From the #1 New York Times bestselling World Almanac comes a full-color, full-of-fun book with answers to your questions about everything under the sun--and beyond it! Why do we have eyebrows? What are the odds of being struck by lightning? Why do sports referees wear black and white stripes? Why do we eat popcorn at the movies? Everyone wants to understand the world around them. And everyone knows the best way to do that is to ask a ton of questions! The World Almanac Book of Why seeks to give answers to every curious query, from the serious to the silly. Pages full of information, full-color photos, and dynamic design details will keep readers engaged and eager to discover answers to questions they have asked before--and maybe even answers to questions they would have never thought to ask.

Join Trinity's Professor Luke O'Neill on the greatest journey of them all. From the very big to the very small - vast galaxies to microscopic atoms - travel through the wonders of the universe, the mysteries of the human body, and the tiny world of molecules. Discover the Irish scientists that have helped to shape our world and find out how to become one yourself. How do we measure the universe? Why do we need plants? How do our bodies repair themselves when we are ill? What species will exist on earth in a million years' time? Discover the answers to these questions and a lot more in this thrilling and engrossing book packed with fascinating phenomena, vibrant illustrations, experiments you can do yourself, and heaps of fun facts.

Celebrate the dawning of a new decade with the fully revised Guinness World Records 2020. To kick off the '20s, we've created an electrifying new cover and curated a record-breaking edition packaged with thousands of new, updated and classic superlatives, hundreds of never-before-seen images, and a selection of eye-opening photo-composites that put a new spin on record-breaking...

A new decade means it's time for a fresh approach, so starting with our front cover, we've re-booted record-breaking with an all-new design. There's a new look inside, too, and thanks to our team of digital artists, we've created mind-blowing poster pages that will reveal some of our classic record holders in a whole new light. Our ever-expanding pool of international consultants and experts help us make sense of the world around us, so join us as we explore the vast spectrum of record-breaking in 11 superlative-packed chapters.

As always, we're committed to bringing you record-breaking from the cutting edge of science, and this year we've produced a feature chapter on remarkable robots with the help of award-winning tech blogger Evan Ackerman. We've also been out on the road, adjudicating records at events as diverse as the UK National Pet Show, Skill Con in Las Vegas and BubbleFest in Wales. Guinness World Records is nothing without its dedicated record-breakers, so we've also selected the best of the newly approved claims from the 50,000 applications received from the public over the past 12 months.

If you want to be one of those lucky few, look out for the Do Try This At Home challenges in the VIRAL SPORTS chapter - you might even make it into next year's edition!

This ultimate guide to Mars launches 7 to 9 year olds on a breathtaking journey through the past, present, and future of the Red Planet. This spectacular reference book for children aged 7-9 explores the planet Mars, exploring the evidence for past life on Mars, what's happening there now, and what it might look like to one day live on the Red Planet. Be amazed by the tallest mountain in the Solar System, discover how houses on Mars could look, and find out if you've got what it takes to join the teams traveling to Mars in the future. This wonderful children’s book on Mars offers: - In-depth information, backed up by space and satellite photography and fun illustrations. - Easy-to-digest sections about Mars, each filled with incredible facts and visuals. - Information on the entire subject of Mars; its formation and geography, what we’ve learned about its past, missions and exploration, potential future life on Mars, and more. Has there ever been life on Mars? Will we be living there soon? How? Discover the past, present, and future of the mysterious Red Planet in this beautiful non-fiction book for kids. Packed with fun illustrations by artist Mark Ruffle, combined with images from space agencies such as NASA and ESA, information panels, and diagrams, children will adore this essential guide to Mars. At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So why stop here? If you like Mars, then why not complete the collection? Take a trip into space and discover the mysteries of Earth’s closest neighbor with The Moon, or explore Earth’s surrounding neighbors with Solar System.

Important historical topics from the Stone Age and Ancient Egypt to the US Civil War and World War II are clearly explained in this fun and informative illustrated history book for children studying KS1 and KS2 subjects.

First History Encyclopedia covers everything a young child needs to know. It follows the curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2 and provides a strong foundation for history learning through the rest of the school years. It is the perfect homework help book to support children as they begin to learn about history.

This history book sits in DK's popular First Reference series. It introduces exciting periods and civilizations, such as the Romans, Vikings, and Aztecs, that will get kids hooked on learning about the past.

It's one-stop shopping for everything scary: a survey of over 50 of the world's most gruesome places, creatures, and scary stories, organised like an encyclopedia - from "arachnids" to "Zombies" and written just for kids. It blends nonfiction (How do you say "boo" in other languages? Can a person actually be scared to death?) with fiction (stories of creepy monsters from around the world), and hands-on activities (from applying zombie makeup to creating your own ghost stories). Take a tour of Borneo's Gomantong Cave where bats, cockroaches, spiders, and rats live together in the millions among the pitch black. Or enter into the Beauregard-Keyes House in New Orleans where Civil War soldiers still do battle in the front hall. Discover the origins of mythical horrors straight out of your nightmares like the Mongolian Death Worm and The Bell Witch, as well as creatures we only wish were fiction like killer bees, the deadly insects created by scientists in a failed lab experiment in 1950. Identify plants like the Machineel of Southern Florida and Central America, a tropical tree covered in succulent looking fruit full of deadly, mouth burning, throat swelling poison. Read and share ghost stories from around the globe that will make you and your friends jump. Plus DIY activities: Create your own haunting; brew up a batch of fake blood; hold you own seance.

From your head to your toes, this encyclopedia for children takes you on a tour of the human body and explains how each part works.

On every page, discover amazing facts about the human body. Did you know that you are made up of 100 trillion cells? Learn about blood vessels (capillaries, veins, and arteries) which, if they were laid out end to end, would wrap around the Earth twice! Find out what makes a balanced diet - after all, you will eat about 20 tonnes of food in your entire life! See what part of the brain makes you appreciate music (it's the right side). There are also fun quizzes, so you can assess your own personality and test your logical and reasoning skills.

An international best-seller since 2012, Human Body: A Children's Encyclopedia has now been fully updated in line with the latest research. Combining clear descriptions of human biology with awesome photographs, graphics, and CGI artworks, make your way from the skin, muscles, organs, bones, right down to your cells and DNA.

From homework projects to just reading for curiosity, this comprehensive encyclopedia is filled with everything that you need to know about what makes your body tick.

Children's A to Z Encyclopedia covers a full range of clearly arranged alphabetical topics, from ancient history and countries of the world to wildlife, politics, technology and more. This volume is the perfect purchase for any family. It will bear repeated use by all the family from 9+ through the teenage years.

Fully updated with the very latest facts and data; clear text and more than 1000 photos and illustrations will inform and amaze. Detailed reference matter at the end of the book includes a world map, information on international organizations, mini biographies of scientists and explorers and history highlights.

Hierdie leesboeke wat plaaslik vervaardig is, is geskik vir Fases 10-14 en is prettig asook lesersvriendelik. Die titels is propvol kleurfoto's en illustrasies, met talle aktiwiteite om leesvaardighede en -begrippe aan te moedig. Ses volkleur feiteboekies is die nuutste toevoeging tot die reeks. Leesoefening in feitemateriaal en kennisuitbreiding word op 'n interessante manier aangepak.

Did you know that thousands of years ago the ancient Chinese found dinosaur fossils and thought they were dragon bones? Or that everyone thought the coelacanth fish had been extinct for 66 million years, and then in 1938 living coelacanths were discovered off the coast of Africa? Fossils are the remains of animals and plants that lived thousands or millions of years ago and are the best way for us to understand how we, and other species, have evolved over time. This comprehensive and accessible introduction to palaeontology shows the beliefs and myths that have advanced - and inhibited - our understanding of evolution. Full of facts and photos of real-life excavations from all over the , world, it gives advice on where to find fossils and how to treat ancient remains with care. A brilliant first introduction to palaeontology, featuring awesome photography that captures ancient fossils.

The record-breaking records annual is back and packed with more incredible accomplishments, stunts, cutting-edge science and amazing sporting achievements than ever before. With more than 3,000 new and updated records and 1,000 eye-popping photos, it has thousands of new stats and facts and dazzling new features. There is so much to explore inside.

Go on a whirlwind tour of the planet's most amazing places, from the largest swamps to the deepest points on Earth. Find out what happens when you give an octopus a Rubik's Cube, and why all you need to defend yourself from a crocodile is a rubber band! You'll also find all your favourite records and categories such as Big Stuff, Collections, Mass Participation and Fun with Food, plus the year's most significant sporting achievements. Our editors have also taken inspiration this year from the world of superheroes - both fictional and real-world - so look out for our feature chapter charting your favourite caped crusaders in comic books, TV shows and movies. We also meet the real-life record-breakers with genuine superpowers, such as the Canadian strongman vicar who can pull a jumbo jet and an actual cyborg who uses technology to augment his senses. You'll also learn all about the science of superheroes, such as who the fastest and strongest superheroes would be if they came to life, and who would win in a royal rumble between Superman, Batman, Hulk and Dr Strange!

Also new this year is a celebration of the superlative with infographic poster pages that explore the most exciting absolutes, such as the longest, tallest, fastest and heaviest. Does the longest sofa outstretch the longest train? Is the tallest Easter egg bigger than the tallest snowman? Find out in this amazing new edition. You'll also find these special pages available as free poster downloads at guinnessworldrecords.com!

From science to showbiz via stunts and sports, there are real-life heroes all around us in all shapes and sizes, achieving the extraordinary every day. There's only one book where you'll find so many amazing facts all in one place, and that's Guinness World Records 2018!

A pig that does math tricks. A parrot that seems to know what she's saying. A flying pig ... um, pug. These animals know what it means to be in the spotlight. Meet Mudslinger the superstar pig, Einstein the parrot genius, and Otis the skydiving dog. Read the stories of these three amazing animal superstars in "Parrot Genius"
Perfect for kids aging out of early readers, National Geographic Kids Chapters are written in simple prose appropriate to kids just reading on their own.

King Arthur was a good ruler, but in this math adventure he needs a good ruler. Geometry is explained with humor in SIR CUMFERENCE AND THE FIRST ROUND TABLE, making it fun and accessible for beginners. What would you do if the neighboring kingdom were threatening war? Naturally, you'd call your strongest and bravest knights together to come up with a solution. But when your conference table causes more problems than the threat of your enemy, you need expert help. Enter Sir Cumference, his wife Lady Di of Ameter, and their son Radius. With the help of the carpenter, Geo of Metry, this sharp-minded team designs the perfect table conducive to discussing the perfect peace plan. Thanks to Sir Cumference, even the most hesitant will be romancing math.

Unearth the fascinating processes that have shaped our planet The First Geography Encyclopedia takes you on a fascinating journey around the world. How does our planet work? How do people use its resources? Find out inside this guide, the only encyclopedia for this age group that covers the subjects of human geography, physical geography and geology together in one volume. Full of bite-sized facts, curiosity quizzes and special 'did you know' features that kids will love getting their teeth into, there's a lot to see and explore. Stunning photographs and illustrations will make it easier for you to understand how climate works, what different ecosystems are all about and how to use maps. Perfect for homework or just for fun, First Geography Encyclopedia (previous ISBN 9781405362078) is accessible and entertaining - a must-have book that feeds every young reader's curiosity. Go ahead and let your child discover geography!

This is an authoritative book from the word experts at Oxford to get budding writers crafting brilliant stories. It will help you think about how to develop an idea into a gripping and powerful story, with examples and tips from the best known authors to show you how it's done. For children aged 11 and over, it covers all the key elements of plot, characterization, building a believable world, thinking about tone and style, weaving description into stories, through to endings and editing your work. Practical tips will get any struggling writer to beat the fear of the blank page and inspirational advice will help young authors to achieve their creative writing goals. It includes information on sharing stories and how to get people reading your work.

Learn how to play the game - batting, bowling, fielding, catching and more! Read about the history of cricket and all the current forms of the game - T20, One Day Cricket and Test Cricket. Find out about all your cricket heroes and how they bacame stars. Tack Zac's Quick Quiz to see how much you know, and play Zac's exciting board game with your friends!

Take part in an amazing journey of discovery with the Very Hungry Caterpillar and learn fascinating facts about everything from science and space to animals and dinosaurs. Travel around the world to explore the continents, discover where different animals live, learn all about the people who came before us, and find out how your body works in this colourful and charming first reference book for children aged 3-7. Young learners can find out all about light and sound, the planets in the Solar System, how plants grow, and much, much more in this one-of-a-kind introduction to key curriculum subjects. For lovers of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, this must-have children's encyclopedia features: - Fascinating facts about the world around us ideal for curious young learners - Clear images and stunning photography throughout - Organized into chapters by theme, including space, geography, animals and nature, history, science, math and technology, and human body - Introduces key curriculum subjects for the 3-7 age group - Contains accessible bite-sized chunks of information and eye-catching images that children can engage with Each chapter focuses on a different theme, with a new topic every time you turn the page! With an array of exciting themes to explore, from sailing the seas to wetland wildlife, incredible inventions to prehistoric peoples, there is something for every curious child to explore and discover. The easy-to-read information is complemented by captivating illustrations by the World of Eric Carle, alongside eye-catching photography, and simple how-it-works diagrams, whilst pull-out images and facts provide extra nuggets of interest. A must-have early learning enyclopedia for young readers, bring Eric Carle's much loved character The Very Hungry Caterpillar to life like never before!

Packed with facts, this miniature encyclopaedia is designed to be both fascinating and fun to use and covers a vast scope of information, from the Earth, its plants and animals, to its people and discoveries.

Guinness World Records 2013 is crammed with new and updated records, and never-before-seen photography.

Meet the new shortest living man and a slam-dunking parrot, and witness the fiercest predators in the ocean - you can see them in 3D with our new augmented reality app!