Best Selling Books by John Farndon

In this fascinating introduction to Planet Earth, large, colorful diagrams are brought to life by tiny people running around performing the actions that are explained in the text. With Earth’s processes visualized in this imaginative and fun way and accompanied by bite-sized, informative text, even complex ideas are easy to understand. Readers can take an in-depth look at the workings of our planet, from the water cycle and the atmosphere, to how the seasons change and why hurricanes happen. Double gatefolds give a large space in which to explore complex processes such as the rock cycle and evolution. A follow-up to the successful book, Stuff You Need to Know About the Human Body.

Meet some of the most fascinating insects and arachnids on Earth, and learn about their incredible abilities—from building and weight-lifting to long-distance migration and hunting. Find out how these surprising creatures use their instincts and skills to thrive despite their small size.

Where would humanity be now without fire, vaccinations, farming ... or wine? A great idea is one that has changed the path of human civilisation. But which is the greatest of them all? John Farndon, author of the bestselling Do You Think You''re Clever?, has set out to find the answer. A distinguished panel of experts agreed on a list of 50 ideas, and each chapter of The World''s Greatest Idea sees Farndon explore the argument for a different one. The candidates are intriguingly varied: Electricity grids enable us to power our cities, but then sewers allowed those cities to grow. Without the wheel, modern civilisation would be pretty much impossible, but take away Logic and we''d lose the essential structures for rational thought ... But then what would be the point of all of this without the idea of romance? The World''s Greatest Idea is an enthralling voyage of discovery through the most powerful intellectual, social, scientific and creative brainwaves humans have ever had. They are ranked in the book determined by a public vote on www.theworldsgreatestidea.com But will you agree with the verdict?

It''s 1718 and the world goes dark for Jamie Flynn, who''s been snatched from the docks to join Blackbeard''s crew of the fearsome pirates. Join him on board as he learns to fight with a cutlass and pistol, and follow him as he storms a treasure ship and shares in the spoils. You''ll need your sea legs and strong nerves to live like a Caribbean pirate!

How Does Your Brain Work? is a fantastic introduction to the science behind what goes on in your head. The brain, nervous system and senses are explained through hilarious, colorful illustrations and an engaging question and answer format, designed to appeal to even the most reluctant readers. Packed with plenty of giggle-worthy gross bits, it''s a fun, accessible look at an important subject. Stuff kids want to know, that need an answer... where are all those memories kept? can people hear when they are asleep? what are dreams exactly? is the brain our very own mission control? Find the answers to these questions and much more! Kids will love the hilarious illustrations and the fresh take on a popular topic. With so many fun facts to uncover, science has never been more fun!

Meet some of the coolest land animals on Earth, and learn about their amazing abilities—from camouflage and communication to super senses and use of tools. Find out how these clever creatures and others use their smarts and skills to thrive in even the harshest environments.

"In consultation with The Cousteau Society."

This exciting book brings together over 30 of the fastest machines ever invented. With fantastically detailed, true-to-life illustrations showcasing speedy supercars, spectacular superbikes, powerful planes, and mighty monster trucks, Megafast is packed with awesome speed machines that have broken records around the world. With incredible statistics on maximum speeds, facts about engineering, and anecdotes about the journey from factory to road, racetrack, or air, speed-lovers will find themselves entertained for hours. Discover the ultimate, world record-breaking speed machines. From supersonic planes to jet-powered motorcycles, uncover the fastest vehicles ever made. Find out what wins the race for the most powerful engine of all time! Bite-size facts and a dashboard of stats show off each machine''s special features. With some of the world''s most famous vehicles, as well as some you may not have heard of before, Megafast is full of record-breakers, world-class technology, and daring designs. The perfect gift for kids who are fascinated by speed, this eye-catching and captivating book is one to return to again and again.

Discusses such elements of weather as clouds, wet air, frost, ice, wind, and air pressure. Includes some projects.

Describes how scientists investigate the physical phenomenon of light.

Presents an introduction to the solar system and provides information on the Sun, its planets, and their moons.

"Original edition copyright 2015 by Hungry Tomato Ltd."--Title page verso.

Motorcycles are made for speed—but some get there louder and faster than others! You''ll need your toughest gear to ride the turbo-charged MTT Turbine Superbike Y2K—perhaps the most powerful (and expensive) road bike ever. Blow past speeds of 200 mph (320 km/h) with the Kawasaki Ninja of the Night. Ride the world''s fastest production motorcycle, the Suzuki Hayabusa, and hit 188 to 194 mph (303 to 312 km/h). Hang on tight as detailed illustrations take you on the road, around the track, and across salt flats on these powerful bikes. Get the latest facts on how they reach those extreme speeds—and stay on the road.

Climb into the cabs of the world''s fastest trucks. They may be big, but these machines can really move! Roar off in the three jet engines of the Shockwave—powered to 376 mph (605 km/h)! Ride in the Banks Sidewinder Dodge Dakota, which set a world record at 217 mph (349 km/h)! Go off-roading in the fastest off-road terrain conqueror, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Colorful illustrations capture these swift, powerful beasts on the road and off, while interesting text features highlight jet propulsion, turbocharging, and great truck racers past and present.

From the ever-curious mind that brought you the bestselling Do You Think You''re Clever? comes a brand-new trip to the far reaches of the intellectual universe, courtesy of even more notoriously provocative Oxbridge interview questions. How would you poison someone without the police finding out? (Medicine, Cambridge) What makes a strong woman? (Theology, Oxford) Instead of politicians, why don''t we let the managers of IKEA run the country? (Social and Political Sciences, Cambridge) How do you organise a successful revolution? (History, Oxford) Whether you''re interested in going to Oxbridge or just want to give your brain a workout, join polymath John Farndon on another exhilarating journey through the twists and turns of thought, and explore just what it means to be genuinely clever – rather than just smart.

Early in the 17th century, Francis Bacon decided that the best way to learn about the world was to discover things for oneself. Since then, science has been a marriage of observation and experimentation. The experiments contained in each chapter allow young scientists to investigate basic principles using common household materials and easy-to-follow instructions. The titles are filled with dozens of color photographs that illustrate experiments and provide a glimpse of everyday and extraordinary uses of the subject. In addition, engaging features such as "Did You Know?" boxes provide fascinating facts. The "In Focus" sections offer in-depth looks at specific features of each subject. "In The Real World" boxes highlight pivotal experiments by real scientists.

How to have a super-smart baby in 50 bite-sized chapters. From pregnancy to toddlerhood, Super Bright Baby: 50 Things You Really Need to Know will help parents nurture their child''s burgeoning mind. Expert author John Farndon recommends strategies--including ways to bond, intelligence--building play and teaching your child to read--that can be used throughout every stage of a baby''s development. With a timeline covering learning and growing milestones, boxes outlining the scientific facts for each topic, and quotes from leading childcare experts, this book is the smart choice for parents who want a great future for their children.

Discusses the physical characteristics, feeding habits, behavior, habitats, and life cycles of spiders and insects, including butterflies, moths, and beetles.