing, rowing, hiking, and dreaming.

While walking to her grandmother''s house, Harriet reads all the signs she sees on the way.

Depicts Harriet and her activities at each hour of the day.

Harriet the elephant likes to play with her many toys.

Harriet the elephant enjoys many activities at her nursery school. On heavy board pages.

Emily''s animal friends try in vain to guess what she is looking for.