Facts and Figures

Natural History

Natural History, assembled by the Smithsonian and Dorling Kindersley publishers, is subtitled The Ultimate Visual Guide to Everything on Earth and they are not kidding. Thousands of stunning photographs, along with text, illustrated every facet of life on earth in gallery after gallery organized by family, genus and species. Whether used for reference or hours of browsing adults and kids will find this book endlessly fascinating. $50

Black Cats and Four Leaf Clovers

Cross your fingers, knock on wood, and clutch your rabbit's foot a little tighter. In Black Cats and Four Leaf Clovers, a charming and endlessly diverting book, Harry Oliver delves into the stories behind the traditions and superstitions that permeate our everyday lives, unearthing the fascinating histories of these weird and wonderful notions. $13.95 

The Atlas of Remote Islands

I sort of fell in love with this odd and endearing book the first time I saw it although I think you have to be sort of a map person to like it. In Judith Schalansky’s The Atlas of Remote Islands each page presents a beautifully rendered map of a remote island while the facing page describes its history, topography, flora and fauna. Truly a book to dream over. $28

Growing Money

Never before has there been a time when the economy has been so much a part of our daily lives. Help you kids off to the right start with Growing Money by Gail Karlitz. This complete guide explains in kid-friendly terms all about savings accounts, bonds, stocks, and even mutual funds! Ages 12 and up. $8.99

At Home by Bill Bryson

The always entertaining Bill Bryson found himself one day looking around his house and wondering about the history of each room in his own house. Thus was born the surprising and consistently interesting At Home. Dining room—all came about because of upholstery. Front hall—demoted from center of the house to an afterthought. A delightful history of domesticity. $28.95

The Evolutionary World

The Evolutionary World by Geerat J. Vermeij presents a new argument for evolution's broader importance. Adaptation plays a role not only in the development of new species but the development of human civilization, and by understanding how evolutionary theory has played out in areas such as our economic system, our preparation for catastrophes, and even the development of communities, we can learn not just how these systems work, but also what challenges lie ahead. $26.99

The Disappearing Spoon

The infectious tales and astounding details in Sam Kean’s The Disappearing Spoon: And Other True Tales of Madness, Love, and the History of the World from the Periodic Table of the Elements follow carbon, neon, silicon, and gold as they play out their parts in human history, finance, mythology, war, the arts, poison, and the lives of the frequently mad scientists who discovered them. $24.99