Most Popular Books by Gail Gibbons

This book about nature and the changing seasons focuses on a young boy and a very special apple tree.

What if we could open up our planet and look inside? From its red-hot core to the highest mountain peak, come see Earth as you''ve never seen it before in a colorful introduction to the powerful forces shaping our home.

Cold winters, hot summers--year after year the seasons repeat themselves. But what causes them? Why is there winter in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time there is summer in the Northern Hemisphere? In summertime, why is it still light out in the evening? With simple language appropriate for young readers, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the four seasons and explains why they change throughout the year. Newly revised and vetted by experts, this updated edition of The Reasons for Seasons introduces the solstices, the equinoxes, and the tilt in Earth''s axis that causes them, and gives examples of what each season is like across the globe from pole to pole. Clear, simple diagrams of the earth''s orbit are labeled with important vocabulary, explained and reinforced with accessible explanations. Fascinating and easy to understand, this is a perfect introduction to seasons, earth''s orbit, and axial tilt. Different effects on different parts of the world are included, illustrating the difference in climate between the equator, the northern and southern hemispheres, and the polar regions.

Every year on March 17th, people all over the world celebrate St. Patrick''s Day! In this bright picture book, nonfiction master Gail Gibbons tells you everything you need to know about this holiday. You''ll learn the story of Patrick''s life, legends about the saint, and the history of the holiday. From shamrocks to shillelaghs, Gail Gibbons'' signature combination of accessible text and clear, colorful illustrations creates a perfect introduction to a fun holiday. A perfect introduction to the customs surrounding the holiday-- parades, special meals, and of course wearing lots of green. Filled with facts, legends, and traditions, this book is ideal for kids learning about the holiday, Irish culture, and history.

Soccer is fun - let''s play! Find all the basics in this lively guide. The markings on a soccer field What soccer players wear The positions, from forward to goalkeeper The excitement of pasing a ball The thrill of making a goal All these and more are included, with a useful glossary at the end.

What in the world is a hurricane? In this age of extreme weather, this newly updated edition of Gail Gibbons'' informative introduction to hurricanes, with safety tips included, answers that question. Imagine a force that can toss boats around like toys, wash away bridges, create waves as high as eighteen feet, and change the shape of a shoreline. With fierce winds and torrential rains, hurricanes can do all of these things. In this newly revised edition, vetted by weather experts, Gail Gibbons introduces readers to the concepts of hurricane formation, classification, weather preparedness, and the ever-evolving technology that helps us try to predict the behavior of these powerful storms. Extensive updates include refined definitions for hurricane-related vocabulary, updated information about the wind speeds that define hurricane categories, information on emergency preparedness, and more. As these weather disturbances become more frequent and more powerful, Hurricanes is the perfect introduction for children to this important and timely topic. With her signature clear, colorful paintings and well-labeled diagrams, Gail Gibbons'' nonfiction titles have been called "staples of any collection" (Kirkus Reviews) and offer clear, accessible introductions to complex topics for young readers beginning to explore the world.

Explore the natural world with Gail Gibbons in this introduction to farming and the work done on a farm throughout the seasons. Farms are busy places throughout the year. Animals are born, fields are plowed and planted, and crops are harvested. The winters are quiet, but there are always chores to be done, and soon spring will come again. This new edition of a popular favorite has been vetted by an agricultural scientist and includes updated farming procedures and shows new safety equipment for family farms. "Simple stylized shapes and clear bright colors make Gibbons'' landscapes easy for young children to comprehend." --Booklist "Gibbons depicts aspects of farm life with her characteristic bright colors and stylized forms. Every season brings its own specific chores, indoors and out, its own crops and its own food. There are the forces of nature, and the ways the farmer harnesses or copes with the elements using mechanical devices."--Publishers Weekly

A look at the life of knights in the Middle Ages and a collection of tales about their adventures.

Growing from tiny tadpoles to massive master jumpers, frogs and their life cycles are fascinating. How far can frogs jump? Why do their eggs look slimy? Answer these questions and many more in this illustrated introduction to amphibians. With her signature bright, well-labeled diagrams and simple text, Gail Gibbons introduces the habitat and life cycles of frogs and gives an overview of common frog behaviors. Important biology vocabulary is introduced, defined, and reinforced with kid-friendly language and clear illustrations--plus a page of intriguing frog trivia and clear diagrams that show how frogs are different from toads. Bonus material is included about the unique role frogs play in the environment.

The alarm sounds. Fire! Fire! Big trucks roll out of the firehouse and race to the scene. Out come the soft hoses and aerial ladders. Whether the fire is in the city or in the country, on the waterfront or in a deep forest, firefighters are on the scene in moments, ready to attack the blaze.

Bicycles are interesting and also fun to ride. Here is a brief history of bicycles, as well as information on the different kinds there are, how they work, and the different ways they are used. A list of safety tips for bike riders is included, as well as guidelines for bike maintenance.

From the burning surface of Venus to the freezing darkness of Neptune, Gail Gibbons takes children on a tour of our planetary neighbors--which are very different from each other in size, shape, orbit, and even weather. Since The Planets was first published in 1993, space exploration has resulted in many new achievements and discoveries. This new edition of The Planets reflects some of these wondrous advances, while still offering young readers a timeless and accessible look at our solar system.

From #1 science writer for kids Gail Gibbons, learn everything about the delicious fruits you eat with this new and updated edition. Berries, apples, melons, and grapes; oranges, grapefruits, bananas -- yum! This scrumptious, updated picture book, a companion to The Vegetables We Eat, offers youngsters an inviting, information-packed cornucopia of favorite fruits. Gail Gibbons combines a clear, simple text with her signature illustrations to present fruit facts galore: the parts of fruits, where and how they grow, harvesting, processing, where to buy them, and how to enjoy them as part of a healthy diet.

Get kids thinking with this primer on sky, land, and sea animal migrations. Did you know Arctic terns migrate farther than any other animal? Gray whales can swim up to 12,000 miles during their migration journeys and Emperor penguins walk about 125 miles over ice to reach their nesting grounds. Gail Gibbons explores the many reasons why animals migrate, using direct sentences, maps, infographics, and illustrations. Featuring over 30 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and fishes, this nonfiction picture book is perfect for aspiring zookeepers and animal-lovers. Fully vetted for accuracy by James Doherty, Curator Emeritus, The New York Zoological Society. This title is part of the Explore the World . . . with Gail Gibbons series, which promotes active learning, good citizenship, and student leadership. A Bank Street Best Children''s Book of the Year!

All of a beloved holiday''s history and traditions are collected in a colorful, accessible introduction. Christmas is many things to many people. It celebrates the birth of the Christ Child. It is also Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus, angels, lights, Christmas trees, cards, carols, presents, and prayers. In this festive introduction to the traditions and history of a favorite holiday, an award-winning author celebrates the many facets of this wonderful time, including the most important...peace, love and joy.

A new edition of a nonfiction favorite for more than 20 years from science writer Gail Gibbons, updated with the latest discoveries in space exploration. From the burning surface of Venus to the freezing darkness of Neptune, Gail Gibbons takes children on a tour of our solar system—which are very different from each other in size, shape, orbit, and even weather. Since its original publication in 1993, The Planets has been a home and classroom staple for introducing our solar system to the youngest readers. With her signature blend of clear, bright illustrations and accessible text, Gail Gibbons takes readers on a tour of our planetary neighbors, near and far. This updated edition brings the latest scientific understanding of the planets of our solar system to young readers. The bodies in our solar system are named, described, and illustrated in clear, well-labeled spreads that give a strong sense of shape and scale to our skies. Each entry is full of intriguing details about their composition, behavior, and moons.

"Gail Gibbons''s detailed introduction to horses is packed with historical facts, breed information, care and grooming tips.... Pierno''s well-paced and deliberately pronounced reading is supplemented with sound effects of neighing, whinnying, and galloping horses as well as brief snippets of background orchestra music. ...Children with an interest in horses will find this title an adequate springboard for further reading." -School Library Journal

Presenting fascinating information on all kinds of bats, from how they use echoes to hear, to the legends that surround them and how to protect the species Though people often think of bats as scary, bats are really shy, gentle animals. There are nearly 1000 different species of bats, and they live on every continent except Antarctica. Some are tiny, but the giant flying fox bat has a five-foot wingspan! Popular science author Gail Gibbons also discusses the efforts to protect the world''s only truly flying mammals. A final page offers additional facts.

Explains how cows produce milk and how it is processed before being delivered to stores.

Provides a behind-the-scenes look at a working day at the zoo, from the moment the workers arrive until the night guard locks the gate.