Nature Nonfiction

People started creating cat breeds around 200 years ago. Since then people have treasured beloved breeds such as the gentle Persian, the chatty Siamese, and the energetic Abyssinian. Young listeners will learn all about today’s most popular breeds, as well as some of the most unique and newest breeds. Young cat enthusiasts will enjoy discovering what makes each breed unique, whether it’s the almost hairless Sphynx or the Maine Coon’s double-layer coat.

Sea monsters have a long history in lore and literature. Homer first wrote of them in 700 BCE. What Do We Know About the Kraken? lets curious young listeners explore what we actually know about this mysterious sea monster's long history. Dive into the facts behind this massive squid-like creature that was first described using the word "Kraken" in the beginning of the eighteenth century.

Would you swim with sharks? Many people do! Marine biologists swim with sharks to learn more about these top predators. Snorkelers witness whale sharks and spy spotted leopard sharks. Some thrill-seekers even cage dive to get face-to-face with the giant toothy jaws of great whites!

Do you know how new flowers are made? It’s a process called pollination, which is what happens when pollen is moved from one flower to another! The flowers rely on animals like bees and hummingbirds to do this for them, and in return, they offer the animals delicious nectar to eat. What is your favorite pollen-moving animal?

Fran is a fire ant with a very important job—she’s a nurse ant! When the nest’s queen lays eggs, it’s the nurse ants’ job to raise the eggs into larvae and pupae so they grow up to become healthy worker ants to help build and run the nest.

Here is the story of Zerda, a little fennec fox from the Sahara Desert. She lives with her parents and brothers in a den.

Adelita, a loggerhead sea turtle, was the first ocean-going animal to be tracked with a satellite transmitter. How would she find her way?

Many insects and amphibians change shape—or metamorph—completely. Why do they do it?

Relive exciting tales from Highlights, now on audio! Stories include: A New Look at Hummingbirds by Jack Myers, PhD, A Peep Inside a Hatchery by Lisa Amstutz, Birds that Flock to Fires by Sneed Collard III, Bringing Back the Bluebirds by Brett Mahoney, Bug-zilla on the Hunt by Mary Meinking, Chatty Birds by Stephanie Logue, Emme Loves Bees by Jane Resides, Flying Copycats by Patricia M. Newman, Hanging by a Thread by Sharon T. Pochron, PhD, Jumping Spiders by Bryan Reynolds, and more!

Whether seen in the wild or at the zoo, children are probably familiar with each of the animals in this series. Each book introduces a common animal to early listeners and provides information to expand their knowledge about the characteristics, diet, and habitat of each animal. This volume includes Armadillos, Badgers, Bobcats, Ducks, Moose, Mountain Lions, and Spiders.

Penguins glide, slide, and dive. Find out what else these birds can do!

Listen all about the brave little pigeon that carried out a dangerous mission to deliver a desperate message across a deadly battlefield.

Do you know the Hawksbill sea turtle’s secret? Learn about the special tradition that Hawksbill sea turtles uphold every year to lay their eggs on the beach, and see how their hatchlings must make the scary journey back to the sea.

The icy cold Arctic is home to both the powerful polar bear and intelligent orca, two mighty predators. But which animal is the fiercest of the ecosystem? Does the polar bear’s patience in stalking its prey and strength in attack put it on top? Or does the orca’s ability to work in a pod give it the edge?

Black bear claws latch onto bark as they climb up trees. Find out these beautiful bears' life cycle, diet, and habits in their woodland home.

Vampires are made-up creatures that drink blood. But vampire bats are real! Do they really need to drink blood to survive? You have questions and this book has the answers. Find out about vampire bats, including what they eat and their behavior.

What was that sound coming from the trees? Could it be a robin, a blue jay, or even a woodpecker? Listeners will sharpen their observation skills and learn how to attract and tell the difference between many types of birds.

Birds have wings to fly somewhere warm in winter. But worms don’t have wings or even any legs. Where do they go? You will learn all about worms and how they survive when the weather turns cold.

Smelly trash, rotting food, and piles of poop are disgusting! But not to flies! Why? You have questions, and this book has the answers. Find out all about flies, including their body parts, young, food, and behavior.

Cheetahs run faster than any other land animal. These quick cats could keep up with freeway traffic. They sneak up on prey and pounce! Get more facts about these fierce hunters.