Actually Factually

by Guy Campbell

A fascinating collection of misunderstandings, mistakes and misconceptions, Actually Factually reveals the reality behind just a few of the myths that get mixed up with truth. If you really thought that Christopher Columbus discovered America or that water goes down the plughole the other way in Australia this book will bring you right back to Earth with a bump. Full of fantastic facts to wow teachers, friends and family, this is the perfect book for kids who want to know more.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

128 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2008

About the author

Guy Campbell lives in the United Kingdom.

Reviews

[Nicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been reading non-fiction to relax, lately, which is my excuse for this one. It's aimed at kids, and basically debunks various urban myths like the idea that people swallow eight spiders per year in their sleep. It's very simplistic, but kids would probably enjoy it, and it wasn't bad for me to read in the twenty minutes before bed, either.

Edit: Now I'm reading the QI Book of General Ignorance, I have a feeling this is plagiarised. I'll compare them side by side when I've got chance...

ETA: The author got in contact with me on GR to let me know that he hasn't even read the QI book. Still, it's worth noting that the facts selected for this book are also covered (along with many others) in the QI book. For those who are fans of trivia, it doesn't add much to your repertoire if you've already read the QI book.

[Adhrit Pradeep · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually Factually by Guy Campbell genre: Science, Nature Rating: 5/5

I like this book because it has all sorts of wonderful, crazy, and helpful facts!
This book is all about things that you have never heard about before, like: Are we drinking dinosaur wee/pee? Or: does sugar really damage our teeth? Or, can swallowing bubblegum kill you? And: Water goes down the plughole the other way in Australia? This book will tell you such facts. I expected that this book would be loaded from page corner to page corner with information. But I was amazed about how the author put the facts - simple, loaded with information, and making it funny even though there were a few words in the books. It is also a quick read.
I recommend this book to people who are always raring for intelligence.

[Analuabc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mais um livro que mostra que devemos passar algumas vezes na secção infanto-juvenil para encontrar estas pérolas que nos fazem questionar coisas tão simples como se os morcegos são cegos ou se os elefantes têm realmente medo de ratos, como diz a tradição.
Leitura suave e despretenciosa, como sería de esperar tendo em conta o publico alvo, mas que nos faz ver que há imensa coisa que nos rodeia que desconhecemos.

[Mawgan Dipple · Rating 2 out of 5]

Facts

My 7 year old daughter decided to read this book, but it wasn't for her. Although it was full of facts that could educate her mind, she didn't enjoy it. So that is the reason for the rating. I'm sure others would have given it a higher rating.

[Alice English · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book with lots of interesting facts

[Liv Middlebrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, but interesting.

Easy read. Dont expect too much - would be best for children or adults who want a few pages before bed (me).

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book I found it very easy to read, very interesting and hard to put down.

[Carrie Daws · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great little book of odd facts, busting myths (or explaining truths) that so many believe, like:
the average person swallows 8 spiders per year;
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world;
chocolate gives you pimples;
there is no gravity in space;
bats are blind;
and many more!
The science behind each truth is explained simply enough that even my non-scientific brain could follow it, and some of the myths include how the stories got started.

[Helis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and easy reading for young readers with inquisitive mind. Covers facts and myths from various aspects of life. Some myths and explanations were well-known, some new to me and some arguable, e.g highest mountain or largest desert. Moreover, my observant daughter pointed out that Heinz does not use gherkin picture on labels of all of their products, but perhaps it changed after the book was written.

[Corey Dutson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though it's for a younger audience, I still enjoy a good myth-busting book now and again. This one's full of little day-to-day myths and explains them away in a down to earth way. It's a nice break from the heavier stuff I've been reading.

Took me a while to finish it, what with my Kindle dying on me

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Taught me lots of facts I didn't know and corrected me on lots of facts I thought were true but actually aren't. It was written in a friendly yet informative way and was extremely interesting. :)