Nature Nonfiction

Though the first dinosaur fossils were uncovered in the early 1800s, we are still learning a lot about these incredible creatures that lived long ago.

Have you ever seen a hole in the ground and wondered what's beneath it? It could be a prairie dog! These cute little mammals build communities of underground tunnels.

Polar bears roam the Arctic tundra searching for food. Find out how these cold weather bears stay warm and survive in their frigid environment. Learn what polar bears eat, how they care for their young, and more in Polar Bears Are Awesome.

From sun up to sundown, this nonfiction book takes young nature explorers and zoologists through a day in the life of the emperor penguin. Discover their Antarctic home, eating habits, and fascinating behaviors. Plus, kids can continue exploring after the penguins go to sleep!

This book takes a very simple look at the Brachiosaurus dinosaur, examining what it looked like, what it ate, how it behaved, and its special skills and features such as its very long neck. The book also discusses how we know about Brachiosaurus today, showing where fossils are found and how scientists put them together.

This book takes a very simple look at pterodactyls, examining what they looked like, what they ate, how they behaved, and their special features and skills such as their wings and their ability to fly. The book also discusses how we know about pterodactyls and other dinosaurs today, showing where fossils are found and how scientists put them together.

Take flight and discover the corvid family of birds that boasts an intelligence that is comparable to the human brain. Ravens' anatomy, like humans, have big brains that makes them great problem-solvers in finding creative ways to survive as scavengers. What other birds are covids? Learn about the theory of convergent evolution and how it applies to humans and ravens' brains!

You won't believe your ears! Scientists are testing otter's hearing to help annimal conservation efforts. By understanding the sensitivity of otter's hearing, scientists can focus their efforts to save otters—but can you imagine an otter taking a hearing test like you do at school? Learn about the important understanding of the effects from noise pollution on otters' living habits.

What's so special about cats? Learn about cat history that started 60 million years ago and how they were domesticated from ancient Egypt to today. Cats, called Felids by scientists, evolved from wild animals into mild animals all over the world except for one place. Where do you think cats can't survive? Learn how different types of cats live and how pet cats meow uniquely to different people.

In the Black Hills of South Dakota lie eleven thousand acres of breathtaking rangeland and rimrock, canyons and pastures - home to more than three hundred wild mustangs. This preserve was the vision of one man - Dayton Hyde - who conceived of a place where wild horses could live and die in freedom and dignity.

What is juicy, red and green with white stripes and pops up from the ground ready to eat—watermelon! Their seeds need plenty of water, lots of sun and nutrient rich soil. Follow along as a tiny, black seed bursts into a delicious fruit. Watermelons are ready to be picked when their yellow petals have all fallen. Find out what Bee-u-ti-ful insect helps the watermelon grow?

A lizard that runs on water! A snake that looks like a twig! Reptiles have fascinating ways of adapting to their environments. Discover some of the most interesting and unusual reptile adaptations that have allow them to survive in many different habitats throughout the world.

Relive exciting tales from Highlights, now on audio! Stories include: A New Look at Hummingbirds by Jack Myers, PhD, A Peep Inside a Hatchery by Lisa Amstutz, Birds that Flock to Fires by Sneed Collard III, Bringing Back the Bluebirds by Brett Mahoney, Bug-zilla on the Hunt by Mary Meinking, Chatty Birds by Stephanie Logue, Emme Loves Bees by Jane Resides, Flying Copycats by Patricia M. Newman, Hanging by a Thread by Sharon T. Pochron, PhD, Jumping Spiders by Bryan Reynolds, and more!

Brr! Polar bears live in cold places. Learn other things about these animals inside this book.

Lions are often called the king of the beasts. They rank among the largest cats in the world and, other than people, they have no predators. Learn more about these fearless cats, including where they live and how they work together in groups to ensure their survival.

Say hello to spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks! Kids will discover basic topics such as habitat, anatomy, and diet, but they'll also be treated to fun topics such as arachnids in mythology and art.

Native American tribes from the Northwest Coast learned to use the wood of cedar trees for many of their daily needs. Tribes used recycling to conserve resources hundreds of years ago. Pounding bark until it was fluffy to make diapers and with special thin branches called withes, cedar trees were soaked and used to make rope. What special technique did tribes use to take down big cedar trees?

Learn what bird has the ability to sleep while flying through the sky–the albatross! With a wingspan of 10 feet, this sea bird glides over the warm Southern waters looking for squid and fish to eat! They spend most of their time flying except when eating or feeding babies. Parent duty is shared by these loyal birds who stay with their mate for life. Guess where the albatross flies to lay its egg?

Calling all golden retriever lovers! Ever wondered about a golden retriever's personality? Want to find out the best way to care for a golden retriever?

Would you swim with sharks? Many people do! Marine biologists swim with sharks to learn more about these top predators. Snorkelers witness whale sharks and spy spotted leopard sharks. Some thrill-seekers even cage dive to get face-to-face with the giant toothy jaws of great whites!