If you like to gross out your friends - and learn fascinating facts - here's a book full of the weird and wacky. (back cover.).

Smug in the certainty that we stand in the vanguard of history's forward march, modern humans tend to regard the past as little more than a backdrop for current achievements. Progress, we think, has been a steady, linear advance, leading inexorably from superstition to enlightenment, from primitivism to sophistication, from ignorance to knowledge. This comfortable assumption is being challenged, however, as archaeologists, historians, and other scholars point out evidence hinting that humankind's progress has been less a lockstep march than a lurching dance, with steps forward and steps back, with bursts of genius ahead of its time and lost knowledge that even now rests unretrieved - or is gone forever.

Want to know which nation is ruled by a dentist-turned-dictator? Where to find taxis shaped like coconuts? And who watches competitive cockroach racing? Then this is the book for you! The Big World of Fun Facts from Lonely Planet Kids is a bumper book of amazing facts and stories from around the world. From countries, food and folklore to sports, flags, animals and more, this fun and fascinating adventure will boggle your mind. Themes to explore include: Nations of the world Nature Government, politics and the law People and culture Life stages Religion and faith Food and drink Holiday and celebrations School and work Arts and entertainment Sports and games Transportation and communications About Lonely Planet Kids: Lonely Planet Kids - an imprint of the world's leading travel authority Lonely Planet - published its first book in 2011. Over the past 45 years, Lonely Planet has grown a dedicated global community of travellers, many of whom are now sharing a passion for exploration with their children. Lonely Planet Kids educates and encourages young readers at home and in school to learn about the world with engaging books on culture, sociology, geography, nature, history, space and more. Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

Pull the tabs, lift the flaps and delve into the world of deep down underground: of tunnels, caves, mines and sewers, of dinosaurs and diamonds, bats and bones, mummies and mechanical moles. The pop-ups in the book are accompanied by facts, feats and figures.

Collects information about firsts, feats, facts, and phenomena, arranged by subject and supplying the milestones and superlatives for each subject.

What is the world's longest-living creature? Who was the first person to reach the bottom of the ocean? Where is the longest train route? This ebook includes amazing facts about people, animals, Earth, and space, and brings you the first, fastest, longest, largest, biggest, and best records in the world! Track the longest shark migration (20,000 km/12,400 miles); visit the coolest place on the planet (Vostok Station, Antarctica: a chilling -89.2oC/-128.6oF); see how plane pioneer Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier, and much more. Discover the greatest human achievements, from pioneering inventors to modern feats of engineering, transport, technology, and sport. But there's far more than just people power in this ebook, there are also records about animals, plants, and our amazing natural world. Find out all about the best of everything in Record Breakers - an entertaining and educational ebook that the whole family can enjoy.

Describes various feats and records, including absurd animals, objects of ridicule, outrageous risks, peculiar people, silly sports, and more; and includes photographs.