Our World: By the Numbers

This encyclopedic volume by the late Jenkins (Eye to Eye) showcases the power and diversity of infographics as much as it celebrates Earth's wonders. Seven chapters discuss the facts of Earth and detail its geography, history, inhabitants, extreme weather events, and future as well as its place in the solar system and statistics about daily planetary occurrences. Images include schematic illustrations, vector art, and silhouettes in graphs, comparison charts, timelines, and tables. While graphics about climate change's impact and the sun's overwhelming dominance in terms of matter will nurture readers' nascent existentialism, ample lighthearted illustrations are similarly featured. One chart shows all the animals--and insects!--that have been sent into space; another depicts three people and a pony who survived being sucked into tornadoes. Cool facts, including how continents move at "about the same rate that your fingernails grow," abound, and select sections, such as a chapter on disasters throughout history, result in gripping mini-narratives. Via simple yet eye-catching illustrations--a cross-section of Earth's crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core is vibrantly rendered--the book highlights how one picture can truly be worth a thousand words. A glossary concludes. Ages 6-10. (Oct.)

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An impressive visual illustrates how many times an adult human’s heart beats per day and how many barrels of blood that equals. The comparisons used are very concrete, easy to understand, and often quirky, such as the fact that “continents move at about the same rate that your fingernails grow.” Visual learners as well as anyone who loves knowing the facts about things will be informed and entertained.