Natural Wonders of the World

January 1, 2018

Gr 9 Up-In what amounts to a massive expansion of 2007's Wonders of the Natural World, this large-format outing not only profiles hundreds of scenic glories but also digs beneath the surfaces of many to show in diagrammatic form the geological (or other) processes that created, or are creating, each one. Presented continent by continent, with additional chapters on the oceans and "Extreme Weather," the entries are grouped mostly in general categories such as "Mountains and Volcanoes." The centerpieces of each are dramatically angled, fantastically sharp, drop-dead gorgeous photos and graphically rendered maps or cutaway views. Dense assemblages of smaller images of landforms or wildlife, detailed explanatory captions, and precise descriptions surround these graphics. Hundreds of additional sites earn shorter mentions in a 60-page closing directory. In keeping with the theme, human figures or signs of habitation are vanishingly rare and nearly always tiny, imparting a sense of grand scale to the wonders on display. VERDICT Dazzling fare for upper grade travelers of both the active and armchair sorts.-John Peters, Children's Literature Consultant, New York

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from January 1, 2018

DK is known for combining visual and textual information in eye-popping layouts, and this volume on earth's spectacular geologic features is no exception. A team of contributors have compiled 240 of the planet's most amazing physical features--from "black smokers" (hydrothermal vents) deep in the ocean to 20,000-foot volcanic peaks--with explanations of the geologic processes that created them. Beginning with a quick introduction to plate tectonics and the geologic structure of the earth, the book proceeds continent by continent, describing and showing mountains and volcanoes, glaciers, rivers and lakes, coasts and reefs, and volcanic islands and atolls, as well ocean trenches, ridges, and vents. And if 240 natural wonders aren't enough, a further 230 are briefly explored in a separate section. In typical DK style, the content is heavily illustrated with artwork ranging from thumbnail diagrams to photo spreads (even the glossary is profusely illustrated). The text, while spare, is concise and precise, and the artwork is carefully captioned. DK has simplified but not dumbed down the complicated subject of geology. VERDICT Whether consulted as a reference or read for pleasure, this stunning offering is a page-turner appropriate for all libraries.--Cynthia Lee Knight, Hunterdon Cty. Historical Soc., Flemington, NJ

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.