One of the most popular Winter Olympic sports in the world, figure skating's appeal lies in its combination of gymnastic grace, athletic accuracy, and creative expression — all with a hint of drama!

Both women and men, as singles and in pairs, have thrilled as competitors in this sport. Now their mysteries and histories are explored in the fifth installment of the highly successful How Sports Work series. How Figure Skating Works has facts, figures, and fun for everyone — from the rookies of the rink all the way up to the triumphant triple lutzers. Unique insider information includes the science behind a figure skate?s special design, a catalogue of the most inventive (and strangest) moves, stories of Olympic judging and score-keeping, and the secrets behind some of the greatest partnerships and rivalries in skating. Plus, "Quick Answers to Speedy Questions" sidebars explain all things figure skating, "Legends on Ice" profiles introduce young fans to some of the most inspirational skaters in history, and the "Rules and Regs" section at the back of the book provides all the terms and need-to-know information to make every reader a master of figure skating basics.

Ages 8-12

Think you know everything there is to know about hockey?

Here's a whole new look at Canada's favourite sport: from the perspective of science. Newly revised and updated with the latest NHL rules, How Hockey Works was first published in 2002 in the How Sports Work series.

Fully illustrated and in a format that matches the proportions of an ice rink, How Hockey Works explains all the basics. Along with a glossary and a "Rules & Regs" section are inspiring stories from professional men's and women's hockey.

"Even after spending 15 years as a player in the NHL, I gained new insights from reading How Hockey Works. This book will score with fans and players alike." — Ron Ellis, Hockey Hall of Fame

"A colourful, informative book packed with hockey history, science and trivia." — Calgary Herald

Ages 8-12

For something so familiar, music remains mysterious to many of us, but the truth is, the world of music-making is closer to all of us than ever before. Computers come with recording programs. Internet pages like MySpace allow for immediate circulation of your own songs. Sometimes all that separates us from realizing the potential of our own musical creativity is a little extra know-how. Learn to Speak Music helps kids learn the simplicity of this universal language by exposing every aspect of how music is made. And it's about more than just picking up an instrument. From songwriting and artwork to shooting a video and setting up a practice space, every nook and cranny of the world of popular music is explored. Learn to Speak Music includes tips for buying your first instrument and setting up your own gig, secrets of home recording, plus advice from pros like Feist and MTVA-nominated video director Christopher Mills. Whether for a seasoned young musician or merely a curious pop culture vulture, Learn to Speak Music is a chance for kids to see the world of music as never before.

Ages 9-13.

Bring back the nostalgic games of yesterday — with modern interpretations! The Pocket Guide to Games revives the tradition of game playing without computers, joysticks, boards, or game pieces. All you need for these games can be purchased at the local super centre, big box, or hardware store. With tools such as balls, beanbags, broomsticks and ropes, parents and teachers can organize dozens of hours of fun and challenging activities for parties, summer camps, neighbourhood gatherings and school groups. For all ages, from elementary children to grandparents. Includes active games and quiet games in a range of variations: counting-out, choosing sides, who's it? and feats and forfeits.

Sample games include Bull in the Ring (circle game), Cross Tag (chase), Do This, Do That (imitating), Kaleidoscope (colours), Lady of the Land (drama), Old Buzzard (drama), Potato Race (individual competition), Shadow Tag (sunny day), Wink (circle game), Cat Party (a word game), Harlequin Wrestle (balance), Fetch and Carry (bean bags), Spooning (blindfold), Dodgeball, Poison and Hide the Thimble.

Abracadabra ! Hocus-pocus! Allakazam! Happis crappis!

Say it together now — magic! Take a peek inside the magician's secret wardrobe to discover the tricks of the trade, the tales of derring-do, and the people who made the magic happen.

Demystifying the mystical is the popular, raucous, ready-to-trick-his-own-mother Bart King! But what, you may ask, can Bart do? He can show the ways of the most secretive magicians in the world.

This guide includes ways to:

• Improve street cred with sneaky tricks.
• Discover how some of the most popular illusions were created.
• Saw a woman in half and then swallow the sword.

Not sure how to give a wedgie? From the author of The Big Book of Boy Stuff and The Big Book of Girl Stuff, lauded as "a comedic compendium" by the Ottawa Citizen, here's the ultimate how-to for the budding prankster in all of us.

Many of the greatest leaders and geniuses in history were also mischief makers. These were the people who had the courage to point out that things like slavery, global warming and turtleneck sweaters were bad. Their large-scale hoaxes and practical jokes include the Boston Tea Party, the "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast and the Cheese Whiz Disaster of 2008. Paying homage to these brave men and women, The Pocket Guide to Mischief includes sections on Careers in Mischief and Mischief Makers Hall of Shame.

Worried about being nice? The Pocket Guide to Mischief also has a section on Excuses, Apologies and Etiquette, while the "mischief-makers credo" promises not to damage property or hurt anyone with a prank. More practically, instructions are given on complex skills such as becoming a world-class complainer, selecting an appropriate target and handling a rubber chicken. And who can resist the "stuff to gross people out" or taking the smart aleck quiz? With The Pocket Guide to Mischief, it's all in good fun.

With the trademark humour of award-winning author Helaine Becker (Boredom Blasters, Science on the Loose)  and the wit and skill of illustrator Steve Attoe comes a unique history of human innovation. Using "The Big Six," Becker shows how life-changing, earth-shattering inventions fit into human beings' desire to fill six basic needs: food, security, shelter, companionship, good health, and the need to make tasks easier.

What's the Big Idea? takes an in-depth look at 32 of our most important inventions and tells the story of how one invention led to the next. From the wheel to the spinning wheel, the alphabet to the printing press, steel to steam engines, and parachutes to...diapers?! For each invention, a "Big Idea" sidebar answers the question "why this invention and why now?" Plus, inventor biographies grant glimpses into the lives of geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Bill Gates, and a host of others. What's next in the exciting world of innovation? And where will it ever end?

Ages 8-12.

The bestselling Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook series has been providing adults with help—and humour—for years. Finally, younger readers can also benefit from the best of the worst!

The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Junior Edition is packed with funny, kid-friendly instructions on how to handle all sorts of situations at school, at home, outdoors and beyond. Learn how to outwit a nosy sibling, survive a family road trip and clean up your room in just 10 minutes. Also discover the best way to deal with a school dance and recover when you trip and fall in the middle of the cafeteria! With an appendix that includes lists of useful schoolyard comebacks, handy and true excuses, and a sibling room-sharing contract, The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Junior Edition is truly required reading to get through the minefield commonly known as childhood.

Blocky or small. Thick or tall.
Roundish, slope-y, fancy or dopey.
Letters look different in all different places.
That's because they have different typefaces.

From an alligator made of aaa's to a zebra made of zzz's, the alphabeasties in this book are ingeniously built out of multiple typefaces. Adults and children will be engaged and delighted with the flaps, which lift to reveal "beasties" for each letter of the alphabet.

Colourful pictures and simple rhyming texts help children guess what's peeking through the die-cut windows in these two fun board books. Each book has alternating spreads which begin with the phrases "Ready, Set" or "Peek-a," with the artwork providing visual clues to what rhyming word will complete the phrase. The anticipation of what's hiding on the next page and the engaging illustrations will keep youngsters guessing and giggling all the way to the surprise endings.