Book Description

Ripley's Believe it Or Not! 2004 is filled with hundreds of the latest fab facts, amazing acts, obscure oddities and much, much more...This must-have for collectors comes complete w/ full-color photos and Robert Ripley's original cartoons.ú Did you know that in Santa Ana, California it's against the law to swim on dry land?ú Have you heard about the seven acrobats who survived a major accident by jumping through the windows of their bus before it went over a cliff?ú Has anyone told you that the human body is worth about $4.50 cents? Sound too crazy to be true?Believe it or Not! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Review By X S C
I am a fifth grader from P.S. 42. Many people in our class have read Ripley's Believe It or Not Special Edition 2004. Some say this book is very cool and some say it is not. Well, I say its very interesting because of the pictures and the descriptions. Believe It or Not Special Edition 2004 tells the weird facts that all people are interested in reading. Someone fell 20-stories from Liberty Bank Building in Buffalo, New York and he survived! Most people would be flat from a 20-story fall but this guy didn't. Even people survived in extreme cold by burning their money! I think most boys in my class wanted to read it because of the pictures or because it's a new book. Is there somebody with a magnetic body? Or is there a reptile man? You'll know when you read "Ripley's Believe It or Not Special Edition 2004!" You'll be amazed by the stories they tell you!!

I really enjoyed this book for a few reasons. This book tells the truth. Most people always hide their ugly side. But in this book, a person with three legs tell other people he has three legs. Isn't he embarrassed? Well, maybe he is embarrassed. Probably not.

I think children below 6 shouldn't read this ( 7 and above could). When children under 6 read this book, they might get nightmares about the disgusting pictures in the book. If they really wanted to read this book, they could but if they read it and get nightmares, it's their fault.

In this book, there are too many facts so I'll just ask a few question: Did the man with a metal pole in his chest live after the pole went in? How about the dolphin who spoke? How did the camper know he had a snake in his body?

People in our class, mostly girls think that some of the pictures are disgusting. On page 29 of the book, there are skulls. Skulls are disgusting to look at. Also when you look at the skulls, it looks like its smiling at you. Anyway, I really liked this book and it should be for children who are disgusting. I have one of the Ripley's Believe It or Not books and their facts are really cool for boys. So go to a book store and see if you can get your hands on this fabulous book! But if you don't like this book, you could go to Amazon.com and tell them your opinion about the book.

The Amazing, Unbelievable Ripley's
Ripley's Believe It or Not is a great bok. It contains many interesting facts, which will leave you in shock and disbelief. I thought Ripley's Believe It or Not was awesome. I had a lot of fun reading the book and I learned many amazing facts. Based on the T.V hit show, Ripley's Believe It or Not is mind-boggeling. Many people think that it is the same as Guiness Book of Records, but it is not. Ripley's Believe It or Not tells you amazing facts and you decide whether it is true or not. None of the facts in Ripley's are in the Guiness Book of Records. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With the dawn of the new millennium, the earth is changing more rapidlythan ever--politically, environmentally, socially, and physically. DorlingKindersley rises to the occasion with a beautiful revised and updated children'satlas, filled to bursting with more than 50 innovative three-dimensionalcomputer-generated maps, informative text, and over 1,000 stellar photographs,illustrations, and diagrams. The maps are organized by continent. Each sectionopens with a large, double-page spread introducing readers to the physicalgeography of the continent. Then the continent is divided by country or group ofcountries, with a focus on human geography. Finally a glossary and index provideadditional information about place names and facts about each country.Entertaining features reveal fascinating tidbits about various regions andpeoples: Did you know that Lake Baikal in Russia contains 20 percent of theworld's fresh water? Or that sheep in New Zealand have the right of way andoutnumber people 20 to 1? Vivid, large-scale maps reveal the world moreaccurately and clearly than ever before. This is a resource to keep close athand for school projects, travel dreaming, or just the curious mind. (Ages 9 andolder) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Book Description

Here is everything young readers want to know about dinosaurs and their world—in one magnificently illustrated, up-to-date family reference. Through dramatic graphics and age-appropriate text, this authoritative volume charts the discovery of all the main types of dinosaurs and reveals the latest details on how these creatures most likely looked, behaved, defended themselves, found food, cared for their young, and interacted.

Stunning murals, based on scientific evidence, depict various dinosaurs in their habitats—beautifully complementing the color photographs, paintings, charts, and maps. Some 53 major types of dinosaurs are described, representing a wide range of physical structures, sizes, and lifestyles.

The book presents recent discoveries and current scientific thought—including the dinosaur-bird connection, profiles of feathered dinosaurs, and theories on dinosaur extinction. Readers also see how today’s paleontologists obtain evidence, piece together clues, and continue to reconstruct life in prehistoric times.

Reviews (10)

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DINOSAURS
National Geograpic Dinosaurs by Paul Barrett was an excellent book. It was written for both kids and old folks like myself. The book outlines all the different types of dinosaurs (except Spinosaurous-unfortunately)- a dinosaurs that dominated the movie Jurassic Park 3. Dinosaur lovers will love this book, the subject matter, the descriptions and colored photos, and the required detail of each dinosaur type. An excellent birthday or Christmas gift-like all National Geographic products and shows.

Dinosaurs!
My three year old is just discovering dinosaurs and loves to look through this book. As a life long enthusiast, I have loved having the opportunity to share with him and learned a lot myself from this resource. There is information here for any age group. The book clearly outlines dinosaur families and discusses individual species in detail. The illustrations are fantastic. Any family with an interest in dinosaurs would love this book.

National Geographic, shape up PLZ !
I must confess that I bought this book solely for a few of
Raul Martins illustrations.
I think it would be ok to call it a beginnersbook for adults and why not teenagers, but not for younger children bcause the textstyle is not suited for this purpose ( I'm a teacher ).

I was really disappointed with the layout, especially the colourphotographs as many of them have extremly low resolution, blurry ,very small and too dark and also illogically placed and cropped ( similar photos can be found with better quality on the internet) :(

Many of the paintigs are clumsily placed or so that critical parts of them get obscured by the midsection or folding. I'm sure the illustrator wept.

My critisism may seem a bit harsh but I never thought National Geographic would agree to this kind of hastywork in layout matters.

Anyway....while being interested in paleoart I still think its worth having due to some paintings of Raul Martin although I grind my teeth everytime I see those bad pictures.

Shape up PLZ !

A MUST HAVE
MY 7YR OLD BOY LOVES THIS BOOK...
EXCELLANT PICURES AND DETAIL..WILL ENJOY THIS ONE FOR
MANY A YEAR.

National Geographic: Dinosaurs
National Geographic: Dinosaurs written by Paul Barrett and illustrated by Raul Martin is a richly illustrated and fact-filled book about dinosaurs that ruled the Earth of 160 million years.

This book has stunning artwork making your imagination work overtime as you read the fascinating descriptions and there is a size chart with a human silhouette giving the reader a reality as to the size of some of these dinosaurs.

But, size is not the only thing discussed in this book, for instance, what were dinosaurs like, what did they eat, how did they interact, where were the fossil remains found, and what kind of habitat were they living in. All of there questions are answered to the best of todays painstaking research, informed imagination, and excavation by some of todays foremost dinosaur experts.

What I found very interesting is the integrative biology, how the dinosaurs not only acted within like kind or with different species, but also how the flora played and important roll in how the dinosaurs acted. Also, toward the back of the book, there is a chapter on the different theories as to why and how the dinosaurs became extinct.

This is a very good, well-illustrated and a very readable narrative. This book is well worth the money for an extremely fine reference book. ... Read more

Book Description

Have you ever wondered what life was like on a pirate ship? This exciting, fact-filled voyage follows a crew of pirates as they work, fight, loot, and play on the high seas. You'll even meet famous pirates of fact and fiction. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A Pirate's Life for Me!: A Day Aboard a Pirate Ship
This book is so popular on the Seacoast of New Hampshire because, the real-life pirate of Brownie Macintoch, performer and songwriter, comes along with this book. He and Julie are a fixture of children's summer entertainment. (Check out www.juliebrownie.com)This book is a realistic portrait of a pirate without the details that are not necessary for young children. If this book interests a child, more books are available that have "those kinds" of details and others that are more gentle.

It Could Be Better!!!
First off I want to say I loved the sea chanty tape. The book would have been better if it had a story line or gave more explanations. I've been reading about pirates for a few years, and I know some of the statements were wrong according to the books I've read. However the pictures are colorful and bright. And most young children would enjoy this simple book about pirates even though it's not quite cohesive or accurate. I will recommend this book for the younger children who are interested in piracy and need an introduction to history. A few months ago I read an excellent novel to my 5th grade granddaughter that was based on documentation and included photos. It was titled THE DIARY OF A SLAVE GIRL, RUBY JO and was about the week Blackbeard and his men on 4 ships held Charlestonians hostage to obtain medicine for his crews.That book had a good story, wonderful slave children characters, was funny, and entertaining! I recommend that one to anyone 10 and up.

Great Pirate Book!
My 9 year old son (who loves pirate stories) and I enjoy this book so much. It offers a true depiction of pirate life with some graphic details that have made my son want to read other books containing pirate history and lore. I think the best children's books are the ones that make kids want to keep on reading and learning. I highly recommend this book.

An Okay Book for Preschool and Young Readers
This book includes a wonderful cassette tape with finger snapping toe tapping songs for just about everybody. The pictures are colorful and exciting, however the text doesn't explain who pirates were/are, and there are several factual errors. One big error is pirates burying their treasure. Often pirates plundered ships of their cargo of furniture, clothing, provisions (food), etc. and they kept what they needed and sold the rest. When they spent their earnings they once again set sail. However inaccurate this book is, it is a fairly good preschool and 1st and 2nd grade introduction to a small segment of history. Older children, however, should be given nonfiction books about piracy that include bibliographies. They should also be given fiction such as Robinson Crusoe that is based on the life of an actual pirate named Alexander Selkirk as well as The Diary of a Slave Girl, Ruby Jo in which the protaganist witnesses Blackbeard and his men in 3 ships hold Charles Town hostage in May 1718.

Indy Mom
I bought this book for my son to learn more about pirates in the few weeks leading up to his 4th birthday when we will use a pirate theme. It's more of a factual telling about the life of pirates vs. a story and the violence one reviewer refers to is probably based on a picture of pirates coming over the bulwarks of a boat with cutlasses waving at fleeing victims. The book doesn't sugar coat the fact that pirates were thieves and pretty "naughty." It has really engaged my son in learning lots of pirate lore like what pets they had (parrots, monkeys and cats), what kind of treasure they were interested in, and their code of honor (a great intro for discussing our house rules), among other things. The book prompts lots of questions on his part. He has clearly enjoyed it and asks for it whenever pirates is the bedtime topic of choice. If you want something more playful, try Kathy Tucker's "Do Pirates Take Baths?" or David McPhail's "Edward and the Pirates." They won't be as educational, but they contrast (and complement) the realism of this book with a traditional fantasy-oriented approach. ... Read more

Book Description

The e.encyclopedia science pulls out all the stops to tell-and show-readers everything about science. Packed with the very latest photographs, illustrations, and 3-D models, and enhanced by cutting-edge computer image manipulation, e.encyclopedia science is a comprehensive and authoritative reference work for children.

That's not all it is, though. The e.encyclopedia program takes the next step in modern reference publishing by partnering with Google, the Web's most trafficked search engine, to actively manage and update dedicated Web sites to take you directly to the most useful, safe, and age-appropriate information online. DK and Google-a match made in info-gathering heaven-set the benchmark for science and technology reference for the whole family. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Hugely informative
If you are interested in gardening, natural history or ecology this book is a 'must read'. The writer, a biologist at the University of Illinois has done a masterful job of explaining just what the earth beneath our feet contains. This book is a close look at what soil is, how it evolved, how it supports life and why it wears out. It also looks at the plants and animals that form the ecosystem of healthy soil and how we can help nurture them.

The first part of the book, 'Working Partnerships', explains that soil consists of minerals broken down from rocks, together with plants and their bacterial, fungal and animal partners. It also explains how soil gets its fertility. This may sound like dull stuff, but the way this writer presents it, it's as fascinating as the unravelling of a mystery.

Part Tow presents members of the soil community - microbes, invertebrates and vertebrates. You'll meet some of the most extraordinary creatures here - mother centipedes guarding and licking their eggs, termites sabotaging tropical agriculture and beetles, lots of beetles. More species of beetle inhabit the earth than any other order of animals.

The final section is titles 'The gift of Good Earth' and the writer very briefly presents the concept of erosion and how humans have contributed to the degradation of the soil. Finally he offers the idea that composting is the act of creating a wildlife refuge for many of the creatures living in the soil in our won backyard. I'd never thought of it in those terms before. The book ends with a decent reading list and list of web sites.

This is a readable and intriguing resource book for the library of any gardener or naturalist. ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive guide to the richly detailed Bionicle universe. Fans have received only glimpses into the characters and backstory of the Bionicle world through the website and popular comic books, and they're hungry for more. This official guide is filled with information on every Bionicle character and spectacular full-color CGI art. Fans will love extras that include a Bionicle glossary, the Bionicle alphabet, and exclusive teasers to upcoming storylines.A must-have for any collector, this book is the perfect introduction to the BIONICLE toys and the story that lies beyond them. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

the best book in the universe By lerahk780
i think its an awsome book for any bionicle fan. it is also helpful if you just whatched the bionicle movie. it includes info on Makuta Cadok and Gadok(borohk queens) info on rahkshi info on the turaga on the toa and thats about the half of it. ...

Officially the best book out there on Bionicle
This book is a guide to the amazing Bionicle universe. It's an easy read and quick introduction to the BIONICLE toys and the story that lies behind them. In essence, it's a great reference book. It's a necessity for anyone who's interested in Bionicles; for the parent who wants more info on what they're getting themselves into or if you just need to learn how to pronounce those names correctly! If you get any book, get this one. You will find:

1) Information on each Bionicle character

2) History of the Island of Mata Nui and background information
3) Details on the powers of the masks, krana and krata
4) Bionicle glossary
5) Bionicle alphabet (fun for kids to learn and decode)
6) Pronunciation guide for each of the names!!
7) AND MORE...

I will soon have to invest in another, as my son's copy is tattered and torn. From being read, re-read, carried back and forth to school, in and out of his back pack, he has fallen a sleep on it, eaten with it......the details and hours of enjoyment it will give your ultimate Bionicles fan will be priceless.....and you'll actually know what he's talking about.

Great Refrence Guide
The pictures are great in this book. You will also learn the symbols and personalities of each bionicle.

I Knew That! But maybe you didn't...
This IS a wonderful book to enter the Bionicle World with and it is chock full of useful info, but it's mostly character bios, there is no description of the story, exept for hints of the comeing of the seventh toa... Here's what's in the book:

* "IN the time before time..." is a prolouge to the Bionicle universe. Plus a map of MataNui.

* A Matoran Alphabet Translater.

* Extencive Bios of the Toa(Nuva), Turaga, Rahi, Bohrok(Kal), BohrokVa, and Rahkshi.

* Detailed info on "Kanohi Masks of Power", "Protodermis", "KanohiNuva Masks of Power", "The Toa of Light", "Noble Masks of Power", "Matoran", "Ta/Onu/Ga/Le/Ko/Po - Koro", "Makuta", "Krana", "Cahdok and Gahdok", "BohrokKal Tools", "KranaKal", and "Kraata".

* SweepStakes Question with hints written in the Matoran Font.

* And NOT much more!(laughs) ... Read more

Book Description

Pack up your gear and get ready to go on a dig. Whether it's iron ore, dazzling gemstones, or a prehistoric creature preserved in amber, a mother lode of exciting discoveries await budding paleontologists and geologists in this informative picture book.Large and detailed full-color spreads, complemented by clear, concise text unearth the mysteries of the ground beneath our feet. Children will learn how rocks, crystals, minerals, and fossils are formed, where they are found, and how they are used.Step-by-step illustrations and captions explore such processes as the fossilization of ancient animals and plants, together with the work of the scientists who catalog and preserve them.Includes an illustrated glossary and an index to sharpen the young reader's reference skills. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A wonderful book for a budding geologist
This book was and is a big hit with my four-year-old. Clear, easy-to-understand text and big, bright illustrations make the book accessible to young readers. It is neatly formatted into two-page "chapters" focusing on specific topics, which makes it easy for him to "look up" whatever he's interested in that particular day. It also has useful tips for starting a rock collection, and (important for parents) convenient ways to store said collection. I recommend this book to any parent with a child interested in any aspect of geology. ... Read more

Book Description

Discover the turbulent past of this vast land -- from empire and communist superpower to today's federation.

Here is a visually stunning introduction to the fascinating and diverse land of Russia. Superb color photographs of costumes, crafts, jewels and palaces offer a unique "eyewitness" view of Russia and the lives of its inhabitants through the ages. See a Mongol warrior's imposing suit of armor, the stunning diamond-encrusted crown jewels, beautifully painted wooden crafts, and the spectacular architecture of Russia's most famous cities. Learn about the sinister secret police, how religious icons are restored to their former glory, about the opulent and extravagant life-styles of the tsars, why the peasant, Pugachev, was locked up in a cage, and about the revolutionary Bolsheviks. Discover the importance of the Russian Orthodox Church, the 13th-century paper made of birch bark, what happens inside a banya, the great tradition of tea drinking, and much, much more! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Russia Revealed
A few years ago, my father came home from a trip to Russia, he brought some matroyoshka nesting dolls and a gold toned porcelain hand painted serving dish. Now that one of my best friends is living in Russia, I was even more interested in seeing what her new world looks like.

As the largest country in the world, there is so much to see although I would not mind heading over there to see a Siberian tiger! You will love the pictures of the ice festival in which the winter is enlivened with sculptures carved out of ice. There is also some interesting history to the story.

This is a journey from Early Russia to the New Russia. While this book is written for children, adults will find it very interesting for the historical details alone.

Educational!

A beautiful account of the history of Russia - not just for
If you are afraid that you need to read War and Peace to learn about Russia, fear not. Russia (Eyewitness Books) succinctly and beautifully illustrates the life and people of Russia. The content is a bit deep for the audience of 9 to 12 year olds. But there is something here for lovers of things Russian of any age. ... Read more

Book Description

When Andrew Wojtanik was preparing to compete in the 2004 National Geographic Bee, he tried to find a single source that would list all the facts he felt he needed to know about every country in the world in a simple outline form. When he couldn't find one, he decided to make his own book. His hard work paid off. Not only did he win a $25,000 college scholarship, the National Geographic Society signed him up to publish his book!Bee participants, hopefuls, and anyone else interested in geography will find a wealth of essential facts about each of the world's 193 independent countries (including Taiwan). The countries are arranged in alphabetical order. Facts about each are listed under bulleted headings, the same for each country. These categories include: continent, area, population, population density, capital city, key physical facts such as highest and lowest points, major mountain ranges and rivers, key regions, lakes, environmental hazards, climate, etc. Political information includes date of independence, bordering countries, administrative divisions, languages, religions, currency, major exports, current leader, major cities, natural resources, major agricultural products and more. Each country features a country map prepared by National Geographic cartographers. The maps list major cities, rivers, mountains, and other features, as well as the names of bordering countries. To complete the package there is a world political map and a list of geographic comparisons.

Reviews (2)

Eyewitness Viking
This provided all the information needed for a school report.

excellent book
This is an excellent source for basic information about the Vikings. It provides pictures of actual artifacts from the Viking Age, as well as photos of reenactors dressed in period clothing. A very informative book, for children and adults alike! ... Read more

Book Description

Discover the world of frogs, toads, newts and salamanders -- their natural history, habitats, and fascinating life cycles.

Frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and the rare caecilians come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, sizes, and habitats. They live both is water and on land and move in a great variety of ways, from swimming, to hopping, and even flying. With a series of specially commissioned photographs, Eyewitness Amphibian looks in close-up at the fascinating natural world of these remarkable creatures, from bright green red-eyed treefrogs to dull, burrowing, wormlike caecilians; from startling black and yellow fire salamanders to tiny, see-through glass frogs. Unique photo-sequences show newt tadpoles developing into adults, and a burrowing frog disappears before your very eyes. A giant ornate horned toad devours a mouse, and a grog leaps across the pages -- caught in mid air with tongue outstretched after a tasty meal. See the underwater courtship display of a great crested newt, and watch a salamander eating an earthworm. Full of amazing facts and extraordinary real-life photography, Amphibian is a unique and exciting introduction to the varied world of amphibians. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

fun book
My son and I greatly enjoyed this book. It is presented in the typical, and attractive, Eyewitness style, and is packed with information and pictures. I especially enjoyed reading about ancient amphibians. I had no idea that they grew so large in ancient times! ... Read more

Book Description

Featuring an extra-sturdy library binding!

Here is an exciting and informative guide to structures in which we live, work, play and worship. Superb color photographs offer a unique "eyewitness" view of buildings from the ground up. See incredible stone gargoyles, where linenfold wood paneling is found, what a Japanese screen is made of and how a hammer-beam roof is supported. Learn how stained glass is made, the difference between hipped and gabled roofs, how medieval tiles were made, what pantiles are and how stonemasons dress and carve stone. Discover the recipe for limewash, what a leggett is, what the three Greek "orders" were, how towers are built and how houses are built on mountainsides, and much, much more! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Ten minutes crash briefing...
This book looks small but contains a lot. Whether you are a student or just an enthusiastic it is good idea to have a book that fits in to your pocket. Again do not underestimate that book just because of "pocket". It delightfully explains buildings and architecture from the ages point of view to the architectural styles, materials with a basic graphics and pictures. You don't have to spend any afford for technical terms since each of them point with the arrows at the pictures. You can often see famous buildings at the different countries. In short it's fun the browse yet it teaches either you are at the subway or in the class waiting for your teacher. ... Read more

Book Description

From Captain Hook to Cruela De Vil, Disney Villains: The Essential Guide offers an insider's look at the most wicked villains in Disney history. Reflecting on the themes of adventure and suspense in both classic and new Disney films, this unique reference is packed with colorful illustrations, annotated drawings, and lively text about the villains everyone loves to hate. ... Read more

Book Description

CREEPY STUFF is packed with the strangest and spookiest facts. Readers can test their own psychic ability by taking the Believe it or Not! Quizzes and Ripley¹s ³Brain Busters² along the way.Take a peek and be amazed at the spine-tingling world around you! ... Read more