Giant Squid

Before there were mammals on land, there were dinosaurs. And before there were fish in the sea, there were cephalopods - the ancestors of modern squid and Earth's first truly substantial animals. Cephalopods became the first creatures to rise from the seafloor, essentially inventing the act of swimming. With dozens of tentacles and formidable shells, they presided over an undersea empire for millions of years. But when fish evolved jaws, the ocean's former top predator became its most delicious snack. Cephalopods had to step up their game.

God speaks though his creation. And you don’t have to be naturally gifted at biology, chemistry, or physics to be awakened to his wisdom and majesty. Pastor, teacher, and non-scientist John Van Sloten invites us to know God more deeply as we marvel at the complexities of his amazing creation. Knowing God through his written word enables us to know him more clearly through his creational words. How does God speak through his creation, and what is he saying? Each chapter includes interviews with leading scientists and connects creation to its Creator.

One moonlit night, thirteen-year-old Miles O'Malley slips out of his house, packs up his kayak and goes exploring on the flats of Puget Sound. But what begins as an ordinary hunt for starfish, snails, and clams is soon transformed by an astonishing sight: a beached giant squid. As the first person to ever see a giant squid alive, the speed-reading Rachel Carson-obsessed insomniac instantly becomes a local curiosity.

You may know that humpback whales use whale song to communicate with each other, but there’s so much more to discover about these giants of the sea! In this book, acclaimed marine biologist Dr. Asha de Vos explains how humpbacks use special bubble nets to catch fish, and why their poo is so important! Filled with simple science and plenty of animal facts, this book also explains how hunting made humpback whales an endangered species—and how conservation efforts have seen their numbers increase again.

You might know that African elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, but there’s so much more to learn about these tusked creatures. Listen to find out why the grandmother is in charge of an elephant family, and why big ears help elephants cool down! Meet a baby elephant as it takes its first steps, and discover how to tell the difference between an African elephant and an Asian elephant. The book also looks at the conservation challenges these iconic animals face due to climate change and ivory poaching.

Journey into forests around the world to follow the lives of these furry creatures as they play, hunt, and fight their way through their day. Biologist and black bear expert Don Hardeman Jr. tells the story of the world’s most amazing bears in the style of a nature documentary, including gentle science explanations of topics such as hibernation that are perfect for future biologists.

You might know that pandas like to snack on bamboo, but there’s so much more to find out about this mysterious black-and-white bear! Listen to discover where pandas like to spend their summers, and how cute they are as newly-born cubs.