"Join "America's funniest science writer" (Peter Carlson, Washington Post), Mary Roach, on an irresistible investigation into the unpredictable world where wildlife and humans meet. What's to be done about a jaywalking moose? A bear caught breaking and entering? A murderous tree? Three hundred years ago, animals that broke the law would be assigned legal representation and put on trial. These days, as New York Times best-selling author Mary Roach...

Illustrations and simple text describe the various vegetables people eat, how they grow, tips on growing your own vegetables, and interesting vegetable facts.

"For centuries, owls have captivated and intrigued us. Our fascination with these mysterious birds was first documented over 30,000 years ago, in the Chauvet cave paintings in southern France, and our enduring awareness and curiosity of their forward gaze and nearly silent flight has cemented the owl as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, foresight and intuition. But what, really, does an owl know? Though our infatuation goes back centuries, scientists...

Discusses the physical attributes of insects, kinds of insects, and how insects live. Explores the anatomy, behavior, and ecological role of the world's most populous class of animals. "Explore the buzzing world of insects, the most successful and numerous creatures in the animal kingdom which are vital to life on our planet. Witness stag beetles battle, locusts leap, caterpillars crunch, and the amazing range of camouflage tricks, disguises, and...

"Vetted by an expert, this new and updated edition introduces scientific facts about the stars, as well as how we look at and learn about them, through simple text and bold illustrations. From ancient names for constellations to modern innovations in telescope technology, this book covers a broad range of ideas without overwhelming the reader. It introduces and reinforces important vocabulary for the aspiring astronomer, explaining everything in clear,...

Describes how crystals form in nature, how crystals are grown artificially, and how crystals are used in industry. Numerous color photos with text identify the various gemstones. "Discover the beauty of emeralds, rubies, lapis lazuli, jade, silver, and gold in this glittering collection of precious stones and metals. Learn where crystals can be found, how they form, and what they are used for--from dazzling jewelry to diamond-cutting tools and the...

"An epic reappraisal of the medieval world--and the rich and complicated legacy left to us by the rise of the West--from the New York Times bestselling author of The Templars. When the once-mighty city of Rome was sacked by barbarians in 410 and lay in ruins, it signaled the end of an era--and the beginning of a thousand years of profound transformation. In a gripping narrative bursting with big names--from St Augustine and Attila the Hun to the Prophet...

"A group of Native American kids from different tribes presents twelve historical and contemporary time periods, struggles, and victories to their classmates, each ending with a powerful refrain: we are still here"--

"America's leading defender of the public interest and a bestselling historian show us how to prevent the private takeover of our cherished public resources"--

"This tribute to one of the most diverse, fascinating, and beloved species on the planet (turtles) speaks to the diversity and wisdom of these long-lived reptiles"--