Reading on your own One moment, it is sunny and calm. The next moment, a whirling black funnel cloud touches down. Take cover! It’s a twister! This classic Step into Reading science title is brimming with facts about tornadoes and hurricanes. Whether kids are interested in the science of how they form, the history of famous storms, or offbeat stories like the tornado that picked up hundreds of fish and dropped them on a town, they’ll find it in Twisters!, now with all-new illustrations and photographs throughout.
Lucille Recht Penner Book order
Lucille Recht Penner is the author of many nonfiction books for children. Her engaging narratives and clear explanations invite young readers to explore the natural world. Through her work, she fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity about creatures both familiar and fantastical, making complex topics accessible and exciting.






- 2009
- 2001
Teddy Kramer, nicknamed "Slowpoke" for always being last, is determined to change his fate when his mother enters him in a race. This charming story follows his journey to become the fastest kid in town, introducing young readers to basic concepts of elapsed time through engaging narrative and vibrant illustrations.
- 2000
Clean-Sweep Campers
Fractions
In a humorous tale, eight messy bunkmates at camp face the challenge of dividing themselves into equal teams for cabin cleanup. Through their antics, the story introduces readers to the concept of fractions, making math engaging and relatable. The book features vibrant full-color illustrations, enhancing the learning experience while showcasing teamwork and problem-solving.
- 2000
Ice wreck
- 48 pages
- 2 hours of reading
A hundred years ago, Ernest Shackleton and his crew set out for the South Pole. They never made it. Within sight of land, the ship ran into dangerous waters filled with chunks of ice. Then the sea froze around them! There was no hope of rescue. Could Shackleton find a way to save himself and his men? “Well-written and packed with illustrations and photographs, this amazing tale of the will to survive under unthinkable circumstances will amaze kids and keep them glued to every page.”—Dallas Morning News“Shackleton’s heart-pounding expedition and rescue comes vividly to life in this beginning chapter book.”—BooklistLucille Recht Penner is the author of many nonfiction books for kids, including Dinosaur Babies, and Monster Bugs, in Random House’s Step into Reading program. Two of her titles were named Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor Books. The author lives in Tucson, AZ.
- 1997
Eating the Plates: A Pilgrim Book of Food and Manners
- 117 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Delving into the daily life of the Pilgrims, this engaging book presents their food, customs, and manners in a relatable manner. It features historical line drawings and vivid descriptions of food preparations, enhancing the reader's understanding of early American settlers. Quotations from contemporary writers provide additional context, making the historical experience both informative and enjoyable for young readers.
- 1996
Best-selling simplifier of science Lucille Recht Penner unearths the truth about the water bug which sucks its victims' blood like a vampire, the assassin bug which turns its prey to mush with a special poison, and other barbaric bugs. This vividly illustrated collection of sensational but true bug facts is sure to set young readers' skin crawling!
- 1994
Learn about how Pocahontas helped early Americans survive!Filled with suspense and historical details, here's a very young biography of the Powhatan Indian princess who played a vital role in early Colonial and Native American relations.
- 1991
Describes the characteristics and behavior of baby dinosaurs
- 1991
Describes the characteristics and behavior of baby dinosaurs. Also discusses dinosaur eggs and herding behavior
