In My Backyard

Spotting a toad in the backyard is the invitation for an educational look at a remarkable creature in this friendly volume. Readers will learn about this interesting amphibian's life cycle, from tiny tadpole to nimble-footed land dweller. They'll understand the characteristics of a toad's body, what it eats, and how it catches its meals with its talented tongue. Striking photographs of toads in action help the readers comprehend the approachable low-ATOS text.

Ladybugs are full of mystery. Through the use of accessible text, readers take an exciting look at the life of these little red and black creatures flitting behind houses. A picture glossary helps beginning readers strengthen their vocabulary skills, and vibrant, full-color photographs show the how ladybugs frolic in the summer and stay warm in the winter.

Chipmunks know that winter is always right around the corner, and it's never too early to start gathering food. Through the use, of accessible text, readers take an exciting look at the life of these cheerful animals in their backyard. A picture glossary helps beginning readers strengthen their vocabulary skills, and vibrant, full-color photographs show chipmunks at home and abroad, filling their cheeks with nuts for a long winter of hibernation.

If you look close enough, a butterfly can grow up right before your eyes. Through the use of accessible text, readers take an exciting look at the journey butterflies make. A picture glossary helps beginning readers strengthen their vocabulary skills, and vibrant, full-color photographs show caterpillars grow to adulthood, taking flight to travel around the world.

Hopping from house to house, frogs are one of the most interesting animals you'll find in a neighborhood. Through the use, of accessible text, readers take an exciting look at the life of these dynamic animals in their backyard. A picture glossary helps beginning readers strengthen their vocabulary skills, and vibrant, full-color photographs show the life cycle of a frog and how, they interact with the world around them.

Birds of every shape and color soar through the sky, and many like to rest in backyards. Through the use, of accessible text, readers take an exciting trip through the skies and into the lives of these bright creatures. A picture glossary helps beginning readers strengthen their vocabulary skills, and vibrant, full-color photographs show birds in flight and in the nest.

Squirrels are some of the more versatile creatures you'll find in a backyard. Through the use of accessible text, readers take an exciting look at the life of these quick little rodents. A picture glossary helps beginning readers strengthen their vocabulary skills, and vibrant, full-color photographs show the many ways squirrels can live. From flying through trees to nursing their young in dens, this book is sure to educate and excite.

Ants may seem like simple insects, but a colony's social organization is complex, and so fascinating. In this appealing volume, readers will learn about the different roles within an ant colony and how each helps the group survive in the wild. Low-ATOS text is coupled with arresting, up-close photographs of ants on the go. Readers will never overlook these diminutive organisms again.

Taking a walk after a rainstorm often brings a familiar sight: pink, wriggly worms on the sidewalk. Readers of this delightful book will find out how earthworms move around without legs, or even bones. Through bright low-ATOS text, they'll learn what earthworms eat and why gardeners and birds love them. They'll marvel at the close-up photographs of these interesting invertebrates and gain an appreciation for an often-overlooked creature in their own backyard.

Spotting a snake in the grass can be startling at first, but these reptiles are nothing short of fascinating. Readers of this appealing volume will learn some cool facts about snake bodies, habitats, senses, and even snake snacks. The low-ATOS text is perfectly paired with colorful photographs of snakes in the wild, making this an achievable and entertaining book for herpetologists of all reading levels.

Deer are a common sight in wooded areas, fields, and even backyards that provide lots of tasty plants for these long-legged mammals to eat. Young readers probably don't realize there are many kinds of deer, including the petite pudu and the massive moose. This attractive volume shares some absorbing facts about these creatures relayed through low-ATOS text and stunning photographs of deer in action.

Owls may have soft, fluffy feathers, but these birds of prey aren't cuddly. They're serious hunters. Readers will love learning about the owl adaptations that enable these birds to nab their prey, including sharp talons and excellent hearing and eyesight. Straightforward low-ATOS text and a picture glossary help young ornithologists comprehend key concepts, while stunning photographs will awe them, as well as inspire them to bird-watch.