Series: Mysteries and Marvels Series.
Subject Areas: Nature, Science, Animals.
Ages: 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14.
Type: Internet-Linked.

Mysteries and Marvels of Science
Gorgeous photography, fascinating facts, incredible inventions. This book is Usborne at its finest. It’s packed full of the latest inventions and research to help your child understand a myriad of science concepts, and I love that the universe is described as a place of beautiful and awesome mystery.

My ten-year-old and I visited one of the recommended websites to watch snow crystals forming. On another site, we learned about amazing improvements in man-made materials, and then took a quiz. There are loads of other sites that are just as helpful and educational and kids love them.

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Mysteries and Marvels of Nature
The companion book to this is Mysteries and Marvels of Nature, which is every bit as good. Every page of this title is brimming with weird creatures, unusual facts, incredible photos – my boys pore over the entries and especially like the gross stuff, like the male anglerfish that attach themselves to a female and eventually are fused to her (by the teeth) for life. Go to a suggested website to find out all about male seahorses who care for their babies. Or try the website that tells about the world’s largest (and stinkiest) flower. Kids will read this entire book simply because it’s entertaining and interesting, and that’s a good thing!

Take a Peek Inside this Book

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Reviews of this book
The Bloomsbury Review - September/October 2004
"Usborne books are the brainchild of Peter Usborne, who wanted to make educational nonfiction children’s books that would be appealing enough to compete with television and comics. Borrowing ideas from both these media and working with educational consultants, Usborne has done just that. Since 1973, his titles have covered a wide range of subjects, including hobbies, history, science, nature, geography, and more. Rich illustrations, creative layouts, and oodles of information are hallmarks of these books. And many are now Internet linked, so children can easily log on to websites that will help them delve further into specific subjects. Mysteries and Marvels of Nature is a marvel in and of itself. It vibrantly sheds light on subjects such as animal-eating plants, ocean partners, animal impersonators, and the life-cycle of humpback whales. Peter Usborne’s concept has given birth to an impressive body of children’s literature. The books tap into imagination, fascination, and reality; they demonstrate how these values intersect."

Today’s Books - July 2004
...A Must Read!...

Professional Reviews: The Bloomsbury Review, Today's Books (see above)
Of Interest To: Librarians and Media Specialists, Homeschoolers, Parents, Teachers