Nature's mysteries

Whether they glimmer to attract prey, to ward off predators, or for another reason entirely, glowing organisms are some of the most mesmerizing wonders of nature. This stunning volume introduces elementary readers to bioluminescence and biofluorescence, using accessible language to explain how and why various organisms make their own light. Vibrant images allow readers to journey through woods haunted by fox fire, soar high with fireflies that punctuate a summer night's sky, and dive deep to view the myriad creatures that illuminate the ocean's depths. Boxed text encourages critical thinking about Earth's incredible biodiversity and the behaviors and chemistry of living things.

Auroras, the dancing lights that most often grace the night skies of the North and South Poles, look like magnificent kaleidoscopes of light and color to the naked eye. This absorbing volume breaks down this breathtaking phenomenon, using it to introduce elementary readers to the basics of magnetism and atmospheric science. The narrative carefully explains how the Earth's poles and atmosphere affect solar wind and describes how similar dazzling displays are visible on other planets. Vivid images capture the wonder of the northern and southern lights, while boxed terms and guiding questions nurture a deeper curiosity about our atmosphere.

Investigates the nature of tornadoes, discussing how tornadoes form, showcasing the damage they can cause through an exploration of several real tornadoes in history, and offers safety advice if one should find oneself in the path of a tornado. Includes a glossary.

Investigates the nature of hurricanes, discussing how hurricanes form, showcasing the damage they can cause through an exploration of several real hurricanes in history, and offers safety advice if one should find oneself in the path of a hurricane. Includes a glossary.

"Demystifies the science of volcanism for elementary readers, explaining how magma forms, the part plate tectonics plays in eruptions, and what we can learn by looking at a volcano's shape. Also covered are some of the most famous eruptions in history."--Publisher.

"Water that lurks beneath the Earths surface is usually far easier to ignore than the water that covers it, until that water bursts forth above ground as geysers and hot springs. This ... volume explains to young readers where this water comes from and its relationship to volcanic activity underground. They will also learn where on Earth these spectacular eruptions are found, how geothermal energy can be harnessed for our use, and much more"--Amazon.com.

"Water that lurks beneath the Earths surface is usually far easier to ignore than the water that covers it, until that water bursts forth above ground as geysers and hot springs. This ... volume explains to young readers where this water comes from and its relationship to volcanic activity underground. They will also learn where on Earth these spectacular eruptions are found, how geothermal energy can be harnessed for our use, and much more"--Amazon.com.

An introduction to auroras that explains what they are, what they look like, how to find them, and more.

Whirlpools, swirling vortexes in the ocean sometimes capable of capsizing entire ships, have long been featured in legend as the work of sea monsters or as gateways to other worlds. We now know that they are normal oceanic currents, usually caused by tides. This attractive volume concisely examines the natural and human-made conditions that create whirlpools, eddies, and more, providing a window into the field of oceanography for an elementary audience. Readers will be fascinated by images of some of the world's most famous maelstroms and will gain a deeper understanding of the connection between the climate and the planet.

The fabled oasis in the desert mirage is just one example of the strange things that can happen when light hits the air in certain atmospheric conditions. This captivating volume takes a closer look at mirages and similar phenomena, explaining to elementary readers that there is much more to these natural optical illusions than meets, or doesn't meet, the eye. Topics covered include refraction, the difference between superior and inferior mirages, green flashes, and the famous Fata Morgana castle in the sky mirage. Vocabulary boxes identify key terms, while Think About It and Compare and Contrast questions prompt critical thinking about optics and light.