Brett Ortler – författare

It’s amazing, outrageous, unbelievable . . . it’s Minnesota!Minnesota may be known for Paul Bunyan and hot dish, but there’s so much more to the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Did you know that pirates once prowled the Great Lakes or that a series of grasshopper plagues struck the state in the 1800s? From our quirky roadside attractions and odd museums to Lake Superior and the state’s wild weather, this book features the fascinating, funny and strange side of Minnesota.Book FeaturesEntertaining, silly and often surprising facts about everything MinnesotaInformation arranged by topics, such as Weather & Winter, Quirky Minnesota and Minnesota DisastersSmall blocks of text and full-color photos for pleasurable browsingDozens of little-known tidbits that you’ll have to read to believe!

Fireflies: Summertime Magic!Watching fireflies is a summertime tradition. Bring back those childhood memories as you learn more about these delightful insects.Fun facts about fireflies, such as the different flashing patterns for various speciesSimple projects so you can share your firefly fascination with the next generation.Engaging text that explains the science behind fireflies, including how they light up

Keep Mosquitoes Away!Everyone’s had a summer evening ruined by mosquitoes. Learn what really works to prevent that irritation. Fun and easy to read, this book by Brett Ortler contains everything you need to understand— and avoid—mosquitoes.A review of CDC-recommended repellents and productsA rundown of junk products, superstitions and other “repellents” that don’t workA simple introduction to the science of mosquitoesA review of mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria and West Nile virusAmazing mosquito-related facts: Did you know that the U.S. military issued mosquito-related propaganda during World War II? One of the artists they hired was none other than Dr. Seuss.

Start Ship Watching on the Great Lakes Today!Ship watching on the Great Lakes is fascinating! It’s hard to fathom how big a 1000-foot-long ship is until you see one navigating on the Great Lakes or passing under a lift bridge. Immediate questions come to mind:Where is it from? What is it carrying? How fast does it go? What do all those ship markings mean? Why did it blast its whistle?With this beginner’s guide by Brett Ortler, you’ll discover:helpful tips on where to go to view ships and what to look forhow to spot a “laker” vs. a “saltie”a longtime mariner’s take on life aboard shipwhich ships have succumbed to stormsinformation about the U.S. Coast Guard, tall ships, Canadian ships and more

Learn the Basics of Animal Tracks!Kids are curious about the natural world, and few discoveries stir theircuriosity more than animal tracks. It’s a thrill to come upon mysterioustracks and learn what critter made them. The Animal Tracks Activity Book by takes those feelings of wonder and delight to the next level. It’s the perfectintroduction to some of the country’s most common and interestingmammals, highlighting their tracks with coloring pages and activities.Features:Coloring pagesMazesDot-to-dotsWord finds

Whether you're a long-suffering resident or a new transplant, welcome! First things first, you're going to be cold. But that doesn't mean you have to be miserable. Far from it! Buy this book to get prepared and learn. The book features need-to-know information, including winter driving, winterizing your home, snow emergencies and more. Winter weather basics introduce what to expect month-by-month and winter records, as well as details about winter meteorological and atmospheric phenomena, such as sun dogs and sun pillars. Like it or not, winter is coming. This fun book will show you how to actually enjoy it!

Many children grow up dreaming about becoming an astronaut and exploring outer space. Utilize that fascination to introduce them to the wonders of space exploration. Brett Ortler presents an interactive activity book that's as educational as it is entertaining! Through coloring pages by Phil Juliano, word finds, mazes and more, young space lovers will discover fascinating facts about everything from astronauts and spaceships to stars and planets. Your children will never view outer space the same way again! Book Features: Outer-space-related illustrations to color Entertaining activities for children of all ages Engaging information about astronauts, space exploration and the solar system Color-by-number, dot-to-dots, secret codes and more!

Why settle for less? Utilize educational content tailor-made for your part of the country, and introduce children to nature in the Midwest.National workbooks are great—but regional content is even better! The Midwest encompasses 12 states, and it features four distinct seasons. Focus on the habitats, plants, and animals found here.Written by Brett Ortler, a naturalist from the region, the Backyard Science & Discovery Workbook: Midwest does what other workbooks can’t: It gets specific about climate, geography, state symbols, weather, and especially birds, fungi, insects, minerals, trees, wildflowers, and so much more. With over 20 simple, fun introductions to scientific subjects—like astronomy and geology—it gets children excited about nature in their own backyard and teaches them to love and protect the great outdoors. More than a dozen activities help kids to make hypotheses, experiment, and observe. The 19 hands-on science projects—such as raising native caterpillars, making mushroom spore prints, and attracting moths with an ultraviolet light—put students in control of their own learning!You never know what your children will uncover in their outdoor classroom. Every day is a little treasure hunt. If they keep good records and share what they find, their observations can even help scientists learn more about nature in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. So get the Backyard Science & Discovery Workbook: Midwest, and get started on a lifetime of discovery.Regional workbooks are better:Introduction to the Midwest’s geography, plants and animals, and biologyActivities specific to your part of the countryFun hands-on projects that spark wonder Regionally accurate information about agriculture, invasive species, weather records, and more

Get to know Minnesota like never before with this collection of facts and stories that explore the state’s history and culture, including funny, weird, and wild moments.If you think you know Minnesota, think again! Of course, there are the 10,000+ lakes, the Twin Cities, and the legendary winters—but did you know that winter surfing—yes, surfing—is a pastime for a hardy few on Lake Superior? How about that Minnesotans have won 2 of the 15 Nobel Prizes for Literature awarded to Americans? Have you heard about the giant troll statues found in the woods near Detroit Lakes? Curious & Fascinating Facts: Minnesota is your guide to everything you ever wanted to know about the North Star State and plenty of information that you never knew you needed to know!Written by Minnesota author Brett Ortler and packed with hundreds of facts—including the weird, wild, and wonderfully unexpected—this book is perfect for the campfire, road trips, family games, trivia night, or quiet reading time. It goes beyond a history lesson—it’s a journey through Minnesota’s arts, culture, natural wonders, and so much more.Test your knowledge with topics like these:Rundown of our wild winter weather, including the infamous 1991 Halloween BlizzardWild encounters with wolves, moose—and some impressive state-record fishPaul Bunyan legends and other larger-than-life storiesFamous Minnesotans, from directors and actors to Nobel Prize-winning writersWhether you’re a proud resident or a visitor who loves quirky facts, prepare to explore Minnesota—one fascinating fact at a time!

Kids love dinosaurs and coloring books. The Dinosaur Discovery Activity Book combines these interests to create an amazing educational tool! Your budding paleontologist will learn important details about 23 species, including famous dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus Rex and "non-dinosaurs" like Mosasaur. Dinosaur coloring pages present facts such as how big the creatures were, what they ate, and where their fossils have been found. Plus, activities like mazes, word finds, and dot-to-dots reinforce the information in unique and creative ways.