Best Selling Books by Louise Spilsbury

Who first discovered static and why was this important? What is an LED? This fascinating book looks at the historical controversies that surround the discovery and theories of electricity and tells the stories of the scientists who worked on them. It also examines how the different theories based on electricity were arrived at, how they were tested, and what impact these theories and discoveries have had on our understanding of science today.

Contents include: What are Astronauts?; What do Astronauts do in space?; What is it like to live on a spacecraft?; How have Astronauts changed our lives?; What does it take to become an Astronaut?; a timeline of space travel.

Provides an introduction to how forces and motion work in space, including why astronauts feel heavy after take-off, why rockets are long and thin, and how spacecraft orbit Earth.

Living things in the environment are interdependent. This means they rely on each other in different ways. For example, herons visit a watery marsh to eat some of the frogs that live there. Putting this environment at risk would affect marsh life. If people accidentally spilled poison in the marsh, all the frogs might die and the herons would then go hungry. Read this title to find out more on what affects the air, water, land, and other parts of our surroundings, causing environmental damage.

Explore the fascinating world of plants! From growth and reproduction, to habitats and products, every aspect of plant life is examined. Recent scientific research and amazing microscope photography reveal a hidden world, ranging from houseplants to Amazonian rainforests. Activities and experiments are included in each book to give readers a change to apply what they have learned.

As the 13 colonies grew, they prospered with new industries and trade. However, some of these trades, like tanning animal hides, were unpleasant. In fact, from slaves and indentured servants, to “mad hatters” and risk-taking whalers, jobs in the colonies could be downright horrible! Readers will delight in viewing the colonial world through a different lens while they continue to learn about life in early America. Enhanced by detailed images, the social studies content augments classroom learning through true—though sometimes disgusting—facts and examples of making a living in the 13 colonies.

Gives a job description and education required to become an entomologist, a bug scientist.

Provides an introduction to how forces and motion work in an amusement park, including how a roller coaster works, why someone doesn't fly off a scrambler or octopus ride, and how bumper cars work.

Explains how plants grow from seeds, develop into plants with leaves and flowers, and make the food they need to live.

There is a rumble in the ocean. The great white shark is hungry. It needs to eat and is looking for a snack. Find out where sharks are on the ocean food chain, including other fun facts with detailed photos and charts.

This book looks at the differences between light and dark. - Darkness is the absence of light. You can make a dark box to show how we need light to see. - Experiment using ice cubes in boxes to show that dark colors absorb more sunlight than light colors. - Look at how some animals have evolved to "see" in the dark using other senses and try it out yourself! And much more!

What causes droughts? How can people and animals survive droughts? Can droughts be prevented? This book uses case studies of recent droughts in Australia, the United States, and Ethiopia to answer these questions.

Looks at some of the endangered animals that call North America home, including kangaroo rats, polar bears, condors, sturgeons, and red wolves.

Explains how erosion and weathering can cause landslides, sinkholes, canyons, and waterfalls.

What can you spot on the beach? This book guides readers on a beach walk, gradually introducing clues such as bird nests and burrows to help them learn more about the diversity of beach habitats. This title includes stunning photographs, a simple guide on what to wear and take on a beach walk, and a detailed glossary.

The Atlantic coast of the United States faces high winds, torrential rain, and more during hurricane season from about August to October. When these huge storms hit land, the streets may flood and buildings can be completely leveled. Seeing devastation like that on the news can leave readers with a lot of questions. This book introduces readers to how hurricanes form, why they can be so strong, and what communities do to prepare for them. Stories of recent hurricanes make these huge storms seem more real to readers and help them understand the consequences of natural disasters.

Here's an animal lover's one-stop source for in-depth information on sea otters! What do they eat? How do they behave? Are they at risk? This book also includes loads of fun and fascinating facts about otters, as well as maps, charts, and wonderful photographs of these adorable creatures.

What is cartilage? Why do we have joints? How does exercise help bones and muscles? The Human Machine asks the questions that young people want answered. Each chapter contains a different question, so readers can develop their knowledge.

Looks at volcanoes and some of the major volcanic eruptions of the past.

"An introduction to the properties of light for third and fourth graders; includes hands-on activities"--Provided by publisher.