The Big Book of Bling: Ritzy rocks, extravagant animals, sparkling science, and more!

Feast your eyes on the most brilliant bling from around the world in this opulent opus, celebrating iridescent animals, things that glitter and glow, a wealth of shiny wonders, and more lavish luxuries from our planet.

Did you know that with its 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies the British imperial state crown weighs more than a guinea pig? Or if you have $3.5 million to spare you can buy a solid gold toilet? Or that there's a cave in Mexico containing giant crystals that are as long as a school bus?

From upscale splurges to flashy fun in nature, this treasure trove is filled with wonders that will dazzle and delight. Read about how nature struts its stuff with tantalizing tidbits about animals, including a few that literally glitter with iridesence to confuse predators. Or maybe you'll strike it rich after reading about Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, U.S.A., where anyone can go hunt for sparkling gems. Dig into info about the world's mysterious minerals, gorgeous geodes, and ritzy rocks. Discover extravagant expenditures like Canada's million-dollar solid gold coin. Learn all about the splendid science of diamonds that rain from the sky in space. Get the secret behind glowing bioluminescence. And go back in time to uncover palatial palaces, the riches of royalty, and other ancient treasures.

To show off the lush content in proper fashion, readers will be dazzled by hundreds of fun flashy photos throughout.

ROSE DAVIDSON is an author, researcher, and former editor and digital producer for National Geographic Kids. She loves to write about wacky animal stories and cutting-edge science discoveries. Davidson received degrees in journalism and anthropology from Ohio State University. A world traveler, she has journeyed to far corners of the globe, including to Borneo, where she saw her favorite animal, the orangutan, in the wild.