'Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light' writes Francis Scott Key as he and a curious little possum witness the historical attack on Fort McHenry by Great Britain. Join Opie and the boy on a patriotic adventure as they fight to help America to win its independence during the War of 1812.

“Librarians often say that every book is not for every child, but The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp is” (The New York Times). Meet Bingo and J’miah, raccoon brothers on a mission to save Sugar Man Swamp in this rollicking tale and National Book Award Finalist from Newbery Honoree Kathi Appelt. Raccoon brothers Bingo and J’miah are the newest recruits of the Official Sugar Man Swamp Scouts. The opportunity to serve the Sugar Man—the massive creature who delights in delicious sugar cane and magnanimously rules over the swamp—is an honor, and also a big responsibility, since the rest of the swamp critters rely heavily on the intel of these hardworking Scouts. Twelve-year-old Chap Brayburn is not a member of any such organization. But he loves the swamp something fierce, and he’ll do anything to help protect it. And help is surely needed, because world-class alligator wrestler Jaeger Stitch wants to turn Sugar Man swamp into an Alligator World Wrestling Arena and Theme Park, and the troubles don’t end there. There is also a gang of wild feral hogs on the march, headed straight toward them all. The Scouts are ready. All they have to do is wake up the Sugar Man. Problem is, no one’s been able to wake that fellow up in a decade or four… Newbery Honoree and Kathi Appelt’s story of care and conservation has received five starred reviews, was selected as a National Book Award finalist, and is funny as all get out and ripe for reading aloud.

Personal observations and experiences with wildlife in her home territory of Indiana, where "Old Bill" taught her woodlore and guncraft, and where she raised a family or orphaned squirrels.

Comments from Kids of All Ages It is a Rare and Admirable Educational Effort" Ms. Ramona Van Riper *President*National Turkey Vulture Society "A fun kid's book and you learn a lot about owls" Allison*Age10*Grade 5*Virginia "Gaylord the Prairie Dog is tooo cute" Geri*Age 62 yrs*Office Manager*California "Albert the Wood Duck is funny and cool, I really liked Albert" Willie*Age 13 yrs*7th Grade*Florida "Great Story-Good Facts" Bob*Age 54*Minister*Wisconsin "I was thoroughly "Edu-Tained" by the wonderful stories of Professor Birdbrain" Joanna*Teacher/Educator *www.mothernaturelive.com*California "I Think the story is full of facts and that it is a great story" Mathew*Age 8 yrs*Grade 38*Virginia "Professor Birbrain's creation and development of Edu-Tainment is an important contribution to educational literature" Daniel*Age 59 *Recycling Plant Manager*Minnesota