Welcome the sights and sounds of the world with the Footprint Reading Library. This content-based reading series presents fascinating real-world stories in three formats: print, audio, and video from
A snake park in the Sultanate of Oman has a serious problem: all but one of their snakes have died. The owner of the park has hired a 'snake detective' to uncover the mystery of the dying snakes. Wh
Every year, the city of Shirone, Japan goes 'kite crazy' during a five-day local festival. In this highly competitive contest, teams fly kites and fight to force each other's kites from the sky. This
Humboldt squids, or 'Red Devils,' are the world's largest animal without a backbone. These sometimes dangerous creatures live in the deep waters of the Gulf of California. A researcher and professiona
The Arctic region of Canada is home to a huge depression in the earth called the Haughton Crater. A group of explorers has come to the area to explore the challenges expected when traveling to Mars. W
The first trip outside of a spacecraft, or 'spacewalk', was completed in 1965. Since then many astronauts have participated in spacewalks, but spacewalking does not come without its risks and challeng
People from all over the world love to visit a street in Barcelona, Spain called 'the Ramblas'. This walking-only street is centrally located and full of interesting artists, performers, and other ent
Every year, the city of Shirone, Japan goes 'kite crazy' during a five-day local festival. In this highly competitive contest, teams fly kites and fight to force each other's kites from the sky. This
In Shark Alley, South Africa, people often go underwater in protected environments to watch sharks in their natural surroundings. Some people believe this makes the sharks more violent. Others feel th
People often visit aquariums to see sea creatures in their natural environment, but in Baltimore, a local program brings aquarium exhibits to people. Local teenagers travel to schools and libraries t
Polar bears one of the largest and most dangerous hunters in the cold regions of the North. Their bodies are built for winter and they do best in the coldest areas. Unfortunately, polar bears are be
Farmers in India are having a serious problem. A local animal is eating their food. However, the farmers cannot hurt the animal because it has a special name. How can a name protect an animal? What wi
Most crocodiles live above ground but an unusual group of crocodiles in Africa lives underground, in caves. A team of scientists will go to Madagascar to learn more about these crocodiles. Will they
Archaeologists study old cities and buildings to learn about cultures and people. An archaeologist in Guatemala has searched for one city for twenty years. He thinks the buildings there may tell him a
There have been souks, or markets, in Middle Eastern and Arab cities for hundreds of years. People can buy food, clothes, shoes, and much more in them. But, there are no prices on the items. How are p
Ming is an artist from China who now lives and works in New York City. He teaches children in the public school system how to draw and paint. However, he also teaches them something else that's very i
Every year, over 500 cowboys and cowgirls gather in western Canada. They want to test their rodeo skills at the famous Calgary Stampede. This year, two cowboys intend to win one of the most exciting
Cheju, South Korea, is known for its traditional women divers. They have long dived into the ocean to look for seafood. It's dangerous, but there were no other jobs available. Now, women in Cheju have
Sanaa is a beautiful old city in the Middle East. In Sanaa, it is a tradition to carry beautiful knives, or tools, called 'jambiya'. An unusual animal called a 'rhinoceros' is often killed to make t
In Thailand, boxing is an important sport. Thai boys start training to become boxers at a very young age. They all want to win and become the best; a real champion. Thai boxing offers these boys ma
The Orinoco River is one of the longest rivers in the world. Many lives depend on this river. Many people, animals and plants live in or near the water. However, things are changing on the Orinoco. Wh
In Africa, there is a group of people called 'Bushmen.' These people know a lot about wild animals. However, sometimes they can't tell others about the animals, because they don't speak the same langu
Long ago, people in Hawaii, performed a special dance called the 'hula.' Then, for more than 60 years, the dance was not allowed. Finally, after many years, a new king returned the hula to the people.
A volcano is a mountain with a large hole at the top. Active volcanoes can be dangerous because they can erupt, or produce very hot, melted rock. In Sicily, there are several towns near a large volcan
Puffins are a kind of bird that lives in Iceland. Each year baby puffins, or pufflings, leave their homes to find the sea. Sometimes the pufflings get lost and cannot find their way. Groups of people
Machu Picchu is a beautiful old city in Peru. It was forgotten for many years, but now many people are visiting it. Some people think that too many visitors may not be good for the city. What will hap
Camogli is a small town in Italy. People there often paint in a special style called 'trompe l'oeil.' These paintings are so good, viewers think they're real things, but they're not. They're paintings
Elephants are social animals. In nature, they live happily in family groups. However, people sometimes use elephants for work or put them in zoos. What can people do to make these elephants healthy a
DescriptionThe Princess and the Pea Level 1-1A prince is looking for a princess. A cold and wet girl comes one night. Is this the princess he is looking for?Early readers will help their reading skill
DescriptionThe Red Shoes Level 1-10Karen is a poor girl. One day, she gets some red shoes for dancing. Karen loves the red shoes. She wears them all the time. She even wears them to church! But Karen
DescriptionSnow White Level 2-2Snow White's mother is a queen. The queen wants to be prettier than all other women. But the queen's magic mirror tells the queen some bad news. It says Snow White is pr
DescriptionKing of the Cats Level 2-5A man goes home at night. On the road, a cat says, "Tim Toldrum is dead." The man must tell Tom Tildrum. But who is Tom Tildrum?Early readers will help their readi
DescriptionHow the Rabbit Loses Her Tail Level 2-8Rabbit has a long tail. But Cat sees her tail and wants it. Cat has a knife. He cuts off Rabbit's tail. Rabbit is mad about this. What can Cat give Ra
DescriptionThe Fox and the Stork Level 3-1A fox and a stork are friends. One day, the stork goes to the fox's house. The fox gives the stork some food, but the stork can't eat it. The fox thinks this
DescriptionThe White Snake Level 3-8The king doesn't want to eat a white snake! He tells his servant to eat it. But the king doesn't know the secret power it can give.Early readers will help their rea
DescriptionThe Rat Catcher Level 4-3Hamlin is a town with many rats. A man with a pipe can help the town. The man wants gold. Will the town's mayor give it to him?Early readers will help their reading
DescriptionThe Fisherman and His Wife Level 4-8A poor fisherman catches a magic fish. When the fisherman asks for things, the fish gives them to the fisherman. The fisherman's wife is very happy about
DescriptionYou Can't Make Everybody Happy Level 4-10A man and his son are walking on a road with their donkey. Should the father ride the donkey? Should the son ride the donkey? Should they both ride
DescriptionThe Tortoise and the Rabbit Level 5-1Rabbit is fast. Tortoise is slow. One day, Tortoise says he wants to race Rabbit. Rabbit laughs and says, "Let's race." Then the great race is on! Early
DescriptionThe Old Beggar Woman Level 5-5Goody has a bad mother. The mother likes Goody's sister more than Goody. But Goody is still kind and always listens to her mother. One day, Goody meets an old
