I Want to Know

The tale of the giant white whale immortalized in Herman Melville's classic 1851 novel was inspired by horrifying real events: the shipwreck of a whaling boat and the desperate efforts of its twenty-man crew to survive. With accessible text and vivid full-color imagery, this engrossing volume investigates both the legend and the true story behind Moby Dick. Entertaining fast facts and insightful sidebars will keep elementary-level readers engaged throughout. A Further Reading list with books and websites encourages further exploration.

The Frankenstein monster is an icon of horror. Even the youngest trick-or-treaters recognize Frankenstein's green-skinned costume. However, many people are surprised to know this monster's name is not actually Frankenstein. That's the name of its creator, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, from the nineteenth-century novel written by Mary Shelley. This fictitious doctor, one of the first "mad scientists," was based on real-life researchers and their experiments. This compelling volume examines the work of Shelley and its possible inspirations in the world of science. The high-interest topic, thought-provoking sidebars, fun fact boxes, and historical images will attract all levels of readers.

Count Dracula strikes a memorable figure with his dark swooping cape, pale skin, and gleaming sharp teeth. He has lurked in the shadows of fiction as well as film, giving more than a few people goosebumps through the years. Author Bram Stoker certainly made this image of Dracula popular, but this illuminating resource will shed light on the flesh-and-blood origins of the creepy count. Fast facts also flesh out the alluring lore that has contributed to the image of the vampire, which is so common today.

The legend of King Arthur has been told for generations. It epitomizes a mythical time when kings and knights lived in castles and went on quests, when damsels needed saving, and magic lurked around every corner. This book will bring the legend of King Arthur to light and allow readers to learn about the different stories that surround King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Readers will learn if this legendary king was a historical figure. Fast facts and captivating photographs will help readers further explore Camelot, and encourage them to dive deeper into the stories of King Arthur and his court.

Already a legend during the time of the ancient Greeks, the story of Atlantis told of a sophisticated civilization that disappeared underwater. Civilizations and floods have been talked about for centuries, across many cultures and continents. Readers will discover the many stories of underwater cities and how they have been discussed over the years. Vibrant images and fast facts will help readers further explore the legend of Atlantis, and curious minds will be encouraged to answer the question for themselves.

Exploring stories about unicorns from around the globe, this narrative text presents myths and legends in an easy-to-follow narrative voice in conjunction with possible scientific explanations. Bright images and a playful design will keep even the most reluctant readers interested, while a glossary allows readers to build upon their vocabulary.

Information about aliens and UFOs is presented through historical accounts and personal experiences, as well as possible scientific explanations. Vivid images and a colorful design will keep even reluctant readers interested, while a glossary strengthens vocabulary. Then, readers can decide for themselves based on the evidence presented.

The quirky sleuth Sherlock Holmes has been a popular character on the page and stage, as well as on television and in movies. Made famous by Scottish writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes became a model for many future detectives. Readers will learn whether this character came from the brilliant mind of his writer or if Sherlock's sometimes outrageous means of solving cases were actually those of a real-life detective. Fast facts add entertaining and informative clues to help readers solve this mystery for themselves.

Delving into myths and legends from across many cultures, this narrative text presents classic legends side by side with possible scientific explanations. Vivid images and a dynamic design will keep even the most reluctant readers interested, while a glossary allows readers to build vocabulary. Then, readers can examine the evidence and decide for themselves.

Haunted houses, spirits, and ghosts are explored through historical accounts, personal experiences, photographs, and legendary stories. Full-color images and a fun design will keep even reluctant readers interested, while a glossary strengthens vocabulary. Then, readers can come to their own conclusions.

Exploring legends from across the globe, this narrative text presents the story of the mermaid, offering possible scientific explanations for the myths. Bright images and a playful design will keep even the most reluctant readers interested, while a glossary helps build vocabulary. A broad spectrum of ideas encourages critical thinking.