Wacky Weather?

Early spring? Wacky weather? Call it what you want but it was 70 degrees outside our offices yesterday.
But do you know why the Sun is glad to be almost 93 million miles away from Earth? Because Earth's atmosphere is so gassy! This is just one of the many funny jokes in our new title, Wacky Weather and Silly Season Jokes: Laugh and Learn About Science from our Super Silly Science Jokes series written by Melissa Stewart. Each chapter includes a page of interesting facts and explanations about different facets of the weather and the seasons, while each opposing page is sprinkled with a couple of jokes that pertain to the information provided in the chapter. There's even instructions for writing your own jokes included. Students can submit their original science jokes to Melissa Stewart at: mas@melissa-stewart.com including their first name and age and Melissa posts the best jokes on Fridays on her Celebrate Science blog.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3971-1
School and Library Price: $17.95
Grades 3–4

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be blind?



ISBN: 978-0-7660-3768-7
School & Library Price: $17.95
Grades 3–4



People with normal sight have 20/20 vision. That means they can see at twenty feet what the average person sees at that distance. People with vision of 20/200 or less are legally blind. When people have 20/200 vision, they see at twenty feet what most people can see from two hundred feet away.

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to be totally blind or have vision of 20/200 or less? How do people who are blind participate in sports? How do they get around? Our new title, What is it Like to Be Blind? from our Overcoming Barriers series answers many of these questions and more. Young readers can learn about the tools that people who are blind use, including canes and seeing eye dogs. This book also includes first-hand stories of children who are blind in order to help readers get a personal look at some kids who "see" the world in a different way.

On This Day: Alexander Graham Bell Patented the Telephone

On this day, March 7th, in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received the patent for the telephone, forever changing the way that people communicate. Celebrate Bell's invention with Enslow Publisher's Alexander Graham Bell: The Genius Behind the Phone from our "Inventors Who Changed the World" series of biographies. Written for middle and high school students, Alexander Grahm Bell: The Genius Behind the Phone is filled with engaging informaiton about the life and inventions of Bell.

While today is definately for Mr. Bell, if you're a Marconi fan, and not in the mood to celebrate the telephone patent, you may wish to check out one of our other titles: Marconi and Tesla: Pioneers of Radio Communication, also from our "Inventors Who Changed the World" series.

Have you ever wanted a career in film or television?

If so, Enslow's Careers in Film and Television series might be what you are looking for. Written for the middle school reader, the five books in this series will guide the reader in his/her quest to be an actor; a director; a screenwriter; work in animation or special effects; or someone who wants to work in set design, costuming, or makeup.

These 128-page books include biographical and historical information on figures and events related to specific filmmaking and television careers, include various career opportunities, as well as cinematic techniques in text and in sidebars.

Enslow author, Jeff Burlingame, Wins NAACP Award



Author Jeff Burlingame

Enslow author, Jeff Burlingame, was on hand at the 43rd NAACP Image Awards ceremony held on February 17 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles California to receive the award for Outstanding Literary Work in the Youth/Teens category.  This was the second year in a row that Mr. Burlingame was nominated for this award. Last year, he was nominated for another Enslow biography, Malcolm X: "I Believe in the Brotherhood of Man."




And the winner is...

You can read more about Jeff Burlingame and his experience at the awards ceremony here.

Jesse Owens: "I Always Loved Running" is part of Enslow's African-American Biography Library series.

 "An interesting and informative telling of the life of Jesse Owens. Engaging in content and format."
          –Marlene Owens Rankin, Managing Director, The Jesse Owens Foundation



ISBN: 978-0-7660-4397-6
School & Library Price: $23.95
Grades 6–up



Congratulations to our February 2012 raffle winner!

Congratulations to Susan from Lakewood Elementary School in West Virginia for winning our February book raffle of $100 in free books!

Happy Birthday Justin Bieber!

Library Edition $17.95
ISBN: 978-0-7660-3873-8

Paperback Edition $7.99
ISBN: 978-1-59845-287-7

Today is Justin Bieber's 18th birthday. Justin Drew Bieber was born on March 1, 1994 at 12:56 a.m. in Stratford, Ontario, Canada to Pattie Mallette and Jeremy Bieber. His mom wanted to become an actress when she was a teenager. However, her dreams of acting were put on hold when Justin was born so that she could focus on taking care of him.

Danica Patrick and the Daytona 500

Hopefully the Daytona 500 will get underway tonight. Rain has forced the postponement of this race which is to be Danica Patrick's debut. This is the first of ten scheduled Sprint Cup Series events she is hoping to particpate in. She made the full-time move to NASCAR, racing for the Nationwide Series champtionship as a driver for JR Motorsports.

Part of Enslow's Heroes of Racing series, Danica Patrick is written for middle school students who enjoy and want to learn more about NASCAR racing. Other titles in this 12-titles series include:  Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; Dale Earnhardt, Sr.; Darrell Waltrip; Jeff Burton; Jeff Gordon; Jimmie Johnson; Kevin Harvick; Mark Martin; Matt Kenseth; Richard Petty; and Tony Stewart.

Who Invented Home Video Games?

If you ever wondered who invented home video games, wonder no more! Enslow Publishers celebrates the life and creations of Ralph Baer, the creator of the first home video game system, with a new book: Who Invented Home Video Games? Ralph Baer from our "I Like Inventors" series. Written with young readers in mind, this new book is filled with color photographs, an activity, and high-interest writing. Most children are crazy about video games, so this book is perfect for engaging new readers. Who Invented Home Video Games? Ralph Baer is a simply written biography about Ralph Baer, the inventor of the earliest home video games.

The book is filled with fun and engaging facts about Baer and his creations (Did you know that Baer also invented Simon, the pattern matching game from the 70s and 80s?) which K-3 readers will appreciate. A full index, links, a "learn more" section, and an activity are also included.

Who Invented Home Video Games? Ralph Baer

By: Mary Kay Carson

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3975-9

Series: "I Like Inventors"

"Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!" with Enslow's "Paper Crafts for Mardi Gras"

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-59845-334-8
Library-bound ISBN: 978-0-7660-3724-3

Mardi Gras offers an excellent opportunity for young readers to explore the holiday's excitement and meaning. The day's vibrant, colorful masks, costumes, and floats provide an imaginative treasure for children to enjoy. Tapping into that reservoir of images and culture is Enslow Publishers' Paper Crafts for Mardi Gras book.

Author and storyteller Randel McGee's book is written in simple language, with step-by-step instructions and photos illustrating each craft project. These easy-to-follow activities allow readers to enjoy a "hands-on" activity that builds understanding and fun associations with New Orleans' famous holiday. As the saying goes, "Laissez les bon temps rouler" when you use this wonderful 48-page, full-color book.

This title, part of Enslow's "Paper Craft Fun for Holidays" series, is available in paperback for $7.95 from Enslow Classroom. A library-bound version is also available to school and library institutional buyers for $17.95 when buying directly from Enslow. The library-bound price represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for this item.

Happy Presidents' Day!

Ever been to Mount Rushmore? One of Enslow's newest preschool series is called All About American Symbols, and one of the titles is called Mount Rushmore. Available in a library version, this title contains a photograph of some scaffolding around the face of Abraham Lincoln.

Other titles in this series include The American Flag, The Bald Eagle, The Liberty Bell, The Statue of Liberty, and The White House.

Animated Science Fair Video

Today, we'd like to share with you this creative animated video "Prepare for the Science Fair" by Kevin Temmer that teachers might like to share with students for a great overview of the scientific method.  Let us know if you enjoyed it as much as we did.

A full listing of Enslow's science fair titles can be found here.

ISBN 978-0-7660-3643-7

Reviewers Needed!

We are looking for a few great people to review our Paper Craft Fun for Holiday series. Just in time for Presidents' Day, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day, and Easter, these paper craft books bring fun to the holidays! They are written by internationally known storyteller, Randel McGee who creates amazing crafts out of paper. Written in simple language, each book contains a short introduction to the holiday and step-by-step instructions with photos illustrating each step. They are recommended for grades 3–4 and support the Social Studies, History, and Art curricula.

If you think you might be interested in writing a review for any of these titles, please email us today at customerservice@enslow.com for details!

ISBN: 978-1-59845-333-1
Paperback $7.95

ISBN: 978-1-59845-334-8
Paperback $7.95

 

ISBN: 978-1-59845-337-9
Paperback $7.95



ISBN: 978-1-59845-335-5
Paperback $7.95

Enslow Biographies Celebrate Ferris Wheel Inventor

While many of us are caught up in Valentine's Day activities, today also happens to be Ferris Wheel Day. The inventor of the eponymous machine, John Ferris, is the subject of a pair of engaging Enslow biographies.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-2834-0

Ferris Wheel: George Ferris and His Amazing Invention provides an age-appropriate, well-written narrative about the American engineer and inventor. Author Dani Sneed's 48-page book delves into the genesis of the invention and its debut at the Chicago world's fair of 1893. The work includes period illustrations, color photographs, and other useful background information. This useful title, part of Enslow's "Genius At Work! Great Inventor Biogrpahies" series, is a suitable choice for grade 3-4 interest levels. Sneed's AR 4.5-book is available in a library-bound edition for $16.95; the price represents a 25% institutional discount from Enslow's list price.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3964-3

Meanwhile, for K-3 readers, Enslow's Who Invented the Ferris Wheel? George Ferris will fill the bill. Author Sara L. Latta's skillfully prepared text is enhanced with thoughtfully chosen illustrations that enable young readers to grasp the essentials of Ferris' life story and professional accomplishments. The book, part of Enslow's "I Like Inventors" series, also includes directions on how to create a miniature ferris wheel! Library-bound copies of this new, 24-page item are available now from Enslow Publishers for $15.95 -- that's a 25% discount from Enslow's school/library price.

Teaching American History

Stories in American History, Enslow's new series for middle school students, available in both library and paperback editions,includes titles about the Amazing Underground Railroad, California Gold Rush, Incredible Transcontinental Railroad, Legend of the Alamo, Secret of the Manhattan Project, and Surviving the Oregon Trail.

Great for reports or research, these titles contain timelines, chapter notes, a further reading list, Internet addresses, and an index.

Jousting is Back!

This recent New York Times article about a new series, "Full Metal Jousting" on the History Channel caught our attention this week. Jousting? For real? The premise of the show is to take 16 men who have never jousted competitively before and teach them the sport. Viewers can then watch to see who survives the elimination bouts until just one champion is crowned. The series will premiere this Sunday, February 12 at 10/9c. It might be fun to watch just to find out what it takes to be a great jouster.

The reason the article caught our eye is because we recently published Sweaty Suits of Armor written by Chana Stiefel and illustrated by Gerald Kelley from our Ye Yucky Middle Ages series.

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3784-7
Grades 5–9
48 pages
$17.95 School/Library Price

With swords, seiges, and heavy armor suits, life was risky business for a knight. In a joust, two mounted knights dueled against each other with lances. They tried to knock each other off their saddles and would receive points for shattering their lance against their opponent's shields. When their lances were broken, knights battled each other with swords, axes, or maces.


You can watch a preview of the "Full Metal Jousting" series here.

Find a jousting competition near you here.

What Is Braille?

Library Bound ISBN: 978-0-7660-3770-0
$23.93

     One of Enslow's new titles for spring, What Is Braille? gives readers in grades three through four a greater understanding into the lives of people dealing with challenges.  This title is part of the Overcoming Barriers series which includes:  What Is It Like to Be Blind?, What Is It Like to Be Deaf?, What Is Sign Language? as well as What Is Braille?  All four titles in the series are authored by Deborah Kent and feature color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations as well as words to know regarding the title's topic.

     What Is Braille? contains great chapters such as "Creating the Code", "Braille at Work", and "What Is the Future of Braille?".  This title allows young readers to learn more about this valuable means of communication for the blind as it demonstrates how people use Braille to live active and meaningful lives.

New Enslow Series Explores "Unusual" Pets, Their Care, and Science

Pets come in all shapes, sizes, and species. Enslow's new series "Far-Out and Unusual Pets" offers a fun, informative look at some decidedly unique animals that people adopt as pets.

Each title focuses on exotic creatures, their natural habitat, and their suitability for domestic life. The animals considered in this six-book series form are certain to catch a young reader's attention. The subjects range from tropical snakes to charming miniature horses. One popular title -- Hairless Dogs -- discusses the history of these canines and explains the special care they require.

The series' authors -- Alvin and Virginia Silverstein and Laura Silverstein Nunn -- bring decades of sound, appealing science writing experience. Each title also comes with plenty of color photographs, adding another "way in" for young readers to enjoy their book. For further reference, each book includes a further reading section and selected Internet links.

These 48-page, library-bound books are available directly from Enslow Publishers to schools and libraries for $17.95 per book -- a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for these titles!

Looking forward to spring

Library ISBN 978-0-7660-3978-0
Grades PreK–1

Granted, it's been a mild winter (so far) here in the Northeast, and we have to be grateful for that. Read through some of our lastest Enslow Elementary books and you will probably learn new things. Did you know that coquinas are those seashells that look like butterflies when they are open? I've seen coquinas over the years, but never knew what they were called. Also, I really like the lightening whelk. They are beautiful. Having gone to the Jersey shore, as well as parts of Cape Cod as a child, I can remember walking the beaches looking for seashells and sand dollars with my family. We would have contests to see who could find the prettiest and most intact shells.

Enslow Elementary's All About Nature series contains seven titles that are great for early readers. Each title starts with Can You Find and discusses a different subject. Birds, bugs, butterflies, flowers, rocks, seashells, and trees are all available as separate library-bound titles, and were written by Carmen Bredeson and Lindsey Cousins.

Congratulations to our newest raffle winner!

Congratulations to Vickie from Dutton Elementary School in Dutton, Alabama for winning our monthly raffle for $100 in free books!