Caitlind L. Alexander

It has over 160 rooms, 40 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, but only one shower. It has stairs that lead to the ceiling, and doors that, when stepped through, will drop you a story or more. It has 10,000 windows, a number of which are placed on inside walls, including a stained glass window made by one of the most expensive companies in the world, Tiffany. This is the Winchester Mystery House, the house built by spirits; and here is the story of how it came to be.

The House Built by Ghosts

Have you ever seen a ray? Sting rays, manta rays, and devil rays are all cousins who live in the ocean. How much do you know about these strange winged creatures? Do you know: What do rays eat? What is a mermaid’s purse? What do a ray’s teeth look like? How big is the largest ray? Find out what a ray looks like, where it lives, what it eats, what eats it, how babies are born, and other fun facts. Ages 7 to 10. All measurements in American and metric. This Educational Version includes activities designed to reinforce Common Core Curriculum Standards. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

Educational Version

Rays and Skates: Pancakes of the Sea

Jeannie Meekins

Was Mercury bigger in the past? How did Venus change the way people saw the world? What is happening to Mount Everest, the highest place on Earth? Does Mars have seasons? Is there a surface to the planet Jupiter? Who discovered Saturn’s rings? What is strange about the way Uranus spins? What is the coldest place in our solar system? (Hint: It isn’t the planet,) Learn the answer to these questions and many more fun facts in this group of eight 15-Minute Books. The planets of our solar system have many strange and wonderful things about them. Surprise your friends, and even your parents with these fun facts. This compilation includes the following 15-minute books: 14 Fun Facts About Mercury 14 Fun Facts About Venus 14 Fun Facts About Earth 14 Fun Facts About Mars 14 Fun Facts About Jupiter 14 Fun Facts About Saturn 14 Fun Facts About Uranus 14 Fun Facts About Neptune LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

A Set of Eight 15-Minute Books

101 Fun Facts (And More) About the Planets

Animal teeth are often very different from our own. They are not only shaped differently, they also work differently. Here are some strange things scientists have discovered about animal teeth. What animal has the strongest bite force of any mammal? What do lemurs use your teeth for? What is strange about the water deer’s teeth? How much would a single mammoth tooth weigh? What color are a beaver’s teeth? Who has the biggest teeth of any land animal? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this fun 15-minute book about animal teeth. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

A 15-Minute Book

14 Fun Facts About Animal Teeth

How many Earth years does it take to make one Saturn year? Do we know more about the planet Saturn or about its rings and moons? How many moons does Saturn have? How heavy is Saturn? Who discovered Saturn’s rings? Learn the answer to these questions and many more fun facts in this 15-Minute Book. Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun. It sits between Jupiter and Uranus. Scientists don’t know much about Saturn, but here are some things that they do know. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

14 Fun Facts About Saturn

A badger is an animal. It looks like a cross between a skunk and a dog. They have a long nose. They use it to stick into holes they have dug. This lets them reach the insects they find underground. Badgers have a funny looking face. It is mostly black, but has white stripes. That helps them to hide in the nighttime shadows. Find out more about this amazing animal and learn the answers to these questions: What was badger fur used for? Can a badger spray like a skunk? How fast can a badger dig a hole? How fast can a badger run? How many doors do badger burrows have? Learn what a badger looks like, where it lives, what it eats, what eats it, how babies are born, and other fun facts. Ages 7 - 10 Reading Level 3.9 All measurements in American and metric. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

Badgers: Ready For a Fight

When we got to the end of the street, we tried to think of where to go trick or treating next. “I think we should go to Cedar Street,” Carrie said. “Why Cedar Street?” I asked. “Those are small houses, not rich ones.” “Yeah,” Carrie answered. “But they are close together. We can hit more houses in less time.” I had to admit she had a point. “OK,” I agreed with her. Suddenly I saw a lane branching off from the end of the turn-around. “What’s that?” I asked. Carrie stared at it in the darkness. The lane quickly disappeared into a mass of trees. “There’s a sign,” she said. “And there’s a light on the sign,” I added. “And a pumpkin decoration beneath it!” We hurried forward. “Wrong Way Round Hall,” she read. Find out what happens to these two brave trick or treaters in this creepy tale of horror. Ages 9 and up. Educational Versions Include exercises designed to meet Common Core Standards. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

Wrong Way Round Hall: A Scary 15-Minute Ghost Story

When we got to the end of the street, we tried to think of where to go trick or treating next. “I think we should go to Cedar Street,” Carrie said. “Why Cedar Street?” I asked. “Those are small houses, not rich ones.” “Yeah,” Carrie answered. “But they are close together. We can hit more houses in less time.” I had to admit she had a point. “OK,” I agreed with her. Suddenly I saw a lane branching off from the end of the turn-around. “What’s that?” I asked. Carrie stared at it in the darkness. The lane quickly disappeared into a mass of trees. “There’s a sign,” she said. “And there’s a light on the sign,” I added. “And a pumpkin decoration beneath it!” We hurried forward. “Wrong Way Round Hall,” she read. Find out what happens to these two brave trick or treaters in this creepy tale of horror. Ages 9 and up. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

A Twisted 15-Minute Ghost Story

Wrong Way Round Hall

This book is a shortened version of our popular “Reindeer: Nomads of the North” and is intended for beginning readers. With only 1234 easy to read words, young children can experience for themselves the joy of learning about the reindeer. They will find out the answers to these questions: What is the difference between a caribou and a reindeer? Why are a reindeer’s hairs hollow? What sound do reindeer make when they walk? Do female reindeer have antlers? How big can a reindeer herd get to be? And many more! Ages 5-8 Reading Level: 2.0 LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

A 15-Minute Book for Early Readers

Meet the Reindeer

Icebergs can be fascinating things. They are fresh water, floating islands of ice. Some of them are big enough to hold 100 football stadiums, or more. They can be a danger to passing ships and wildlife that gets trapped on them. They drift along with the currents, melting as they make their way toward warmer waters, and their slow death. Do you know: Why do icebergs float? What is the underwater part of an iceberg called? How old is the air trapped in some icebergs? What is a growler? How big was the biggest iceberg ever recorded? Find out the answers to these questions and more and amaze your family and friends with these fun facts. Ages 8 and up. All measurements in American and metric. Reading Level: 6.4 Learning Island believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

14 Fun Facts About Icebergs

She stands in New York Harbor, lifting her light to the world. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of the United States of America. Many people know some things about her, but how much do you know? Do you know: What is the Statue of Liberty’s real name? What was the Statue of Liberty originally used for? What was the first part of the Statue to be finished? Which is taller, the statue or the pedestal it stands on? How are the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty connected? And many more! Find out more about the Statue of Liberty and amaze your family and friends with these fun facts. The Educational Version has activities that meet Common Core Curriculum Standards. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

14 Fun Facts About the Statue of Liberty: A 15-Minute Book

"We will knock on your door when we are leaving so you can close up," the man in charge told Dicey. "You may go to bed now." "Yes, sir," Dicey said. "Let me just take care of the fire in the kitchen." She gave the man a curtsy, then turned and went to the kitchen. Dicey hated the British. Dicey and her family wanted America to be free. It was 1780 and the Revolutionary war had been going on for four years. Her father's house was one of the larger houses in the area. That was why the British men decided to meet there. They thought they could use whatever house they wanted. Dicey added wood to the fire, then headed toward her bedroom. As she passed by the room the men were meeting in, she heard them talking. Find out what Dicey hears and how she saves her brothers from the Bloody Scouts in this exciting 15-minute book. Ages 7 and up. Reading level 2.5 This book is part of our "Heroes in History" series. These 15-minute books focus on a specific moment in a historic person's life. Aimed at second graders, they provide the perfect introduction to famous Americans in an exciting, fun-to-read way. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

A 15-Minute Heroes in History Book

Dicey Langston and the Bloody Scouts

The ship came into the harbor, running full out in front of a storm. No one thought she’d make it, but she did. But then the town discovered that there was no one on board. She was called the Providence. It was a fitting name, for she brought Providence to our town, and much, much more to the widow Mabel Priory. Read this short, but creepy tale to find out what Mabel did with this ghostly ship. Ages 9 and up. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

A Scary 15-Minute Ghost Story

Ghost Ship on the Cay

Francis was nervous. He had a big job ahead of him. He was on a boat in the harbor at Baltimore. Here it was September 13, 1813 and the war of 1812 was still going on. Francis looked out into the harbor. It was filled with British ships. On one of those ships was a prisoner. The man's name was Dr. William Beanes. Find out how this adventure leads to the writing of our national anthem. RL: 2.7

Francis Scott Key and the Star Spangled Banner

Emily knew she shouldn't listen in, but her father was talking to a soldier. She couldn't help it. They were talking about the war! Now that the Revolutionary War was on, she had to learn all that she could. After all, she was her father's child. He was very patriotic. "General Rawdon is going to leave Fort Ninety-Six," the soldier sad. "He will take his men to the south. He will leave a few men there to make it look like the fort is still busy." This is the best time for us to attack. But we do not have enough men. We need to get word to General Sumter! He needs to send help!" "No one will take the message?" Emily's father asked. "No one. General Greene even offered extra pay to any soldier willing to take it. No one will." "If only I were not so ill," her father said. "I would take it." With that, the soldier left. "It would be a dangerous ride for a soldier," Emily thought. "But they would never suspect a woman." Emily thought about it. The more she thought, the braver she got. She could take the message. She could help win the war for independence! Find out how Emily carries the message, and what happens when she is caught by the British in this exciting 15-minute book. Ages 7 and up. Reading level 2.5 This book is part of our "Heroes in History" series. These 15-minute books focus on a specific moment in a historic person's life. Aimed at second graders, they provide the perfect introduction to famous Americans in an exciting, fun-to-read way. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

The Escape of Emily Geiger

It towers over the Paris skyline and is one of the most recognized monuments in the world. The Eiffel Tower has a storied past and has served its city well as a worldwide ambassador. How much do you know about this monument? Do you know the answers to these questions? What is the Eiffel Tower’s nickname? How many pieces of iron make up the Eiffel Tower? Why was the Eiffel Tower built? The names of how many men are engraved on the Eiffel Tower? How many women’s names are on the Eiffel Tower? Is it legal to publish a picture of the Eiffel Tower when it is lit? How much does the Eiffel Tower sway in the wind? Find out more about the Eiffel Tower and amaze your family and friends with these fun facts. Ages 8 and up. All measurements in American and metric. The Educational Version has activities that meet Common Core Curriculum Standards. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

14 Fun Facts About the Eiffel Tower: A 15-Minute Book

It towers over the Paris skyline and is one of the most recognized monuments in the world. The Eiffel Tower has a storied past and has served its city well as a worldwide ambassador. How much do you know about this monument? Do you know the answers to these questions? What is the Eiffel Tower’s nickname? How many pieces of iron make up the Eiffel Tower? Why was the Eiffel Tower built? The names of how many men are engraved on the Eiffel Tower? How many women’s names are on the Eiffel Tower? Is it legal to publish a picture of the Eiffel Tower when it is lit? How much does the Eiffel Tower sway in the wind? Find out more about the Eiffel Tower and amaze your family and friends with these fun facts. Ages 8 and up. All measurements in American and metric. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

A 15-Minute book

14 Fun Facts About the Eiffel Tower

Hi. I’m Cubby the lion. I’m king of the jungle. Well, OK. Right now I’m only a few months old so I guess I’m just a prince. But give me some time. In two more years I’ll be full grown and ready to rule! Here I am hanging around outside the den. That’s my brother on the left. Lion mothers have two to four cubs every other year. Lots of times they just have three. This year my mom just had me and Snot Nose there. That’s not his real name, but that’s what I call him. Little brothers can be such a pain; and he is my LITTLE brother. I was born five whole minutes before he was. Meet Cubby and learn of what life is like for a young lion in Africa. Ages 7 to 10. Educational Versions include exercises designed to meet Common Core standards. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

I'm Cubby the Lion: A 15-Minute Book

“You guys have to help me!” Megan said as she raced up to Kendall and Jamie. “Luda is going to kill me!” “What’s wrong?” Jamie and Kendall asked together. “I lost Gracie,” Megan wailed. “I can’t find her anywhere!” See if you can solve this 15-minute mystery before the Brodericks do. Similar to the old Encyclopedia Brown series, kids get to test their wits and powers of observation against our detectives. These books help kids learn the vital skills of logic and attention to detail in a fun, easy way. Ages 8 and up. Educational Versions include exercises designed to meet Common Core standards. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books also work well as hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

The Case of the Cowering Cat: A 15-Minute Brodericks Mystery

“Hey, can you help me,” he said to Kendall. “Jack Washington just stole my jeans and my mom is going to kill me if I don’t bring them home.” “Not Jack Washington, again” Jamie said. Jack was the neighborhood bully. He was always trying to take things from the other kids. But how could they prove it? See if you can solve this 15-minute mystery before the Brodericks do. Similar to the old Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, these short mysteries give kids all the clues they need to solve the mystery, before revealing the answer on the last page, helping kids learn common sense and attention to detail. Ages 8 and up. LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books also work well as hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.

Caitlind L. Alexander

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