Did you know that rain sometimes falls red? Or that the equivalent of one truckload of plastic is dumped in our oceans every minute? This visually stunning book is filled with 100 fascinating facts, bright, infographic illustrations, information on ways we can help our planet and links to specially selected websites to find out more.

Introduction to earth sciences is full of colorful illustrations and presented in an engaging format.

How could plastic-eating bacteria help reduce waste? Can a river be given human rights? Could we generate all the power we need from the sun and the wind? How do woolly sweaters help penguins in peril? Would building a giant sunshade in space stop the world from overheating? Find the answers to these questions and more in this exciting book full of big, small and unexpected ways to save the planet.

This fun, fact-filled book allows you to explore the most awesome natural, and man-made, sights and experiences on our planet. You'll find mind-boggling mountains and caves, giant waterfalls, extreme weather, and amazing undersea adventures, as well as the world's tallest towers, biggest bridges, and most awesome machines. Each topic includes an awesomeness rating, indicating its amazingness on a scale of one to five. Side panels, statistics, stunning color photographs, and fascinating facts on every page highlight the most awesome things our world has to offer.

"Tender and illuminating. A beautiful debut." --Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me A heartrending and hopeful story about a nonverbal girl and her passion for space exploration, for fans of See You in the Cosmos, Mockingbird, and The Thing About Jellyfish. Twelve-year-old Nova is eagerly awaiting the launch of the space shuttle Challenger--it's the first time a teacher is going into space, and kids across America will watch the event on live TV in their classrooms. Nova and her big sister, Bridget, share a love of astronomy and the space program. They planned to watch the launch together. But Bridget has disappeared, and Nova is in a new foster home. While foster families and teachers dismiss Nova as severely autistic and nonverbal, Bridget understands how intelligent and special Nova is, and all that she can't express. As the liftoff draws closer, Nova's new foster family and teachers begin to see her potential, and for the first time, she is making friends without Bridget. But every day, she's counting down to the launch, and to the moment when she'll see Bridget again. Because as Bridget said, "No matter what, I'll be there. I promise."

An engaging and accessible introduction with information on exactly 100 science topics that will fascinate and inspire children - and adults too. Packed with facts and colorful infographics on both familiar and less familiar topics from the Earth's magnetic poles to spider venom and black holes. A brilliant and wide-ranging introduction to an important school subject - and essential for general knowledge too. Includes internet links to specially selected websites where readers can discover even more surprising science facts.

"Climb mountains, cross deserts, and explore the deepest oceans! Discover everything you need to know about planet Earth with this brilliant book. One hundred facts, fantastic illustrations, and hilarious cartoons give a fascinating guide to our planet, while fun quizzes test your knowledge. So what are you waiting for? Get reading!" (from back cover).