Animals & Nature

Get ready for a wild ride with Ham and Cheese in Going to Hawaii, the first short tale in The Adventures of Ham and Cheese series! Set against the lush backdrop of Hawaii, these two daring Pug-Zu pups are about to embark on a memorable journey.

Ash is so excited to get a NEW PUPPY! He is full of energy and ready to play, but every game Ash chooses ends in disaster! Whatever will Ash do?

Did you know that there are more insects than any other group of animals? The diversity of insects is staggering. What do ants have in common with bees? What’s the difference between a butterfly and a moth? How are ladybugs and weevils related? Some insects have a set of wings, some have two, but others might not have any. Some insects have a hard outer shell (exoskeleton). Learn how insects are alike and how they are different in this latest addition to the Compare and Contrast Series.

What do crabs and lobsters have in common, and how are they different? While both animals live in the ocean, one prefers to swim and the other walks. One can be found in coastal tidepools and the other offshore. They both have skeletons on the outside of their bodies. There’s more to these animals than just being good food for us. Learn about these fascinating crustaceans in the latest addition to our Compare and Contrast Series.

Seals and sea lions look very similar, and it’s sometimes difficult to tell them apart. Both marine mammals live in oceans all over the world. One has visible ear flaps, while the other has ears but no external flaps. One swooshes through the water using their back flippers, and the other uses their front flippers to swim through water. On land, one bounces along, and the other can “walk” on their hind flippers. Learn about the similarities and differences between these marine mammals in this latest addition to our Compare and Contrast Series!

When one hears the word “panda” most people immediately think of the large, black and white “panda bears.” Yes, they are a type of bear. Did you know that red pandas are in an animal family of their own? While the two animals may not be related through animal classification, they share similar characteristics like a “thumb wrist” and a reliance on bamboo. Explore the similarities and differences between these mammals in this latest addition to the Compare and Contrast Series!

To survive their third year of training, Skandar and his friends must complete a series of terrifying trials across the Island’s elemental zones. Friendships, allegiances, and rider-unicorn bonds will be pushed to the limit—only the strongest will make it. Meanwhile, Skandar’s sister, Kenna, has finally reached the Eyrie. But with a forged bond to a wild unicorn, she is alienated and alone. And when a terrible discovery puts the future of the Island in peril, all fingers point in one direction… As suspicions grow and dark forces assemble, Skandar must decide where his loyalties lie.

Ivan has been happily living in a wildlife sanctuary, with his friend Ruby next door in the elephant enclosure, frequent visits from his canine friend Bob, and his mate Kinyani by his side. And in the happiest turn of all, Ivan and Kinyani have welcomed a set of twins to their family! Ivan loves being a papa, even though it can be hard sometimes. But as he navigates the joys and challenges of parenthood, he can’t help but recall his life before the glass walls of the mall circus, his own childhood in the jungle—and his own twin.

Maxine needs a job. Well, maybe she doesn’t need a job, but she’d very much like one. Her talented dog friends all have jobs, and as a talented dog herself, she should have one too . . . right? From working as a lifeguard at the beach to pulling a sled in the snow, Maxine tries (and fails at) her friends’ jobs until she realizes the key to finding the perfect job: doing what she loves.

Scaredy Smurf is afraid of heights, the water, the dark … and just about everything! So when he sees a big spider, naturally he’s terrified. Until he realizes the spider is just as frightened of him as he is of it! Soon Scaredy Smurf and the spider are best friends, and they surprise everyone! This gently spooky story is perfect for Halloween or anytime for Smurfs fans.

First introduced in The Pout-Pout Fish and the Worry-Worry Whale, Willa Whale is the star of her own spin-off series. In this story Willa, overcomes her fear of getting called on in class. Swim along with Willa Whale as she develops strategies and confidence for raising her fin. She might just discover that sharing our ideas, thoughts, and questions will help us learn and grow!

Gabriel the elephant dreams of being part of the lifeboat crew in his seaside town, but he is too young, and too little. But soon, Gabriel grows up and he is too . . . BIG! Disappointed but undaunted, Gabriel makes a plan. He hammers and chops, saws and sands, and builds his very own boat. One night, a great storm hits, and it's Gabriel's time to shine, pulling his oars alone against the crashing waves to save a crew in peril. Young children will love rooting for underdog Gabriel and will draw inspiration from his determination to achieve his dreams despite hurdles and setbacks.

Fresh from their victory over the frightening chimerae monsters, Kie and N'Rah are looking forward to a quiet life on her uncle's orchard, far from the turmoil of the capital city. They miss the friends they made there, but as sky couriers, their job keeps them busy. Then Kie unexpectedly receives a message from the emperor himself! He has an urgent mission for Kie and N'Rah—they need to find the Sky King, the elusive ruler of the wild skysteeds that soar across the land.

My Pet Rattlesnake is an interactive story between storyteller and children. Feel free to adlib your own words. Usually, whatever the children say, the storyteller says something different. Do you want to hear about my pet dog, my pet cat, or my pet rattlesnake? (If students respond dog or cat, you say "Sadly, it ran away." And pretend to wipe away the tears from your eyes for several dramatic seconds.)

In this captivating children's book, Whiskers embarks on a journey through the wilds of Africa, where she encounters a wise elephant, a playful monkey, a graceful giraffe, and a courageous lion cub. Together, they navigate lush jungles, vast savannas, and winding rivers, facing challenges and forging friendships along the way.