Animals & Nature

As the head of an eco-team that's been tasked to overcome global warming and protect endangered species, Zak Bates is as busy as ever. Despite much help from a truly stellar multi-species coterie, his life, in a word, is wild, and it seems that things are about to get hairier. When the eco-team receives word from the Council of Animals of the Spiritual Frontier about a curious disturbance amongst New York's animal population, it soon becomes clear that something truly sinister is afoot—or apaw—and, worse, the plague is prodigious.

Despite running his own zoo, Zak Bates considers himself pretty normal for a thirteen-year-old. Visited by Ra-Kit, a scruffy feline with some serious catnip issues, he's ill-prepared for the life-or-death assignment that follows. With the weight of the world on his shoulders, Zak must represent the Animal Kingdom at a United Nations Conference on Global Warming, convince the world government to stop poisoning the planet, broker interspecies peace, and diffuse an impending, bloody rebellion—just a bit harder than algebra!

For Zak Bates and his magical friends, the next eco-adventures is usually right around the corner. In Zanesville, Ohio, a dangerous menagerie has escaped from a private preserve, and the situation threatens to spiral out of control. Francis, a spirit bear from British Columbia is being held captive, and, to free him, the Eco-Adventurers will need to align with Chatters, a white (knight) squirrel.

Nia Gaines is the newest member of Zak Bate's Eco-Adventure task force—it's only, she doesn't know it yet. When Nia's parents drag her along on a business trip to China, the source of their affluence soon becomes clear: ivory, prized since ancient times for its beauty and never before so rare. In Beijing's back-alley curio shops, the prices are great...but what's the cost? The answer will change Nia's world.

In Ra-Kit's Initiation, you'll discover the secrets behind Ra-Kit's magical powers and how she became the last of her kind. Join Ra-Kit as her flying dog companion, Sampson, shares a quirky romp through London in the mid-1800s on how an orphan kitten joined the elite team of magic cats while altering the course for all the animals of the world.

Ash is so excited to get a NEW PUPPY! He is full of energy and ready to play, but every game Ash chooses ends in disaster! Whatever will Ash do?

To survive their third year of training, Skandar and his friends must complete a series of terrifying trials across the Island’s elemental zones. Friendships, allegiances, and rider-unicorn bonds will be pushed to the limit—only the strongest will make it. Meanwhile, Skandar’s sister, Kenna, has finally reached the Eyrie. But with a forged bond to a wild unicorn, she is alienated and alone. And when a terrible discovery puts the future of the Island in peril, all fingers point in one direction… As suspicions grow and dark forces assemble, Skandar must decide where his loyalties lie.

Did you know that there are more insects than any other group of animals? The diversity of insects is staggering. What do ants have in common with bees? What’s the difference between a butterfly and a moth? How are ladybugs and weevils related? Some insects have a set of wings, some have two, but others might not have any. Some insects have a hard outer shell (exoskeleton). Learn how insects are alike and how they are different in this latest addition to the Compare and Contrast Series.

What do crabs and lobsters have in common, and how are they different? While both animals live in the ocean, one prefers to swim and the other walks. One can be found in coastal tidepools and the other offshore. They both have skeletons on the outside of their bodies. There’s more to these animals than just being good food for us. Learn about these fascinating crustaceans in the latest addition to our Compare and Contrast Series.

Seals and sea lions look very similar, and it’s sometimes difficult to tell them apart. Both marine mammals live in oceans all over the world. One has visible ear flaps, while the other has ears but no external flaps. One swooshes through the water using their back flippers, and the other uses their front flippers to swim through water. On land, one bounces along, and the other can “walk” on their hind flippers. Learn about the similarities and differences between these marine mammals in this latest addition to our Compare and Contrast Series!

When one hears the word “panda” most people immediately think of the large, black and white “panda bears.” Yes, they are a type of bear. Did you know that red pandas are in an animal family of their own? While the two animals may not be related through animal classification, they share similar characteristics like a “thumb wrist” and a reliance on bamboo. Explore the similarities and differences between these mammals in this latest addition to the Compare and Contrast Series!

Ivan has been happily living in a wildlife sanctuary, with his friend Ruby next door in the elephant enclosure, frequent visits from his canine friend Bob, and his mate Kinyani by his side. And in the happiest turn of all, Ivan and Kinyani have welcomed a set of twins to their family! Ivan loves being a papa, even though it can be hard sometimes. But as he navigates the joys and challenges of parenthood, he can’t help but recall his life before the glass walls of the mall circus, his own childhood in the jungle—and his own twin.

Maxine needs a job. Well, maybe she doesn’t need a job, but she’d very much like one. Her talented dog friends all have jobs, and as a talented dog herself, she should have one too . . . right? From working as a lifeguard at the beach to pulling a sled in the snow, Maxine tries (and fails at) her friends’ jobs until she realizes the key to finding the perfect job: doing what she loves.

Scaredy Smurf is afraid of heights, the water, the dark … and just about everything! So when he sees a big spider, naturally he’s terrified. Until he realizes the spider is just as frightened of him as he is of it! Soon Scaredy Smurf and the spider are best friends, and they surprise everyone! This gently spooky story is perfect for Halloween or anytime for Smurfs fans.

Let’s follow the adventures of Lulu the Moon Dog. A brave and curious little dog who lived on the Moon and went exploring with her best friends Robbie the Robot and played with Benji, her little puppy friend that her parents brought to the moon for her.