The Big Book of Useless Science Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable Science Facts You Won’t be Taught in School

Ages 8 to 12

An illustrated compendium of mind-bogglingly random facts from the world of science

An encyclopedia of mind-bogglingly random science facts that will lodge in your brain and refuse to leave.

Heard about the poisonous tree in the Amazon rainforest that grows exploding fruit? Did you know that manatees control their buoyancy with farts? Or that the first vending machine was invented in ancient Egypt?

In this compendium of obscure facts readers will be treated to baffling scientific knowledge they would never learn at school. Broken into chapters including engineering, space, and biology, a team of experts has scoured the margins to find the silliest and most pointless facts that the world has to offer.

Accompanied by hilarious illustrations, kids will meet the ants turned to zombies by a deadly fungus, discover why astronauts left their poop on the Moon, and find out about the rainstorm that lasted a million years (before umbrellas were invented!). They will also learn completely useless information like that all of the hair on your head could hold the weight of two elephants.

(SPOILER: the information in this book isn’t really useless. It will inspire, shock, and amuse the reader–and maybe spark an interest that will last a lifetime. It just won’t help you with any exams!)

About the Author

Written by experts from around the globe including science teacher/rapper Matt Green, NASA engineer Erin Winick Anthony, geologist and podcaster Saad Bhatty, and Harvard psychologist Graham Lutz.

Hannah Li is an award-winning Chinese-American illustrator based in New York. With a background in fine arts, Hannah's illustrations often exhibit a unique blend of traditional techniques and digital art.

Kay Wolfersperger is a designer and illustrator based out of Savannah, GA. Her lively, colorful work often explores humor and positivity.

Liz Kay is a British illustrator whose books include The History of Everywhere and My Met Sticker Collection.