Linda Tagliaferro

Plant Life Cycles
My six books for preschoolers through first grade explain a wealth of information in simple terms. Children learn about the fascinating life cycles of sunflowers, oak trees, pine trees, carrots, beans and apple trees. Full color photographs of actual plants make it easy to follow along as plants evolve from tiny seed to fully grown vegetable or tree.

Biomes Series
"Explore The Rain Forest" and the other two books in the biomes became available in the fall of 2006. In these books, I describe the animals and plants that live in this exciting biome.

"Explore the Deciduous Forest" lets readers in third grade and above learn about forests with trees that turn bright colors in the fall.

"Explore the Tundra" tells readers about the plants and animals that have adapted to the harsh conditions of the cold north.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Decoding Your Genes
In my 400-page book, co-authored with biologist and educator Mark V. Bloom, PhD, I invite the reader to have fun and read this easy-to-understand layperson's guide to all the basics and the latest information on genetics, genetic engineering of plants and animals, cloning, DNA in the courts, gene therapy and much more. There are several chapters devoted to the controversial aspects of genetically engineered food, animals and even the patenting of genetic material.

I confess that the book is filled with puns like "Everybody into the Gene Pool!" and "The X in Sex" (all about the X and Y chromosomes.) But behind the fun and games, you'll learn more about genetics and genetic technologies than you ever imagined.

The Taj Mahal
With dramatic text and colorful photos and illustrations, my book tells young readers about the romance and grandeur of India's Taj Mahal.

Therapy Dogs
My book introduces young readers into the lives of troubled people who were brought peace and calm by their four-footed friends.

The Palace of Versailles
From the gleaming Hall of Mirrors to the elaborate manicured gardens of Versailles, the story of this amazing palace unfolds for young readers.

Service Dogs
When children and adults with physical challenges need everyday help, specially trained dogs retrieve shoes and socks, switch lights on and off,
and even help take clothes out of the dryer! Learn about these amazing, devoted animals and how they bring help to their human partners.

Animals and Their Homes series

Animals and Their Babies series
This series for K-3 includes:

- Baboons and Their Young

- Bears and Their Cubs

- Dogs and Their Puppies

- Robins and Their Chicks

The series is richly illustrated with beautiful photographs of each animal species and the cuddly babies that they care for.

Thomas Edison: Inventor of the Age of Electricity
"Thomas Edison" is a young adult biography of the acclaimed inventor. Edison amassed over 1,000 patents in his lifetime, including those for the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the first practical incandescent light bulb.

Learn about the private and public life of this great inventor.

Genetic Engineering: Progress or Peril?
GENETIC ENGINEERING may prove to be the most debated topic of our time. Scientists are now in a position to mix and match genes and create new life forms. This raises ethical, environmental, economic and religious concerns. Genetic engineering promises benefits in terms of increased food production, medical breakthroughs and even the possibility of enhancing human intelligence, physical beauty and strength. Opponents, however, feel that the dangers outweigh the benefits. They caution that we know too little about the technology and its long-term effects.

My book discusses these questions and more:

* Will genetic engineering bring about a new eugenics, broader in scope than the programs advocated in Nazi Germany?

* Is it ethical to engineer novel animals to be used as medicine "factories" or organ donors for humans?

* Is it safe to eat genetically engineered foods?

* Is cloning an ethical option for couples who cannot conceive?

For better or worse, genetic engineering will affect our future environment and food supply. It will change the way we think about medicine. The time to examine these issues is now. Only by understanding these unresolved concerns can we hope to develop this powerful scientific tool responsibly.

Destination New York
This book for young adults will take readers on a tour of the port of New York and New Jersey. Learn how products go in and out of the port today, and read about the history of New York City's fine natural harbor from its very beginnings.

Read about the first inhabitants of what is now New York City, and learn how the Europeans built up the area as a trading port.

Learn about foreign trade zones, the balance of trade, containerization and tariffs. This book is perfect for young adults seeking info for reports.

Polar Bears
As I said in my children's book, polar bears are cool animals. And it's not just because they're fun to learn about. Children ages 7 to 10 will enjoy reading fascinating facts about the largest members of the bear family. This book gives an in-depth look at these amazing animals while remaining accessible to early readers. There are lots of beautiful photos of these magnificent Arctic animals. "Polar Bears" is perfect for older kids seeking info for report writing, and as an intro to wildlife for new readers.

Galapagos Islands
Once known as the "Enchanted Islands," the Galapagos islands are home to spectacular sea- and land birds, unique reptiles, playful mammals and fascinating marine life forms that dazzle both tourists and scientists with their diversity and tameness.

Charles Darwin partially based his theory of natural selection on research in these islands. Learn about sea-going marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and other unique animals.

Will the unique species of flora and fauna in the islands survive the presence of humans? Can the native species adapt to the foreign plants and animals that people accientally introduce to the islands? Will established species be brought to the brink of extinction?

Learn about the delicate balance of nature in these islands, and find out what steps are being taken to help these islands remain the "living laboratory of evolution" that they have been for millenia.

Bruce Lee (A&E)
Bruce Lee remains the undisputed King of Kung Fu. My book tells about the man behind the legend. I include interviews I conducted with Bruce Lee's widow, as well as his many friends.

Puerto Rico
"Puerto Rico" is in Lerner Publications' Visual Geography Series and gives young adults solid information on the land and people of this lush, beautiful island. This book will give high school and junior high school students all the information they need to write an accurate report. It's also great for adults who want a quick but informative read on Puerto Rico's inhabitants and resources.