A miser learns the true meaning of Christmas when three ghostly visitors review his past and foretell his future. Illustrated notes throughout the text explain the historical background of the story.

A horse in nineteenth-century England recounts his experiences with both good and bad masters. Illustrated notes throughout the text explain the historical background of the story.

"Find out about some of the 9,500 species of birds that live in a huge range of habitats, from deserts and rainforests to the polar ice caps. As well as finding out about different orders of birds, take a detailed look at individual feathers and beak shapes, and explore behavior, from fish- and meat-eaters to seed- and plant-eaters. Witness the breathtaking moment when a chick hatches from its egg and watch as the young birds grow in their nest to...

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.

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

Photographs and text explore the anatomy and life cycle of trees, examining the different kinds of bark, seeds, and leaves, the commercial processing of trees to make lumber, the creatures that live in trees, and other aspects.

Text and photographs present a description of early humans, their origins, their tools and weapons, how they hunted and foraged for food, and the role of family life, money, religion, and magic.

Photographs and text examine the world of mammals, depicting their development, feeding habits, courtship rituals, protective behavior, and physical adaptation to their various ways of life.

A collection of full-color 3-D models, maps, fact boxes, and photographs that describe the world of plants including the germination of seeds, plant defenses, and uses of plants.

Photographs and text examine different types of shells, including seashells, eggshells, and fossil shells, focusing on such aspects as how shells camouflage themselves and how they may be collected.