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!

Giants or Patriots?

Who will you be rooting for on Super Bowl Sunday?

ISBN: 978-0-7660-3832-5
School and Library Price $15.95
Paperback Price $6.95
Grades K–3
24 pages




ISBN: 978-0-7660-3773-1
School and Library Price $17.95
Paperback Price $7.95
978-1-59845-233-4 $7.95
Grades 3–4
48 pages

 

Happy Groundhog Day!



     Today is Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow which means six more weeks of winter!  Had he not seen his shadow it would have meant an early spring.  This year is Phil's 126th prediction made from his burrow in Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.

     The groundhog legend goes  back to the early Christians in Europe.  The Romans brought the tradition to the Germans who used a hedgehog to predict the upcoming weather.  Since Pennsylvania's earliest settlers were Germans they applied the ancient custom to groundhogs since there were so many in the state and they were similar to hedgehogs.

     The Groundhog Club is the Inner Circle who cares for and feeds Phil.  The club's President is the one that Phil speaks his prediction to.  The President is the only one who understands "Groundhogese" (which is the language Phil speaks), and he translates Phil's proclamation to the world!

You can learn more about the Groundhog Day celebration in Pennsylvania, it's history, and much more by going to groundhog.org.

Valentine's Day for Pre-School and Elementary Readers

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's a great time for children to learn about the holiday and build their literacy skills at the same time. We have a great collection of Valentine's Day books for different ages and reading levels.

Valentine's Day by Dorothy Goeller is an engaging and humorous book where new PreK-1 readers can find out just how many hearts are enough. Young readers will learn words like "Heart", and "Hearts" and simple constructions like "too many". Beautiful, full-color photographs and clear, easy-t0-read text make this book great for new readers.

What is Valentine's Day by Elaine Landau guides K-3 readers through the images and traditions of Valentine's Day. Full-color photographs, a glossary, and an activity section make this book perfect for leisure reading or book reports.

Finally, for readers in grades 3-4, or anyone else interested in crafts, Paper Crafts for Valentine's Day by Randel McGee delivers a unique and creative array of paper craft projects, all just for Valentine's day. With easy-to-use templates for each craft and an in-depth descripton of the holiday, this book is a wonderful as a supplement to Valentine's Day activities or as an introduction to paper crafting!

Shaun White -- Enslow Biography Subject -- Makes History at Winter X Games

Paperback ISBN: 978-0-7660-3627-7
Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-3212-5 

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White added to his remarkable career achievements with a stunning, perfect score at the recent Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado. In doing so, he bested his closest competitor in the Men's Snowboard SuperPipe finals, Swiss rider Iouri Podladtchikov.

The triumph was something of a character test for White, who had sprained his ankle in the days prior to snowboard competition. The ailment forced White to skip a competitive event in which he had strongly desired to compete and win. White's perfect score more than soothed his disappointment.

"I've been wanting that 100 forever," White said after overcoming Podladtchikov's strong challenge.

Young readers who have an affinity or attraction to White's competitive spirit and athletic excellence will enjoy Enslow's biography, part of the "Hot Celebrity Biography" series, on the snowboard wizard. Author Marty Gitlin's engaging, 48-page work explores White's career and his driven personality. Filled with action photos and useful sidebars, the biography is fun for independent readers and a "way in" to books for reluctant readers.

Shaun White: Snow and Skateboard Champion is available in paperback for $7.95; a teacher's guide for this Guided Reading Level "S" book is available with purchase. A library-bound edition is also available for the school/library price of $17.95, which represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for the title.

Discover Dogs series

Library ISBN 978-0-7660-3845-5
Grades K-3

Having grown up with lots of dogs over the years, most of which were of a mixed breed, I thought it would be fun to talk about I Like Mixed-Breed Dogs. All of our mixed-breed dogs have come from the local animal shelter.

This new elementary title and the others in the series, written for grades K-3, are great for teaching children what goes into the caring, feeding, training, and other aspects of puppy/dog ownership. Each title contains lots of great photos, along with Web sites and a list of other books to read.

Other titles in this series include books on Labrador Retrievers, Collies, Beagles, Poodles, and German Shepherds.

Enslow Author Receives NAACP Nomination Second Year In a Row!

We are proud to announce that our title, Jesse Owens: "I Always Loved Running" by Jeff Burlingame has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Youth Teens. We're not surprised though as this is the second year in a row that Mr. Burlingame has been nominated for this award. Last year, he was nominated for our title, Malcolm X: "I Believe in the Brotherhood of Man, All Men".



ISBN-13: 978-0-7660-3497-6
Grades 6-up
$23.93 School and Library Price

What did Jeff have to say about being nominated for the second year in a row? "I am again honored, and rather amazed, at having been nominated for this prestigious award two years in a row. The shock I felt last year when I received word of my first nomination was almost inexpressible. This year, in which the Image Awards committee received a record number of submissions, I'm even more stunned. But definitely appreciative!"

When asked about his experience attending the awards in Los Angeles last year, Mr. Burlingame described it as a career and life highlight. "I met many wonderful people. My family and I walked the red carpet right behind U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin and a few steps in front of the show's co-host, Holly Robinson Peete."  Once inside, Burlingame and his family were seated amongst stars who included Halle Berry and LL Cool J, just to name a few. You can read the original story here.

Author Jeff Burlingame at last year's NAACP Image Awards

Jeff Burlingame, is a journalist and author of many biographies and nonfiction books for young readers. When we asked him about his experience writing the biography of Olympic track star, Jesse Owens, Burlingame said, "I've long been a fan of the sport of track and field and have known Jesse Owens' story for as long as I can remember. The book explores themes of poverty, racism, and heroism. Jesse's story also is inspirational, controversial, educational, and somewhat heartbreaking. As an author, I just tried to get out of the way and let the story tell itself."

The 43rd NAACP Image Awards will broadcast from The Shrine Auditorium on Friday, February 17, 2012 live 8/7C on NBC.



Animal Bodies Up Close

Library Bound ISBN 978-0-7660-3889-9
$21.26

      Panther chameleons can move their eyes two ways at once.  One eye can look up as the other looks down.  Sea stars have hundreds of feet on the bottom of each arm.  These tiny feet help them hold onto rocks.  Hippopotamuses have ears on top of their heads instead of on the sides of their heads.  This helps them keep cool by staying underwater while still being able to hear.  Polar bears have the best sense of smell on Earth.  Their noses can sniff a dead seal from twenty miles away.  The blue-tailed skink lizard uses its tail for protection.  When being attacked they make their vibrant tail fall off so they can run away.  A penguin’s tongue is covered with spikes.  These spikes keep fish from sliding out of their mouths.

     

     These are just some of the interesting facts packed into Enslow’s Animal Bodies Up Close series authored by Melissa Stewart.  Each title in the series focuses on one particular animal body part and shows how different animals use that part in unique ways.  Titles in this series include:  Amazing Eyes Up Close, Fantastic Feet Up Close, Incredible Ears Up Close, Nifty Noses Up Close, Talented Tails Up Close, and Terrific Tongues Up Close.  The color illustrations and simple text is great for young readers from Kindergarten through grade 3 and will surely engage them in learning more about these astonishing animal body parts!