Rebecca Kraft Rector

"Looking up at the stars on a clear night can inspire many questions in young minds. This easy-to-follow text provides lots of answers about star formation, sizes, temperatures, colors, constellations, and the life and death of stars. A fun, hands-on-activity illustrates why stars shine only at night. Fast facts and Words to Know sections offer additional information, while colorful photographs bring each concept into splendid focus. This book correlates...

"The sight of the moon in the night sky can be both familiar and mysterious. In this easy-to-follow text, readers are introduced to concepts such as the moon's rotation, orbit, and formation. They learn the basics of gravity, tides, atmosphere, and the phases of the moon. Fast facts, a hands-on activity, and eye-catching images capture readers' attention and enhance their understanding of this fascinating topic. This book correlates directly with...

"Throughout our solar system, chunks of ice, gas, and dust fly around in the form of comets. This engaging text introduces readers to the wonders of comets: their size and shape, their formation, and how they orbit the sun. Each of the main parts of the comet is explained using simple vocabulary as well as full-color photographs. Fast facts increase readability and interest, while a fun activity encourages readers to use their new knowledge in an...

"One of the most fascinating planets in our solar system is the one that we call home. This simple yet fact-filled volume encourages readers to learn about planet Earth. Details of Earth's place in space, orbit, rotation, and tilt are shared, as well as facts about Earth's layers and atmosphere. Fast facts are set in eye-catching boxes, and Words to Know help the reader navigate the text with ease. Full-color images expand on the text and offer additional...

"Our solar system is just one small part of our galaxy, and there are thousands of galaxies besides our own. In this accessible and straightforward volume, readers are introduced to the marvels of galaxies. Formation, sizes, and shapes of galaxies are discussed, including the Milky Way. Galactic movement and how scientists study galaxies are also revealed. Color photographs, fast facts, and Words to Know sections increase the reader's learning experience,...

"Soft, slippery, rough, or prickly. All day long, we encounter objects with different textures. In this easy-to-follow text, readers are introduced to fundamental concepts of matter and texture. The connection between texture and touch is explored, as well as specific examples of texture in solids and liquids. Fast facts, Words to Know, and detailed full-color images stimulate curiosity and learning. An activity underlines the new concepts and allows...

"Some objects can be scratched or dented easily. Others can take a beating and still look as good as new. This may be one sign of hardness. This accessible text introduces basic concepts about the property of hardness of matter. Readers learn how to identify hardness through senses and tests, as well as how hardness may change. A hands-on activity gives readers a chance to experience the concepts in action. Fast facts and vivid images offer additional...

"Shawn Mendes was only fifteen years old when he became an online singing sensation. Within a few years, he quickly progressed to become an international superstar. Readers meet Shawn through well-researched, accessible information on his life and accomplishments. The high-interest text is enhanced with full-color photographs, a timeline, and direct quotes from Shawn himself. This book invites leisure reading, as well as supports the social studies...