Best Selling Books by Laura Purdie Salas

"Introduces Christmas traditions through photographs and brief text that uses one word relating to the subject for each letter of the alphabet"--Provided by publisher.

This book describes the range of sizes found in small animals, such as bee hummingbirds, dwarf geckos, and Kitti''s hog-nosed bats, and large animals, such as whale sharks, saltwater crocodiles, and African elephants.

Be creative with drawing, painting, stamps, or doodles on pages with your favorite photographs.

Clover Kitty does NOT want to go to kittygarten! Although she might like a friend to play with, kittygarten feels overwhelming for a sensory-sensitive kitty like Clover. And when she arrives, it is exactly as she fears: her classroom is too loud, the lights are too bright, and everyone comes too close. So Clover throws a fit...and decides to quit kittygarten. But when a classmate comes to check on her, she begins to reconsider. Maybe it''s time for Clover to give kittygarten another chance....

Describes rain forests and the animals and plants found there.

Examines what lives in the ocean and gives answers to many different questions children may have.

“What does this poem mean?” “How should I read it?” “How do we talk about it?” “What do I DO with it?” “What''s the best way to assess it?” “How do I meet standards?” “When can I possibly fit it into my already over-packed day?” Have you ever asked these questions about poetry? The 30 Painless Classroom Poems series makes it easy for you, the elementary school teacher, media specialist, or reading specialist, to share poetry with your students. Whether you already love poetry or you fear or even actively dislike it, these books are for you. The poems, Notes from the Poet, extension activities written by experienced classroom teachers, and tips for using poetry in your classroom will have you sharing poems in no time. In Wacky, Wild, and Wonderful: 50 State Poems, award-winning poet Laura Purdie Salas (author ofBookSpeak!, Water Can Be…, and more) offers up a poem for every state, covering a wide variety of poetic forms, moods, and topics. Extension activities by teacher Catherine Flynn share ideas for spring-boarding from these poems into deeper learning across many content areas. Sample: Pennsylvania: Celebrity Weatherman Phil has no thermometers And no advanced degrees He only knows a cold front By its snapping, chapping breeze He can''t interpret radar He''s surprised by winter snows But Phil foretells the birth of spring Because his shadow knows ? Note: Every year since 1877, on February 2, a groundhog--who is always named Punxsutawney Phil--comes out of his hole in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. If he sees his shadow, tradition says, that means six more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow, that means winter is over. Thousands of people go to Gobbler''s Knob, a hill outside the town center, each year to see Phil''s Prognostication, and reporters around the country spread word of the results. A Note from the Poet: As high-tech as we are, we still love our traditions and superstitions. I love that every February 2nd, on Groundhog''s Day, newspapers and news shows still report on whether Phil sees his shadow or not. Up here in Minnesota, we ignore Phil''s prediction because there''s no chance winter is going to end before mid-March! See all of the 30 Painless Classroom Poems at www.30PainlessClassroomPoems.com. Disclaimer: For those of you collecting all my 30 Painless Classroom Poems books, please note that some information, such as Why Poetry Matters and Classroom Poetry Tips, is repeated from book to book. The introduction to the book, the poems, the Notes from the Poet, and the classroom activities are unique to each book.

Come explore the Great Outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts will learn about the equipment they need, the techniques to employ, and the conservation measures that will ensure a great adventure.

More than 3 million people in the United States will be homeless this year. More than 1 million of them will be children. Who becomes homeless and why? What is it like to live without a place to call home? And what can you do to help? -- Back cover.

"Discusses the history, effects, and dangers of inhalants as well as addiction treatment options"--Provided by publisher.

This series provides a different look at community workers through lively text and vibrant illustrations. Young children can explore the captivating world of life in their communities with predictable text and fun facts--a perfect choice for read-alouds.

Filled with terrible struggles and tremendous gains, these books help readers understand the "Second Revolutionary War," feel the sorrow and suffering along the Trail of Tears, applaud the women suffrage movement, and more.

Bossy scarecrows, three-headed zebras, and mysterious school lunches, it''s all in the world of poetry. Striking photos pair with well-crafted wordplay in these themed introductions to rhyme and rhythm. Poems in various forms celebrate everything from sitting in class to sailing through space.