Nonfiction

Nonfiction genre

The Nobel Prize

“I would like . . . to help dreamers, they find it hard to get on in life.” — Alfred Nobel. Alfred Nobel, born in Sweden in 1833, was a brilliant inventor and businessman. Although he held more than 300 patents when he died in 1896, he earned his extensive fortune and worldwide fame through his invention of dynamite and his work on armaments. He never married and was constantly on the move around Europe, visiting his manufacturing plants.His handwritten one-page last will and testament directed that the majority of his vast fortune be invested and the interest distributed to the most deserving individuals in the fields of medicine, chemistry, physics, literature and peace. Between 1901 and 2009, the five Nobel Prizes and the Prize in Economic Science were awarded 537 times.This book tells the fascinating story of how a few simple instructions in Nobel’s will were transformed into a huge philanthropic organization that holds a unique position in the modern world.The Nobel Prize covers: The life and accomplishments of Alfred Nobel His will and the establishment of the Nobel Prize Committee How the Nobel laureates are selected The establishment of the new award in Economics in 1968 Profiles of U.S. presidents and world leaders who have won the prize Lists of families and individuals who have won the prize Profiles on the lives and accomplishments of the most famous laureates The backgrounds of each of the six prizes: chemistry, physics, medicine, peace, literature and economicsThe Nobel Prize brings to life the story of the world’s most famous prize.

Counting on Snow

Maxwell Newhouse, folk artist extraordinaire, has created a unique counting book. The premise is simple. He invites children to count with him from ten crunching caribou down to one lonely moose, by finding other northern animals – from seals to wolves to snowy owls – as they turn the pages. But as the animals appear, so does the snow, until it’s a character too, obliterating light and dark, sky and earth. A gorgeous exploration of the isolation and the beauty of northern winter, Maxwell Newhouse has created a deceptively simple picture book that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Animals That Changed The World

How animals big and small have shaped today’s world. From furry felines to hard-working horses, animals have had a tremendous impact on world history. For example, rats, through the diseases they carry, have probably killed more people than any war or natural disaster, goats may have been the first to discover coffee and, thanks to camels, people were able to survive for long periods in the desert and open up trade routes between Europe and Asia. However, animals can also be destructive. Mosquitoes spread deadly diseases — and may even have killed Alexander the Great. Some animals have changed the environment by damaging whole ecosystems, creating deserts in their wake. Others, like the elephant, have been used as weapons of war. Among the more than 20 animals featured in this book are dogs, sheep, dolphins, silk moths and beavers, all of which have changed the course of history for better or for worse. Lighthearted and humorous, with intriguing photos and informative sidebars, this book ensures that readers will appreciate all animals with newfound awe and respect.

Torina’s World: A Child’s Life in Madagascar

The children in Madagascar rejoice in life’s natural gifts–singing, working in the fields, helping their parents, and playing with lizards. Divided into three sections: “We Live!”, “We Grow!” and “We Feel!”,Torina’s World: A Child’s Life in Madagascar offers a glimpse into daily life in a Malagasy village and encourages children in Western culturesw to examine and reflect on life in a developing country.Ten years ago, author and photographer Joni Kabana spent a month in Madagascar. Her intention was to bring back images for her children showing how other children live. Torina, an eight-year-old Malagasy girl, acted as Joni’s guide into this world. Back home, Joni’s nine-year-old son, Benjamin Opsahl, helped edit the images and added simple, yet profound text that will engage readers across the world.Torina is now eighteen. She still lives in a small hut with her mother, father and six brothers. Her desire to further her education has been hindered by a lack of financial resources, thus a portion ofthe proceeds from book sales will provide funding for her education as well as othr educational activiities in Madagascar. Celebrate diversity with Torina’s World, and join with readers young and old in embracing a multi-cultural perspective.To learn more about Torina, her life in Madagascar, and fundraising efforts visit www.torinasworld.com

Saving the Ghost of the Mountain: An Expedition among Snow Leopards in Mongolia

Provides an examination of the elusive snow leopards, who live along the mountain ridges of Mongolia and are seldom seen by humans, through the observations of a scientist and conservation director of the Snow Leopard Trust. Scientists in the Field

Welcome To My Neighborhood!

A young girl takes a walk through her urban neighborhood, observing items representing every letter of the alphabet, from her abuela to loud, zooming cars.

Dos Años

The idea that hands, feet, eyes, ears, legs, and arms all come in pairs is discovered by two Asian-American toddlers.