Speedboat Racers

If you're vacationing or living near the water, the chances are strong that you're hearing the sounds of speedboats. The racing side of speedboating adds excitement and challenge to this fun summer activity. Among the few speedboating books with age-appropriate text for children and young adults is Enslow Publishers' Speedboat Racers. Author Michael Hauenstein's easy-to-read text delivers a pleasant overview of  this warm-weather activity. The 48-page work's contemporary design and excellent illustrations invite readers to explore this popular topic. It's a strong choice for reluctant readers and for kids with a desire to know more about boats and racing.

Speedboat Racers, part of Enslow's five-book "Kid Racers" series, is available in paperback for $7.95. A library-bound edition, suitable for school libraries and public libraries, is also available.

New Elementary title about the 4th of July coming soon

Elaine Landau has written a new elementary series of holiday books for Enslow. What Is the 4th of July? describes the traditions and symbols of this holiday, as well as includes a hands-on activity. This title (as well as the rest of the titles in the series) is available in both library and paperback bindings.

Other titles in the I Like Holidays! series include Christmas, Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, and Veterans Day.

All of these titles will be available soon.

New Michael Phelps Video Game Released

Have you heard? Olympic medalist, Michael Phelps is now part of the virtual pool. His new video game, Michael Phelps: Push the Limit, was released earlier this week. The game was developed by Blitz Games and published by 505 Games for use with the Kinect system for Microsoft's Xbox 360. My kids love the Kinect games and I can see this one being both fun and challenging. It's also a great way to bring more attention to the sport of swimming.

Young readers can learn more about Michael Phelps in our book, Michael Phelps: Swimming for Olympic Gold for grades 5–9 available in both library binding and paperback. A free educator's guide is also available through our web site.

Getting kids interested in cooking

Trying to get kids to eat healthy is a challenge lots of families face. For those elementary age students who are interested in cooking, let them help!

Enslow's Easy Cookbooks for Kids contains six separate titles, covering everything from breakfast to lunch to snacks to main dishes. These recipes are from different parts of the world, with maps showing the country of origin for that particular recipe.

Available in both library and paperback bindings, these titles will pique the curiosity of hungry minds!

Flag Day and "Molly the Great Respects the Flag"

Flag Day commemorates the Second Continental Congress' adoption of the flag of the United States in 1777. For young readers, a "way in" to understanding the flag's significance is through Enslow Publishers' wonderful book Molly the Great Respects the Flag: A Book About Being a Good Citizen. Author Shelley Marshall uses a lively, storytelling approach and fictional, animal characters to bring home larger lessons about the flag' symbolism and civic responsibility. Character education, through the exploration of the notion of respect, also plays a role in Marshall's 24-page book.

This full-color, charmingly illustrated title, part of the eight-book "Character Education with Super Ben and Molly the Great," is available in paperback for $6.95 from Enslow Publishers. A library-bound editon is also available for Enslow's school/library discount price of $15.95.

Baby Animal Books for Summer Pre-K Reading

Summertime offers wonderful chances for very young children to combine their activity in the great outdoors with their interest in reading. Books can reinforce and nourish a child's curiosity that a trip to the zoo, a day in the country, or a staycation in the backyard can stimulate.

Enslow Publishers' Pre-K books deliver the exciting color photos, age-appropriate text, and "just right" book size to engage young readers in satisfying ways. Author Jane Katirgis' "All About Baby Animals" series includes a delightful sextet of 24-page, Guided Reading Level "B" titles, each one addressing specific Pre-K-friendly subjects.

Among the works are Baby Backyard Animals, Baby Farm Animals, and Baby Zoo Animals. Each title in the series is available in paperback for $6.95 and can be purchased directly from the Enslow Classroom website. The books are also available in library-bound editions.