Based on his first-hand experiences and observations of how the Department of Homeland Security is failing to make America safe, Ervin shows the real threats we face-from nuclear attack to homegrown terrorism. Pushed out by the White House for refusing to sugarcoat its failures, Ervin candidly discusses the circumstances of his departure. He takes the reader inside the decision-making councils of this newest department of the U.S. government, and...

Describes the odors that some animals have developed to stay safe and thrive in their environments, including the striped skunk, the bombardier beetle, and the honey badger.

Describes how various animals, including an octopus, a bombadier beetle, a puff adder, and a gliding frog, escape danger.

"Pop off a tail, roll around in dung, or simply fart to send a message! These are just a few of the many astounding ways that animals have adapted to their environments. Animals trick, trap, or fry predators; they feed on other animals' poop and skin; they use electric zaps, slime, and other unexpected methods to communicate. Featuring animals like Komodo dragon lizards, bombardier beetles, and capuchin monkeys, read about the surprising, exciting,...

Discover animals that play tricks like change shape, skin color, and texture.

Imagine a creature that would gnaw on the tail of a crocodile or crush a seal's skull with its razor-sharp teeth. Are you picturing a grizzly or other tough-looking critter? If so, you're wrong! The animals that do these things are none other than adorable otters and fluffy polar bears! Many adorable animals can actually be pretty vicious. Find out which cuties are killers and see how they take down their prey.

Introduces young readers to some of the stealthiest camouflaged animals in the natural world and asks them to seek out these animals hiding in plain sight.

Animals have evolved a wide range of defenses to keep them safe from other animals that want to eat them. This volume explores the many defenses animals employ to protect themselves, including porcupine quills, insect stingers, and the flying hooves of zebras. Through full-color photographs and fun facts that accompany the fascinating and informative text, readers will learn how animals use their unique designs to survive another day. Sidebars provide...

"Engaging images accompany information about disgusting animals. The combination of high-interest subject matter and light text is intended for students in grades 2 through 7"--

"With big eyes and ears and colorful bodies, a lot of creatures in nature look very cute. But don't be fooled by their adorable appearance. When provoked, these animals can easily injure or kill a person. Their defense mechanisms like poison and sharp teeth and claws can turn them from darling to deadly. Get ready to discover some of the world's cutest killers"--