Natalie Hyde

New Zealand is the sixth largest island nation in the world. It is a country of many contrasts--from snow-capped mountains to deep fiords, sandy beaches, and vibrant cities and towns. Read all about New Zealand's wild topography, the geographic isolation that led to the amazing evolution in its plant and animal life, and the many diverse peoples and cultures that make the country their home. Downloadable Teacher Notes available.

India, the world's most populous country at over 1.4 billion people, is also known for its ancient history and rich heritage. Read all about the country's land and resources, its beginnings as one of the world's oldest civilizations, and the many different peoples and cultures who call India home. Downloadable Teacher Notes available.

After almost drowning in a swollen creek, Wes wonders if what his friend Zach says is true: Wes owes a life debt to the old lady who rescued him. It doesn't help that Wes keeps hearing his dead father's voice saying things like, "A man pays his debts, Wes," and "A man always treats a woman with respect, Wes." But how does a guy go about paying back a life debt anyway? And what if it involves a transmission tower, an ice-cream truck and a few sticks...

Glow-in-the-dark creatures possess one of the most amazing abilities in our world. Using only chemicals in their bodies, they can create bioluminescence, or "living light." The lights they produce come in an astonishing variety of colours and patterns. Glow-in-the-dark creatures use their light displays to hide from enemies, to cry for help, to warn of danger or to find a mate. It is a beautiful silent language. From fireflies and glowworms to flashlight...

Why are oceans some of Earth's most important resources? This title explores the many ways humans and other living things depend on oceans, from helping to clean the air and regulating the climate to providing work opportunities and healthy food. Readers will also learn how human activity affects oceans and become familiar with the call for more sustainable ocean use.

A hundred years ago, marijuana was considered a threat to civil order and mental health. Today, recreational marijuana is legal in two countries: Canada and Uruguay. More countries are expected to follow - some in an attempt to reduce underage use of the drug. In the United States, marijuana is legal for recreational use in 11 states and in 33 for medical use. Legalizing Marijuana analyzes the issues related to legalization, use, misuse, and if legalized,...

Soil Erosion and How to Prevent It helps young readers comprehend the impact of erosion on all life. This title addresses the value of soil, how soil is created, weathering, erosion, deposition, soil pollutants, natural versus human-induced erosion, impact on plants and animals, causes of erosion, and kid-friendly steps to preventing erosion.

Young readers will learn about the many public holidays and cultural festivals celebrated in the Scandinavian country of Sweden. Fun facts highlight the unique festivals of the ancient Sami people, how the Swedish royal family is honored, what traditional foods are eaten, and how families celebrate special occasions.

We use it every day in products as varied as prescription drugs, toys, and toothbrushes. In less than a century, plastics have become integral to our daily lives. But plastic waste also clogs Earth's oceans and other water bodies. Research has shown that microplastics have even accumulated in our bodies. This timely book investigates our increasingly problematic use of plastics in all areas of our lives and how our attempts to curb use and mitigate...

Read about unusual animal journeys around the world, from wandering saltwater crocodiles to invasive insect species and outbreaks of Australian plague locust. Interesting facts, unexpected outcomes, and human impacts on the journeys are highlighted.