Wonder Science

Poetry and science, as Popova writes in her introduction, "are instruments for knowing the world more intimately and loving it more deeply." In 15 short essays on subjects ranging from the mystery of dark matter and the infinity of pi to the resilience of trees and the intelligence of octopuses, Popova tells the stories of scientific searching and discovery. These stories are interwoven with details from the very real and human lives of scientists—many of them women, many underrecognized—and poets inspired by the same questions and the beauty they reveal.

This collection of 40 fairy tales contains well-known favorites from authors like the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, Oscar Wilde, Charles Perrault, Madame de Beaumont, and Joseph Jacobs.

Animals plainly know where they're going, but how they get there has remained surprisingly mysterious - until now. In Supernavigators, award-winning author David Barrie catches us up on the cutting-edge science. Here are astounding animals of every stripe: Dung beetles that steer by the light of the Milky Way. Ants and bees that rely on patterns of light invisible to humans. Sea turtles and moths that find their way using Earth's magnetic field. Humpback whales that swim thousands of miles while holding a rock-steady course.

Wonder Woman and Philosophy: The Amazonian Mystique explores a wide range of philosophical questions surrounding the most popular female superhero of all time, from her creation as feminist propaganda during World War II up to the first female lead in the blockbuster DC movie franchise.

One boy: Jack McKinley is an ordinary kid with an extraordinary problem. In a few months, he's going to die. One mission: Jack needs to find seven magic loculi that, when combined, have the power to cure him. One problem: The loculi are the relics of a lost civilization and haven't been seen in thousands of years. Seven wonders: Because they're hidden in the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

On July 23, 1999, the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, the most powerful X-ray telescope ever built, was launched aboard the space shuttle Columbia. Since then, Chandra has given us a view of the universe that is largely hidden from telescopes sensitive only to visible light. In Chandra's Cosmos, Wallace H. Tucker uses a series of short, connected stories to describe the telescope's exploration of the hot, high-energy face of the universe.

They're walking dead people who are dazed and confused! Stories of zombies are in many parts of the world. Is it possible the legends are true?

Seth and his talking cat Nightshade arrive in the magical town of Gramichee to gain an apprenticeship: he's finally read to qualify as a magician. But he soon discovers that the existing apprentices are under attack at the town's Scrumdiddlyumptious Cafe, which is far more deadly than it is delightful. Seth's got his hands full, as usual. Can he pass his exams, discover who's murdering the apprentices and stop them before they strike again?

Sy Montgomery's popular 2011 Orion magazine piece, "Deep Intellect", about her friendship with a sensitive, sweet-natured octopus named Athena and the grief she felt at her death, went viral, indicating the widespread fascination with these mysterious, almost alien-like creatures. Since then Sy has practiced true immersion journalism, from New England aquarium tanks to the reefs of French Polynesia and the Gulf of Mexico, pursuing these wild, solitary shape-shifters.

This is a selection of the myths and legends of Scotland, filled with local color, from Scottish journalist, folklorist, and writer Donald Alexander Mackenzie. These stories offer not only glimpses of ancient times and of old habits of thought and life but also of the country itself at different times of the year.

The Sun gives life to our planet, but it also produces some amazing phenomena. From sun dogs and green flash to solar flares and sunspots, The Science Behind Wonders of the Sun looks at some of these phenomena, explaining how and why they occur.

Popular among naturopaths, George Carey's The Chemistry and Wonders of the Human Body combines astrology, physiology, anatomy, chemistry, and a mineral theory of disease into a overarching view of the human organism.

Prepare to be dazzled with stories of witches, wizards and magical folk. From spells and enchantments to potions and wishes, there's magic and wonder brewing in this bumper collection by Enid Blyton. These traditional tales are ideal for both younger and older listeners. Each story stands alone and is the perfect length for listening to at bedtime or in the classroom.

There are many amazing sights to be seen in the sky. In the daytime there may be unusual cloud formations, rainbows, and moonbows. At night you might see a comet, meteorites, or the Aurora Borealis. The Science Behind Wonders in the Sky looks at some of these phenomena, explaining how and why they occur.

The oceans, rivers, and lakes on our planet can produce some amazing natural phenomena. From icebergs to ice circles, tsunamis to tidal bores, The Science Behind Wonders of the Water looks at some of these phenomena, explaining how and why they occur.

Tales of people turning into wolves at night have made the werewolf legendary. Learn more about this scary monster and how its story has changed over time.

It’s a monster with sharp claws and pointy fangs. It howls at the moon as it hunts for its next meal. Stories of werewolves have been told all around the world. Is it possible the legends are true?

It was a beautiful, mythical city sparkling with riches. But many years ago, a huge wave washed away the entire city. Is it possible the legend of Atlantis is true?

It’s a huge, smelly monster that stomps through the woods. It roars in the night as it hunts for food. Stories of Bigfoot are heard all over North America. Is it possible the legends are true?

Fairies have fluttered through popular fairy tales for many years. Have you ever wondered what fairies look like, where they live, or what kinds of tricks they play? Fly through this book to find out the truth about fairies.