Highest, Longest, Deepest: A Fold-Out Guide to the World's Record Breakers

Describes the world's highest mountains, longest glaciers, deepest lakes, and other record-setting natural features

In the tradition of Stephen Biesty's books, Malam and Hincks capture 11 of the earth's most dramatic geographic features in this handsome volume. Gatefolds add an element of surprise to lavish full-color spreads of the world's highest mountain (Mount Everest), longest river (the Nile), and deepest ocean (the Pacific). Every page teems with flora, fauna, and brave explorers, while small illustrations highlight relevant points of interest: why K2 is called K2 (this second highest peak in the Karakoram range was the second to be surveyed); when the bathyscaphe was invented (1953); where an oasis gets water (from porous, water-bearing rocks). Readers will gain lessons not only in geography, but in biology and history as well, while Hincks renders the information amusingly and accurately. The pages capture enough of the world to invite repeated viewings and to inspire exploration beyond the book as well. (map, glossary, index) (Picture book/nonfiction. 6- 10) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.