Most Popular Books by Laurence Pringle

This gorgeous and lyrical picture book follows a year in the life of a red fox named Vixen. Kids will learn about a common backyard neighbor as they read how Vixen finds food, hunts, escapes threats, finds a mate, and raises her kits—all the way to the day that she and her mate watch their kits head off to lead their own secret lives. Stunning, realistic illustrations celebrate the beauty of these mysterious creatures as readers learn important facts through an engaging and fascinating story. The book also includes back matter with more in-depth information, a glossary, and further resources.

From the tiny cookiecutter to the great white, the world''s oceans are home to hundreds of species of marvelous and mysterious sharks. There''s the giant whale shark - longer than two school buses but gentle enough to swim with humans; and the swell shark, which can wedge itself into a hideout and then swell so that it cannot be pulled out. There are sharks that lay eggs and sharks that have live babies. Some are small enough to fit into the palm of your hand, and some have teeth bigger than your fist. Join acclaimed author Laurence Pringle on a fascinating exploration of the wide variety of fish classified as sharks. Together with Meryl Henderson''s beautiful and realistic illustrations, young readers will be taken on an unforgettable journey deep under the sea.

You see them feeding along the sides of roads or flying to the tops of trees. They are known as common crows, but there is nothing common about them. The familiar sound of "caw, caw, caw" is just one of at least twenty-five distinct sounds crows make in order to communicate with one another. Laurence Pringle examines these remarkable creatures in a fact-filled text that explores how crows talk, behave, and survive. With beautifully detailed illustration by Bob Marstall, young readers get a fascinating look into the world of one of the smartest birds on earth in this winner of the John Burroughs Nature Books for Young Readers Award.

Follow a year in the life of Volans, a flying squirrel, as she glides in the night air to hunt for food, deftly avoids danger from a raccoon, and gives birth to three tiny pups before preparing once again for the coming winter. Emerging at night from a cozy nest high in a tree, Volans the flying squirrel glides down. Although called a “flying” squirrel, she actually doesn’t fly—she glides using fur-covered flaps. Her instincts lead her to her hidden cache of food. She is also looking for a roomier hiding place because she is ready to give birth. When her pups are born she stays close to home, giving them milk and keeping them safe from predators until they can venture out on their own. Filled with intriguing facts and gorgeous illustrations, readers will be fascinated by the story of these remarkable rodents. This latest title in the Secret Life series has been vetted by a flying squirrel expert and includes back matter with more in-depth information, a glossary, and further resources.

Kids often spot woolly bear caterpillars creeping across the ground in fall, but these furry-looking creatures seem to disappear as quicklyas they pop up. Where do they come from in autumn, and where do theygo? In fact, they live throughout North America all year long. In vividstorytelling style, Laurence Pringle uncovers the secret life of the woollybear caterpillar, following one caterpillar as she feasts, tiny and hidden, inthe tall summer grass; molts and grows; then sets off on the fall journeywhere she''s most likely to be seen. Packed with surprising details (did you know that woolly bears can survive freezing temperatures by producinga natural antifreeze?), this book will appeal to every child who''s been luck yenough to spy one of these beloved caterpillars—and to anyone who''d like to.

Snakes come in all sizes and abilities.

A simple discussion of death as it applies to the plant and animal kingdom.

When Mom goes out for the evening, Becky and Jesse start to bicker. But then Dad gives them an octopus hug, and the house is soon rocking with laughter. An octopus hug is just one of the silly games in Larry Pringle''s story that celebrates the special delight children feel when they engage in horseplay with their dads. Kate Salley Palmer''s energetic text illustrations, practically reach out and draw the reader into the fun. Here''s a book the whole family can enjoy.

Summary: An introduction to the basic principles of ecology such as natural cycles, population patterns, ecosystems, biomes, and natural and man-made environmental changes.

Relates myths about dragons from different countries and from different time periods, including dragon lore from Egypt, Greece, England, and China.

Describes the sense of touch, how it works, and why it is important, discussing such related phenomena as goose bumps and phantom limbs, and examining this sense in a variety of animals.

Describes the parts of the eye and how they work and discusses such topics as colorblindness, visual perception, eye care, and more.

Learn all about the elephant in this nonfiction picture book that explores every aspect of these giant mammals. This latest title in the Strange and Wonderful series allows young readers to journey into the lives of elephants in various habitats throughout the world. Kids will learn how elephants use their trunk, how they communicate, what they eat, and about their family groupings. The book also shows how we can ensure that elephants continue to live and thrive. Combining careful research and beautiful illustrations, this book is perfect for those who have an interest in animals and conservation.

Are kids going to love this book? Is a frog waterproof? The latest title in the popular Strange and Wonderful series delivers the awe-inspiring variety of frogs, the world''s hoppiest amphibians. Did you know that the Goliath frog is more than a foot long? Or that the tiny gold frog could sit on a dime? Some frogs have camouflage. Others wear bold colors warning their enemies that they are poisonous. Some frogs leap, others hop, one is a runner, and a few glide from tree to tree with their big, webbed hands and feet! Surprising facts and beautiful, realistic nature illustrations come together in this celebration of one of nature''s most fascinating marvels.

Discusses human life before birth and, hence, the reason for the bellybutton.

Learn all about wolves with this newest title in the acclaimed Strange and Wonderful series featuring careful research and exquisite illustrations. This nonfiction book takes young readers on a journey into the lives of wolves, the largest of all wild mammals who have lived in the Northern Hemisphere for millions of years. Kids will learn how wolves use their powerful jaw muscles and sharp teeth to hunt their prey, how a wolf pack forms, and the meaning of different wolf howls. This book explores every aspect of these fascinating canines and even corrects erroneous myths and lore about them.

With its lively text and exuberant illustrations, "Bear Hug" celebrates a special outing shared by children and their father. Full color.

Chronicles the discovery of the fossil reptiles that, until 150 years ago, were unknown. Relates how scientists are able to reconstruct the appearance of these animals and shows how some of them looked.