Steve Parker

Without coal, our lives would be profoundly different. Formed over millions of years, coal provides one-fifth of the energy we use today. But burning coal also produces more pollution and greenhouse gases than other energy sources, which contributes to the growing problem of climate change. In the future, it will be more important than ever to find ways to make coal a "cleaner" form of energy. The countries of North America have always had plentiful...

What could a male Jackson's chameleon need three horns for besides fighting? Actually, this odd-looking animal has horns to scare predators and attract females more than defense! Some animals' bodies can lead readers to question the purpose of their weird features. This book has the answers they're looking for! From how the echidna uses its spines to keep predators away to how the hornbill uses its large beak, the main content features some of nature's...

Discover nature's most colourful creatures in a major new book on colour in the animal kingdom. For many animals use of colour is essential to surviving in the wild. Both a built-in defence mechanism and a cunning tactic for attack, this biological advantage helps animals hide from dangerous predators and catch unsuspecting prey. It is used in many different ways, primarily to mask one's identity, movement or location, and changes over time as animals...

We depend on oil for heat, light, and transportation. But did you know that plastics are made from oil? How about nail polish? Formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient life forms, oil and its by-products are huge parts of our daily lives. However, as a fossil fuel, oil creates pollution and contributes to the growing problem of climate change. The countries of North America have always had plentiful natural resources. But the exploitation...

Before every young paleontologist goes on their inaugural fossil dig, they should prepare for their excavation with this guide to fascinating facts about the dinosaurs they love. These formidable reptiles dazzle with detail through striking illustrations and enlightening text, which has been carefully reviewed by dinosaur experts. Delighted dino-loving readers will reinforce what they learn through entertaining hands-on projects, such as making a...

Brief text and photos introduce the animal inhabitants of the seashore, including fish, crustaceans, snails, and shorebirds.

A look at the parts of the human skeleton, the types of joints, and the diseases that affect the bones.

Presents information about the range of plants and animals found in fresh water throughout the year, examining the living conditions and survival mechanisms of creatures dwelling at the edge of the water, on its surface, or under the mud.

Examines the world of fishes--from terrifying sharks to graceful seahorses--using a series of questions such as "What if a lungfish crawled out of the water?" and "What if a coral didn't build reefs?"

Describes the physical characteristics, behavior, and metamorphosis of insects and examines kinds of garden insects, woodland insects, insects in the home, and others.