Diana Sudyka

Do you know a little bit of land? It might be smaller than you expect, but its importance is bigger than you can imagine. From the prehistoric days of dinosaurs to the dramatic environmental changes happening right here and now, the land has countless stories to share with you. You are a part of this land, too. If you listen closely, you will understand exactly what it needs to stay healthy and in balance. This breathtaking exploration shows you the hidden connections between all life and the earth. You will see how, through thousands of years of changes, nature always finds a way to begin anew. Step outside and discover the magic of the ground beneath your feet, and learn how you can help protect our beautiful planet for the future.

How do you find a bird? There are so many exciting ways! Begin by watching the sky and listening to the trees. Stay quiet, so quiet you can hear your own heartbeat. Soon you will realize that birds are absolutely everywhere. They are up in the clouds, down on the ground, and sometimes right in front of you, just waiting to be discovered. This joyful guide takes you on an outdoor adventure to spot our feathered friends. You will learn to observe more than fifty different species, from the giant whooping crane to the tiny ruby-throated hummingbird. Discover the wondrous variety of colors and sounds in the avian world. Grab your binoculars, head outside, and get ready to explore the amazing wildlife living right in your own neighborhood.

From a very young age, Sue Hendrickson was meant to find things. Whether it was lost coins, delicate perfume bottles, or hidden treasures, her endless curiosity always led her to amazing discoveries. This same passion eventually guided her into an exciting career in diving and paleontology, where she would continue to uncover mysteries both big and small. In the summer of 1990, at a dusty dig site in South Dakota, Sue made the biggest and most thrilling discovery of her entire life. She unearthed Sue the T. rex, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever found in the history of the world. This incredible true story takes you right into the dirt and excitement of unearthing ancient fossils. Follow along on Sue's brave adventures and see how a curious kid grew up to become a highly respected female scientist. Her historic find inspires us all to take a closer look at the world around us and never lose our adventurous spirit.

Sometimes it rains, sometimes it snows, sometimes the sun shines down warmly, and sometimes the leaves change into brilliant colors. No matter what the weather brings, there is always an exciting outdoor adventure waiting for you! This joyful journey takes you through all four seasons, celebrating the unique magic each time of year has to offer. Whether you are splashing in spring puddles, building chilly winter forts, or running through crisp autumn breezes, you will see how nature is always changing and providing new ways to play. The beautiful, vibrant paintings and bouncy, rhyming words will make you want to put on your boots and run outside. Get ready to explore the wonderful world of weather and discover the special surprises that come with every single season.

A tiny treefrog can be hard to see, but once you notice it, the whole world feels different. Dear Treefrog follows a child’s quiet connection with a small frog through brief, perceptive poems and science notes. As the treefrog hides, changes color, clings with sticky toe pads, and protects itself from danger, the narrator finds comfort and mystery in watching this small creature closely. Joyce Sidman blends poetry with natural facts in a way that feels gentle and thoughtful. Diana Sudyka’s illustrations help bring the treefrog’s world to life. This picture book is a lovely fit for readers who like animals, nature, and stories about how paying attention to one small living thing can make you feel less alone.

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.

Can you imagine what it feels like to be a solid rock, a cozy bird nest, or even a bubbling creek rushing over stones? A group of curious children is heading outside right now to find out, and they want to know if you would come too. Join this joyful outdoor adventure to discover the magic and mystery of the living, breathing natural world all around us. Grab your friends, gear up your imagination, and step into the wild to see nature from a completely new point of view. Through lovely words and beautiful artwork, you will feel inspired to explore the plants, animals, and landscapes right in your own neighborhood. It is time to leave the indoors behind and celebrate the incredible wonders waiting outside your door.

Every single evening, ever since she was a young child, Maria Mitchell stood proudly on her rooftop with her telescope and carefully swept the night sky. While other people slept, she studied the stars. Then, one magical night, she saw something highly unusual glowing in the darkness. It was a comet that absolutely no one had ever seen before! Miss Mitchell's extraordinary astronomical discovery made her incredibly famous all over the world. More importantly, it paved the way for her to achieve her greatest dream and become America's first professional female astronomer. This moving, gorgeously illustrated true story follows a curious girl from her humble beginnings to her brilliant success studying the galaxy. It shows how patience, careful observation, and a deep love for the universe can lead to groundbreaking scientific achievements. Budding scientists and stargazers everywhere will feel inspired to look up at the night sky and search for their own glowing discoveries.