Free Friday Recipe!

Library Edition ISBN: 0-7660-3765-6
Paperback Edition ISBN: 978-1-59845-270-9

Why save dessert until last? We've decided there's no reason to, so today we're posting a free dessert recipe from our new Easy Desserts From Around the World book. Tie on your apron and find a reason to celebrate.

Celebration Cookies

In Mexico, people hand out small sweet, nutty cookies during celebrations and weddings. Mexican celebration cookes are often wrapped in white, ruffled tissue paper and given to guests.

What You Need

Equipment:
Large bowl
Wooden spoon or electric mixer
2 cookie sheets
Plastic or paper bag
Wire cooling rack

Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, left out of the refrigerator until they are at room temperature
1¾ cups confectioner's sugar (Confectioner's sugar is also called powered sugar.)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup finely chopped pecans (You can use other chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts.)

Let's Cook!

1. Preheat oven to 350°
2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until smooth. Use a wooden spoon or electric mixer (with help from an adult).
3. Add vanilla extract and blend well. Stir in four and salt; then add pecans. Use your clean hands to blend the dough.
4. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place balls 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake one sheet at a time for about 20 minutes.
6. While cookies are baking, place confectioner's sugar in a plastic or paper bag.
7. Cool the cookies on a wire rack for 2–4 minutes. While the cookies are still warm, drop three or four into the bag of sugar. Shake the bag to coat the cookies. Return the cookies to the rack to cool completely. Continue until all the cookies are covered by sugar.

Makes 20–24 cookies.

New books on colors of the seasons!

Using sight words and simple sentences, early readers are shown the colors of the rainbow, and then find each color of the rainbow as the book progresses. Available in both library and paperback versions, these titles will be available soon!

Potter Fans...



Library Binding ISBN: 978-0-7660-3209-5
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-7660-3624-6

 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. The much anticipated release begins with midnight shows Thursday night. Fans can read about Harry Potter star and now Broadway star, Daniel Radcliff in Enslow's biography, Daniel Radcliffe: Film and Stage Star from our Hot Celebrity Biographies series. For grades 5–9 these high interest, celebrity biographies are perfect for reluctant readers. These books are available in both library binding and in paperback. Free educator's guides are also available.

New Enslow Books Salute Yankee All-Star Derek Jeter!

New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter made baseball history this weekend, when he reached the 3,000-hit mark by hitting a dramatic home run at Yankee Stadium. Only 28 other players in major league baseball history have achieved this milestone. What made Jeter's feat even more remarkable was that he was the first player in Yankee history to have 3,000 or more career base hits.

Read About Derek Jeter, a title in Enslow's new six-book "I Like Sports Stars!" series, informs young readers about the Yankee All-Star infielder's skills, individual records, and championship accomplishments. David P. Torsiello's 24-page book includes many action photos that neatly dovetail with text appropriate for children in Grades K-3.

Older readers looking for greater detail about Jeter's background and athletic success should read Derek Jeter: Captain On and Off the Field, from Enslow's "Sports Stars With Heart" series. Author Tom Robinson's 128-page, Guided Reading Level "V" book provides a winning combination of engaging text, colorful sidebars of key statistics and other information, and full-color photos that bring Jeter's iconic career into vivid life.

Both Derek Jeter titles are available in library-bound and paperback editions directly from Enslow Publishers. Prices for each book are as follows:
      Read About Derek Jeter

• library-bound: $21.26 (list); $15.95 (school/library discount price)
• paperback: $6.95

     Derek Jeter: Captain On and Off the Field

• library-bound: $31.93 (list); $23.95 (school/library discount price)
• paperback: $9.95

New Bug series

Available this fall, for readers through first grade, Enslow will have a new series on bugs. All About Counting Bugs 1-2-3 uses simple colorful graphics to get young children reading and counting. Large type and sight words will engage readers.

Available in both library and paperback versions, the titles are:

Counting Ants 1-2-3

Counting Bees 1-2-3

Counting Butterflies 1-2-3

Counting Ladybugs 1-2-3

Free Friday Recipe

ISBN 978-0-766-3707-6

Today we are featuring a breakfast recipe for La Bouillie, a hot cereal, from our new Easy Breakfasts From Around the World book, for grades 3–4.

La Bouillie is hot cereal from the African country of Chad. It is made with rice, millet, and peanut butter and served with milk and sugar, like oatmeal.

Millet is a grain. Millet grows in hot, dry field. It is an important crop and a main food in Africa. It has been eaten as cereal in Africa for thousands of years.

What You Need:
Ingredients:
1 cup of cooked rice
1 tablespoon of peanut butter
¼ cup of wheat or millet cereal (optional)
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon sugar

Equipment:
Cereal bowl
Spoon
Mircrowave OR saucepan

What to Do
In the microwave:

1. In a cereal bowl, mix all ingredients.
2. Heat in microwave for 30 seconds.
3. Stir until peanut butter dissolves.
4. Heat again in microwave until hot, about 45 seconds.

OR

On top of the stove:

1. Mix all ingredients in a saucepan on the stove on low heat.
2. Stir until heated thoroughly.
3. Pour into a bowl.

Serves one. Enjoy!

Jane Austen facts

During the time of Jane Austen's life, a woman was not expected to work to support herself. Because of this, she had to rely on the financial support of relatives. Through the efforts of her male relatives her first novel, Sense and Sensibility, was published in 1811. Since it was also not acceptable for a female's writing to appear in public or in print, "A Lady" was used as the author. None of her works ever appeared in print with her full name as author.

Born into a large family, she had one older sister, four older brothers, and then two younger brothers. After her father's death, Jane, her sister, and their mother moved around a lot, staying with relatives and receiving some financial assistance from the brothers. Eventually one of the brothers secured housing for them, which started Jane's creativity going, and she wrote several more novels in that cottage. She remained in that cottage until shortly before her death.

In Enslow's A Student's Guide to Jane Austen, her life and work are examined, offering accessible insight for young readers.

Another title in the Hot Celebrity Biographies series

Jeff Burlingame adds another title to the series in his biography of Taylor Swift.

This reluctant reader title offers personal stories and quotes. Available in both library and paperback versions, this title will be available soon!

Classical Myths for 21st Century Readers

Young readers have renewed interest in the beautiful, imaginative stories that relate ancient myths. For children and young adults, the challenge has been to find books that deliver these timeless tales with contemporary style and visual appeal. Enslow Publishers answers that need with its new "Mythology Rocks!" series. With a refreshing design and age-appropriate text, each title in the six-book series focuses on a specific mythological culture or topic. The titles embrace some of the world's most respected mythological traditions, including those of China, Africa, and the Mesoamerican lore of the Mayas and Aztecs. European legends from Celtic and Greek classics are also featured.

These Fall 2011 releases are available via direct order to Enslow Publishers for $9.95 (paperback edition) or $23.95 (library-bound edition school/library price).

Free Recipe!

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3766-3

Straight from our new title, Easy Main Dishes From Around the World, for Grades 3–4, an easy recipe for wiener schnitzel that children will enjoy making with adult supervision.

Wiener schnitzel is a special dish from Austria. Thin slices of veal are breaded and then deep-fried. There is a story that hundreds of years ago, the ruler of Austria liked his veal covered in flakes of gold. People wanted to eat what he ate, but most could not afford to wrap their food in gold. A golden breadcrumb covering was created.

What You Need

Equipment:

Meat mallet or rolling pin

Three bowls

Large skillet

Tongs

Plastic wrap

Gallon-size plastic bag

Paper towels

Ingredients:

Vegetable oil for frying

4 veal cutlets

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup dry plain breadcrumbs

1 lemon

Let's Cook!

1. Wrap the veal cutlets with plastic wrap or put in a 1 gallon plastic bag. Flatten the cutlets with a meat   mallet or a rolling pin until they are only ¼-inch thick. Remove the plastic wrap.
2. Combine the flour and salt in one bowl. Beat the eggs in a second bowl. Put the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
3. Heat ¼ inch oil in a large skillet on the stove on the medium heat.
4. First dip a veal cutlet in the flour mixture. Then dip it in the egg shaking off the extra. Finally, lightly dip it in the breadcrumbs and, with an adult's help, place it in the skillet. Repeat for all the cutlets.
5. Cook the veal for four minutes on each side until golden brown. Use tongs to flip the cutlets and remove them when done. Drain cutlets on a paper towel.
6. Serve warm right away, so breading doesn't get soggy. Cut the lemon in half. Add a swuirt of lemon juice on top.

Makes 4 servings.

Did You Know?

In Austria, weiner schnitzel is always served with a slice of lemon on top.

Today is Meteor Watch Day

Hopefully the weather will be clear tonight so that you can do some watching. I hope you will see some!

Have you ever seen a comet or a shooting star? You may think they look pretty, but these giant space rocks can cause major destruction. Scientists keep a close watch on comets and asteroids using high-powered telescopes and spacecraft. Get ready to learn lots of far-out facts about asteroids and comets!


Check out Far-Out Guide to Asteroids and Comets, written by Mary Kay Carson for the upper elementary/lower middle school reader. It's available in both library and paperback!

New Fall Titles Arriving!

New Fall Titles are arriving in July! I'm having a hard time choosing which one to read first.

Speedboat Racers

If you're vacationing or living near the water, the chances are strong that you're hearing the sounds of speedboats. The racing side of speedboating adds excitement and challenge to this fun summer activity. Among the few speedboating books with age-appropriate text for children and young adults is Enslow Publishers' Speedboat Racers. Author Michael Hauenstein's easy-to-read text delivers a pleasant overview of  this warm-weather activity. The 48-page work's contemporary design and excellent illustrations invite readers to explore this popular topic. It's a strong choice for reluctant readers and for kids with a desire to know more about boats and racing.

Speedboat Racers, part of Enslow's five-book "Kid Racers" series, is available in paperback for $7.95. A library-bound edition, suitable for school libraries and public libraries, is also available.

New Elementary title about the 4th of July coming soon

Elaine Landau has written a new elementary series of holiday books for Enslow. What Is the 4th of July? describes the traditions and symbols of this holiday, as well as includes a hands-on activity. This title (as well as the rest of the titles in the series) is available in both library and paperback bindings.

Other titles in the I Like Holidays! series include Christmas, Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, and Veterans Day.

All of these titles will be available soon.

Free books at ALA

On Saturday, come visit booth 1329 at ALA and get a free book while supplies last!

Summer Reading and Math Skills

So many children have reading projects and math packets to complete over the summer. But what could be more fun than a camping trip with a pig? Join Sebastian Pig and and friends, Percy and Milo, on a camping adventure. Subtracting with Sebastian Pig and Friends on a Camping Trip is a fun way for young readers to reinforce their reading and math while practicing subtraction skills over the summer.



Grades 1–3

Check out other titles in our Math Fun with Sebastian Pig and Friends! series. It may be the best trip you take this summer!

Attending ALA in New Orleans?

Stop by booth 1329 and say hello! Find out how you can get a free Kindle or Nookcolor!

New Michael Phelps Video Game Released

Have you heard? Olympic medalist, Michael Phelps is now part of the virtual pool. His new video game, Michael Phelps: Push the Limit, was released earlier this week. The game was developed by Blitz Games and published by 505 Games for use with the Kinect system for Microsoft's Xbox 360. My kids love the Kinect games and I can see this one being both fun and challenging. It's also a great way to bring more attention to the sport of swimming.

Young readers can learn more about Michael Phelps in our book, Michael Phelps: Swimming for Olympic Gold for grades 5–9 available in both library binding and paperback. A free educator's guide is also available through our web site.

Summer Begins Today: Celebrate with an Enslow Book About the Seasons!

According to our wardrobe choices and comfort levels, summer began about a month ago. However, the official calendar starting date for summer is today. Either way, summer is here. For children, summer and its weather provides a unique magic, whether kids are outdoors in the sunshine or indoors sheltered from a seasonal shower.

To explore more about the summer and the science that explains its weather, check out Enslow Publishers' Looking at Weather and Seasons: How Do They Change? This 32-page book provides a reader-friendly look at the seasons, weather's causes, and how weather changes daily. Full-color illustrations help illuminate key points that give each season its own personality. And author Angela Royston's age-appropriate, engaging writing style encourages young readers to understand the science impacting the seasons.

Looking at Weather and Seasons, part of Enslow's six-book "Looking at Science: How Things Change" series, is available now from Enslow Publishers. Schools and libraries may purchase the library-bound title for $16.95, a 25% discount from Enslow's list price.

Getting kids interested in cooking

Trying to get kids to eat healthy is a challenge lots of families face. For those elementary age students who are interested in cooking, let them help!

Enslow's Easy Cookbooks for Kids contains six separate titles, covering everything from breakfast to lunch to snacks to main dishes. These recipes are from different parts of the world, with maps showing the country of origin for that particular recipe.

Available in both library and paperback bindings, these titles will pique the curiosity of hungry minds!

Penguins, Penguins, and More Penguins

That's the premise behind the new movie "Mr. Popper's Penguins" that opens today in theaters.
Enslow has a few penguins of our own:

Emperor Penguins

Grades 3–4












Emperor Penguins Up Close

Grades 1–3

Secret of the Puking Penguins...and More!

Grades 5–9

Attending the ENOCH Conference at the NJ Expo and Convention Center in Edison 6/17 or 6/18?

Books will be available for purchase at a special show discount.

Stop by booth 612 and say Hello!

Home Run Hitters




ISBN: 978-0-7660-3465-5
48 pages
Grades 5–9

If you're not a Yankee fan you might not be disappointed that Derek Jeter is out of the lineup. Yankee fans, however, are disappointed that he's temporarily sidelined due to an injury. His quest for 3,000 hits is on hold for now. But in the meantime you can check out our title, Baseball's Top Ten Home Run Hitters that is perfect for reluctant readers.

Flag Day and "Molly the Great Respects the Flag"

Flag Day commemorates the Second Continental Congress' adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777. For young readers, a "way in" to understanding the flag's significance is through Enslow Publishers' wonderful book Molly the Great Respects the Flag: A Book About Being a Good Citizen. Author Shelley Marshall uses a lively, storytelling approach and fictional, animal characters to bring home larger lessons about the flag' symbolism and civic responsibility. Character education, through the exploration of the notion of respect, also plays a role in Marshall's 24-page book.

This full-color, charmingly illustrated title, part of the eight-book "Character Education with Super Ben and Molly the Great," is available in paperback for $6.95 from Enslow Publishers. A library-bound editon is also available for Enslow's school/library discount price of $15.95.

Bugged-Out Insects

What kind of creature would make its home in a pile of dung? Does a female praying mantis eat her mate? Do house flies spit on your food? Author Margaret J. Anderson answers all of these questions as she explores the weird behavior, habits, and characteristics of insects.

Bugged-Out Insects is part of the Bizarre Science series, and is written for the reluctant reader. Other titles in the series include Bloodsucking Creatures, Doomsday Rocks from Space, Mummy Secrets Uncovered, and Weird Meat-Eating Plants.

This series is available in both library and paperback bindings.

Shark or Dolphin?

Spending time at the beach this summer? Before you go you might want to read,
Shark or Dolphin: How Do You Know?

ISBN 978-0-766-3680-2
Grades K–3

They both live in the ocean. They are both large, gray, and eat fish. How do you know which animal is which? Award-winning children's author Melissa Stewart explains a few of the many differences between sharks and dolphins. Simple text is paired with stunning underwater photography to show readers just how different these animals really are!

A pet who loves (and lives on) the beach

Land hermit crabs are unusual pets. In the wild, when they get too big for the shell they are currently living in, they look for larger empty snail shells. They communicate by tapping each other's shells.

Part of Enslow's Far-Out and Unusual Pets series, Hermit Crabs is a great book for those interested in looking for unusual pets.

Enslow is planning on publishing six more titles in this series in 2012. Watch for them!

World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day is celebrated every year on June 8th. It's the perfect opportunity to share books about the ocean with young readers. Fun titles like these can help raise awareness about conservation.

Baby Animals of the Ocean - Grades 1–3

Cute baby animals live all over the world—even under the ocean! Learn about baby dolphins, baby sea turtles, and other adorable baby animals in the ocean biome in this easy nonfiction reader. Adorable full-color photographs and easy-to-read text will delight and educate young readers.

 Counting in the Oceans - Grades 1–3

How many flippers does a sea lion have? How many arms does an octopus have? Find out in Counting in the Oceans! Count fish, shellfish, and more as you explore this fascinating biome!

Baby Animal Books for Summer Pre-K Reading

Summertime offers wonderful chances for very young children to combine their activity in the great outdoors with their interest in reading. Books can reinforce and nourish a child's curiosity that a trip to the zoo, a day in the country, or a staycation in the backyard can stimulate.

Enslow Publishers' Pre-K books deliver the exciting color photos, age-appropriate text, and "just right" book size to engage young readers in satisfying ways. Author Jane Katirgis' "All About Baby Animals" series includes a delightful sextet of 24-page, Guided Reading Level "B" titles, each one addressing specific Pre-K-friendly subjects.

Among the works are Baby Backyard Animals, Baby Farm Animals, and Baby Zoo Animals. Each title in the series is available in paperback for $6.95 and can be purchased directly from the Enslow Classroom website. The books are also available in library-bound editions.

MTV Movie Awards

During last night's awards, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse won five awards, including Best Movie and Best Female and Male performance wins.

Do you have students interested in Stephenie Meyer? Enslow's middle school biography of this popular author was written by Lisa Rondinelli Albert.

Enslow has an upcoming reluctant reader biography of one of the stars of the Twilight series. Look for it this fall! It will be available in both library and paperback versions!

Happy Birthday Charlie Watts

This drummer from the Rolling Stones is celebrating a birthday today.

Enslow's middle school biography about the Rolling Stones, available in both library and paperback bindings, is a great read for the middle school student with an interest in this iconic band.

Author Interview with Suzanne Lieurance

Enslow Author, Suzanne Lieurance, talks about being an author and writing her latest Enslow book, The Lucky Baseball: My Story in a Japanese-American Internment Camp for Grades 3–6. To read the full interview, click here.

"Which Animal Is Which?" Series Helps Children Explore Summer Animals

With school summer breaks either underway or about to begin, the chances are strong that children will be exploring and playing in the outdoors. They are also likely to see insects, spiders, and other creatures that emerge in warm weather. These encounters are opportunities to answer their questions and stimulate their curiosity about the natural world, or at least that portion with many legs.

A wonderful way to understand the world of insects and spiders is with Enslow Publishers' new book Insect or Spider: How Do You Know? Author Melissa Stewart's 24-page work offers full-page color, side-by-side photos on every spread, so that young readers can visually compare the animals' distinctions. The easily read titles and large type size makes the book an easy "way in" for new readers. It also encourages read-aloud sessions useful for parent-child readings and for small group readings in schools and public libraries.

This new Enlsow Publishers book, part of the six-title "Which Animal Is Which?" series, is available in paperback for $6.95. A library-bound edition is also available.

Happy Birthday Dorothea Lange

Dorothea Lange was an influential American photographer and photojournalist. Lange is best known for her Depression-era work, which gave a face to the widespread human suffering that was taking place across the country at that time. Lange's work during this period, in addition to her later work, would profoundly influence the development of documentary photography.


Written by Laura Baskes Litwin, this middle school title is great for budding photographers and those interested in learning more about this influential photographer, who lived from 1895 until 1965.

Idol Janis Joplin

Since the Season Finale of American Idol airs tonight, we thought we would highlight our title, Janis Joplin: "Take Another Little Piece of My Heart"  from our American Rebels series. For grades 9–12, author Edward Willett gives a comprehensive biography of legendary singer Janis Joplin, from her childhood singing in the church choir to her adolescent rebellions with the local beatniks through her drug and alcohol use and her amazing musical success. With a powerful and soulful voice, Janis blazed a trail for other female rockers during her short and eventful life.

Books for Memorial Day Activities

Memorial Day, which will be observed this Monday, May 30th, offers timely teaching and learning opportunities to connect our country's history with current events. Where will young readers get the most reliable information about the holiday's background and significance? The most efficiently presented material is found in Enslow Publishers' age-appropriate books on America's military clashes.
Enslow's "The United States at War" series explores the history, personalities, and consequences of our nation's principal conflicts. Each 128-page book offers an attractive design, on-target photographs and illustrations, and useful chapter notes for further research. The six-title series also supports the National Social Studies Standards.

"The United States at War" is available in library-bound editions for school/library 25% discount price of $23.95 per title, and $143.70 for the entire six-book series. Call Enslow Publishers now for additional money-saving offers on this and other reliable nonfiction titles!

Let's do some more limericks!

Here are some more limericks from the Funny Bone Jokes series!

From Sports Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone:

Harriet was hunting all day

hoping to find some big prey.

She was not pleased

when someone sneezed

and scared all the animals away.

From Ha-Ha Holiday Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone:

Independence Day brings celebration,
Hopefully you'll get the invitation.
Fireworks galore
Now guess what's in store?
Cheering throughout the whole nation!

From Animal Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone:

When I went out to my garden on Monday,
I caught a big snake that was gray.
I tried and I tried,
To keep him inside,
Yet he escaped and slithered away.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides opens on Friday

Would you like to make some crafts to get into the spirit before watching the new movie? Then check out Pirate Ship Adventure Crafts, written for the elementary reader.

Make a pirate crew, treasure chest, pirate ship,and more! You can then use those crafts to create your own story with your students or children.

These books are available in both library and paperback editions.

Congratulations to our newest raffle winner!

Congratulations to Ellen from Holland Public Schools in Michigan for winning Enslow's drawing for free books!

New LeBron James Biography

With basketball great LeBron James currently in the NBA playoffs, Enslow Publishers is receiving many requests for its new biography of the Miami Heat's superstar. Author Kimberly Gatto's lively, 48-page book offers a unique look at "King James'" life and career. It also explores James' philanthropic endeavors, providing readers with additional perspective into this "high character" athlete. Reluctant readers will especially enjoy this Guided Reading Level "O" title.

LeBron James: A Basketball Star Who Cares, part of the six-book "Sports Stars Who Care" series, is available now in a library-bound version. Educational institutions, libraries, and teachers may purchase it directly from Enslow Publishers for the school/library price of $17.95 (a 25% discount from Enslow's list price). A paperback version of the book will be avaiable in Fall 2011.

It's National Police Week

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15 Peace Officers Memeorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week.

Part of the Amazing Working Dogs with American Humane, Enslow's Police Dog Heroes explains what types of jobs these dogs do, their training, and what happens when the dog retires. Written for the elementary reader, author Linda Bozzo has also written five other titles (fire dog, guide dog, search and rescue dog, service dog, and therapy dog) in this series.

It's Limerick Day at Enslow!

Thought we would forward some limericks from Enslow's Funny Bone Jokes series.

From Gross Body Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone:

If you're pointing at me I suppose
it should only be done with your toes.
But pointing is rude
except at your food.
It's a rule that everyone knows.

From Weird Science Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone:

Here's a riddle for students you teach:
"What is soft to the touch, like a peach,
Colored beige, covers land,
Mostly made out of sand?"
All the kids will respond, "it's a beach!"

From Food Jokes to Tickle Your Funny Bone:

A mouse once said to a cat,
"It's chocolate that's making me fat."
So the cat fed him more
Until he was sure
The mouse looked more like a rat.


There are an additional 3 titles in this series.Written for elementary readers, these titles will keep your students laughing!

Don't forget to Use it or Lose it!

Did you get the Enslow email reminding you about the Use It or Lose It offer? You can choose the offer that works best for you and make the most of any money you have before it's gone.

Enslow has 3 different offers: one is for a free flip video camera, one is for a free Kindle, and one is for a free NOOKcolor. Interested in learning more? Click here.

Tomorrow is Clean Your Room Day

Do you think you could have lived in a medieval castle? Did you know that moats were sometimes used for dumping raw sewage? Since these moats might contain sewage, it deterred enemy soldiers from trying to swim across them.

Did you know that most candles were made from hardened animal fat? Oil lamps burned liquid animal fat. Only the very wealthy and churches used beeswax candles because of the expense.

Floors were made of dirt, and were never swept. To clean the floors, layers of straw were added to them. It didn't matter if there was food, sewage, feces, or anything else on the dirt floor. It was covered with straw, and that's how the floors were cleaned!

If you've ever wondered what it was like to live in a medieval castle, then you'll want to read Ye Castle Stinketh. Available this fall from Enslow Publishers, and available in both library and paperback versions, this title, and the rest of the titles in the Ye Yucky Middle Ages series, will keep your reluctant reader students interested. These titles also have a huge gross-out factor!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo is in remembrance of a battle between the Mexican and French armies, a battle fought and won by the Mexicans to gain their independence. Today, people celebrate this day to remember the courage and spirit of the Mexican people.

Cinco de Mayo—Count and Celebrate!, written for elementary readers by Frederick L. McKissack, Jr. and Lisa Beringer McKissack, helps readers learn to count to ten in Spanish, while also helping them explore this holiday through symbols, people, and more.

National Teacher Appreciation Week Book Giveaway

To show our appreciation of teachers, this week we are giving away a free classroom book from our Enslow Classroom website to each of the first ten teachers who email us at customerservice@enslow.com using "Teacher Appreciation Week" in the subject line.

Enslow Classroom offers curriculum-aligned, leveled, non-fiction paperback books.

Interest Levels:

Pre-K series address early education needs of young readers

Elementary series cover content areas in science, language arts, math, health/physical education, and the arts

Middle/High School series focus on language arts topics of high interest, especially for struggling learners

Reading Levels:

Guided Reading Levels

Series Lexile Levels

Accelerated Reading Levels

Curriculum correlations for all fifty states and the District of Columbia

Free downloadable teacher’s guides for each of the titles

Enslow at IRA/Orlando

The 56th annual IRA convention, one of the year's premier occasions for the promotion of reading, will begin on Sunday, May 8th. Enslow will be showcasing its classroom paperbacks at the four-day Orlando event. Participants are welcome to visit Booth 833 for a free Enslow paperback and more information about Enslow's leveled, curriculum correlated paperbacks!

Today is National Arbor Day

National Arbor Day is celebrated the last Friday in April, but did you know that different states celebrate Arbor Day on different days depending on their best tree-planting time? Whatever day your state celebrates Arbor Day it's a great opportunity to connect children with nature using books in your classroom and library.

Our title,  Trees, Weeds, and Vegetables–So Many Kinds of Plants! from our I Like Plants! series includes an activity perfect for Arbor Day celebrations and comes with a free educator's guide available through our website. For grades K–3, this easy-to-read science book fills a need for nonfiction science readers while entertaining students with stunning color photos and fascinating facts. Budding scientists will love discovering the plants in their neighborhood.

Science titles again!

The series Bizarre Science brings an entertaining look at bizarre science topics for reluctant readers. All of these titles are available in both library and paperback bindings.
Bloodsucking Creatures discusses mosquitos, head lice, fleas, and other bloodthirsty creatures. Bugged-Out Insects explores the weird behavior, habits, and characteristics of insects. Doomsday Rocks from Space talks about the scientific evidence that killed off the dinosaurs and the chances of a doomsday rock striking Earth today. Mummy Secrets Uncovered unlocks the secrets of mummies, explores how they were preserved, and what we can learn about their ancient cultures. Weird Meat-Eating Plants describes some of these plants, from how they trap their prey to what they like for dinner!