Lyudmila Trut, a lead researcher in a silver fox domestication experiment, met Pushinka, a silver fox, that she decided to take the experiment a step further with by moving into a small house.

Tucked away in Siberia, there are furry, four-legged creatures with wagging tails and floppy ears that are as docile and friendly as any lapdog. But, despite appearances, these are not dogs—they are foxes. They are the result of the most astonishing experiment in breeding ever undertaken—imagine speeding up thousands of years of evolution into a few decades. In 1959, biologists Dmitri Belyaev and Lyudmila Trut set out to do just that, by starting with a few dozen silver foxes from fox farms in the USSR and attempting to recreate the evolution of wolves into dogs in real time in order to witness the process of domestication. This is the extraordinary, untold story of this remarkable undertaking. Most accounts of the natural evolution of wolves place it over a span of about 15,000 years, but within a decade, Belyaev and Trut’s fox breeding experiments had resulted in puppy-like foxes with floppy ears, piebald spots, and curly tails. Along with these physical changes came genetic and behavioral changes, as well. The foxes were bred using selection criteria for tameness, and with each generation, they became increasingly interested in human companionship. Trut has been there the whole time, and has been the lead scientist on this work since Belyaev’s death in 1985, and with Lee Dugatkin, biologist and science writer, she tells the story of the adventure, science, politics, and love behind it all. In How to Tame a Fox, Dugatkin and Trut take us inside this path-breaking experiment in the midst of the brutal winters of Siberia to reveal how scientific history is made and continues to be made today. To date, fifty-six generations of foxes have been domesticated, and we continue to learn significant lessons from them about the genetic and behavioral evolution of domesticated animals. How to Tame a Fox offers an incredible tale of scientists at work, while also celebrating the deep attachments that have brought humans and animals together throughout time.

Explore the fascinating field of magnetism with this interactive picture book for young learners. Magnetism is all around us--even the earth is a giant magnet. A world without magnets would be a world without cell phones, computers, and more! Trusted children's nonfiction author David A. Adler covers the basics of magnetism, including compasses, for aspiring scientists. Hands-on experiments are smartly woven into the narrative. Want to test out the strength of a magnet? All you need is a bowl of water and some paper clips! Anna Raff's lively art illustrates scientific concepts clearly, with the added fun of two siblings and their dog exploring and learning together. Back matter includes a glossary that defines such terms as attraction, pole, electromagnetism, force, and more. Suggested activities on how to make your own magnet are also included. Finalist for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books

What do CDs, lamps, lasers, and microwave ovens all have in common? They all use the power of light and optics! From ancient times when scientists puzzled over the effects of the Sun on Earth to today, where scientists and engineers use lasers to make precise cuts in metal, people have been fascinated by light and optics. In this book, you’ll delve into this incredible subject and learn how light can bend and bounce. You’ll understand how scientists use light to send data from one side of the world to the other. And, you’ll have fun discovering new things to do with flashlights and mirrors. These experiments and activities can be used as a starting point for science fair projects, or you can do them just for fun. Either way, you’ll find out a lot about the properties of light!

Amaze your friends and family with awesome experiments that let you see what happens when you combine materials, mix ingredients, and play with forces. From gooey slime to "exploding" toothpaste, this cool title walks readers through simple, low-preparation and more complex science experiments to get creativity flowing. Step-by-step photos and fact boxes support readers and bring the experiments to life.

Bad guys of the world beware! Slylock Fox is on the case in this super fun book of mystery puzzles. The brave Scarlet Sleuth uses his keen eyesight and sharp mind to help him unravel even the toughest mysteries. That's why, when it comes to solving crimes, no one outfoxes the Fox. Kids, put your thinking caps on and solve the mystery in each picture. Is Count Weirdly innocent or is he responsible for releasing the monster? Use logic and clues within the picture to decide if Slylock Fox's suspicions are correct.

Matter: Physical Science for Kids from the Picture Book Science series gets kids excited about science! What’s the matter? Everything is matter! Everything you can touch and hold is made up of matter—including you, your dog, and this book! Matter is stuff that you can weigh and that takes up space, which means pretty much everything in the world is made of matter. In Matter: Physical Science for Kids, kids ages 5 to 8 explore the definition of matter and the different states of matter, plus the stuff in our world that isn’t matter, such as sound and light! In this nonfiction picture book, children are introduced to physical science through detailed illustrations paired with a compelling narrative that uses fun language to convey familiar examples of real-world science connections. By recognizing the basic physics concept of matter and identifying the different ways matter appears in real life, kids develop a fundamental understanding of physical science and are impressed with the idea that science is a constant part of our lives and not limited to classrooms and laboratories. Simple vocabulary, detailed illustrations, easy science experiments, and a glossary all support exciting learning for kids ages 5 to 8. Perfect for beginner readers or as a read aloud nonfiction picture book! Part of a set of four books in a series called Picture Book Science that tackles different kinds of physical science (waves, forces, energy, and matter), Matter offers beautiful pictures and simple observations and explanations. Quick STEM activities such as weighing two balloons to test if air is matter help readers cross the bridge from conceptual to experiential learning and provide a foundation of knowledge that will prove invaluable as kids progress in their science education. Perfect for children who love to ask, “Why?” about the world around them, Matter satisfies curiosity while encouraging continual student-led learning.

Two children cook food for their parents and learn about the science of heat, and how energy transfers to cook food. Includes two hands-on experiments and further resources.

Students will reach for the stars without having to leave their own backyards when performing astronomy experiments from Janice VanCleave's new crazy, kooky, and quirky collection. They will find the North Star, demonstrate the path of a satellite, and even build their own astronomical tools using household items. Engaging analyses of experiment results will inspire readers to expand their thinking and to understand astronomy from practical, mathematical, and historical angles alike. Featuring color illustrations and safe, simple step-by-step instructions, students will love learning just how much fun science can be with these twenty-four astronomy experiments.

Illustrator Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen and wife Robbyn team up again for another wildlife tale drawn from their encounters with the animal kingdom. Told in journal form and rendered in beautifully detailed artwork, the van Frankenhuyzens give a "day in the life" view as the fox Samantha begins her journey from injured kit to independent adult living on her own.Always respecting the boundaries between the wild and the human ways of life and based on years of work as licensed wildlife rehabilitators, Gijsbert and Robbyn recommend readers "do not try this at home." Saving Samantha is Gijsbert's fourteenth book with Sleeping Bear Press. He has also illustrated the best-selling The Legend of Sleeping Bear, The Legend of Leelanau, and most recently The Edmund Fitzgerald: Song of the Bell. He and Robbyn live with their daughters in Bath, Michigan, on a 40-acre farm.