Maria Gianferrari

Step onto your front porch and look up into the early morning sky. High above the peaceful suburban streets, a massive shadow glides silently through the air. A father red-tailed hawk is already hard at work, scanning the backyards and gardens with incredibly sharp eyes. Follow this fierce and majestic predator through a full day of hunting. Watch as he patiently circles the neighborhood, waiting for the perfect moment to dive down after chipmunks, squirrels, and smaller birds. He is on an important mission to catch enough food to feed his hungry family waiting back in their nest. Experience the thrilling reality of nature happening right in your own backyard. This beautifully illustrated journey reveals the daily survival of wild creatures hiding in plain sight, offering you a breathtaking glimpse into the dramatic and beautiful life of a neighborhood hawk.

The crisp winter air is filled with a sudden yowl as feline eyes blink open in the snow. A young bobcat, known as Yearling, is stepping out into the freezing cold to find a home of his very own. As you follow his paw prints through the deep wilderness and into quiet suburban neighborhoods, you will see exactly how this wild cat survives. With a rumbling belly, Yearling crouches in the icy winds, carefully tracking hares, squirrels, and pheasants. He watches. He waits. He leaps. But time and time again, a larger predator beats him to the catch and chases him away. Will this determined young bobcat ever find a safe territory to call his own? With stunning illustrations that make you feel the chill of the winter wind, this exciting journey drops you straight into the hidden life of a stealthy forest hunter trying to carve out his place in a challenging world.

Above ground, below ground, and all around, fungi are busy growing. They root and fruit, twisting and twining through almost every environment on earth. Some are delicious to eat, some are used as medicine to help people heal, and some are even dangerously poisonous. Step into this fascinating book and discover the amazing, hidden world of mushrooms. You will see exactly how they multiply and spread their spores into the wind. Explore the incredible underground fungal network that acts like a secret communication web, helping entire forests thrive and stay healthy. With beautiful poetry and bright illustrations, you will learn exactly when, where, how, and why these unique living things grow. Uncover the surprising secrets of fungi and see how these tiny organisms do massive work to keep our planet green and growing.

Have you ever noticed how a dog lives every moment to the fullest? From the second they wake up with a big stretch to the final wag of the day, dogs know the secret to being happy. This interactive story invites you to join a child and their furry best friend as they explore the world using all five senses. As you bark, sniff, and play along, you will discover the simple joy of being present in the moment. With gentle cues and a calm pace, the book teaches you how to breathe, listen, and wag your way to a peaceful mind. It is a beautiful introduction to mindfulness that encourages you to slow down and appreciate the wonderful world right under your nose.

A sharp howl echoes in the night. A watchful eye glows in the darkness. A mother coyote is on the prowl. Under the light of the moon, she slips out of the forest and stalks quietly through a sleepy suburban neighborhood. Her hungry pups are waiting in the den, and it is up to her to find them a meal. As you follow her silent paws across sidewalks and lawns, you will hold your breath while she spots a scurrying mouse, a quick rabbit, and a very angry flock of geese. Finally, she spots an unsuspecting turkey resting right on the grass of the local library. With a sudden pounce, the quiet night erupts into action. This dramatic, up close look at urban wildlife shows you exactly how these intelligent predators survive so close to our own backyards. It is a thrilling nighttime journey that reveals the fierce and beautiful realities of the natural world.