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Lonely Planet Kids Mysterious World: 100 Strange & Unexplained Enigmas | From the Bermuda Triangle to Bigfoot & Area 51 | Packed with Fun Facts, Photographs & Maps
Uncover our planet's most sensational secrets with this mind-boggling atlas of mysteries that's packed with more than 100 strange and unexplained enigmas. What happened to the Bermuda Triangle? Where have Bigfoot, the Yeti, and the Yowie been sighted? Why does the legend of Area 51 fascinate us? Bursting with stories about ghostly hauntings, bizarre disappearances, and curious cryptids, this awesome guide to the unusual is the ultimate fact-packed mystery book for readers all over the world.
Inside Mysterious World:
More than 100 famous and obscure mysteries from across the planet
Provides a global view of all that is unexplained with continent-based chapters that take an in-depth look at each thrilling tale
Fascinating fun facts for kids to impress their friends and family with, plus historic photographs, maps, illustrations, and bespoke original art throughout
Contents include: North America - Roswell, USA; The Oak Island Mystery, Canada; Pacal the Great, Mexico. South America - El Dorado, Colombia; Nazca Lines, Peru; The Devil's Lagoon, Chile. Europe - The Missing Lighthouse Keepers, UK; The Crooked Forest, Poland; The Tatzelwurm, Central Europe. Africa - The Curse of Tutankhamun, Egypt; Kongamato, Zambia; The Dogon and Sirius, Mali. Asia - The Mongolian Death Worm, Mongolia; The Sky Caves, Nepal; Naga Fireballs, Thailand. Oceania - The Yowie, Australia; The Kaikōura Lights, New Zealand; The Giant Heads of Rapa Nui
Written by Laura Knowles, author of It Starts with a Seed, which won the 2017 Margaret Mallett Award for Children's Nonfiction
Mysterious World is the much-anticipated follow up to Lonely Planet Kids' Hidden Wonders. If it's unexplained, peculiar and strange, it's in this book…
Inside Mysterious World:
More than 100 famous and obscure mysteries from across the planet
Provides a global view of all that is unexplained with continent-based chapters that take an in-depth look at each thrilling tale
Fascinating fun facts for kids to impress their friends and family with, plus historic photographs, maps, illustrations, and bespoke original art throughout
Contents include: North America - Roswell, USA; The Oak Island Mystery, Canada; Pacal the Great, Mexico. South America - El Dorado, Colombia; Nazca Lines, Peru; The Devil's Lagoon, Chile. Europe - The Missing Lighthouse Keepers, UK; The Crooked Forest, Poland; The Tatzelwurm, Central Europe. Africa - The Curse of Tutankhamun, Egypt; Kongamato, Zambia; The Dogon and Sirius, Mali. Asia - The Mongolian Death Worm, Mongolia; The Sky Caves, Nepal; Naga Fireballs, Thailand. Oceania - The Yowie, Australia; The Kaikōura Lights, New Zealand; The Giant Heads of Rapa Nui
Written by Laura Knowles, author of It Starts with a Seed, which won the 2017 Margaret Mallett Award for Children's Nonfiction
Mysterious World is the much-anticipated follow up to Lonely Planet Kids' Hidden Wonders. If it's unexplained, peculiar and strange, it's in this book…
192 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 29, 2025
4.5 Stars
Another brilliant Lonely Planet Kids book which I think a lot of adults will enjoy as well! Mysterious World takes us on a journry of discovery of all that is weird, strange and unexplained across Earth.
This book is split into sections of each continent and then also the Seas as well. It looks into a lot of mysterious stories such as alien abduction and different disappearances of people in mysterious scenarios. It also looks into possible strange creatures like the Yeti, Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot. There are also interesting pages on incredible strange structures across the world and how they could have possibly come to be there, including the pyramids, stonehenge, Easter Island and the Nazca lines. There are also ghost and alien stories, interesting areas of land including the Bermuda triangle and Area 51, plus some natural phenomenon that have mysteries attached to them.
The book is SO well written with brilliant photographs and illustrations that bring each story to life. The information is split up really well with bite size snapshots that bring different views and information to each mysterious page. I learnt a lot of new intriguing stories aswell as about some things I thought I knew already very well!
This book is said to be for the age of 9 - 12 years old but I think even older children will enjoy this, as I enjoyed it as an adult! I think the age of 9 is a good age to start as there are some spooky parts that could bring on nightmares for those younger.
It is a really educational book whilst also remaining fun with a good mix of very mysterious phenomenon and then more interesting mysteries surrounding culture and cultural buildings. The mix was spot on!
Overall, a brilliant, interesting and informative book that had me hooked! I couldn't recommend it more as it is not only a fun and interesting read but in some cases also highly educational.
Please note that I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another brilliant Lonely Planet Kids book which I think a lot of adults will enjoy as well! Mysterious World takes us on a journry of discovery of all that is weird, strange and unexplained across Earth.
This book is split into sections of each continent and then also the Seas as well. It looks into a lot of mysterious stories such as alien abduction and different disappearances of people in mysterious scenarios. It also looks into possible strange creatures like the Yeti, Loch Ness Monster and Bigfoot. There are also interesting pages on incredible strange structures across the world and how they could have possibly come to be there, including the pyramids, stonehenge, Easter Island and the Nazca lines. There are also ghost and alien stories, interesting areas of land including the Bermuda triangle and Area 51, plus some natural phenomenon that have mysteries attached to them.
The book is SO well written with brilliant photographs and illustrations that bring each story to life. The information is split up really well with bite size snapshots that bring different views and information to each mysterious page. I learnt a lot of new intriguing stories aswell as about some things I thought I knew already very well!
This book is said to be for the age of 9 - 12 years old but I think even older children will enjoy this, as I enjoyed it as an adult! I think the age of 9 is a good age to start as there are some spooky parts that could bring on nightmares for those younger.
It is a really educational book whilst also remaining fun with a good mix of very mysterious phenomenon and then more interesting mysteries surrounding culture and cultural buildings. The mix was spot on!
Overall, a brilliant, interesting and informative book that had me hooked! I couldn't recommend it more as it is not only a fun and interesting read but in some cases also highly educational.
Please note that I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
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November 1, 2025Przejść obojętnie obok DUCHÓW, UFO, LATAJĄCEGO HOLENDRA, KRAKENA, NAWIEDZONYCH ZAMCZYSK, WIELKIEJ STOPY???? Nie da się!!!! A to dopiero wierzchołek góry lodowej największych zagadek świata jakie odnajdziemy w absolutnie fantastycznej książce pt. TAJEMNICE ŚWIATA - wszystko co dziwne i niewyjaśnione na naszej planecie.
Wiem, że książka docelowo skierowana jest do dzieci, ale nie dajcie się nabrać - WY dorośli - na to DLA DZIECI i uwierzcie mi na słowo, że ta książka wciągnie was tak samo, jak wasze pociechy. Nie będziecie mogli się od niej oderwać i będziecie zaskoczeni tym, jaka piękna jest to pozycja. W środku znajdziecie całe mnóstwo fenomenalnych ilustracji, fotografii, map, bo to wydanie jest obłędne! Już przecież sama okładka lśni złoceniami i zachwyca kolorem - fioletem, takim w paru miejscach przetartym, co sprawia, że mamy wrażenie trzymania w dłoniach księgi nie tylko wypełnionej tajemnicami, ale i starej...
Laura Knowles wykonała świetną pracę i widać to dosłownie na każdej stronie. Oczywiście najpierw czytelnik zauważa ilustracje, papier, tematykę, ale gdy zaczyna się czytanie zaczyna się też rozumienie, że ta pozycja została rewelacyjnie napisana. TAJEMNICE ŚWIATA są książką, która doskonale nadaje się na głośnie czytanie. Dla mnie to ogromnie ważne, zwłaszcza w przypadku "nawiedzonej" tematyki, bo taką zawsze miło dzielić się z innymi. Modulowanie głowy, wieczór pełne czasu na strachy na lachy - idealnie!
Pozycja ta jest bogata w ciekawostki z całego świata. Autorka podzieliła książkę ze względu na kontynenty, podróżujemy więc po tajemnicach z mapą - i to jest wspaniałe, bo możemy np. zaplanować wakacje z duchami! Ja chętnie bym odwiedziła każde z przestawionych w tym dziele miejsc... no może WENDIGO i DIABŁA Z JERSY bym ominęła... brrrrrr - choć i tak kuszą (myślę, że z bezpiecznej odległości chętnie bym się im przyjrzała - a potem koszmary gwarantowane).
Dla mnie jest to książka niemal idealna - choć skierowana do dzieci. Spokojnie i stary i młody powinien być uradowany z lektury. Ja przepadam za takimi opowieściami, za legendami, ustnymi podaniami, mitami, zakopanymi skarbami. Jest to też, jak już pisałam wyżej, pozycja w najlepszym stylu literackim. Knowles ma lekkie pióro i zadziorne, potrafi budować napięcie i tworzyć żywą relację z czytelnikiem a to w przypadku straszenia jest w mojej ocenie niezwykle ważne. By jeszcze mocniej zachęcić do lektury TAJEMNIC ŚWIATA zdradzę, że POLSKIE nawiedzone miejsce taż tu znajdziemy. BAAAAAARDZO POLECAM!
Boo!
lonely planet KIDS
Wydawnictwo Kropka
egzemplarz recenzencki
Wiem, że książka docelowo skierowana jest do dzieci, ale nie dajcie się nabrać - WY dorośli - na to DLA DZIECI i uwierzcie mi na słowo, że ta książka wciągnie was tak samo, jak wasze pociechy. Nie będziecie mogli się od niej oderwać i będziecie zaskoczeni tym, jaka piękna jest to pozycja. W środku znajdziecie całe mnóstwo fenomenalnych ilustracji, fotografii, map, bo to wydanie jest obłędne! Już przecież sama okładka lśni złoceniami i zachwyca kolorem - fioletem, takim w paru miejscach przetartym, co sprawia, że mamy wrażenie trzymania w dłoniach księgi nie tylko wypełnionej tajemnicami, ale i starej...
Laura Knowles wykonała świetną pracę i widać to dosłownie na każdej stronie. Oczywiście najpierw czytelnik zauważa ilustracje, papier, tematykę, ale gdy zaczyna się czytanie zaczyna się też rozumienie, że ta pozycja została rewelacyjnie napisana. TAJEMNICE ŚWIATA są książką, która doskonale nadaje się na głośnie czytanie. Dla mnie to ogromnie ważne, zwłaszcza w przypadku "nawiedzonej" tematyki, bo taką zawsze miło dzielić się z innymi. Modulowanie głowy, wieczór pełne czasu na strachy na lachy - idealnie!
Pozycja ta jest bogata w ciekawostki z całego świata. Autorka podzieliła książkę ze względu na kontynenty, podróżujemy więc po tajemnicach z mapą - i to jest wspaniałe, bo możemy np. zaplanować wakacje z duchami! Ja chętnie bym odwiedziła każde z przestawionych w tym dziele miejsc... no może WENDIGO i DIABŁA Z JERSY bym ominęła... brrrrrr - choć i tak kuszą (myślę, że z bezpiecznej odległości chętnie bym się im przyjrzała - a potem koszmary gwarantowane).
Dla mnie jest to książka niemal idealna - choć skierowana do dzieci. Spokojnie i stary i młody powinien być uradowany z lektury. Ja przepadam za takimi opowieściami, za legendami, ustnymi podaniami, mitami, zakopanymi skarbami. Jest to też, jak już pisałam wyżej, pozycja w najlepszym stylu literackim. Knowles ma lekkie pióro i zadziorne, potrafi budować napięcie i tworzyć żywą relację z czytelnikiem a to w przypadku straszenia jest w mojej ocenie niezwykle ważne. By jeszcze mocniej zachęcić do lektury TAJEMNIC ŚWIATA zdradzę, że POLSKIE nawiedzone miejsce taż tu znajdziemy. BAAAAAARDZO POLECAM!
Boo!
lonely planet KIDS
Wydawnictwo Kropka
egzemplarz recenzencki
October 13, 2024
Reality makes the best fiction, and these legends, monsters, mysteries, ghosts and more take a look at some of the oddest and unexplained things of our world.
Broken down into the continents and larger areas of Earth, this book slides through a variety of mysterious, odd, and sometimes, creepy things found all over the globe. A table of contents on the first pages makes referencing certain ones simple. Each chapter begins with a short introduction, which draws readers in with an atmospheric description and hints at the mysterious and strange things that area holds. Then, a detailed 'key' lists the specific topics found in the chapter along with the page on which it can be found. A rough map correlates with the the key to give readers an idea where the strange things originated or are located.
Everything from Ogopogo to bioluminescent bays to the Darvaza Gas Crater and even aliens get a quick moment in the spotlight. The pages hold real life photos or helpful illustrations to bring the information to life, and these are fun to flip through just to get a glance at the variety. The information surrounding all these topics appears as short paragraphs over each two-page spread. These each hold a question or title to highlight different theories, facts, or possibilities. They are quick, short, and interesting, never tip-toeing into boredom or long babbles. While some of the information might already be known, many tidbits will raise eyebrows. Plus, the explanations often make readers think about the logic and connections between various aspects. There are several sections with highlighted mysteries, which have been solved as well. I found this to be a nice touch, since it reminds readers that there are answers...and these are waiting to be discovered. To round everything off, there's a glossary and an index at the end.
Middle graders (and even older readers) eager to learn more about the stranger side of our world are sure to enjoy this collection. It's interesting, surprising, and holds a large variety.
Broken down into the continents and larger areas of Earth, this book slides through a variety of mysterious, odd, and sometimes, creepy things found all over the globe. A table of contents on the first pages makes referencing certain ones simple. Each chapter begins with a short introduction, which draws readers in with an atmospheric description and hints at the mysterious and strange things that area holds. Then, a detailed 'key' lists the specific topics found in the chapter along with the page on which it can be found. A rough map correlates with the the key to give readers an idea where the strange things originated or are located.
Everything from Ogopogo to bioluminescent bays to the Darvaza Gas Crater and even aliens get a quick moment in the spotlight. The pages hold real life photos or helpful illustrations to bring the information to life, and these are fun to flip through just to get a glance at the variety. The information surrounding all these topics appears as short paragraphs over each two-page spread. These each hold a question or title to highlight different theories, facts, or possibilities. They are quick, short, and interesting, never tip-toeing into boredom or long babbles. While some of the information might already be known, many tidbits will raise eyebrows. Plus, the explanations often make readers think about the logic and connections between various aspects. There are several sections with highlighted mysteries, which have been solved as well. I found this to be a nice touch, since it reminds readers that there are answers...and these are waiting to be discovered. To round everything off, there's a glossary and an index at the end.
Middle graders (and even older readers) eager to learn more about the stranger side of our world are sure to enjoy this collection. It's interesting, surprising, and holds a large variety.
October 12, 2024
Copy provided by the publisher
Am I the only one who remembers the late 1980s Time-Life Mysteries of the Unknown books? Or even earlier incarnations? My parents were big fans of taking advantage of the offer to look at the first book in this mail order series and then cancel if they didn't want to continue, which meant I spent a lot of my childhood reading the first volumes of a lot of different series. The books were packed with information, and very interesting. This new Lonely Planet title reminded me of those fun, nonfiction titles.
Mysterious World is definitely updated for the new millennium, however, and like Lonely Planet's Your Ultimate Travel Adventure List, makes sure to include locations from around the world. Entries include some well known mysteries, like Bigfoot and the Wendigo in North America, but also includes some that I hadn't heard, like the Ogopogo. I liked that each geographic section started with a map showing where the various mysteries could be found.
The pages are formatted rather like a scrapbook, with pictures in the background, photographs "paperclipped" to pages, and lots of snippets of information shown in boxes. There are vintage illustrations, some more maps, and discussion boxes about "Hoax or Reality". My favorite bits were when there was a box stamped "Solved" and light was shed on why a supposedly supernatural occurrence really happened. This has a glossary and an index, making it easier to find information hidden in the crammed pages, and even has a page about what do you really believe.
I always tell my students that if something has never shown up in my backyard, I don't believe in it, but this doesn't stop them from wearing out my "nonfiction" books on the topics. Readers who enjoyed Fleming's Crash From Outer Space , Williams' Deadly Hauntings, or Hollihan's Ghosts Unveiled will find this a fascinating tome, and probably need a copy to carry around and read at night under the blankets with a flashlight.
Am I the only one who remembers the late 1980s Time-Life Mysteries of the Unknown books? Or even earlier incarnations? My parents were big fans of taking advantage of the offer to look at the first book in this mail order series and then cancel if they didn't want to continue, which meant I spent a lot of my childhood reading the first volumes of a lot of different series. The books were packed with information, and very interesting. This new Lonely Planet title reminded me of those fun, nonfiction titles.
Mysterious World is definitely updated for the new millennium, however, and like Lonely Planet's Your Ultimate Travel Adventure List, makes sure to include locations from around the world. Entries include some well known mysteries, like Bigfoot and the Wendigo in North America, but also includes some that I hadn't heard, like the Ogopogo. I liked that each geographic section started with a map showing where the various mysteries could be found.
The pages are formatted rather like a scrapbook, with pictures in the background, photographs "paperclipped" to pages, and lots of snippets of information shown in boxes. There are vintage illustrations, some more maps, and discussion boxes about "Hoax or Reality". My favorite bits were when there was a box stamped "Solved" and light was shed on why a supposedly supernatural occurrence really happened. This has a glossary and an index, making it easier to find information hidden in the crammed pages, and even has a page about what do you really believe.
I always tell my students that if something has never shown up in my backyard, I don't believe in it, but this doesn't stop them from wearing out my "nonfiction" books on the topics. Readers who enjoyed Fleming's Crash From Outer Space , Williams' Deadly Hauntings, or Hollihan's Ghosts Unveiled will find this a fascinating tome, and probably need a copy to carry around and read at night under the blankets with a flashlight.
February 25, 2025
Another captivating book by Lonely Planet Kids- this one explores over 100 of the world’s most intriguing and unexplained mysteries. From the Bermuda Triangle to cryptids like Bigfoot and the Yeti, this book is filled with fascinating tales of ghostly hauntings, bizarre disappearances, and ancient legends. Each chapter focuses on a different continent, offering a global view of the unknown, with historic photos, maps, and unique illustrations that bring the stories to life.
This book is perfect for older kids and adults who enjoy strange and spooky tales, packed with fun facts and eye-catching visuals. It’s a great way to explore the world’s mysteries in an engaging and educational way.
My one caution is that it is not suitable for younger or more sensitive readers due to the eerie content and very vivid images. A must-have though, for mature readers intrigued by the unusual and unexplained!
This book is perfect for older kids and adults who enjoy strange and spooky tales, packed with fun facts and eye-catching visuals. It’s a great way to explore the world’s mysteries in an engaging and educational way.
My one caution is that it is not suitable for younger or more sensitive readers due to the eerie content and very vivid images. A must-have though, for mature readers intrigued by the unusual and unexplained!
May 5, 2025
I know this is a kids book but I still thought there would be more information on each entry. There was a good mix of entries from monsters, to hountaed places, to the unexplained like the Bermuda Triangle. Kids who are interested in the mysterious of the world will like this book. Adults who are looking for a very simple jumping off point for this subject might find this book a good starting point.
November 9, 2025
4.25 stars. Wonderful book covering all sorts of mystery stories, including monsters, natural phenomena or aliens and UFO sightings. Visual side (very important!) also impressive, providing great illustration for every mystery, even if it's just an artists impression rather that real life photograph. What a fun read! Great as a present too.
January 25, 2025
It was an amazing book it has a virity of horror and facts amazing
July 6, 2025
Interesting little stories of unexplained things in the world. Folklore, history, science. Those that can be explained are but far more cannot.
Want to Read
December 23, 2025Read parts aloud to Carl and want to go back and read the whole thing. Page 40, stone spheres of Costa Rica--I hadn't heard of these before and they're so cool!
Want to Read
July 3, 2026FS:
LS:
Location: The Entire World
Chapters: 8
Library/Hardback
LS:
Location: The Entire World
Chapters: 8
Library/Hardback
April 13, 2025
Explore fun pictures, wild speculations and detailed layouts for mysteries all over the globe; North America, South America, Europe, Mysterious Seas, Africa & Asia, Mysterious Oceania, and Antarctica. Mysterious World is a great exploratory book, with stunning photography!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews