Janey Levy

"Aye-ayes belong to the animal group known as primates, which includes not only humans, but apes and monkeys as well. But aye-ayes lack the majesty of a gorilla or the cuteness of a monkey. In fact, aye-ayes are so strange looking they were originally classified as rodents! Readers of this absorbing volume will discover fascinating facts about these odd animals, who have big eyes, enormous ears, and elongated fingers and use echolocation to find food....

"Even the warthog's name suggests that it isn't one of the world's most beautiful creatures. And it's true; they have large flat heads covered with warts, and sharp ominous tusks. Readers of this fascinating volume will learn intriguing facts about these weird-looking animals, who may not be beautiful, but are strong and intelligent. Accessible text addresses important elementary science concepts, and vibrant images enliven the text. Photo captions,...

Most of us enjoy watching colorful butterflies flutter about, but the world is full of less beautiful insects, and an alarming number of them are deadly. Readers of this absorbing book learn about some of the world's deadliest insects. They include wasps, hornets, mosquitoes, ants, fleas, Africanized bees, and kissing bugs.

Everyone's had experience with diseases such as the common cold, but some diseases are deadly and they may kill quickly, in terrifying ways. Readers will learn about lethal diseases such as Ebola, cholera, meningitis, plague, and necrotizing fasciitis and the sometimes-gross ways they kill.

"The very name Mesopotamia is evocative. This land, whose name means "between two rivers," is also known as the Fertile Crescent. It's the Cradle of Civilization. Cities grew here. Agriculture was established. Writing was invented. But the cultures of Mesopotamia left the world many more inventions as well. Readers of this intriguing volume will be spellbound as they discover the extraordinary accomplishments of Mesopotamian cultures. Extensively...

"All of us occupy a climate and deal with the effects of that climate on a daily basis. Most of the time we don't think too much about it, other than deciding what to wear and maybe what to eat. But sometimes climates can be deadly! Readers of this engaging book will learn about some of the threats they might encounter in some of Earth's most dangerous climates. The main text, fact boxes, and a graphic organizer support important elementary science...

"Who doesn't enjoy a beautiful flower garden, an orchard filled with fruit trees, or a lush green forest? But a surprising number of plants--often colorful, lovely ones--can be lethal. Readers of this engaging volume learn about some of Earth's deadliest plants, several of which are commonly found in gardens. They include oleander, rhododendrons, rhubarb, castor bean plants, and deadly nightshade. Age-appropriate text highlights important elementary...

"Ancient Rome is famous for its vast empire, which covered most of Europe as well as much of Asia and northern Africa. But it's also the source of achievements and inventions that have shaped Western civilization. Some of the best known include the alphabet, the calendar, and concrete, but there are many more. Readers will delight as they discover the many inventions and achievements of ancient Rome in this engaging volume. Thoroughly researched text...

"When you think of the achievements and legacy of ancient Greece, you probably think of art, architecture, and democracy. But ancient Greeks left so much more to the world, and some of their inventions will surprise modern readers. The list includes the lighthouse, the alarm clock, the shower, and trial by jury. This fascinating volume will introduce readers to all this and more as they explore the myriad accomplishments of ancient Greece. Thoroughly...

"In 1992, Mae Jemison became the first African American woman to travel into space. This alone was a remarkable achievement, but Jemison accomplished so much more. She was a doctor, an engineer, a Peace Corps volunteer, a teacher, and the founder and president of two technology companies. In this lively biography, readers will discover the life of this amazing woman, from childhood through her time at NASA to her accomplishments after leaving the...