Nichols, Catherine

A brief, simplified retelling of the episode in "Treasure Island" during which Jim Hawkins tries to keep a treasure map safe from Long John Silver and his pirate band.

Briefly discusses some of the explorers of the North and South Poles, including Robert Peary, Ernest Shackleton, Matthew Henson, and Donald Macmillan.

Presents a brief retelling of Mark Twain's classic story of Tom Sawyer and how he tricked his friends into painting a fence.

Describes four highly intelligent animals: Hans, a clever horse; Alex, a parrot who counts and speaks; Washoe, a chimp who uses sign language; and Betty, a crow who uses tools.

Presents four true stories about people who have overcome extreme medical problems, including the Mohamed and Ahmed Ibrahim, twins joined at the head who were successfully separated in 2003, and Christopher Reeve, the actor who regained some motor and sensory function five years after an accident left him a quadriplegic.

Describes the special traits of therapy horses, their training, the different types of work they do, and the ways they help people, and discusses horse shows and riding competitions for people with disabilities.

Presents a collection of illustrated photographs that describe a number of extreme bugs around the world including tarantulas, scorpions, and giant centipedes.

Discusses the life and art of twentieth-century painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso, including the works "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" and "Guernica.".

A biography of forty-fourth U.S. President Barack Obama, covering his multicultural childhood, education, the influence of his father, connection to Civil Rights, and rise to the presidency after a long campaign, and includes a timeline and glossary.