True Kelley

Before he wrote about giant peaches, chocolate factories, and friendly giants, Roald Dahl had his own incredible real-life adventures. Step into the fascinating life of one of the world's greatest storytellers. You will discover how a young boy with a big imagination grew up to create some of the most beloved children's books in history. His life was just as exciting and surprising as his stories. You will follow him from his tricky days at a strict English boarding school to his thrilling adventures flying fighter planes during World War II. Along the way, you will learn the secrets behind how he came up with his most famous characters and wild plots. Packed with fun facts and detailed illustrations, this biography brings the author's extraordinary journey to life. Find out how a regular person with a love for secrets and a wicked sense of humor turned his wildly inventive ideas into magical books that kids everywhere still love to read today.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a world-famous artist? Step right into this fun and colorful school report all about Claude Monet. You will follow his amazing journey from a young boy who loved to draw funny caricatures to a brilliant painter who changed the art world forever. Instead of just reading boring facts, you get to explore Monet's life through the eyes of a student named Steven. He fills his report with hilarious cartoons and clever jokes that make learning about art history feel like a breeze. Along the way, you will discover how Monet helped invent a whole new style of painting called Impressionism. You will also get to see beautiful reproductions of his actual masterpieces, including his famous waterlilies. It is the perfect mix of true history, great art, and plenty of laughs. If you love to draw, enjoy a good story, or just want to know how a regular kid grew up to paint sunshine, this book is for you. Dive into the messy, colorful, and wonderful world of Claude Monet.

A restless young artist picks up his brush and decides to paint the world exactly as he feels it, rather than just how it looks. Meet Pablo Picasso, a brilliant creator who broke all the rules and changed the course of modern art forever. You will follow his incredible journey from a young boy painting in Spain to an energetic genius shaking up the bustling art scene in Paris. Discover how he constantly reinvented his style, moving from his sad Blue Period to his cheerful Rose Period, before completely shocking people by inventing Cubism. He did not just paint canvases; he built wild sculptures out of bicycle parts and molded beautiful ceramic plates. You will learn about the intense passion and limitless imagination that drove him to create thousands of artworks over his long, vibrant life. Filled with clear explanations of his famous techniques and engaging illustrations, this biography takes you straight into the mind of a master. Explore how one bold artist taught us all to see the world in an entirely new and exciting way.

Massive, heavy stones stand in a mysterious circle on a quiet green plain in England. For thousands of years, these towering rocks have guarded their secrets. Who put them there, and why? Journey back to ancient times to investigate one of the world's most puzzling monuments. You will explore the different theories experts have argued over for centuries. Was this incredible structure built as a giant calendar to track the sun and the stars? Was it a sacred healing site for ancient people, or perhaps a special resting place for powerful leaders? You will discover the jaw-dropping engineering tricks required to drag and lift stones that weigh as much as several elephants, long before tractors or modern cranes were ever invented. Along the way, you will meet the ancient people who worked together to build this masterpiece over many generations. Packed with detailed illustrations and fascinating facts, this historical adventure invites you to examine the clues, weigh the evidence, and uncover the enduring magic of Stonehenge for yourself.

Long before the United States became its own country, a brilliant and determined woman was helping to shape its future through her bold ideas and powerful words. Step into the fascinating true story of Abigail Adams, one of early America's most influential figures. While her husband, John Adams, was away helping to write the Declaration of Independence and building a new government, Abigail was managing their family farm and keeping him informed about the realities of the changing world. You will discover how she used her sharp mind and strong voice to argue for women's rights and education at a time when very few people were listening to women. Through her famous, lively letters, you will get a front-row seat to the daily struggles and grand triumphs of the American Revolution. She was not just a supportive wife and mother; she was a vital political partner who offered smart, fearless advice during the nation's most challenging days. Dive into the incredible life of a true pioneer who helped lay the groundwork for a brand-new country.

High up in the rugged black granite of South Dakota, four giant faces gaze out over the landscape. You probably know the amazing faces of Mount Rushmore, but do you know the incredible true story of how they got there? Uncover the fascinating history of this famous American monument and the small, bustling town of Keystone that sits right at the bottom of the mountain. Long before the presidents were carved into the rock, Keystone was a wild and busy mining town filled with people hoping to strike it rich in the gold rush. You will learn how those same hardworking miners eventually used their skills to help a famous sculptor blast and carve the massive faces of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt. Packed with amazing vintage photographs that capture the daring workers hanging from ropes high in the air, this book takes you back in time. Discover the boom and bust of the old mining days, and see exactly how one quiet mountain was transformed into a towering symbol of democracy that people travel from all over the world to see.

A little girl living in a tiny cabin in the mountains of Tennessee discovers she has a voice that can light up a room. Step into the glittering, big-hearted life of Dolly Parton, one of the most famous country music stars of all time. You will learn how she grew up with twelve brothers and sisters and absolutely no money, but plenty of big dreams and incredible talent. Follow her journey from writing her very first song as a five-year-old child to performing on massive stages with her signature sparkly outfits and towering hair. But there is so much more to her story than just catchy songs and guitars. You will discover how she built her own business empire and started the Imagination Library, an amazing charity that gives millions of free books to children all over the world. Filled with wonderful illustrations and inspiring moments, this biography shows you exactly how hard work, kindness, and a whole lot of sparkle can change the world. Grab your boots and get ready to be inspired by a true American legend.

Dark clouds are gathering, and the wind is starting to howl. Suddenly, a bright jagged line of light splits the sky, followed by a huge booming sound. Have you ever wondered what makes a thunderstorm so loud and flashy? Take a fun, safe journey into the heart of a storm to find out exactly how lightning and thunder work. You will learn why warm and cold air crash into each other to create towering thunderheads. You will also discover the fascinating science behind why you always see the bright flash of lightning before you hear the deep rumble of thunder. Packed with clear explanations and helpful safety tips, this book takes the scary mystery out of stormy weather. With bright, engaging pictures guiding the way, you will become a true weather expert the next time the sky starts to rumble and roll.

Have you ever wondered about someone who could paint masterpieces AND dream up flying machines? Meet Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most curious and talented people who ever lived! Long ago in Italy, Leonardo was always asking questions and exploring the world around him. He wasn't just an amazing artist who painted the famous Mona Lisa; he was also a brilliant inventor, scientist, and engineer. Imagine someone designing parachutes and helicopters hundreds of years before anyone else even thought of them! This book takes you on a journey through Leonardo's incredible life, from his childhood to his groundbreaking works. Discover how his endless curiosity led him to sketch fantastical machines, study the human body, and create some of the most beautiful art the world has ever seen. Get ready to be inspired by a true genius who never stopped learning and creating!

Deep beneath the desert sands of Egypt, a hidden tomb waited untouched for thousands of years. Uncover the thrilling story of the boy king who became the most famous pharaoh in history. You will travel back to the golden age of ancient Egypt to learn what life was really like for young Tutankhamun when he took the throne as a child. From learning how pharaohs ruled a powerful empire to discovering the complex religious beliefs of the time, his brief life was filled with massive responsibility. But the adventure does not stop in the ancient world. You will also fast-forward to the dusty, suspenseful days of 1922, joining archaeologist Howard Carter as he finally cracks open the sealed door to find a room glowing with unimaginable treasure. Delve into the fascinating science of mummies, explore the glittering artifacts left behind, and separate the true historical facts from the spooky legends of ancient curses. Packed with cool illustrations and gripping details, this exciting journey brings the magic and mystery of King Tut right to your fingertips.

Do you know the story behind the face on the dollar bill? Jump into the life of George Washington, a true American hero! This exciting book takes you on a journey through time, showing you how George Washington helped shape the United States. You'll discover how he was a brave leader in two big wars, including the American Revolution, and how he became our very first president. Learn about the challenges he faced and the important decisions he made. With lots of pictures, you'll get to know the real person who became known as the father of our country. Get ready to explore the amazing history of one of America's most famous figures!