Humanity’s horizons are expanding once again, and our world is experiencing unprecedented change. Keeping up with this dizzying revolution are the Guinness World Records adjudicators, who’ve been busier than ever documenting the Officially Amazing. The result is Guinness World Records 2023!

We start with a tour of our Solar System and beyond, exploring astronomical superlatives in a chapter dedicated to the latest developments in the New Space Race. Back down to Earth, we delve into the natural world to encounter the animal kingdom’s mightiest and most bizarre beasts.

Get up close and personal with the most iconic human beings – the tallest, shortest, strongest and hairiest – and be amazed at the extraordinary skills on display from the world’s greatest jugglers, rock-climbers, freestylers and mermaids (yes, mermaids!).

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, we dedicate a chapter to a whistle-stop tour of our planet from the comfort of your armchair, pointing out record-worthy landmarks, tourist hot-spots and cultural phenomena.

Our team of gaming consultants and editors have picked out the Top 25 Greatest Gaming Records of All Time – does your favourite game get a mention?

We end with every significant new sporting achievement logged in the 30-page Sports section.

Test your knowledge with 500 perplexing questions to bamboozle and delight trivia buffs both young and old with The Encyclopedia of Unbelievable Facts. How many kinds of germs live in your bellybutton? Which creature takes a three-year-long nap? If someone asked you to spare a zeptosecond, how long would that be? Has the Leaning Tower of Pisa ever been straight? And what exactly happens to an astronaut's dirty laundry? The dazzling facts are accompanied by bright, whimsical illustrations and the questions are organized into 10 chapters: Human Body, Science and Technology, Animals, Natural World, Space, Mindbending Stuff, History, Customs and Culture, Our World, and Arts and Entertainment. Written in simple, easy-to-understand language by author Jane Wilsher, this stunning visual encyclopedia is ideal for fact-loving kids and a perfect excuse to bring the family together for some top trivia fun.

A brilliant stocking filler gift for kids this Christmas! Get ready for a whole bunch of fascinating facts and staggering stats! Bursting with 150 fun and fact-filled lists about animals, space, the world, history, technology and lots more. * Explore the top ten coolest caves * Reach new heights with the world's tallest buildings * Discover the cutest creatures on planet earth * Marvel at the cleverest computers ever made Did you know... * The harvest mouse weighs as much as a 2 pence piece * The biggest desert is in the Antarctic * There are more than 500 million pet cats in the world * The fastest rollercoaster in the world has a top speed of 240km/h With 1500 amazing facts to wow family and friends with, it's sure to be a top ten with kids!

Fully revised and updated, and with a bright new design, Guinness World Records 2022 provides a fascinating snapshot of our world today.

Our editors have chosen to curate the book with environmental issues at the forefront of their mind, so we open with a chapter exploring what’s happening to our ecosystem and what superlative lengths people are going to make a difference. We also want to encourage readers to put their own record-breaking to good, so look out for projects that might inspire you to make a difference – so don’t just Discover Your World, Change Your World!

Despite the challenges of the past year, it’s been business as usual at Guinness World Records, and our researchers continue to field thousands of applications a month. Expect that unique mix of remarkable humans, talented pets, incredible vehicles and impressive sporting legends.

What you’ll find inside:

• Environmental champions – the eco-warriors fighting to make our planet a better place
• Wonders of the natural world, from the most intelligent creatures to the deadliest plants
• The tallest and shortest… Our record scouts have measured a host of the world’s loftiest and diminutive humans
• Pop Culture icons – we reveal the world’s most successful movie franchises, videogames, toys and brand
• Young Achievers – meet the under-16 influencers, entrepreneurs and entertainers who are taking positive steps to change the world
• Sporting heroes – we review the biggest sporting achievements of the year and put them in context alongside the greatest athletes of all time

PLUS! Look out for bonus features including free Augmented Reality dinosaurs that come to life straight off the page; more inductees into the Guinness World Records Hall of Fame, including Sir David Attenborough, astronaut Peggy Whitson and K-Pop sensations BTS; and “Virtual Visits” that take you on a journey to some of the most fascinating and record-packed visitor attractions, museums, art galleries and parks – all without leaving your home!

What does a balalaika look like? What is a beat? Who was Robert Schumann? You will find answers to these and many other questions when you join Clare and Fred on their journey through music. This is an encyclopaedia compiled with children in mind, with lively conversations and beautiful illustrations. Perfect for children who love music!

The second edition of The Encyclopedia of Middle Grades Education has been revised, updated, and expanded since its original publication in 2005. The Encyclopedia is a comprehensive overview of the field; it contains alphabetically organized entries that address important concepts, ideas, terms, people, organizations, publications, and research studies specifically related to middle grades education. This edition contains over 210 entries from nearly 160 expert contributors, this is a 25% increase in the number of entries over the first edition. The Encyclopedia is aimed at a general audience including undergraduate students in middle?level teacher preparation programs, graduate students, higher education faculty, and practitioners andadministrators. The comprehensive list of entries are comprised of both short entries (500 words) and longer entries (2000 words). A significant number of entries appearing in the first edition have been revised and updated. Citations and references are provided for each entry.

Do you know your Algorithms from your Brownian motion? How about your Coprolites? (That means dinosaur poo!) Discover these words and more in this illustrated STEM encyclopedia. Organised in alphabetical order and each term beautifully illustrated with humour and charm, these 100 essential concepts will fascinate scientifically minded young readers, from those ABCs all the way down to X-rays, the terrifying Yangchuanosaurus and even the true definition of Zero! There is a contents list at the front and a full index at the back, plenty of extra words and definitions ... plus mind-boggling facts too. This is the book for STEM fans!

Discover the incredible history and diversity of the African continent in all its splendour with this beautifully illustrated and fact-filled encyclopedia. This fascinating and beautiful book is divided into broad geographical sections which celebrate and showcase the peoples, landscapes and wildlife from different regions of this great continent, and bright and bold illustrations bring these facts to life. Learn about the astonishing history of the continent, as the birthplace of the very first human beings, through rich historical civilisations such as the ancient Egyptians, the Benin Empire and the Kingdom of Kush, up to the development of the dynamic cities of the modern day. Africana explores: The beautiful visual cultures and artwork from across Africa, including the the printed cottons of Guinea and the mud cloth of Mali Famous figures from African history and modern-day change makers The incredible landscapes and wildlife of the continent, ranging from the deserts of the north, the rainforests of the central regions and the savannahs of the south Featuring a stunning copper foil-detailed cover, this large-format book is packed with maps, timelines and much, much more to open your eyes to the beauty and brilliance of this diverse continent.

An engaging, alternative history of the world for children, which helps to make sense of today. The present can loom very large in a child's mind: all the crises and challenges of the modern world can feel overwhelming and at times dispiriting. This book is a big history of the world, from the beginnings of the universe to now, which places the reader at its centre. It encourages them to think about how and why they experience the world as they do and offers a helpful perspective by placing their thoughts and feelings in the context of our history and evolution. Big Ideas From History is an immense story of what has happened through time that speaks personally and constructively to a growing mind. What might the dinosaurs or the ancient Egyptians, the Aztec warriors or the Enlightenment thinkers of the 18th century tell us that could be interesting and useful to hear now? The insights we need are scattered in time and place, waiting to be discovered. The book also looks to the future and asks the reader to imagine a world they would like to live in. What might they learn from self-knowledge? How can they grow, develop and create their own place in history? It is a thoughtful and inspiring introduction to the world around us, which encourages the child to engage with themselves and others through history.

Earth? Space? Animals? History? STEM? Britannica All New Children's Encyclopedia has them all. This beautifully illustrated, 424-page compendium of knowledge is a must-have addition to every family bookshelf and library collection! With more than 100 expert consultants from around the world, and over 1000 images, including specially commissioned illustrations and stunning photography, this single-volume Children's Encyclopedia takes Britannica s reputation for authentic, trustworthy information and brings it to a whole new audience. Unlike old encyclopedias that are structured from A to Z, this encyclopedia takes you on a journey from the beginning of time to the present day and even into the future! It explores a wide range of topics and is divided into eight chapters by subject: Universe, Earth, Matter, Life, Humans, Ancient & Medieval Times, Modern Times, and Today & Tomorrow. This book of amazing facts you can trust will provide hundreds of hours of fun learning for curious children and their families.

Discover the dinosaurs and prehistoric animals that once roamed across Earth and commanded the oceans and seas. Completely revised with comprehensive text and new images, The Kingfisher Dinosaur Encyclopedia brings dinosaur enthusiasts closer to prehistoric life than ever before. Colourful illustrations, 3D reconstructions and step-by-step sequences detail the latest scientific research about these magnificent creatures. Discover which baby dinosaur had a footprint smaller than a fifty pence coin, witness how a recent discovery has brought scientists closer to truly knowing dinosaurs' colouring and meet the scientists who have unearthed groundbreaking revelations. Dinosaurs and reptiles from around the world are shown in concise detail, including the giants discovered in Tanzania, the remarkable early bird fossils found in the Jehol Biota ecosystem in China, and the dinosaur bone bed in New Mexico. The Kingfisher Dinosaur Encyclopedia is perfect for home learning and for school - the ultimate guide that every dinosaur fan needs. Author Michael Benton is a renowned palaeontologist and has written of several dinosaur themed children's books, as well as consulting on media productions. He has even had a dinosaur named after him! Arranged thematically into key areas, the concise text is clear, accurate, and perfectly pitched, making this an unbeatable resource for home and school.

A great introduction for young children to ever-popular topics, with charming pictures and simple text perfect for reading and talking about with young children. Topics covered include Our World, Space, Science, My Body, Animals, Dinosaurs and Long Ago.

Arm yourself with fun facts and figures and become a dinosaur expert. From colossal sauropods to deadly theropods and everything in between, learn all about the age of dinosaurs with more than 1,000 mind-blowing numbers. Alongside stunning full-page artworks and fun, colorful graphics, the facts and stats in Our World in Numbers: Dinosaurs & Other Prehistoric Life will have you impressing your family and friends like never before. As you number-crunch your way around the prehistoric world, you'll discover a whole heap of amazing facts – from the fastest, biggest, and deadliest creatures to the size of dinosaur hearts, brains, and poos. This data-packed adventure into the past is filled with everything you've ever wanted to know about dinosaurs – and more!

An inspiring reference book for young readers to pore over, covering a wide range of topics from art and animals to new technology. Arranged thematically and illustrated with over 1500 colourful photos, illustrations and diagrams. QR codes provide instant access via a mobile phone or tablet to 150 video clips of animals, space, places round the world and more, which enhance the information in the book. An additional 650 internet links via the Usborne Quicklinks website take children to websites with online activities, games and further information.

Dive into the world of football with this mega book of everything to do with the beautiful game. Learn all the lingo; meet the greatest players, managers and teams from both the men's and women's games; take masterclasses with the pros; wander through the haircut hall of fame; learn the most iconic goal celebrations and more. Written by the team at MUNDIAL, the celebrated football lifestyle magazine, and filled with fun, colourful illustrations, The Big Book of Football by Mundial covers it all: The basics and the lingo that will have you talking like a football expert in no time. History of football, including how we got from playing with a ball made of feathers to using high-tech footballs, the greatest teams of all time and the evolution of football boots. The great players, including Paolo Maldini, Lev Yashin, Joy Fawcett, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, Michelle Akers, Sir Stanley Matthews and Marta Vieira da Silva. Legendary managers and how they did it - learn the favourite killer formations of greats like Rinus Michels and Sir Alex Ferguson. The big cups, with their histories and greatest players. The world's most amazing stadiums, including Wembley, Melbourne Cricket Ground and San Siro. Kits hall of fame, from the USSR's (now Russia) classic red sweatshirt with 'CCCP' written across the front to Mexico's green home shirt with Aztec patterns and the giant face of the Aztec god of death. How to take the perfect shot like Ji So-yun, take the perfect set piece like David Beckham, take penalties like Matt Le Tissier, beat the offside trap like Fernando Torres, do the perfect attacking header like Didier Drogba and more. Weird and wonderful, from the way we describe things that happen in the game (a fox in the box) to the way we celebrate a goal (by pretending to be a robot) or do our hair (shaving it all off except for a triangle at the front). The culture and people surrounding the game, from traditional pre-game food to the referee, commentator and all-important crowd. This great big book is your essential guide to the wonderful world of football.

A journey through the evolution of knowledge, communication, and information.

History, as it is often taught, is a list of kings and queens and treaties and events. It presents the what and when, but it rarely asks why.

Why is it that we had kings and queens at all? Why then all of a sudden did we abandon them and shift to democracies? Why did the world’s religions rise around the same time? Why is society dominated by men?

The answers all come down to the same thing: information. The striving to share information, and – at the same time – the striving to undermine it, explains so much of today’s world and connects so many seemingly unconnected things: the rise of religions, states, science, democracy, the west, militarism, racism, fascism, consumerism, big tech, polarization, and AI.

This history of information is closely connected to the history of visual communication – and as these two are largely the same – it makes sense to tell this story visually: a history of graphics told through graphics. The History of Information, through a mix of timelines, graphics, and illustrations, clearly breaks down and explains each concept for children and adults alike.

The History of Information includes:

• A beautiful look at the story of information; from the first languages and cave paintings, through to how we communicate and record information today.
• Content written and illustrated by world famous and multi-award winning author and illustrator, Chris Haughton.
• A global journey throughout history from the origination of language, how information has been passed on and recorded, and how this affected humanity.

A charming children's encyclopedia bursting with facts about the world, animals, people, planets, and so much more! The world is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things is a vibrant encyclopedia for curious 5-9 year olds, with a unique approach to the subject that features both places from around the globe as well as focusing on what the world is like from a child's perspective, covering everyday subjects about their own experiences. Full of fun facts, colourful illustrations, and games that will keep the kids entertained time again, this children's encyclopedia is filled with age-appropriate knowledge on a range of topics that are complementary to your school's Key Stage 1 curriculum, from fiery volcanoes and our place in space, to changing seasons, mighty mammals and more. Celebrate your child's curiosity as they: - Read hundreds of exciting facts - Learn all about amazing animals, people, and places - Discover the wonders of our incredible planet, and more Our encyclopedia for children is the perfect blend of adorable, simple illustrations with stunning photography and lively text. Encourage early learners to go on a journey to explore a world of information, making this the ideal first reference book for kids aged 5-9 to enjoy for hours on end, whether for homeschooling, a bedtime story, shared reading or reading alone, this fun fact book for children also doubles up as the perfect gift for curious kids who love to learn. Tell the story of the world one page at a time, by uncovering: - Educational content written in a friendly and fun manner - Beautifully padded cover with several high-quality finishes, including padding and foil - Features a built-in ribbon bookmark so you never lose your place whilst reading More in the Series My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things is part of the educational kid's book series My Very Encyclopedia series. Complete the series and nurture your child's curiosity with My Encyclopedia of Very Important Adventures, teach them about different species with My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals, or let them walk with the dinosaurs who ruled the earth before them in My Encyclopedia of Very Important Dinosaurs. Shortlisted: - The School Library Association Information Book Award 2017 - Best Children's Book in the Junior Design Awards 2017

The ultimate ABC book for beginners with over 2,500 words and 1,000 pictures! Airplane Baron von Crow is an airplane pilot. He is a daredevil who zooms through the air. Be more careful, Baron! Join Lowly Worm, Hilda Hippo and the Bear, Cat and Bunny families on an ABC adventure! With thousands of pictures, stories, and new words to explore, this one-of-a-kind treasure is a favourite with parents and children alike. 'An awe-inspiring legacy.' Dapo Adeola 'Treasure troves of detail.' Chris Mould 'A delight.' Sara Ogilvie 'What a talent.' David Tazzyman 'The epitome of charm.' Sheena Dempsey 'One of my favourite illustrators.' Allen Fatimaharan 'So much fun.' Neal Layton 'Zen-like chaos.' Rikin Parekh 'Extraordinarily detailed illustrations.' Arthur Robins

Take a thrilling journey back in time to the land of the pharaohs. This beautifully illustrated book is full of ancient secrets, glittering gold, priceless treasures and Egyptian stories from more than 3,000 years ago. Meet mighty pharaohs and powerful queens. Awaken mythical gods and magical goddesses. Unwrap a pharaoh's mummy and decipher hieroglyphics. Discover why an amulet is lucky and what gruesomness hides inside a canopic jar. Watch everyday life along the River Nile. Every page reveals a fabulous treasure and its unique story.

Containing a beautiful and eclectic selection of many of Alain Gree's most well-known and loved images, this book covers a huge range of subject areas, including insects, birds, animals, fish, weather, farming, trees, flowers, transport and space. The book provides the ideal opportunity for parents and young children to discuss the many subjects covered, giving children a wonderful platform to learn and ask questions about the world around them.

Step back in time 2,000 years to visit the powerful Roman Empire. This beautifully illustrated book will transport you back in time to a world of emperors and centurions. Meet the Roman people and discover the treasures of their glorious empire. See gladiator battles and chariot races. Discover mythical tales of magic and monsters. Visit an ancient fast-food stall or banquet in style. Marvel at intricate mosaics, splendid treasures and ingenious inventions. Every page reveals a fabulous treasure and its unique story

Discover the fully updated, new edition of DK's bestselling reference book - containing all the latest knowledge and current thinking in a fresh new design. When? Where? What? Why? This stimulating and comprehensive encyclopedia answers all the burning questions that curious children love to ask! Each chapter is jam-packed with maps, charts, timelines, diagrams, beautiful images, and amazing facts. Did you know, for example, that a single drop of blood contains five million blood cells? Or that there are areas of desert on all seven of Earth's continents? Prepare to expand your child's knowledge on a wide range of fascinating topics - including Earth and beyond, plants and animals, history and politics, science, technology, and the human body. Children aged 9+ can discover: - Easily accessible, flashcard-style facts that highlight key information - A compelling combination of solid knowledge and stunning visual features - Updated facts and images, making this edition perfect for the next generation of readers - Chapters that are jam-packed with great photographs, amazing CGI images, and amazing facts, as well as maps, timelines, and diagrams This updated New Children's Encyclopedia is better than ever before, with the latest material and research for curious minds. Each section is arranged by themes, with more than 9,000 entries and 2,500 colourful images! Cross-reference icons are included to encourage children to explore and discover related information, feeding their curiosity and building their general knowledge. Whether you're after gifts for children who are eager to find out about the world, or a teacher looking for fascinating resource books for the classroom, this new encyclopedia is full of knowledge for inquisitive young readers.