Soledad Romero Marino

“Students will enjoy reading about how something that was once thought as a disaster turned out to a monumental improvement. This would be an excellent resource to share with students as they begin experimenting to show that accidents can prove very valuable. Recommended”—School Library Connection

The microwave oven, Super Glue, X-rays, fireworks, and potato chips—all of these clever creations were the result of an awesome accident.

Discover the fantastic stories of the creative geniuses who transformed their mistakes, miscalculations, and mix-ups into these and many other outstanding inventions that improved our world—and saved lives.

Introduction

Accidents are an essential step in every learning curve, every piece of research, every act of creation. Through trial and error, we often find the right solution and the human race evolves.

There is no need to be afraid of making mistakes. Error is the great teacher and is always ready to show us the way to success.

Sometimes, a mistake or an accident ends up saving millions of lives, like the discovery of penicillin. At other times, a false step leads to an unexpected creation that make our lives easier and happier, like safety matches or even the delicious French desert Tarte Tatin.

AWESOME ACCIDENTS is a tribute to human trial and error. It is an illustrated history of the crazy mistakes that gave us wonderful discoveries. Don’t be afraid of getting things wrong; mistakes guide us and show us the way to success.

Have you ever wondered what some of the world's most disgusting sounding dishes are? If you think eating broccoli or anchovies sounds unappealing just wait until you hear what's on the dinner table around the world!

“Tastefully learn about other cultures? Yes!”—Kirkus Reviews

Cow's intestines, jellied eels, gigantic tuna eyeballs, stinky herrings... These might sound like disgusting ingredients to make witches' potions with, but no, they are delicious and exclusive delicacies served in different parts of the world.

While every page might not make your mouth water, the aim of this book is to question what we consider disgusting and to show the incredible diversity and creativity of the world's cuisine. Dish by dish, you'll also discover surprising stories and historical facts.

A really fun read which brings the gross factor! We hope that this book will help you keep an open mind – yum!

A journey to the highest and most beautiful mountain range in the world—the Himalayas—thought to be the most magical place on Earth.

“This region of the world is often overlooked and there are presently very few nonfiction titles that provide such a collection of diverse, accessible information. Recommended.”—School Library Connection

“Beorlegi’s double-page, jewel-toned illustrations show the stunning colors that characterize life in this region, from the brilliant blue sky to fluttering prayer flags.”—Booklist

About 50 million years ago, a colossal class between Indian and Asia resulted in the tallest landform on earth, with 14 peaks reaching over 8,000 meters above sea levels as it journeys through Nepal, India and Tibet. This book treks up, down, and through these magnificent mountains (including Mount Everest!), revealing the history, people, wildlife, and legends of Nepal, India and Tibet along the way.

Excerpt:

Rishikesh is a sacred city situated at the foot of the Himalayas and is therefore known as the gateway to the Himalayas. In this place, the River Ganges makes its magnificent entry into the territory of India. The Hindus chose this area of the river to build their legendary ashrams: houses where pupils and masters engage in spiritual practices such as meditation and yoga.