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A Kidnapped Santa Claus
by L. Frank Baum"A Kidnapped Santa Claus" is a Christmas-themed short story written by L. Frank Baum, famous as the creator of the Land of Oz; it has been called "one of Baum's most beautiful stories" and constitutes an influential contribution to the mythology of Christmas. <P> <P> Try as they might, the Daemons of the Caves could not tempt old Santa Claus in any way. Quite the contrary, his cheery laughter disconcerted the evil ones and showed to them the folly of their undertaking. It's well known that no harm can come to Santa Claus while he is in the Laughing Valley, for the fairies, and ryls, and knooks all protect him. But on Christmas Eve he drives his reindeer out into the big world, carrying a sleighload of toys and pretty gifts to the children. Christmas Eve is the one time when his enemies have a chance to injure him. So the Daemons made their plans and awaited the arrival of Christmas Eve. Santa bridled his reindeer to the sleigh, and took to the air -- when suddenly a strange thing happened: a rope shot through the moonlight and a big noose that was in the end of it settled over the arms and body of Santa Claus and drew tight. Before he could resist or even cry out he was jerked from the seat of the sleigh and tumbled head foremost into a snowbank, while the reindeer rushed onward with the load of toys and carried it quickly out of sight and sound. Such a surprising experience confused old Santa for a moment, and when he had collected his senses he found that the wicked Daemons had pulled him from the snowdrift and bound him tightly with many coils of the stout rope. And then they carried the kidnapped Santa Claus away to their mountain, where they thrust the prisoner into a secret cave and chained him to the rocky wall so that he could not escape.
The Life and Perambulations of a Mouse
by Dorothy KilnerDuring a remarkably severe winter, when a prodigious fall of snow confined everybody to their habitations, who were happy enough to have one to shelter them from the inclemency of the season, and were hot obliged by business to expose themselves to its rigour, I was on a visit to Meadow Hall; where had assembled likewise a large party of young folk, who all seemed, by their harmony and good humour, to strive who should the most contribute to render pleasant that confinement which we were all equally obliged to share. Nor were those further advanced in life less anxious to contribute to the general satisfaction and entertainment. After the more serious employment of reading each morning was concluded, we danced, we sung, we played at blind-man's-buff, battledore and shuttlecock, and many other games equally diverting and innocent; and when tired of them, drew our seats round the fire, while each one in turn told some merry story to divert the company.
My Father's Dragon
by Ruth Stiles GannettWhen Elmer Elevator hears about the plight of an overworked and underappreciated baby flying dragon, he stows away on a ship and travels to Wild Island to rescue the dragon.<P><P> A Newbery Honor book
CK-12 Biology I - Honors
by Ck-12 FoundationCK-12 Foundation's Biology 1- Honors FlexBook Covers the following chapters:<P><P> Foundations of Life Science- scientific investigations, methods, observations, & communication.<P> Chemical Basis of Life- matter, the significance of carbon, lipids, proteins.<P> Cell Structure and Function- prokaryotic, eukaryotic, plant, & animal cell features; structures / functions of DNA, RNA, protein, cell transport, homeostasis.<P> Photosynthesis- water, carbon, and nitrogen cycle between abiotic and biotic resources.<P> Cellular Respiration- relation to glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, electron transport chain.<P> Cell Division and Reproduction- cell division, reproduction.<P> Mendelian Genetics- inheritance, sex-linked traits.<P> Molecular Genetics- DNA, RNA, protein synthesis, mutation, regulating gene expression.<P> Human Genetics- human genome, diseases, Biotechnology- DNA technology, gene cloning.<P> History of Life- evolution, macroevolution, extinctions, episodic speciation, response to change.<P> Evolutionary Theory- Darwin's Theory of Evolution, common ancestry and natural selection.<P> Evolution in Populations- genetics of populations, genetic diseases, natural selection.<P> Classification- Taxonomy, scientific classification of organisms.<P> Principles of Ecology- Ecology's relation with energy; ecosystems, the water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles.<P> Biomes, Ecosystems and Communities- terrestrial/ aquatic biomes, community interactions.<P> Populations- Analysis of populations and dynamics.<P> Ecology and Human Actions- Balance between humans and the earth addressing natural resources, ecosystems, & biodiversity.<P> The Human Body- systems.<P> Nervous and Endocrine Systems- structures & functions, homeostasis.<P> Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary Systems- structures, functions, & homeostasis.<P> Circulatory and Respiratory Systems- structures and functions.<P> Digestive and Excretory Systems- structures/ functions, food pyramid.<P> Immune System and Disease- Body defenses against pathogens.<P> Reproductive System and Human Development- human reproductive systems, reproductive lifecycle, STDs.
The Velveteen Rabbit
by Margery WilliamsMargery Williams’s magical nursery tale of a stuffed rabbit and his quest to become real Christmas morning, the room filled with the hustle and bustle of preparation, a rabbit stitched of velveteen sits perched on top of the little boy’s stocking. Those first two hours are the best of the young rabbit’s life: filled with hugs and play. But like most children, the boy is fickle and easily distracted—after Christmas morning, the Velveteen Rabbit is forgotten. Shy and intimidated by the new mechanical toys who sneer at him for being simple, the sawdust-filled rabbit sits quietly at the top of the toy closet, aching to be loved the way he was that wonderful Christmas morning. He’s soon taken in by the wise old Skin Horse, who sets him straight on the way to become real. It’s not about expensive mechanisms or shiny paint jobs. No, becoming real is all about the unadulterated love of a child. The Velveteen Rabbit is a timeless story about the importance of love, honesty, and friendship. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth GrahameThe classic story of Mole, Rat, Toad, Badger and the wonderful adventures they share As spring begins to bloom across the countryside, so too does Mole’s desire to leave his underground home and venture into the wilds above. His journey delivers him to the banks of a river—the first Mole has ever seen—and to the blue-and-white boat captained by Rat. Their camaraderie sparked, Mole and Rat continue into the Wild Wood, meeting up with the cantankerous Badger and the impulsive Toad. No stranger to calamity, Toad and his reckless habits—including a tendency toward spectacular car crashes—will get the four friends into heaps of trouble, but their steadfast loyalty to one another always sees them through.The Wind in the Willows is a charming, unforgettable ode to friendship and one of the most cherished children’s stories of all time. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.
the first dog
by Jan BrettKip the Cave Boy offers to share all his woolly rhino ribs if Paleowolf will use his keen nose, fine ears, and sharp eyes to keep Kip from being eaten up. When Paleowolf agrees with a bark and a wag of his tail, Kip names his new friend Dog.
Birds and Bees, Sharp Eyes and Other Papers
by John BurroughsFrom the Biographical Sketch:<P> "Probably no other American writer has a greater sympathy with, and a keener enjoyment of, country life in all its phases--farming, camping, fishing, walking--than has John Burroughs. His books are redolent of the soil, and have such "freshness and primal sweetness," that we need not be told that the pleasure he gets from his walks and excursions is by no means over when he steps inside his doors again. As he tells us on more than one occasion, he finds he can get much more out of his outdoor experiences by thinking them over, and writing them out afterwards."<P> Mary E. Burt
