D Is for Derby: A Kentucky Derby Alphabet
A Kentucy Derby Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
The Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuous sporting event in the United States. But don't call it just a horse race. This annual May event, known as 'the most exciting two minutes in sports,' is steeped in tradition and pageantry far beyond what happens on the track. Following the alphabet, D is for Derby: A Kentucky Derby Alphabet uses poetry and expository text to explain this world-famous event. Topics include famous jockeys, legendary horses, fabled Bluegrass farms and owners, as well as offering a behind-the scenes view of thoroughbred breeding and racing. Readers young and old, along with horse enthusiasts and diehard Derby fans, will enjoy this celebration of one of the most prestigious sporting and cultural events in our country.
G is for Gold Medal
An Olympics Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
From the first games held in ancient Greece to the cultural extravaganzas of recent years, there have been some incredible and amazing events and milestones in the world of Olympic sports. Now in G is for Gold Medal, An Olympics Alphabet, writer Brad Herzog showcases those athletes and events that not only set sports records but also impacted history and world views. Learn the meaning behind the five interlocking rings featured on the Olympic flag. Cheer on American Jim Thorpe as he won the pentathlon and decathlon at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden, only to lose his medals later. Read how the man dubbed as the "world's laziest high jumper" won the gold in 1968 and later had a jump named after him. All these moments and more are brought to life in G is for Gold Medal.
S is for Scientists
A Discovery Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
What clutter-busting need was behind the invention of the World Wide Web? Which stain-fighting chemical got its start when a lab assistant dropped a beaker on a lab floor? In S is for Scientists: A Discovery Alphabet, the origins behind some of the most important scientific discoveries are explored. Budding young scientists will learn what Galileo witnessed in a church that led to his theory of measurement; how biologist Rachel Carson's book, Silent Spring, helped to spur the first call to action in the environmental movement; and why Ivan Pavlov's study of a drooling dog laid the foundations for a new branch of psychology. From discoveries that fundamentally changed scientific methods to everyday inventions that are now taken for granted, S is for Scientists sheds light on the events and people who have shaped our lives today.
Z is for Zeus
A Greek Mythology Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Whose face launched a thousand ships? Who dropped an apple to win a race? What creature has the head of a woman, the body of a lion, the wings of an eagle, and always wakes up on the wrong side of the bed? The Oracle knows and so will young readers after they encounter the strange creatures, exotic gods, and exciting stories in Z is for Zeus: A Greek Mythology Alphabet. Human endeavors are often at odds with the whims and the will and the ways of the gods. Although they're up in Olympus without any cares, they just can't stop meddling in human affairs. Helen Wilbur, who wrote the lively M is for Meow: A Cat Alphabet, brings the same wit and wisdom to explaining Greek mythology. Colorful, entertaining artwork from Victor Juhasz, the illustrator behind D is for Democracy and R is for Rhyme, keeps pace with the lively subject matter.
M is for Money
An Economics Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
This alphabet book brings the topic of economics down to a child's level, using tangible examples and scenarios to explain complex ideas. M is for Money uses snappy rhymes and expository text to introduce subjects ranging from supply and demand to taxes. Dynamic and witty artwork brings each topic to life.|Informative sidebars|Author/Illustrator biography|Written in a two-tier alphabet format using poems and expository text this beautifully illustrated series introduces readers to topics such our solar system, the ocean, world deserts, science discoveries, and ecology.
C is for Canada
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Canada will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its confederation in 2017. And just in time to help mark the occasion, author Mike Ulmer presents C is for Canada, an alphabetical tribute to this northern nation. Colorful artwork captures Canada's natural beauty as clever rhymes inform and entertain, giving the reader an armchair tour. From the Aurora Borealis to Klondike Days to the majestic Peary Caribou, C is for Canada showcases the landscape, symbols, history, and culture of this great country.
K is for Kick
A Soccer Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Author Brad Herzog brings his well-received prose and soccer knowledge together with Melanie Rose's charming and realistic illustrations to detail every facet of the game. Each letter has a simple rhyme for young readers: 'J is for the Jerseys that soccer players wear. But often in the World Cup, opponents tend to share. In a gesture of respect after a game ends, They simply swap their jerseys as if they are old friends.' For older readers the expository text gives specific details about goaltending, referees, the World Cup, and many other aspects. K is for Kick follows the wildly popular Z is for Zamboni.
A is for Axel
An Ice Skating Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Four-time World Champion and professional figure skater Kurt Browning replaces his boots and blades with pen and paper in A is for Axel: An Ice Skating Alphabet. From holding an edge to laces and hooks, Kurt glides and dances through the alphabet explaining the history, techniques, and memorable moments of the sport. Spirited illustrator Melanie Rose captures the excitement visually with her colorful, playful illustrations. With the Winter Olympics spinning our way in 2006, this book will have fans young and old dreaming of gold.
W is for Waves
An Ocean Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
From the mythological underwater city of Atlantis to the amount of water that covers Earth's surface, the oceanic world has challenged and intrigued man since recorded time. And it seems that as much as we do know already, there is so much more to learn. In W is for Waves: An Ocean Alphabet water enthusiasts and budding scientists are given an A to Z tour of the ocean's depths and the creatures that inhabit them. Did you know that jellyfish can range in size from one inch to 200 feet long? And what about the mysterious Scandinavian sea monster called the kraken? Was it a myth or did it really exist? Learn about thermohaline currents, dolphin intelligence, and the largest living structure in the world (Australia's Great Barrier Reef). In W is for Waves young readers can explore the mysteries of the deep without getting their feet wet.
H Is for Hook
A Fishing Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
In H is for Hook: A Fishing Alphabet, seasoned angler Judy Young tackles topics such as types of lures, where to fish, and what equipment you will need, along with the basics of cleaning, filleting, and cooking your final catch. And since every fisherman loves to brag about the 'one that got away,' she includes suggestions on how to capture your fishing memories through journals and photography. For anglers everywhere, reading H is for Hook is the next best thing to being at the end of a fishing pole waiting to land that big one.
H is for Horse
An Equestrian Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
In the style and format of our alphabet books comes 'H is for Horse: An Equestrian Alphabet'. From basics such as mucking out the stall and how to judge a horse's qualities to historical facts on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Mike Ulmer relays the fun and fundamentals of the world of horses.
W is for Wind
A Weather Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Would you like to know the difference between cirrus and cumulus clouds? How much does our atmosphere weigh? W is for Wind: A Weather Alphabet is a swirl of information that answers these questions and many more. Readers will learn that yes, our atmosphere has weight! And if it's sunny, chances are it's heavy. When the atmosphere is lighter, grab your galoshes! W is for Wind is one well-informed children's book from the Sleeping Bear Press family that puts the emphasis on fun and function. It lets children learn all about the weather in a relaxed engaging manner. Professional weatherman and storm tracker Pat Michaels spins the stories on everything from tornadoes and hurricanes to rainbows and evaporation with gusto. His rhymes thunder through the alphabet with excitement and his factual text resonates like the Northern Lights. Readers will turn the pages with lightning quickness to get to the next weather condition and with each page turned they'll be treated to the mystical illustrations of Canadian-born artist Melanie Rose. Perfect in the classroom or the home, W is for Wind captures the love affair we all have with weather. It the perfect complement to a science lesson or to help explain to children what exactly happens when water freezes and much more with easy-to-understand language. Enriching, enlightening and educational could easily be the 'E' in this one-of-a-kind weather alphabet book.
T Is for Teachers
A School Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
This school year promises 'no more teachers' dirty looks.' They'll be too busy smiling and reading from the pages of T is for Teachers: A School Alphabet. From the first verse, teachers and their kids will have great fun learning from the behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important buildings any of us enter. T is for Teachers: A School Alphabet is a charming education on education. Crisp, clever text from the minds of Steven and Deborah Layne keep children engaged as they are taken on an educational tour of the one room school houses, the roles of custodians and principals, quizzes and more that lay between the covers. Quick rhymes engage the reader while fact-filled text expound of each letter's topic. And no school tour would be complete without a stop in the art room. T is for Teachers' art class features Doris Ettlinger busy painting yellow busses, red bricks and every page with great care and straight A's. T is for Teachers: A School Alphabet is sure to find its way into the hands of students, parents and teachers alike. As a perfect introduction to the year ahead of a new student or as a great thank you to the teacher who makes a difference, this alphabet book will charm everyone who picks it up. T is for Teachers is a perfect complement to any classroom setting and proves once again that learning is indeed fun!
P is for Putt
A Golf Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Fore! Lookout for the latest shot from the Sleeping Bear Press sports title: P is for Putt: A Golf Alphabet. Look no further than the ever-growing popularity of Tiger Woods and Michelle Wie to see that golf is a sure-fire hit in the hearts of youngsters. And adults! This fun and educational ABC book takes a look at golf's illustrious history and stars in easy-to-read rhyming text that follows the heroics of Babe Didrikson Zaharias to the splendor of the Master to the mystery of the dimples of every golf ball. Sport-loving Brad Herzog brings his pen power to skillfully explain the game on grass and the characters and legends that make golf as fun as it is difficult to master. No matter what course hackers step upon - their local public course or the majesty of Pebble Beach, golf is a game full of color and colorful character and history. Artist Bruce Langton brings his outdoor eye to capture the rich and lustrous palette of the sport of swings. A perfect gift for the sport nut, amateur golfer or anyone who has dreamed of playing alongside the greats, P is for Putt: A Golfer's Alphabet is a welcome addition to any golf bag, bookshelf or 19th hole. Once the book is opened, it won't be put down until every fun, fact-filled page has been shared and shared some more. Teeing off this April!
P is for Prairie Dog
A Prairie Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Fact: At one time prairies covered about 40% of the United States but today only about 1% of North American prairies exist. P is for Prairie Dog: A Prairie Alphabet explores North American prairies as it explains their important role and showcases their wonders. Science writer Anthony Fredericks gives an A-Z tour of the many facets and fascinating facts of the prairie ecosystem. Inhabitants including the bison, the quail, and, of course, the prairie dog are highlighted along with descriptions of insect and plant life.
R is for Rhyme
A Poetry Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Bring the magic of poetry to life with R is for Rhyme: A Poetry Alphabet. From acrostics and ballads to meter and metaphor, author and poet Judy Young has written a delightful collection of poems to illustrate poetic tools, terms and techniques. Each term or technique is demonstrated in an accompanying poem so readers can see the method at work. Whether haiku or rap, sonnets or cinquain, budding writers of all ages will be inspired to put their imaginations to work crafting their own poems.
W is for Windy City
A Chicago City Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Lake Shore Drive, the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier...just the mention of these iconic sights conjures up a skyline known the world over as the Windy City. Welcome to Chicago! And there's no better guidebook to the city than W is for Windy City: A Chicago Alphabet. Following the alphabet, the city's character and familiar landmarks are fully captured in poem and expository text. A is for Art Institute or Adler Planetarium. And if we want a 'triple A,' we'll add the Shedd Aquarium. Young readers can marvel at the treasures on display at the renowned Art Institute, go window shopping along Michigan Avenue's mile-long Magnificent Mile, or take in an afternoon game at Wrigley Field with the Chicago Cubs. W is for Windy City brings this famous city to life.
S is for Save the Planet
A How-To-Be Green Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Did you know Americans generate nearly 250 million tons of trash each year? Or that it takes hundreds of years for a polystyrene cup to decompose? Mankind's negative impact on Mother Earth is tremendous and daily bad news can make it feel overwhelming. But all is not lost! S is for Save the Planet: A How-to-Be-Green Alphabet details the many environmental issues we face and then suggests easy-to-take actions that anyone can do. From the particulars of vermicomposting and xeriscaping, to the three R's of responsible waste management, young readers learn how they can be a force of nature in protecting the earth for generations to come.
A is for Astronaut
Blasting Through the Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Retired astronaut Clayton Anderson takes readers on an A to Z flight through the alphabet from astronaut and blastoff to spacewalk and Zulu Time. Topics cover the history of NASA, science, and practical aspects of being an astronaut using fun poems for each letter paired with longer expository text in the sidebars. Perfect for science buffs, budding astronauts, and astronomy lovers of all ages.
D Is For Dump Truck
A Construction Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Construction equipment has long been a favorite of little readers and D is for Dump Truck takes children on an A to Z exploration of a fun backyard construction site. With bouncy poems for each letter and a glossary in the back, this book brings the thrill of construction up close and personal.
T is for Twin Cities
A Minneapolis/St. Paul Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
The Twin Cities region of Minnesota has long been recognized as a hub of history, culture, commerce, and education. Now in T is for Twin Cities: A Minneapolis/St. Paul Alphabet, readers can explore the many treasures the area has to offer. Visit the celebrated state capitol building in St. Paul, which was modeled after Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. Meet cartoonist Charles Schulz of 'Peanuts' fame and 'Prairie Home Companion' radio personality Garrison Keillor, just a few of the famous Minnesotans profiled. And learn why Minneapolis is called the 'City of Lakes' while enjoying the Twin Cities region's many outdoor recreational opportunities.
H is for Home Run
A Baseball Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Now anyone can be one of the 'boys or girls of summer' and get a home plate view of America's favorite pastime in H is for Home Run: A Baseball Alphabet. This new offering in our line of children's alphabet books brings the game of baseball to entertaining and informative life. Sports writer Brad Herzog pairs easy-to-read rhymes with detailed expository so that readers are pitched baseball's facts, faces, history, and places from A-Z.
T is for Tutu
A Ballet Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Tutus and leotards, pointe shoes and ribbons, stretching exercises at the barre - these are all familiar images when one is thinking of ballet. But there's much more to this historic dance form than pink tulle. There's hard work with years of study. Following the alphabet, in T is for Tutu: A Ballet Alphabet dancer Sonia Rodriguez, with husband Kurt Browning, introduces this dance form from its beginnings at the court of Louis XIV to basic positions and training to famous stage roles. L is for the Leotard that shows the dancer's form. Whenever they are rehearsing it becomes their uniform. Young readers will find themselves pointing their toes, practicing the five positions, and dreaming of being onstage as a sugarplum fairy or a king with a crown.
R is for Race
A Stock Car Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Engines hum and hearts pound as cars hurtle around the track at 200 miles per hour. In R is for Race: A Stock Car Alphabet, readers will experience the track's sights and sounds as they learn the ins and outs of stock car racing, from its humble beginnings in 1895 to the fastest growing sport in America. Whether interested in the guys in the garage or the Daytona International Speedway, fans young and old will speed from A to Z as they are introduced to the people, places and memorable moments in stock car racing.
T is for Titanic
A Titanic Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
In T is for Titanic, husband-and-wife writing team Michael and Debbie Shoulders sift through the stories, documents, and artifacts surrounding the famous ship, giving a you-are-there view to one of the greatest disaster stories.
V is for Venus Flytrap
A Plant Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Why do onions make us cry? What popular nut really isn't a nut at all? And what makes a forest a rainforest? The answers to these questions and many other fascinating facts can be found in V is for Venus Flytrap: A Plant Alphabet. Mankind's dependence upon the plant kingdom goes far beyond the food on our table and the air that we breathe. Plants have also provided shelter and led to important advances in medicine and science. Using the alphabet, horticulturalist Eugene Gagliano covers a wide range of topics including exotic species and their locations; plants' role in a healthy lifestyle; food crops and the world economy; and the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship in our world today. After reading V is for Venus Flytrap, young readers will be eager to get their hands dirty and their thumbs green!
D is for Desert
A World Deserts Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
D is for Desert: A World Deserts Alphabet uses the alphabet to explore desert regions around the world, explaining the science behind what determines a desert and showcasing fascinating features and desert inhabitants. Budding scientists will traverse the rocky deserts of Mongolia astride the Bactrian camel, spy on the poisonous Gila monster and other lizards in the Sonoran Desert, discover geological wonders in Bryce Canyon National Park, and learn about desert weather phenomena such as dust storms and flash floods, and much more. A glossary of key desert-science terms and concepts is included.
H is for Hockey
A NHL Alumni Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Where was the first organized indoor hockey game played? When did the tradition of engraving winners' names on the Stanley Cup start? Which six brothers collectively played in more than 5,000 NHL games? Answers to these questions and many more can be found in H is for Hockey: An NHL Alumni Alphabet. Formed in 1999, the National Hockey League Alumni Association is affectionately known as "Hockey's Greatest Family" for good reason. Members of the NHL Alumni are considered hockey ambassadors, supporting the game and its history through many charitable causes and programs. Written by one of the game's foremost historians, this book pays tribute to them and the sport they love. Adding a personal touch are the memorable quotes sprinkled throughout the text. When 17-year-old Sidney Crosby was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2005, he said, "This is amazing. It's been a lot of hard work and a lot of sacrifices. It's unbelievable!"
I is for Idea
An Inventions Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
For every budding scientist who would like to think beyond the smoking volcano, diorama, and colored graphs of the typical school science fair. I is for Idea explores the development of bicycles, zippers, toilets, computers, and many other inventions that we now take for granted in our daily lives. Readers will learn about the inventors and the genesis behind these ever-present and useful items. Curious kids will find plenty of inspiration as they discover the answers to their continuous questions. What is the basis for the phrase 'the real McCoy'? What actually is the mother of invention? What kitchen appliance was developed after a scientist's candy bar suddenly melted?
P Is for Pilgrim
A Thanksgiving Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Across the Atlantic Ocean, a lone ship on a vast sea. Ablaze with new hope, all praying to be free.' From the lives of our early settlers, who established the foundations for American freedoms and ideals, to today's celebrations, P is for Pilgrim colorfully examines the history and lore of Thanksgiving. Educators will find the inclusion of the Core Democratic Values of valuable use for the classroom while kids of all ages will enjoy the bright, engaging illustrations and fascinating sidebar text. 'Zippy bands zigzagging down the street, zebras trotting, zeppelin-like balloons afloat. Flags flying, banners waving, a Thanksgiving Day Parade playing a happy note.'
S is for Smithsonian
America's Museum Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
Where can one find the world's largest mounted African elephant? Or the world's largest blue diamond? Why, at the world's largest museum complex and research organization, of course! In S is for Smithsonian® readers can take an armchair tour of the incredible exhibitions and collections found in the Smithsonian Museum. When it opened in 1855, no one could have imagined that the Smithsonian Museum would grow to include 19 museums, nine research centers, or over 130 million objects, artworks, and specimens collected from all over the world. With over 25 million visitors a year, the Smithsonian truly is the world's largest museum! See the airplane Amelia Earhart flew on her solo Atlantic flight. Admire diamond earrings that once belonged to Marie Antoinette. From A-Z, S is for Smithsonian® explores the amazing objects and memorable displays that are part of this remarkable museum.
E is for Extreme
An Extreme Sports Alphabet
Part of the Sleeping Bear Alphabet series
E is for Extreme indeed! From the gravity-defying rush of bungee jumping to the ultimate endurance challenge of the ultramarathon, young readers are given an armchair seat to the world of extreme sports. What makes the Iditarod sled dog race so grueling? What sports competition is only open to U.S. Army Rangers? And what famous mountaineer answered 'Because it's there' to the question of why he wanted to climb Mount Everest, only to disappear on the mountain a year later? Other topics include drag racing, freestyle skiing, and kite boarding. Now thrill seekers of all ages can experience the ABC's of extreme sports.