A passport to the world's most intriguing destinations, this book is a bounty of information and gorgeous illustrations that will spark wonder and wanderlust curiosity in young readers. Filled with the magic of myth, culture, natural beauty, and history, this introduction to eighteen of the world's most fascinating places introduces young readers to the ineffable qualities that make these locations so special. Stunning double-page spreads offer a deep dive into each site, with fascinating invaluable information and exciting perspectives. Readers will learn about the unique geology of Thingvellir National Park in Iceland and Namibia's Brandberg Mountain; the legends behind Germany's Lorelei rock and Greece's Delphi; the diverse cultural histories of Timbuktu and Jerusalem; the architectural and natural splendor of Mount Taishan in China and Palenque in Mexico; and even the galactic marvels of the Milky Way. Discovering these places' unique histories, physical characteristics, and cultural lore will inspire readers to learn more about each place, and encourage their interest in travel, geography, history, and the unexpected.

Where along the Rhine does the Nibelung Treasure lie? What river helps mark the prime meridian? Why do people make pilgrimages to the Indian city of Benares? Why is the Mekong called the "Nine Dragon" river in Vietnam? How does the Mississippi divide and unite the United States? These and hundreds of other facts are explored in this wonderfully illustrated atlas of the world's great rivers. Each spread in this book, which includes a gorgeous gatefold page, offers a colorful map packed with drawings, figures, and facts. Cities that border the rivers are highlighted, as are distinct flora and fauna, significant natural and human- made features, and fascinating historical details. A "biography" of each river describes where it flows, and its importance to the communities it passes through. Special attention is given to the ecological health of the rivers-those that are thriving and those in danger of losing their valuable habitats. Along the way, young readers will come to understand the enormous impact that rivers have on our lives, while learning valuable information in a way that will spark their curiosity and imagination.

This beautifully illustrated biography of a pivotal early scientist will captivate the inner adventurer in children and adults alike Explorer. Scientist. Polymath. Hero. In his day, Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859) was among the most renowned scholars of the Enlightenment. He led pioneering expeditions in Central and South America (including the Amazon rainforest) as well as in Siberia, and he arguably founded the natural sciences as we know them. Charles Darwin called Humboldt "the greatest scientific traveler who ever lived," and credited him with inspiring the journey that resulted in On the Origin of Species. And yet, in history books, Humboldt has been eclipsed by his intellectual heirs and admirers - such as Darwin himself, John Muir, and Henry David Thoreau - until now. This captivating, richly illustrated narrative biography for kids will whisk away readers young and old, and inspire them to see the world through the eyes of one of the greatest early scientists.