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One Million Things: A Visual Encyclopedia
Featuring gorgeous photographs that illustrate and educate, this visual encyclopedia is jam-packed with thousands and thousands of images that bring more than one million things to light. Full color.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published June 16, 2008
6 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Kim Bryan
20 books2 followersKim Bryan has served as co-author, editor, and consultant for multiple books about science, animals, culture, and technology. She is the author of Puppy Care, and has contributed to dozens of titles including Animal Life by Katie Pearson and Earth by Michael Allaby. She served as an editor for the sustainable lifestyle compendium Do It Yourself: A Guide to Changing Our World.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 23, 2008
This is a great picture book for kids if they are at all interested in science and nature. My daughter can sit and look at it for hours (Which makes it spectacular in my mind!)
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October 13, 2019The kids loved this book full of facts and pictures.
June 7, 2021
This is the book I referred to in my previous review as being perhaps an earlier version/edition. It is much more “visual” with photos and illustrations dominating the page space. The text is minimal but informative. This would be better for me to look through with young grandkids and simply wonder and discover at its contents. A fun learning experience with lots to look at and enough information to learn something new, maybe even astounding. At the end it provides a section called Reference which has statistical facts displayed in varying sized sentences. There is also an index. (Like any encyclopedia, this one is bit behind on recent developments, mostly those in tech. I noticed it referred to Denali in Alaska as Mount McKinley. I could not find a publishing date in the book but the info here says 2008.)
August 11, 2023
I do love these types of books - visual encyclopedias, with big gorgeous detailed pictures of the subject matter and interesting little tidbits and facts accompanying them.
This one has a section in the back with just text in random spacing across 2 pages with stuff like:
"There are more muscles in a caterpillar than there are in the human body"
and
"The moon moves just over 1 in (3 cm) away from earth each year"
That means the moon has moved 5 feet further away from us since I was born. Like much else in this book, I did not know either of these things.
Great fun.
This one has a section in the back with just text in random spacing across 2 pages with stuff like:
"There are more muscles in a caterpillar than there are in the human body"
and
"The moon moves just over 1 in (3 cm) away from earth each year"
That means the moon has moved 5 feet further away from us since I was born. Like much else in this book, I did not know either of these things.
Great fun.
September 13, 2017
I started reading this book about 10 years ago, and I still haven't finished it. It was amazing then, and still is now, with its detailed information and stunning photography in an easy-to-read layout. I have no doubt that it actually contains over 1 million facts.
February 12, 2019
this is a great book that you will learn many things in this book, and I think there were more than one million facts in these books and I think that is pretty fun.
April 27, 2021
A lot of great information in this book.
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June 23, 2012 Heather Blackwell
Title:
Chrisp, P. (2008). One million things: A visual encyclopedia. New York, NY: DK Publishing
Type of Reference:
Encyclopedia
Call Number:
031
Brief Description:
This is visual encyclopedia of plants, stars, fossils, cities and is recommended for young readers.
Review:
Yusko, S. (2008, December 11). [Review of the book One million things: A visual encyclopedia]. Booklist Online. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com.libsrv....
Relevance and Relationship
There are very few general reference encyclopedias in the collection, and this is one that is both relevant and interesting to students. And, although it is a large, hard cover book, it is only one volume and is very affordable.
Purpose
This reference source puts over a million facts about things such as nature, people, and places. Each of the eight sections is then divided up into smaller sections that provide specific detail in both text and photographs. Because it is geared toward younger readers, the style of writing is clear and easy to follow. Also, because it is a visual encyclopedia, it would appeal to the students who may not want to read through a large amount of information.
Validity
This visual encyclopedia is published by DK Publishers, a very reputable source for illustrated resources. Also, it has been published recently so the information is current. In addition, it has been reviewed by authoritative sources. Because the publisher is a reliable source, there is very little chance of bias in the information presented.
Format
This reference source is a print, illustrated source that highlights a variety of information.
Arrangement and Presentation
One Million Things is divided into eight broad chapters that are then divided into topics. Each of those topics has a two page spread with both illustrations and short paragraphs. There is a reference section and an index at the end for students to quickly find the information they are looking for.
Diversity
Because this source includes such a variety of information, it will appeal to all different types of learners, either in a cultural sense, or intellectually.
Title:
Chrisp, P. (2008). One million things: A visual encyclopedia. New York, NY: DK Publishing
Type of Reference:
Encyclopedia
Call Number:
031
Brief Description:
This is visual encyclopedia of plants, stars, fossils, cities and is recommended for young readers.
Review:
Yusko, S. (2008, December 11). [Review of the book One million things: A visual encyclopedia]. Booklist Online. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com.libsrv....
Relevance and Relationship
There are very few general reference encyclopedias in the collection, and this is one that is both relevant and interesting to students. And, although it is a large, hard cover book, it is only one volume and is very affordable.
Purpose
This reference source puts over a million facts about things such as nature, people, and places. Each of the eight sections is then divided up into smaller sections that provide specific detail in both text and photographs. Because it is geared toward younger readers, the style of writing is clear and easy to follow. Also, because it is a visual encyclopedia, it would appeal to the students who may not want to read through a large amount of information.
Validity
This visual encyclopedia is published by DK Publishers, a very reputable source for illustrated resources. Also, it has been published recently so the information is current. In addition, it has been reviewed by authoritative sources. Because the publisher is a reliable source, there is very little chance of bias in the information presented.
Format
This reference source is a print, illustrated source that highlights a variety of information.
Arrangement and Presentation
One Million Things is divided into eight broad chapters that are then divided into topics. Each of those topics has a two page spread with both illustrations and short paragraphs. There is a reference section and an index at the end for students to quickly find the information they are looking for.
Diversity
Because this source includes such a variety of information, it will appeal to all different types of learners, either in a cultural sense, or intellectually.
Read
April 24, 2016Bryan, K. (2008). One million things: A visual encyclopedia. New York: DK Publishing.
Citation by: Lena White
Type of Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: j031 one
Content/Scope: This book is a good fit for grades 3-8. This 304 page encyclopedia includes vivid photographs that are distinct and detailed. The entries also include several captioned visuals and succinct writing to explain the entry. This encyclopedia would work well for younger students who can learn and be kept interested by the stunning visuals, but it would also be a good reference tool for older students who could find interesting and unusual details about the topic.
Authority/Accuracy/Bias: DK produces content for consumers in over 87 countries and 62 languages, with offices in Delhi, London, Melbourne, Munich, New York and Toronto. Their goal is to inform, enrich and entertain readers of all ages. They publish both print and digital.
Arrangement/Presentation: The 304 page encyclopedia contains a table of contents that breaks entries down by topic. The topics cover a wide range. For instance, the first topic is nature, which is then broken down into many categories, covering subheadings from trees to insect anatomy. There is also an alphabetical index in the back to further help a specific search.
Relation to other works: Several visual encyclopedias are available. Many, though, are more refined by subject than this one which contains a wide range of topics to explore. The images that are presented really stand out from others as well. Great reference source for visual learners.
Accessibility/Diversity: This reference is accessible to a wide range of learners. The visuals will keep earlier learners interested, and the unusual angles that are given about various topics keep the entries interesting. It is a very diverse book of both sciences, arts, and social studies. It is inclusive and nonsexist.
Cost: $24.99
Professional Review: Hartle, A. (2008). One million things: A visual encyclopedia. Library Media Connection, 27(3), p. 88.
Citation by: Lena White
Type of Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: j031 one
Content/Scope: This book is a good fit for grades 3-8. This 304 page encyclopedia includes vivid photographs that are distinct and detailed. The entries also include several captioned visuals and succinct writing to explain the entry. This encyclopedia would work well for younger students who can learn and be kept interested by the stunning visuals, but it would also be a good reference tool for older students who could find interesting and unusual details about the topic.
Authority/Accuracy/Bias: DK produces content for consumers in over 87 countries and 62 languages, with offices in Delhi, London, Melbourne, Munich, New York and Toronto. Their goal is to inform, enrich and entertain readers of all ages. They publish both print and digital.
Arrangement/Presentation: The 304 page encyclopedia contains a table of contents that breaks entries down by topic. The topics cover a wide range. For instance, the first topic is nature, which is then broken down into many categories, covering subheadings from trees to insect anatomy. There is also an alphabetical index in the back to further help a specific search.
Relation to other works: Several visual encyclopedias are available. Many, though, are more refined by subject than this one which contains a wide range of topics to explore. The images that are presented really stand out from others as well. Great reference source for visual learners.
Accessibility/Diversity: This reference is accessible to a wide range of learners. The visuals will keep earlier learners interested, and the unusual angles that are given about various topics keep the entries interesting. It is a very diverse book of both sciences, arts, and social studies. It is inclusive and nonsexist.
Cost: $24.99
Professional Review: Hartle, A. (2008). One million things: A visual encyclopedia. Library Media Connection, 27(3), p. 88.
Read
April 24, 2012Bryan, K. (2008). One million things: a visual encyclopedia. DK Publishing.
Citation created by: Deana Chandler
Call Number: 031
Description: A single-volume encyclopedia with organized information about one million different things. Spectacular images accompany each topic.
Content/Scope: The text covers eight broad topics such as people and places, art and culture, technology and the human body. These broad areas are further divided into sub-topics such as plants, language, sports, and cities. Hundreds of colorful photographs add visual information about each topic.
Accuracy/Authority: This book has received positive reviews by reputable review sources.
Arrangement/Presentation: This single-volume encyclopedia is divided into eight chapters covering a variety of topics. Each topic is presented on a two-page spread with an introductory paragraph accompanied with photo captions and shorter paragraphs providing additional information. Each chapter has a reference section. An index is also included.
Relation to Similar Works: Kingfisher’s Everything You Need to Know: An Encyclopedia for Inquiring Young Minds is a similar work. While this edition provides lots of information on a variety of topics, the photographs and illustrations are less appealing than those found in One Million Things.
Timeliness/Permanence: The wide topic range would require a yearly review to ensure information is up-to-date and accurate.
Cost: $21.99
Rational for Selection: The book has a similar style to the popular DK Eyewitness series of books that appeal to younger readers. The numerous photographs and captions would also be helpful for ESL students and students with reading disabilities.
Professional Review: School Library Journal, October 1, 2008, Vol. 54 Issue 10
Citation created by: Deana Chandler
Call Number: 031
Description: A single-volume encyclopedia with organized information about one million different things. Spectacular images accompany each topic.
Content/Scope: The text covers eight broad topics such as people and places, art and culture, technology and the human body. These broad areas are further divided into sub-topics such as plants, language, sports, and cities. Hundreds of colorful photographs add visual information about each topic.
Accuracy/Authority: This book has received positive reviews by reputable review sources.
Arrangement/Presentation: This single-volume encyclopedia is divided into eight chapters covering a variety of topics. Each topic is presented on a two-page spread with an introductory paragraph accompanied with photo captions and shorter paragraphs providing additional information. Each chapter has a reference section. An index is also included.
Relation to Similar Works: Kingfisher’s Everything You Need to Know: An Encyclopedia for Inquiring Young Minds is a similar work. While this edition provides lots of information on a variety of topics, the photographs and illustrations are less appealing than those found in One Million Things.
Timeliness/Permanence: The wide topic range would require a yearly review to ensure information is up-to-date and accurate.
Cost: $21.99
Rational for Selection: The book has a similar style to the popular DK Eyewitness series of books that appeal to younger readers. The numerous photographs and captions would also be helpful for ESL students and students with reading disabilities.
Professional Review: School Library Journal, October 1, 2008, Vol. 54 Issue 10
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December 2, 2013Title: Bryan, K. (2008). One million things: a visual encyclopedia. New York: DK Publishing.
Name: Brittany Herrera
Type of Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: 031
Description: This book is geared toward fifth graders. It contains images that are related to subjects such as nature, human body, science and technology, space, earth, history, art, etc. Each page contains captivating images that engage students on the topics with labels and captions.
Review:
When you're a kid, you think that bigger is better. Machines, buildings, ice-cream cones-they're all better with an increase in dimensions. DK has put together a visual encyclopedia that runs with the concept of cramming a million bits of information into one volume. The book is not 300 pages of arbitrary fact. There is an organization to the madness. Arranged in sections from nature to nutrition, the human body to technology, people and places to art and culture, the breadth of subject matter is impressive. Vital to the operation are the photographs. This may be the single largest collection of pictures kids have ever seen in one place, and each page shows as much as it tells. Readers can open it up, discover something new, and enjoy. A quality selection for most collections.
Citation Review: Jonker, T. (2008). ONE MILLION THINGS: A VISUAL ENCYCLOPEDIA. [Review of the book One million things: a visual encyclopedia]. School Library Journal, 54(10), 173.
Name: Brittany Herrera
Type of Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: 031
Description: This book is geared toward fifth graders. It contains images that are related to subjects such as nature, human body, science and technology, space, earth, history, art, etc. Each page contains captivating images that engage students on the topics with labels and captions.
Review:
When you're a kid, you think that bigger is better. Machines, buildings, ice-cream cones-they're all better with an increase in dimensions. DK has put together a visual encyclopedia that runs with the concept of cramming a million bits of information into one volume. The book is not 300 pages of arbitrary fact. There is an organization to the madness. Arranged in sections from nature to nutrition, the human body to technology, people and places to art and culture, the breadth of subject matter is impressive. Vital to the operation are the photographs. This may be the single largest collection of pictures kids have ever seen in one place, and each page shows as much as it tells. Readers can open it up, discover something new, and enjoy. A quality selection for most collections.
Citation Review: Jonker, T. (2008). ONE MILLION THINGS: A VISUAL ENCYCLOPEDIA. [Review of the book One million things: a visual encyclopedia]. School Library Journal, 54(10), 173.
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November 30, 2013One million things: a visual encyclopedia. (2008). DK Publishing.
Professional Review: Jonker, T. (2008). ONE MILLION THINGS: A VISUAL ENCYCLOPEDIA. School Library Journal, 54(10), 173.
Reference Type: Encyclopedia
Call Number: 031
Content Scope: This 300 page reference is recommended for grades 5 and up. This is a visual encyclopedia that attempts to cram a million bits of information into one volume.
Accuracy Authority Biased: The publisher Dorling Kindersley is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 51 languages.
Arrangement and Presentation: All this information is arranged into sections Nature,
Human body, Science and technology, Space, Earth, People and places, History, Art and culture. This reference is full of pictures as its title indicates.
Relation to Similar Works: The library contains 51 encyclopedias in the reference section but this “visual dictionary” is much different than traditional encyclopedias.
Timelessness and Permanence: The copyright is 2008 and as with any encyclopedia a review for accurate information is due every 5 years.
Accessibility/ Diversity: This reference would be great for second language learners and visual learners.
Cost: $24.99 each
Professional Review: Jonker, T. (2008). ONE MILLION THINGS: A VISUAL ENCYCLOPEDIA. School Library Journal, 54(10), 173.
Reference Type: Encyclopedia
Call Number: 031
Content Scope: This 300 page reference is recommended for grades 5 and up. This is a visual encyclopedia that attempts to cram a million bits of information into one volume.
Accuracy Authority Biased: The publisher Dorling Kindersley is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 51 languages.
Arrangement and Presentation: All this information is arranged into sections Nature,
Human body, Science and technology, Space, Earth, People and places, History, Art and culture. This reference is full of pictures as its title indicates.
Relation to Similar Works: The library contains 51 encyclopedias in the reference section but this “visual dictionary” is much different than traditional encyclopedias.
Timelessness and Permanence: The copyright is 2008 and as with any encyclopedia a review for accurate information is due every 5 years.
Accessibility/ Diversity: This reference would be great for second language learners and visual learners.
Cost: $24.99 each
Read
April 29, 2013One million things: A visual encyclopedia. (2008). New York: DK Publishers.
Citation by: Sonya Dayman
Type of Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: Ref 031 One
Content/Scope: This encyclopedia contains hundreds of color photographs and images. Each section has facts to go with the images.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The facts in the encyclopedia are accurate and are complimented by the amazing visuals. It is an unbiased encyclopedia.
Arrangement/Presentation: The encyclopedia is arranged into eight chapters that cover topics such as plants, fossils, stars, and language. There also is an index for students to use when looking for a specific topic.
Relation to other works: I think this encyclopedia will be a nice change from the standard encyclopedia that students are used to using. The visuals in this encyclopedia will help to stimulate interest and encourage learning.
Accessibility/Diversity: I feel like this encyclopedia would be really good to use with ESL students because there aren’t as many words and more pictures for them to make connections to.
Cost: $24.99
Professional Review: (2008). Booklist.
Citation by: Sonya Dayman
Type of Reference: Encyclopedia
Call Number: Ref 031 One
Content/Scope: This encyclopedia contains hundreds of color photographs and images. Each section has facts to go with the images.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: The facts in the encyclopedia are accurate and are complimented by the amazing visuals. It is an unbiased encyclopedia.
Arrangement/Presentation: The encyclopedia is arranged into eight chapters that cover topics such as plants, fossils, stars, and language. There also is an index for students to use when looking for a specific topic.
Relation to other works: I think this encyclopedia will be a nice change from the standard encyclopedia that students are used to using. The visuals in this encyclopedia will help to stimulate interest and encourage learning.
Accessibility/Diversity: I feel like this encyclopedia would be really good to use with ESL students because there aren’t as many words and more pictures for them to make connections to.
Cost: $24.99
Professional Review: (2008). Booklist.
Read
April 26, 2012Bryan, K. (2008). One million things: a visual encyclopedia. New York, NY: DK Publishing.
Citation created by: Susan Gasaway
Call number: 031
Description: An encyclopedia that contains arbitrary facts about a variety of high-interest topics for young readers.
Content/scope: It is arranged in sections from nature to nutrition, the human body to technology, people and places to art and culture. In addition, each page has a large number of photographs to enhance the textual information.
Accuracy/authority: DK Publishing is a reputable company that publishes books for children and adults.
Relationship to similar works: Everything you need to know: an encyclopedia for inquiring young minds
Timeline/permanence: Copyright is 2008. Information will be relevant for many years to come.
Cost: $24.99
Rationale for selection: The library general reference selection lacks resources that are student-friendly and of high-interest.
Professional review: Booklist; September 15 2011, Vol. 108 Issue 2, p60-60, 1p
Citation created by: Susan Gasaway
Call number: 031
Description: An encyclopedia that contains arbitrary facts about a variety of high-interest topics for young readers.
Content/scope: It is arranged in sections from nature to nutrition, the human body to technology, people and places to art and culture. In addition, each page has a large number of photographs to enhance the textual information.
Accuracy/authority: DK Publishing is a reputable company that publishes books for children and adults.
Relationship to similar works: Everything you need to know: an encyclopedia for inquiring young minds
Timeline/permanence: Copyright is 2008. Information will be relevant for many years to come.
Cost: $24.99
Rationale for selection: The library general reference selection lacks resources that are student-friendly and of high-interest.
Professional review: Booklist; September 15 2011, Vol. 108 Issue 2, p60-60, 1p
June 21, 2012
Bryan, K. (2008). One million things: a visual encyclopedia. New York, NY: DK Publishing.
Reviewed by: Melanie Wyatt
Category: Encyclopedia
Call #: 031
Price: $24.99
Description: The visual encyclopedia includes hundreds of different photographs on a variety of topics. This item is a necessity at home and in the classroom. The single volume and affordable price will attract consumers.
Content/scope: The purpose of the book, content and scope are geared towards all students. Colorful illustrations are used so that visual learners have a better understanding of the text. Students and teachers would definitely benefit from the inclusion of this encyclopedia in the library media center.
Accuracy/Authority: This encyclopedia includes stunning visuals and was published within the last five years. This book has been reviewed in School Library Journal.
Arrangement/Presentation: The format for this book is print. Diversity: The encyclopedia includes lots of pictures and would be an excellent resource for the English Language Learner.
Reviewed by: Melanie Wyatt
Category: Encyclopedia
Call #: 031
Price: $24.99
Description: The visual encyclopedia includes hundreds of different photographs on a variety of topics. This item is a necessity at home and in the classroom. The single volume and affordable price will attract consumers.
Content/scope: The purpose of the book, content and scope are geared towards all students. Colorful illustrations are used so that visual learners have a better understanding of the text. Students and teachers would definitely benefit from the inclusion of this encyclopedia in the library media center.
Accuracy/Authority: This encyclopedia includes stunning visuals and was published within the last five years. This book has been reviewed in School Library Journal.
Arrangement/Presentation: The format for this book is print. Diversity: The encyclopedia includes lots of pictures and would be an excellent resource for the English Language Learner.
April 20, 2009
Found this title at our school library. Honestly, I loved the cover: it has hundreds of tiny pictures and I thought the book would be like that on the inside. It's not. :(
Inside, what you find are a few select pictures and basic information. Not what I expected (or I should say wanted), but it's actually still a fun book. A few students came up and quickly made a game of quizzing each other and me. Think of this as a review book for middle schoolers, and perhaps more informative for 4th and 5th graders.
Inside, what you find are a few select pictures and basic information. Not what I expected (or I should say wanted), but it's actually still a fun book. A few students came up and quickly made a game of quizzing each other and me. Think of this as a review book for middle schoolers, and perhaps more informative for 4th and 5th graders.
September 21, 2013
VERY cool visual encyclopedia! Doesn't go too in dept in any one subject, but it's a fun introduction with big, interesting, clear pictures! It will help kids find areas in which they are interested (and then could get more books!) And they will certainly enjoy learning facts about so many subjects! It is a HUGE hit in the (elementary school) classroom I work in! HIGHLY recommend for a classroom or at home library!
July 6, 2009
This is one of the best science books I have seen. It is huge. It has great pictures and great information. What a great reference to get kids interesting and generally informed and a variety of topics. Nakyla loves looking through the pictures in this book.
December 20, 2008
Fascinating! This would be a perfect gift for a child 8-12 years old.
March 6, 2009
Children's Choice Award Finalist 2009
July 5, 2009
Fun! Creative! Educational!
August 28, 2009
this would make a really good gift
August 14, 2011
awesome read....and GREAT visually. a book you will read and NOT just admire!
November 22, 2011
So far I think it is a really fun and educational book. All of the pictures help to because it shows you what it looks like. I love the book and I hope you do to!!!
November 29, 2012
James picked this off the shelf at our local library. He loves learning about new topics each time he looks at this encyclopedia.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews