Strange but true!

Divided into sections exploring natural phenomena, human achievements, and plants and animals, this wide-ranging compilation offers intriguing glimpses of some of the more jaw-dropping sights Earth has to offer. Mineral deposits are responsible for the vibrantly colored striations in the mountains of Danxia, China, and the chartreuse waters of Ethiopia's stifling Danakil Depression, while traditions like Spain's La Tomatina, a giant tomato fight, prove that humans can match nature for colorful displays without a problem. Full-bleed photographs dominate the layout: up-close images provide intimate views of unusual creatures like the Satanic leaf-tailed gecko, which camouflages itself as a rotting leaf, while small sidebars augment the 70+ entries with information about the greenhouse effect, the reflexes of carnivorous plants, and more. Ages 8-12. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.