Amazing photography and tons of factual information on the animals, plants, climate and landscape come together to give a complete picture of this ecosystem in action. Subjects cover the wide diversity of living things in this habitat from the giant saguaro cactus and ocotillo to javelinas, rattlesnakes and dozens of desert birds....

This is our fourth title in our highly-praised Our Wild World: Ecosystems series. Once again, author/ photographer Wayne Lynch takes readers on a personal journey through a treasured North American ecosystem. Amazing photography, first-person anecdotes, and tons of factual information on the animals, plants, climate and landscape come together to give a complete picture of the ecosystem in action. Subjects cover the wide diversity of living things in this habitat from strangler fig trees and bromeliad plants to armadillos and dozens of water birds. And of course gators! These gorgeous books are a feast for both the eyes and mind....

There is no group of birds more mysterious and fascinating than owls. The loudmouths of the raptor world, they peep, trill, toot, bark, growl, shriek, whistle, chittle, whoop, chuckle, boom, and buzz. Indeed, very few actually "hoot." They have become the stuff of lore and legend -- from the Roman myth that an owl foot could reveal secrets to the First Nations belief that an owl feather could give a newborn better night vision. But the truth about owls is much more exciting.

In this gorgeous book, celebrated natural history writer and wildlife photographer Wayne Lynch reveals the secrets of this elusive species with stunning photographs, personal anecdotes, and accessible science. The photos alone are masterpieces. Unlike most published owl photos, which are portraits of birds in captivity, the vast majority of these were taken in the wild -- a product of the author-photographer's incredible knowledge and patience.

Lynch complements the photos with a wealth of facts about anatomy, habitat, diet, and family life. For each of the nineteen species that inhabit Canada and the United States, he provides a range map and a brief discussion of its distribution, population size, and status. Lynch debunks myths about owls' "supernatural" powers of sight and hearing, discusses courtship rituals, and offers personal tips for finding owls in the wild.

From the great horned to the tiny elf owl, this amazing volume captures the beauty and mystery of these charismatic birds of prey.

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There are 33 species of seals, including sea lions and walruses, and they live all over the world. Because seals can store oxygen in their muscles, they can dive deep and stay underwater for an average of 20 minutes at a time. One seal was recorded diving underwater for two hours and reached a depth of 5,500 feet! Seals delivers an in-depth look at these amazing animals, while remaining accessible to children. Perfect for older kids seeking information for report writing, and as an introduction to wildlife for new readers.

Children love the Our Wild World series because it's fun to learn about interesting animals. Each book in the series includes "Fun Facts", 30 full-color photos and illustrations, and a helpful list of internet sites with more information....

Looking like a group of elegantly dressed gentlemen at a formal function, penguins remind us of ourselves. According to author Wayne Lynch, part of our curiosity about these stocky little birds is related to just that -- their almost human behaviors. Like us, they live in communities where they play and fight with one another, steal from each other, hunt for food, quarrel with their mates, form lasting pair bonds, separate, commit infidelities and care for and sometimes neglect or even kill their offspring. Day in and day out, their lives seem unnervingly like our own.

In Penguins of the World, however, Lynch suggests that the life of a penguin goes well beyond the realm of our common shared experience. In the past eight years, Lynch has traveled more than 130,000 miles (210,000 km) to Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and a dozen remote island clusters in the tempestuous Southern Ocean to observe, study and enjoy this remarkable bird. A self-proclaimed "penguin addict," Lynch has determined that penguin's are more complex and far richer in adaptations and behaviors than humans ever imagined. Penguins of the World is Lynch's record of a journey of discovery....

A beautifully illustrated dictionary of 26 key aspects of life in the Arctic.

World-class photographer and science writer Wayne Lynch takes readers to one of his favorite parts of the world: the Arctic.

Using a plant, an animal or a phenomenon for each letter of the alphabet, Lynch describes the unique ways in which systems for living differ where temperature and light can be amazingly extreme. But Lynch also dispels the myth of the Arctic as a perpetually frozen landscape by introducing us to the birds, mammals, insects and plant life that thrive in the short yet glorious sun-filled days of summer.

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Each title is packed with information on the bird, its habitat, diet, breeding, babies, socialization, dangers, and life cycle. Our Wild WorldTM titles are in-depth and thorough, and so much more than just a collection of interesting facts. These books capture the essence of the featured animal and instill in readers an understanding of the animal's true nature. Falcons includes information on the ancient practice of falconry, or using falcons' amazing skills to aid in hunting. Owls discusses the largest species (snowy owl) and the smallest (elf owl) and many of the more than 200 others in between. Vultures details the fascinating habit of scavenging for food. Each title includes 25 full-color, action photos; several full-color, detailed illustrations; and many Fun Facts throughout....

Prairies are called a sea of grass--in fact, more than 300 different kids of grass grow on the Great Plains! But you might be surprised to find that there's so much more to this dynamic ecosystem than just grass. Beautiful wildflowers; weather, from blazing heat to pounding hail; lazy rivers and shallow ponds. The countless wonders of prairie grasslands are featured in this beautiful book....

The internationally successful movie March of the Penguins showcases the life of these fascinating flightless birds that have become such prominent symbols of the fragile nature of our ecosystem. Faced with global warming, invasive tourism, pollution and loss of habitat, penguins -- if they are to survive -- need protection more than ever.

Over the past 18 years, Wayne Lynch has traveled to Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and a dozen remote island clusters in the tempestuous Southern Ocean, studying and photographing all 17 species of penguins in their natural habitats. In Penguins of the World, he documents the extraordinary life cycles of these tough, resourceful and beautiful animals in the harshest environments imaginable.

This second edition has been revised, redesigned and expanded, with detailed information and the latest facts and statistics on:

• Anatomy
• Egg and chick development
• Mating and feeding habits
• Predators
• Habitats
• Climate change
• Changes to food levels.

Through his engaging text and on-location photographs, Wayne Lynch captures these birds in their wide variety of activities and behaviors. Penguins of the World will appeal to anyone interested in birds, nature and science.

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The seventh book in Wayne Lynch's popular animal series. Who has eyes on the top of its head? Who has eight eyes, instead of just two? Whose grey eyes turn white as it gets older? In Whose Eyes Are These?, the seventh book in Wayne Lynch's popular animal series, children are invited to identify everything from squirrels to vultures from up close pictures of just their eyes. Is it a burrowing owl? A sand snake? An American crocodile?As they turn the page, a vividly colorful photograph of the entire animal is revealed. Accompanied by fun filled facts and intriguing text, Whose Eyes Are These? captivates young readers and introduces them to birds, animals and reptiles from around the world....

There's more to the Artic than meets the eye! The Arctic is known as a cold, snowy place, but it's actually full of surprises. Exotic wildflowers, desert-dry soil, a midnight sun, and dozens of fascinating animals create a rich and diverse ecosystem. The Arctic includes important information on the ice-covered Arctic Ocean and the effects of global warming on plants and animals. Full-bleed photos and smaller insets brilliantly capture the beauty of the landscape and wildlife....

THIS EDITION IS INTENDED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. First-person narratives and stunning photography focus on the interdependency of animals and plants within North American ecosystems, and describe for young researchers how the environment is...

A beautifully illustrated dictionary of 26 key aspects of life in the Arctic.

World-class photographer and science writer Wayne Lynch takes readers to one of his favorite parts of the world: the Arctic.

Using a plant, an animal or a phenomenon for each letter of the alphabet, Lynch describes the unique ways in which systems for living differ where temperature and light can be amazingly extreme. But Lynch also dispels the myth of the Arctic as a perpetually frozen landscape by introducing us to the birds, mammals, insects and plant life that thrive in the short yet glorious sun-filled days of summer.

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Grade 3-5-These three titles are graced with eye-catching, full-color photos and illustrations. All three have Fun Fact sidebars interspersed throughout and lists of numerous Internet sites for further reference, but no further-reading recommendations. Clear texts provide information on physiology, life cycles, diet and hunting techniques, as well as habitats and family life. Vultures offers data on a global variety of species, while Falcons and Owls concentrate on the species found in North America. Falcons is more detailed than Deborah Kops's Falcons (Gale, 2000), while Vultures is similar to Mark J. Rauzon's Vultures (Watts, 1997). Owls is far less informative than Helen Roney Sattler's rich The Book of North American Owls (Clarion, 1995).-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY--School Library Journal...

Recommended for all school libraries and children's areas in public libraries. --AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE...