The Museum Book: A Guide to Strange and Wonderful Collections

Why do people collect things? This ode to museums mighty and minuscule will draw curious viewers of all ages — and is worthy of collection itself.

What is a museum? Why would anyone amass shells, words, clocks, teeth, trains, dinosaurs, mummies . . . or two-headed sheep? Find out where the word "museum" comes from and what unusual items (unicorn horns? mermaids?) some early museums placed on view. Jan Mark’s humorous and conversational insights take readers through museums’ multifaceted history, while Richard Holland’s eye-catching mixed-media illustrations lend their own quirky flair. With vivid examples from all around the world, this wonderful book puts museums — and the many artifacts lovingly stored there — on display in a whole new light. Back matter includes a glossary and an index.

A Common Core Text Exemplar

Jan Mark was one of the most distinguished authors of books for young people, she twice won the Carnegie Medal.

Richard Holland is an illustrator who works with collage, and "enjoys the idea of collecting bits of paper and turning them into images." He lives in Essex, England.