June 6th is D-Day, But What Does "D-Day" Mean?

On June 6th, in 1944, the Allied forces' Normandy landings took place.  This event is commonly referred to as "D-Day", and most people assume that "D-Day" only refers to the Normandy landings.  In fact, "D-Day" is just a generic military term, usually referring to the start of an assault or a military campaign, and there are many different "D-Days". The precise name for the Normandy landings was "Operation Neptune", which was only a part of "Operation Overlord".

If you enjoyed learning this bit of military trivia or if you would like to learn more about World War II, check out World War II in Europe: From Normandy to Berlin from Enslow's "The United States At War" series.  Written by well-respected and long-time children's history writer R. Conrad Stein, World War II in Europe is an expertly-written introduction into the history of the most massive of all wars.  Visit the book page here: World War II in Europe: From Normandy to Berlin to learn more!

Once-Per-Century Transit of Venus Occurs Tonight

The transit of Venus, an astronomical phenomenon in which the Sun, Earth, and Venus are parallel with one another, typically occurs once per century. According to a NASA expert, there have been only 53 such transits since 2000 B.C. We are fortunate that this rare alignment will occur in today's early evening's sky. (One warning: do not look directly into the Sun!)

Highly unusual celestial events are a wonderful way to stimulate young readers' natural curiosity about astronomy. One book pertinent to the buzz about Venus can be found in Enslow Publishers' "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" series. Author Mary Kay Carson's Far-Out Guide to Venus delivers a scientifically strong, age-appropriate text about this second planet from the Sun. The 48-page, Guided Reading Level "N" book includes excellent color photographs, stories of discovery in each chapter, and a profile of a scientist.

The paperback edition of Far-Out Guide to Venus, including a free, brief teacher's guide, is available from Enslow Publishers for $7.95. A library-bound edition is also available to schools and public libraries for $17.95: that represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for its library-bound edition!

Future Enslow employee?

Last month we had a baby shower for Chris, our Marketing Production Manager, and his wife, Liz. Their first child (a daughter) arrived on June 1, weighing 9 pounds and 2.8 ounces, 21 inches long, and with a full head of dark hair!

She was a little early, but the doctor decided she was big enough, and didn't want to wait any longer. The doctor was probably surprised that she was nine pounds!

Congratulations to Chris and Liz on their new daughter!

According to the National Hurricane Center, hurricane season in the Atlantic begins today, June 1st and ends November 30th. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began on May 15th and also ends November 30th. Here are some ways to get ready for a storm:


When a storm watch is issued:
1. Fill prescriptions; drugstores may be closed or damaged for weeks.
2. Fill vehicles with gas, in the case of evacuations.
3. Have cash on hand for necessities.
4. Fill sinks/bathtubs with spare water, in case your house loses its water service
5. Move all easily blown objects inside.


For more information on storms and stories from survivors and rescue workers that have seen their wrath, check out our new title, The Deadly Storm Alert! by Carmen Bredeson for grades 5–9 from our new six-book  Disasters–People in Peril series.

AVAILABLE NOW!
ISBN: 978-0-7660-4014-4

New Fantasy Fiction Books Coming Soon!

We're excited to announce our fall release (September 1, 2012) of The Brightworking: Book I of the Brightstone Saga for young adults. This new three-book fantasy fiction series, combines an original fantasy world in a medieval-type setting filled with magical inventions and creatures created by author, Paul B. Thompson.

COMING SOON!
ISBN: 978-0-7660-3950-6
Grades 5–up

In Brightworking: Book I, Mikal, a blacksmith's son, enjoys working with fiery metal in his father's forge. But when the sorcerers' Guild of Constant Working comes to his small village, the young boy's destiny is changed forever. Before long, Mikal is apprenticed to the most powerful wizard in all of Phalia and confronts danger at every turn as he uncovers the mystery of the Brightworking. With the help from his friend Lyra and a magical metal head, she and Mikal confront danger at every turn as he uncovers the mystery of the Brightworking.

Click here to reserve your copy today and you can look forward to the release of The Fortune Teller: Book II, and The Battle for the Brightstone: Book III in 2013. 

Don't forget to sign up for the Enslow raffle!

Today's the last day to sign up for our monthly $100 in free books!

Author David Aretha's Blog Discusses His New Sports Fiction Book

David Aretha, who has written or edited thirty baseball books, has just come out with his initial sports fiction work. The book -- Rounding Third, Heading Home!  -- is among the new Enslow Publishers fiction titles for the Spring 2012 season. Aretha's 112-page story, with its appealing narrative, intriguing characters, and exciting ending, is an excellent choice for readers in grades 3 through 6.

Author Dan Gutman has praised Rounding Third, Heading Home!, stating that "If you like Matt Christopher,you'll love David Aretha. This is a classic underdog story that Little Leaguers are bound to enjoy."

Aretha's blog, linked here, provides details about the inspiration for the book, as well as an excerpt from the work.

Rounding Third, Heading Home! is available directly from Enslow Publishers in paperback for $9.95. A library-bound edition is also available to schools and libraries for $19.95; that price represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for the library-bound edition.

Happy Memorial Day from Enslow!

We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day and a big thank you to those who have served our country in the Armed Services.

Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. New York was the first state to officially recognize the holiday in 1873. By 1890, all of the northern states recognized the holiday. The South refused to recognize the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I. It was after World War I that the holiday changed from honoring those who died in the Civil War to honoring any soldier who had died in any war.

Surprise! It's a Baby Shower!

Chris, our Marketing Production Manager and his wife Liz are expecting their first baby in June. So, we threw a surprise baby shower last week for the soon-to-be father. We wish Chris and Liz, all the best and can't wait for the arrival of their new baby girl.

SURPRISE! (I think he knew)

Chris opening gifts and receiving new parenting tips.

Chris wondering what the heck you do with all of this stuff!

Notice the fancy decorations done by our fabulous baby shower decorating committee!

Cake time!

Chris hoping this book holds all the answers.

Who on Earth is Rachel Carson?

Rachel Carson was born on May 27, 1907 and grew up in the tiny town of Springdale, Pennsylvania. As a child, Rachel helped take care of the family's farm animals. Chickens, pigs, and many dogs, were Rachel's constant companions on her nature walks. Rachel and her mother especially loved birding. She also loved reading and writing. As an eleven-year-old she became a regular contributor to the children's magazine, St. Nicholas Magazine.

Rachel's parents taught her strong environmental values throughout her life. Between 1910 and 1920, Rachel watched as the population of Springdale more than doubled. As she grew older, the town grew more industry, became dirtier and more polluted. Rachel never forgot the transformation of her rural hometown into an industrial working-class community. She never forgot the damage these changes caused to the animals, birds, and plants she loved. 

Rachel later attended college and after two years she changed her major from English to biology, at a  time when the scientific field was dominated by men. She went on to become a famous author and activist for the environment. She is most noted for her book, Silent Spring, that led to the study of the use of pesticides and the harm they were doing to plants, animals, and people and ultimately was responsible for the ban on the use of DDT in America. 

Though Rachel Carson died in 1964, her words have no doubt shaped the environmental movement and her words and legacy will live on. 

Rachel Carson Day is celebrated on her birthday, May 27th. Be sure to check our two Rachel Carson biographies to learn more about this fascinating woman.

Grades K–3
ISBN: 978-0-7660-3283-5

Grades 5–up
ISBN: 978-1-59845-116-0

Revving Up Reading Engines for the Indy 500

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3302-3

The Indianapolis 500, one of America's great sports traditions, will be held over the Memorial Day weekend. This exciting event, typically witnessed by a quarter-million spectators and a worldwide television audience, offers the flair and adventure that young readers often enjoy. Prominent among contemporary Indy drivers is Danica Patrick. Her interesting life story is the subject of an Enslow Publishers biography that's available now.

Danica Patrick: Racing to History provides an accessible, fun window into Patrick's drive to succeed. The 128-page title, part of Enslow's "Heroes of Racing" series, combines exciting full-color photos, author J. Chris Roselius' strong text, and career statistics into a well-rounded look at Patrick's life and career. The book's 6.7 AR reading level makes it a useful choice for reluctant readers in secondary and high school.

The library-bound book is available directly from Enslow Publishers for $23.95; the price represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for this title!

It's National EMS Week

Library ISBN 978-0-7660-4050-2

This year's theme is "EMS: More Than A Job. A Calling." Being an EMT is not an easy job. EMTs work hours somewhat similar to police officers and fire personnel: they work nights, on holidays, and are never quite sure what to expect upon arriving on a scene.

Enslow's latest preschool series, All About Community Helpers, includes a title on EMTs. This 24 page book will help young students and beginning readers learn about this important job in our community. Other titles in the series include titles about dentists, firefighters, nurses, police officers, sanitation workers, teachers, and veterinarians.

Join Our Book Reviewer Club Today!

We are looking for people who enjoy writing about books to join our Book Reviewer Club.
To find out how you can receive free books and become an Enslow book reviewer, check out our Reviewer Guidelines. Reviewers must be able to write and post honest book reviews online to a blog or to one of our suggested websites. Sign up here today!

5 Things You Didn't Know About Police Dogs

It's national First Aid Week, and to commemorate America's four-legged first responders, we present: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Police Dogs, from our popular book: Police Dog Heroes by Linda Bozzo.

1.  The first police dog training school was established in Ghent, Belgium in 1899.
2.  Originally, the main job of police dogs was protecting police officers on patrol; other jobs, like tracking, only became common later.
3.  German shepherds are the most popular dog breed for police patrol work.
4.  In the United States, one of the first cities to use modern police dogs was South Orange, NJ.
5.  Police officers in K-9 units often have a special remote control to open the rear door of their patrol car: this allows them to let their police dog out to help even if they're away from the patrol car.

If you want to know more about police dogs, make sure to check out Police Dog Heroes from the "Amazing Working Dogs With the American Humane Society" series.

Enslow Salutes National Book Month

May is National Book Month. How is your library, school, or home celebrating this event?

The simplest, most direct way to salute National Book Month is to read books. Young readers, in particular, should be encouraged to enjoy the pleasure and adventure books deliver. You could start emerging readers with Enslow's Pre-K books that feature Guided Reading Levels A-D and exciting full-color photographs. Enslow's elementary titles provide children with a wide range of engaging informational texts, as well as new sports fiction books.  Our traditional strength in middle school and high school books remains a reliable Enslow constant. Our reluctant reader titles and popular celebrity biographies, such as our Robert Pattinson title, continue to draw consistent interest for classroom library paperback collections and public library offerings.

For more information about National Book Month, visit the National Book Foundation's website. Of course, you're welcome to share in the comments box below how your school, library, or household is celebrating National Book Month!

LeBron James wins 2012 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award

978-0-7660-3776-2 (library)
978-1-59845-231-0 (paperback)

LeBron has won this award for the third time in four seasons, becoming the first player since Michael Jordan to win at least three MVPs. The award was announced on Friday.

Enslow Elementary's Sports Stars Who Care series includes a title on LeBron. Written for third and fourth grade readers, these 48 page books will be enjoyed by your sports-loving readers. Other titles in this series include Dale Earnhardt, Jr., David Wright, Kevin Garnett, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady.

Look What's In the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum Library!

Enslow is excited to find out that Black Sabbath: Pioneers of Heavy Metal by Brian Aberback from our Rebels of Rock series can be found in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum library.

Library ISN: 978-0-7660-3379-5
Library and School Price: $23.95
List Price: $31.93
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-59845-212-9
Paperback Price: $9.95

Black Sabbath, the band that created heavy-metal music, could not envision making rock history when the band formed in Birmingham, England, in the late 1960s. Back then, the poor and working-class young men of Black Sabbath were hoping to simply make a living playing music so that they could escape a life confined to boring factory work. Black Sabbath’s journey from Birmingham to the big time is a remarkable story of highs and lows, of fallout and reconciliation. Their music and their aggressive, rebellious nature have inspired and influenced countless bands in a number of rock genres, from hard rock and heavy metal to punk to rap.

Johnny Depp Doesn't Dance

Johnny Depp, along with Michelle Pfeiffer, and Chloe Grace Moretz, appeared on the Ellen Show yesterday to talk about their experience making their new movie, "Dark Shadows" that opens in theaters this Friday.  Johnny also revealed his fear of dancing. You can watch the video here.

To learn more about Johnny Depp, check out our Johnny Depp: Movie Megastar biography from our Hot Celebrity Biographies series.

Library Edition ISBN: 978-0-7660-3567-6
School & Library Price: $17.95
Paperback ISBN: ISBN 978-0-7660-3631-4
Paperback Price: $7.95

It's National Teacher Day

It's National Teacher Day and many communities are honoring their educators. If you're a teacher tell us how you are being honored or if you're a parent tell us how you are honoring your child's teacher.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-4045-8
PreK–1
24 pp.
School & Library Price: $15.95

Enslow's new title coming out this fall, Teachers Help Us, lets beginning readers explore what a teacher does while helping young readers learn to recognize simple words as they are reinforced with supporting color photos. This is just one of eight titles in our new All About Community Helpers series that will be available this fall. Reserve your copy today!

London Olympics Will Be Swan Song for Michael Phelps' Swim Career

Michael Phelps, arguably the greatest swimmer in American sports history, has announced that the 2012 London Olympics will be his final competitive venue. The story, as reported by CNN, notes that Phelps has re-committed himself to the arduous training typically required of medal-level Olympic athletes. For American aspirations for Olympic gold, Phelps' entry is a promising omen. He has won 16 Olympic medals over the years, fourteen of which were gold medals.

Young readers can learn more about Phelps' interesting life story in Enslow Publishers' biography of the swimmer. Author David Torsiello's Guided Reading Level "S" work explores highlights of Phelps' career as well as his background growing up in suburban Baltimore, Maryland. This 48-page book, part of Enslow's "Hot Celebrity Biographies" series, is available in paperback for $7.95 (a free dowloadable teacher's guide is also available for this book.) The book may also be purchased in a library-bound edition for $17.95. That price, available to schools and public libraries, represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for the library-bound edition.

May is Better Hearing and Speech Month

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has declared May to be Better Hearing and Speech Month. This site explains the specifics of how we hear, as well as screening and testing, implants and hearing aids, and more. Speech and language development, as well as disorders affecting them are also discussed. This website also has a section dedicated to students considering a career in these fields.

978-0-7660-3771-7 library binding
978-1-4644-0156-5 paperback

Overcoming Barriers is Enslow's series geared toward different methods of communication for the elementary student. Two of the titles in this series are helpful for the hard of hearing student. Written for grades 3-4, these 48 page books discuss being deaf and sign language. In What Is Sign Language?, learn how a fourth-grade student uses sign language to communicate.

Titles in the Overcoming Barriers series are available in library editions. The paperback editions will be available this fall.

Bieber met with Kanye! See where they met in print!

Paperback ISBN: 1-59845-287-7
$7.95

You heard it: Kanye West met up with Justin Bieber at the studio where Bieber was working on his upcoming album. Find out how Justin first met Kanye in our book, Justin Bieber: Teen Music Superstar from our Hot Celebrity Biographies series. "Like" us on Facebook and take advantage of our limited time free shipping offer.

"Dark Shadows" starring Johnny Depp opens soon!

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-7660-3631-4
$7.95

Johnny Depp will be starring in the new movie "Dark Shadows" opening in theaters on May 11th. You can view the Dark Shadows movie trailer here.

Did you know that Johnny Depp started his career in the early 1980s performing in a band call the Flame? To earn money he also worked in construction, as a mechanic, and as a telemarketer selling clocks. He even sold ballpoint pens to people over the phone before his wife introduced him to actor, Nicholas Cage. It was 1984 when Depp landed a small part in Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street. 

You can read more about Johnny Depp and his career in our book, Johnny Depp: Movie Megastar from our Hot Celebrity Biographies series for grades 5–9. "Like" us on Facebook and receive our limited time free shipping offer.

Congratulations to our April raffle winner!

Congratulations to the Media Center at Heritage Trails Elementary School in Moore, Oklahoma for winning our monthly raffle of $100 in free books!

Are you on Team Jacob?

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-59845-288-4
$7.95

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Parts 2 arrives in theaters on November 16, 2012. You can view the teaser trailer here. If you're on Team Jacob you might want to check out who Taylor Lautner had dinner with last night here.

If you'd like to learn more about Taylor Lautner and his career you can check out our Taylor Lautner: Film Superstar title from our Hot Celebrity Biographies series in paperback. Be sure to "like" us on Facebook to take advantage of our Free Shipping Offer for a limited time only.

Taylor Swift receives 3 CMT Music award nominations

Paperback ISBN 978-1-59845-286-0

The CMT Music Awards will be held on June 6, live from Nashville. She has been nominated for: Video of the Year for "Safe & Sound" featuring The Civil Wars; Female Video of the Year for "Ours"; Collaborative Video of the Year for "Safe & Sound" featuring The Civil Wars.

She is currently working on her fourth album, scheduled for release in the fall of 2012, with producer Nathan Chapman. She plays the voice of Audrey in The Lorax movie, which has been released. She is also in talks to star as Joni Mitchell in the film adaptation of Sheila Weller's Girls Like Us, which follows the careers of Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, and Carole King.

Enslow's biography of Taylor Swift, written for reluctant readers, is a great way to learn more about her. This 48-page book offers personal stories, quotes, as well as a timeline.

Visit the Enslow Booth (1440) at IRA/Chicago!

Enslow Publishers is proud to be among the exhibitors at the upcoming IRA 2012 Convention in Chicago. We'll be at Booth #1440 on Monday, April 30th through Wednesday, May 2nd. Visit to see our new Common Core-aligned books! And we'll have raffles for books and for "Teddy" too! And don't forget to watch our Facebook page and Twitter handle for more information about Enslow Common Core at IRA!

Did You Bring Your Child to Work Today?

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation is celebrating their program's 20th anniversary today. Visit their web site for great ideas on how you can celebrate.

You can also check out these career titles from Enslow:

Pro Basketball Playoffs Stimulate Young Readers to Explore Enslow's NBA Player Biographies

The NBA playoffs, pro basketball's annual crown jewel event, are about to begin. These series of attention-getting games often encourage young readers to seek biographies of star players. Enslow Publishers fills this timely need with engaging, age-appropriate biographies of NBA stars performing in this year's playoffs.

For elementary students, Enslow's "I Like Sports Stars!" series includes 24-page biographies of Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant and New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony. Written by David Torsiello, each Guided Reading Level "I" title includes exciting combinations of color photos, reader-friendly text, and interesting sidebars. Each book is available in paperback directly from Enslow Classroom for $6.95. Library-bound versions are also available for $15.95; that price, available to schools and public libraries, represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price.

Moving up in reading level, Enslow's "Sports Stars Who Care" series includes books on marquee NBA players LeBron James and Kevin Garnett. Author Kimberly Gatto's 48-page titles include a discussion of each athlete's philanthropic ventures, along with compelling text discussing their careers and pro highlights. Each book is available in paperback from Enslow Classroom for $7.95. A library-bound edition of each title is available for $17.95 -- that price is a 25% discount from Enslow's list price to school and library clients.

For what purpose do you use ereaders?

During our weekly meeting this morning, someone mentioned while attending TLA he heard that a librarian in a school used an ereader as a prize for teachers. This particular librarian was trying to get teachers to schedule library time for their classes, and not just last-minute library time, but schedule future library time. Every time a teacher scheduled library time, they earned a "ticket" for a chance to win an ereader. With library budgets becoming tighter, are ereaders becoming more popular?

In this online article from School Library Journal published last year, libraries are trying to find different ways to get students reading. This particular article mentions using ereaders, enabling reluctant readers to read a book (without being judged by peers because the cover can't be seen.)

If you have ereaders in your libraries, how are you using them to encourage students to read?

Anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing

On this day in 1995 a car bomb exploded outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building at Oklahoma City, OK, at 9:02 a.m, killing 168 people, 29 of them children at a day-care center. The blast ripped off the north face of the nine story building.

The question is, are we any safer today? Watch an update from Bob Orr, A Look Back.

Enslow's title, Home Grown Terror: The Oklahoma City Bombing, for Grades 5–9, to be published this fall, will be a great way for reluctant readers to learn about this historic event.

Pre-Algebra and Algebra Smarts!

For anyone out there looking for a step-by-step guide on solving pre-algebra and algebra problems, look no further! Pre-Algebra and Algebra Smarts! by Lucille Caron and Philip M. St. Jacques breaks down every imaginable kind of pre-algebra and algebra problem into easy to understand steps.

Pre-Algebra and Algebra Smarts! is from Enslow Publishers' "Math Smarts!" series. Each book in the series can help you or your student with using the fastest, most efficient ways of solving almost any kind of math problem. Since the series covers everything from Addition and Subtraction to Trigonometry, "Math Smarts!" books are great for students of many different ages and ability levels.

Bat Appreciation Day

Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-3698-7
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-4644-0018-6

Today is "Bat Appreciation Day." These animals, long associated with superstitious beliefs, deserve some positive recognition. Enslow Publishers' new book Vampire Bats, Giant Insects, and Other Mysterious Animals of the Darkest Caves gives bats their due, as the book includes details about how these curious creatures survive and co-exist.

Author Ana Maria Rodriguez' 48-page book notes these intriguing "bat facts":

• Bats live on all continents except Antarctica.
• Bats are the only flying mammals.
• Only rodent species are more numerous than bat species.
• Some bats are solitary, while others live in enormous colonies.
• Three vampire species live exclusively on blood.

  Rodriguez' work, excellent for reluctant readers and part of Enslow's four-book "Extreme Animals in Extreme Environments" series, is available from Enslow Publishers to school and library buyers for $17.95. That's a 25% discount from Enslow's list price! Each book in the series is also available in paperback for $7.95 per copy.

If you're attending the Texas Library Association conference today, Ms. Rodriguez will be signing copies of her  "Extreme Animals in Extreme Environments" titles. Visit Booth #2514, from 7:00 - 8:00 pm tonight, and meet the author!

Interesting historical tidbit

On this day, in 1900, the first book of postage stamps was issued. They were available in books of 12, 24, and 48, and each stamp cost two cents!

If comparing the price of a stamp with the price of everything else, stamps have really not gone up a lot in 112 years!

Attending TLA? Enslow's having a free book signing!

We will be at Booth #2514. On Tuesday, April 17, from 7-8 pm, author Ana Maria Rodriguez will be signing books she wrote for Enslow's Extreme Animals in Extreme Environments series.

Ana Maria's website is http://www.anamariarodriguez.com/

Stop by, say hello, and get a free book Tuesday night! Go to our Facebook and Twitter pages for updates.

Today is National D.E.A.R. Day! What will you be reading today?

Celebrated on author Beverly Cleary's birthday, April 12, National Drop Everything and Read Day is a special day to remind people to take time out of their daily routine to read. Here are some great resources to use with your young readers and a even a suggested reading list for families.

We're celebrating by sharing a small list of what we'll be reading today. What will you be reading?

Interesting Facts About F. Scott Fitzgerald On the 87th Anniversary of "The Great Gatsby's" Publication

Eighty-seven years ago today, Charles Scribner's Sons published F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. The book, and Fitzgerald himself, achieved something akin to legendary status. Distinguishing fact from legend with Fitzgerald and his work isn't always easy. Here are some facts that caught our attention:

• The author finished the book's first draft while living on the French Riviera
• The first draft was returned to Fitzgerald for substantial revision
• One of Fitzgerald's suggested titles for the book that eventually became Gatsby was Trimalchio in West Egg (don't ask)
• Fitzgerald lent Ernest Hemingway a copy of Gatsby.

More facts about F. Scott Fitzgerald were noted in a previous Enslow Publishers blog post. Do you know some notable facts about Fitzgerald? You're welcome to post it here. Meanwhile, you're invited to visit Enslow's website today to order our biographies of American authors!