New Releases by Joanne Mattern

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732–1809) was an Austrian composer, widely regarded as the “Father of the Symphony” and “Father of the String Quartet.” A central figure of the Classical era, he shaped musical form and style with innovation, wit, and expressive clarity. Haydn spent much of his career as court composer for the wealthy Esterházy family, producing operas, chamber works, and orchestral masterpieces. His influence deeply inspired Mozart and Beethoven, securing his legacy as one of Classical music’s great pioneers. Colorful illustrations plus photographs of meaningful sites and settings connect readers to important points in Schubert’s history. A timeline and "B Sharp" sidebars add details to the composer’s life story.

Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) was a German composer and pianist of the Romantic era, known for blending classical traditions with emotional depth and complexity. A perfectionist, he destroyed many early works, striving for the highest quality. Brahms composed in nearly every genre—symphonies, concertos, chamber music, piano works, and choral compositions. His most famous pieces include Hungarian Dances, A German Requiem, and his four symphonies. A close friend of Clara Schumann and admirer of Beethoven, Brahms carried on their musical legacies with his own distinct voice. His music is known for its rich harmonies, structural mastery, and profound expressiveness.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827), a German composer and pianist, bridged the Classical and Romantic eras. Known for his emotionally charged and groundbreaking compositions, including the Ninth Symphony and "Moonlight Sonata," Beethoven overcame deafness to create some of the most influential and best-loved works in the history of Western classical music. Colorful illustrations plus photographs of meaningful sites and settings connect readers to important points in Beethoven's history. A timeline and B Sharp sidebars add details to the composer's life story.

Frederic Chopin (1810–1849), a Polish-French composer and pianist of the Romantic era, was renowned for his emotive and expressive piano compositions, such as the "Nocturnes" and the "Revolutionary Étude." Chopin's innovative approach to melody and musical form left an indelible mark, making him an influential figure in 19th-century classical music. Colorful illustrations plus photographs of meaningful sites and settings connect readers to important points in Chopin's history. A timeline and B Sharp sidebars add details to the composer's life story.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) was a German Baroque composer and musician. Admired for his intricate and expressive compositions, he crafted masterpieces such as the Brandenburg Concertos and the Mass in B Minor. Bach's legacy endures as one of the greatest composers of all time, influencing generations with his exceptional contributions to classical music. Colorful illustrations plus photographs of meaningful sites and settings connect readers to important points in Bach's history. A timeline and B Sharp sidebars add details to the composer's life story.

George Frideric Handel (1685–1759), a German-born Baroque composer, achieved international acclaim for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions. Notable works include Messiah and Water Music. Handel's profound impact on English Baroque music and his ability to evoke emotion through grand and dramatic compositions solidify his legacy as a musical giant. Colorful illustrations plus photographs of meaningful sites and settings connect readers to important points in Handel's history. A timeline and B Sharp sidebars add details to the composer's life story.

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893), a Russian composer, created some of the most beloved classical music of the Romantic era. Renowned for masterpieces like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, he skillfully blended Russian and Western influences. Tchaikovsky's emotionally charged compositions, such as the "1812 Overture," continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Colorful illustrations plus photographs of meaningful sites and settings connect readers to important points in Tchaikovsky's history. A timeline and B Sharp sidebars add details to the composer's life story.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling World Almanac comes a colorful, fun-filled book devoted to the odd, fascinating, and unusual animals that share our planet. From the weirdest mammals and birds, to reptiles, amphibians, insects, and fish you may not have even known existed, this book combines trivia and fast facts with solid science on the oddest critters around. Find a new pest––or pet possibility?––on every page, complete with eye-catching photos to appeal to animal lovers of all ages. While younger readers enjoy sharing just how weird the animal world gets, parents and teachers will find a valuable source of information with fun details and engaging new topics you can't find in just every textbook or even a trip to the zoo. Amaze curious animal lovers with astonishing odd animals and their singular quirks, such as: A sea star (what was once called a starfish) isn't a fish at all. And since its mouth is too small to swallow its food, instead it pushes its stomach outside of its mouth to eat. The archer fish shoots powerful jets of water from its mouth to knock tasty insects out of mid-air from up to five feet away. When threatened, a bombardier beetle can release a chemical strong enough to burn skin. Binturongs smell like popcorn––but the reason why might be too gross to put into words here. You'll have to look inside for more! Even the biggest animal lover can find something new and fascinating about the animal kingdom in World Almanac Oddball Animals.

Some dogs are the best of friends. They provide support, love, and encouragement for people in need. Emotional support dogs are pets that help family members cope with loneliness, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Therapy dogs bring love and happiness to people young and old all over the community. In Emotional Support and Therapy Dogs, learn all about these special dogs and how they are trained to help others.

Incredible stories of 100 extraordinary American immigrants, for kids 8 and up This easy-to-read biography collection includes: 100 one-page biographies: Find out how these incredible individuals changed the course of history! Illustrated portraits: Each biography includes an illustration to help bring history to life! A timeline, trivia questions, project ideas, and more: Boost your learning and test your knowledge with fun activities and resources! From Alexander Graham Bell to Albert Einstein, Mary Pickford to Alfred Hitchcock, Hannah Arendt to Madeleine Albright and many more, readers will be introduced to artists, activists, scientists, and icons throughout history who made America their home. Organized chronologically, 100 Immigrants Who Shaped American History offers a look at the prominent role immigrants have always played in America and how their talents, ideas, and expertise have guided the country from its very beginning all the way through the present day.

This book describes the history and science behind artificial intelligence, including the new ideas and applications scientists are currently working on. Informative sidebars, a "How It Works" special feature, a table of contents, quiz questions, a glossary, an index, and additional resources assist and engage readers as they learn.

There are so many ways to use math on a trip! From telling time to measuring distance, readers will learn how math can make travel more interesting and more fun.

Young readers will use math skills such as measuring, counting, and adding as they plant flowers and vegetables in this gardening experience.

Young readers will learn about counting, adding, and greater than/less than and equal to while enjoying a day at a baseball game.

Bats have a bad reputation as blood-sucking creatures of the night. But these fascinating mammals actually help people by eating insect pests and pollinating fruit trees and flowers. In this book packed with fun facts and vivid photographs, readers will learn all about the bat’s amazing body, its habits and activities, and how they can help this important species survive.

Even venomous snakes can be helpful to people and Planet Earth! Young readers will learn the truth about the many different kinds of snakes, how to tell which ones are truly dangerous and which ones just want to be left alone, and explore up close the unique bodies that help these reptiles survive.

Although some sharks are very scary and dangerous, most species are quiet creatures who pose no threat to humans at all. Readers will learn all about the many kinds of sharks, what they eat, where they live, and their importance to the ocean ecosystem in this fact-and-photo-packed look at one of nature’s top predators.

Doughnuts are an all-time favorite treat! This low-level title teaches young readers how this sweet treat came to be, from its beginnings in the Netherlands to the maritime origin of its famous middle hole. Features such as a timeline and an origin map provide a visual aid for learning, while recipes will teach readers how to make their own doughnuts!

With age-appropriate text and large engaging photos young readers are shown how people go places on a train. "Good to Know" facts give higher-level details.

With age-appropriate text and large engaging photos young readers are shown how people go places on a city bus. "Good to Know" facts give higher-level details.

If there were Animal Olympics, some animals would be gold medal winners! Which animal could compete in synchronized swimming? Which animal would win gold in the marathon?

Which animal can find its way through a maze and even learn shortcuts? And which animal is so smart it lets cars do the hard work of cracking open its food?

Describes Rocky Mountain National Park, including its location, history, animals and plants, weather, and activities people can do while visiting the park.

Strong jaws, razor-sharp teeth, exploding gases! Discover some of the super weapons in Earth's animal kingdom.

Whether it's growing new body parts or shedding body parts for defense—some of Earth's amazing animals have super-strange bodies that are almost beyond belief.

Shapes, colors, or markings. Some mammals, birds, and fish use unusual camouflage to hide in plain sight.

Thick fur. Thin face or wide face. Long howls or short yips. Is it a wolf or a coyote? Learn how these beautiful wild creatures are alike and how they differ.

Today's amusement parks are filled with amazing, high-tech rides. Some even take the fun to the water! Amusement parks of the past were exciting places as well. Amusement parks have been around for hundreds of years. Discover the history of these fun-filled places!

Colorful or dull. Wings up or wings down. Active at night or prefers daylight. Is it a butterfly or moth? Learn how these beautiful insects are alike and how they differ.

Webbed feet. Slimy or dry. Lives on dry land or in water. Is it a frog or a toad? Learn how these cold-blooded animals are alike and how they differ.