About Habitats Series

A thoughtful first glimpse into the world of marine mammals--from the small, playful sea otter to the gigantic blue whale.

With beautifully detailed illustrations, About Marine Mammals tells children what is essential for understanding and appreciating marine mammals. An afterword, which includes a glossary and recommended books and websites, provides further detail for children and their parents about a wide variety of marine mammals.

Former teacher Cathryn Sill and noted wildlife illustrator John Sill, use clear, informative text and illustrations to explain to children what marine mammals are, what they do, and how they live.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is a part of the About Habitats series.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Paperback

An informative and entertaining introduction for young children to the amazing birds that live near water in all types of habitats.

In this addition to the About… series, award-winning author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what waterfowl are, where they live, what they eat, and how they move.

John Sill’s detailed, full-color illustrations show the characteristics of different types of waterfowl—from the Trumpeter Swans of northwestern North America to the Bar-headed Geese of central Asia.

Young learners who may only be familiar with the ducklings and geese on local ponds and lakes will be delighted to discover the amazing variety of waterfowl in the world. A glossary and afterword provide further fascinating details about waterfowl that will inspire readers to learn more.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is a part of the About Habitats series.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Hardcover 

This beginner's guide and classroom favorite explores the Arctic and Antarctic biomes, their beauty, and global diversity. From the creators of the award—winning About Habitats and About… series.

In this addition to the About Habitats series, former educator and author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what the Polar Regions are (from the frozen deserts of Antarctica to the ice floes of the Arctic Ocean) along with what kinds of animals and plants live there, how they have adapted to life in the environment, and why they're important.

Noted wildlife illustrator John Sill offers full—color illustrations depicting the various landscapes and species of animals and plants. A glossary and afterword provide further details. Great for early childhood and elementary units on geography and habitats, nature and environment.

The About Habitats series introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components. Each book in the series provides information about the nature and characteristics of the habitat while the full-page illustrations expand on that information.

Reviews
“A solid read-aloud to introduce young children to this area of the world.” ―School Library Journal

“Given the demand for informational picture books on Arctic and Antarctic regions and their wildlife, libraries will find this a particularly useful addition to the Sills’ handsome About Habitat series.” ―Booklist Online

“Easily accessible…” ― Horn Book Guide

Educator & Series Information
With simple text and language, and strong picture support (paintings), this non-fiction narrative teaches children what polar regions are and what kinds of animals and plants live there.

This book is a part of the About Habitats series, which introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components. 

Recommended ages: 3-7

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Paperback 

This beginner's guide explores the major attributes of rivers and streams and showcases their remarkable diversity using examples of waterways from around the globe.

In this addition to the About Habitats series, award-winning author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what rivers and streams are and explain how various species of animals and plants have adapted to life in or along these waterways. John Sill's detailed, full-color illustrations show the characteristics of the world's different rivers and streams (from the mountain streams of the Alps to the mighty Amazon River in South America).

A glossary and afterword provide further fascinating details about rivers and streams to inspire readers to learn more.

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

This book is a part of the About Habitats series, which introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.25" x 8.75" | Hardcover

This beginner's guide explores the major attributes of the grassland biome and showcases its striking beauty and remarkable diversity using examples from around the globe.

In this addition to the About Habitats series, award-winning author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what grasslands are and what kinds of animals and plants live there. John Sill's detailed, full-color illustrations reflect the diversity of grasslands and the wide variety of the plants and animals that live in grassland habitats.

A glossary and afterword provide further fascinating details about grasslands to inspire readers to learn more.

Awards
- 2012 Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 winner (US)
- 2012 NSTA Recommends winner (US)
- 2012 Best Children’s Books of the Year winner (US)

Reviews
“Great for classroom sharing.” ― Booklist

“Clear, distinctive text narrates the facts about the habitat, its distinguishing characteristics, and the plant and animal life there …The Sills’ love of science is evident in the text and lovely, full-paged art that adds detail to the information…” ― Simply Science

“There is quite literally something for every level of reader…Absolutely a must have book and series for young scientists as well as those looking to learn more about the world we live in!” ― There’s a Book

Educator Information
With simple text and language, and strong picture support (paintings), this non-fiction narrative teaches children what grasslands are and what kinds of animals and plants live there. A wide variety of the plants and animals that live in grassland habitats are represented.

Text features include: An afterword, facts on the plants and animals featured, glossary of new vocabulary, and websites for further investigation.

Curriculum Connections: Series; Non-fiction narrative; simple sentences; strong picture support paintings; Habitats Grasslands: characteristics; animals; plants; climate; adaptation; Earth and Life Science; Text features: glossary; map; afterword.

Recommended ages: 3-7

Series Information
This book is a part of the About Habitats series, which introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50"

Studying nature? Going to the beach? Dig into this classroom favorite and beginner's guide to seashores from the creators of the award-winning About Habitats series.

In this accessible introduction to a familiar locale, author and educator Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children about seashores and their diversity, the types of animals and plants that live there, and why they're important.

The stunning paintings by noted wildlife illustrator John Sill depict the wide variety of seashore topography.

A glossary and afterword provide more details about each seashore featured in the book. Perfect for early childhood and elementary units on nature, environment, and ecosystems.

Awards

• Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 —National Science Teachers Association, Children’s Book Council, 2018 (US)

Reviews
“Another excellent edition… The beautifully designed layout and succinct text combine with the back matter to offer very accessible nonfiction reading for the very young as well as early grade students.” —Kirkus Reviews

“With reliable information and attractive illustrations, this volume is a useful addition to a series celebrating its tenth year.” —Booklist

“Useful for introductory units on marine and earth science.” —School Library Journal

Educator & Series Information
With simple text and language, and strong picture support (paintings), this non-fiction narrative teaches children what seashores are and what kinds of animals and plants live there.

Recommended ages: 3-7

This book is a part of the About Habitats series, which introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components. 

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50" | Paperback

A thoughtful yet entertaining glimpse into the amazing world of the ocean for young children.

Award-winning author Cathryn Sill and her husband, noted wildlife illustrator John Sill, offer young readers an informative and entertaining first glimpse into ocean habitats. In simple, easy-to-understand language, this guide teaches children what oceans are and what kinds of animals and plants live there.

A glossary and afterword provide readers with further fascinating details.

Awards
- Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 ―National Science Teachers Association, Children’s Book Council, 2013 (US)
- NSTA Recommends ―National Science Teachers Association, 2012 (US)

Reviews
“This handsome volume from the Sills’ About Habitats series introduces the world’s largest habitat…The paintings are notable for the subtle use of color to recreate effects of water and light within the scenes…[A] fine addition to science collections…” ―Booklist

“A lovely primer on Earth’s largest habitat, this book illustrates all the ocean basics with spare text and vivid watercolors. A detailed afterword allows readers to dig deeper.” ―Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine

“What I like most is that it’s simple enough to share with preschoolers, but the afterward provides additional information that will appeal to older children. John’s illustrations are so beautiful…” ―What is Bridget Reading

“While Cathryn describes the variety of ocean bottom surfaces – flat and sandy, deep valleys, tall mountains – John illustrates the animals that live in those places: stingrays, scalloped hammerhead sharks, dolphins.” ―Sally’s Bookshelf

Educator Information
With simple text and language, and strong picture support (paintings), this non-fiction narrative teaches children what oceans are and what kinds of animals and plants live there.

Recommended ages: 3-7

Series Information
This book is a part of the About Habitats series, which introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components. 

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50"

This beginner’s guide explores the major attributes of the forest biome and showcases its striking beauty and remarkable diversity using examples from around the globe.

Through simple, easy-to-understand language and beautifully detailed paintings, this guide describes the characteristics of different types of forests - from the cold boreal forests of the northern hemisphere to the warm tropical forests near the equator - and shows how various species of animals and plants have adapted to life in these habitats.

Awards
- Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2008
- Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Science K-6) ―Society of School Librarians International, 2007

Reviews
“It can be easy to forget that sometimes readers just need a simple concept, presented without bells and whistles: this book does just that… This is another strong series book for the Sills and would be a fine addition to elementary school and public libraries.” ― School Library Journal

“The Sills do a good job of showing (and especially identifying) both plants and animals… A solid introduction…” ― Kirkus Reviews

“Need an engaging K-2 book to help you teach habitats? Forests does a wonderful job of introducing early childhood learners to forest habitats and the organisms found there. ―NSTA Recommends

Educator Information
With simple text and language, and strong picture support (paintings), this non-fiction narrative teaches children what forests are and what kinds of animals and plants live there.

Recommended ages: 3-7

Series Information
This book is a part of the About Habitats series, which introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50"

This beginner’s guide explores the major attributes of mountains and showcases their striking beauty and remarkable diversity using examples from around the globe.

In this addition to the About Habitats series, award-winning author Cathryn Sill uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what mountains are and what kinds of animals and plants live there. John Sill’s detailed, full-color illustrations reflect the diversity of mountain landscapes—from the snow-covered peaks of the Himalaya Mountains to the forested slopes of the Appalachians.

A glossary and afterword provide further fascinating details about mountains to inspire readers to learn more.

Awards
- NSTA Recommends – National Science Teachers Association (US), 2014

Reviews
“A beautiful and informative selection.” ― School Library Journal

“A solid introduction sure to help readers develop an appreciation for the scope and unique beauty of the mountains and mountain ranges that grace our planet.” ― Kirkus Reviews

"The young age 4 to 7 child who has the pleasure to read and study this book will enjoy the soft colors and simple rendering of accurate illustrations of the various mountain habitats." ― Chat with Vera blog

Educator Information
With simple text and language, and strong picture support (paintings), this non-fiction narrative teaches children what mountains are and what kinds of animals and plants live there.

Recommended ages: 3-7

Series Information
This book is a part of the About Habitats series, which introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components. 

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50"

The About Habitat series for the very young highlights the defining characteristics of various habitats, including plant and animal life, using examples from around the world.

Award-winning author Cathryn Sill and her husband, noted wildlife illustrator John Sill, offer young readers a first glimpse into wetlands habitats. In simple, easy-to-understand language, this guide teaches children what wetlands are, what kinds of animals and plants live there, and how wetlands help maintain the delicate balance among Earth's environments. John Sill's beautifully detailed full-color illustrations reflect the diversity of wetlands topography—from salt marshes along the seacoasts to tropical mangrove swamps. The astonishing varieties of wetland plants and the birds, mammals, and fish that live there are also represented.

A glossary and afterword provide young readers with further fascinating details on the earth's wetlands, their creatures, and their conditions.

Awards
- NSTA Recommends – National Science Teachers Association, 2012 (US)

Reviews
“The artwork is stunning, filled with realistic details and a beautiful balance of colors. The format would work well as a read-aloud” ― School Library Journal

“This handsome book provides an attractive introduction to the variety, singular features, and great environmental importance of wetlands.” ― Booklist Online

“This book will appeal to all readers interested in habitats…clear, precise, and easy to understand…meticulous illustrations bring each scene to life…” ― Library Media Connection

“Each wetland has different plants and animals, but all are vital to help maintain the delicate balance among Earth’s environments. This book will answer the questions readers have about fragile and important wetland habitats.” ― NSTA Recommends

Educator Information
With simple text and language, and strong picture support (paintings), this non-fiction narrative teaches children what wetlands are and what kinds of animals and plants live there.

Recommended ages: 3-7

Series Information
This book is a part of the About Habitats series, which introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components. 

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50"

The About Habitat series for the very young highlights the defining characteristics of habitats, including the plant and animal life, using examples from around the world.

Award-winning author Cathryn Sill and her husband, noted wildlife illustrator John Sill, offer young readers a first glimpse into desert habitats. In simple, easy-to-understand language, this guide teaches children what deserts are, what kinds of animals and plants live there, and how certain species have adapted to the unique challenges of surviving in this harsh environment. John Sill's beautifully detailed, full-color illustrations reflect the diversity of desert topography—from the vast dunes of the Arabian Desert to the rocky Chihuahuan Desert in the southwestern U.S.—and the astonishing varieties of desert wildlife.

A glossary and afterword provide young readers with further fascinating details on the desert, its creatures, and its conditions.

Awards
- Best Children’s Books of the Year ― Bank Street College of Education, 2008
- Society of School Librarians International Book Awards (Honor Book, Science K-6) ― Society of School Librarians International, 2007

Reviews
"A great choice for beginning readers and for sharing aloud, this elegant blend of clearly presented facts and starkly beautiful paintings makes an informative introduction to a harsh environment and the adaptations made by the plants and animals that live there." — School Library Journal

"...this handsome book introduces deserts...some of the paintings focus on particular plants or animals, while others show broad landscapes, but all are well composed, delicately colored, and sensitively lit...accessible to very young children as well as older students, this provides an appealing introduction to deserts." — Booklist

"Cathryn and John Sill are all but unequalled in their particular style...luscious watercolors are beautiful, sometimes bordering on the spectacular." — Bristol Herald Courier

“Great for reading aloud, this simple but informative book introduces littler kids to arid landscapes for the first time.” ― Letter Blocks, Barnes and Noble Newsletter

Educator Information
With simple text and language, and strong picture support (paintings), this non-fiction narrative teaches children what deserts are and what kinds of animals and plants live there.

Recommended ages: 3-7

Series Information
This book is a part of the About Habitats series, which introduces children to specific habitats and their living and nonliving components.

Additional Information
48 pages | 10.00" x 8.50"