Amazing Treasures: 100+ Objects and Places That Will Boggle Your Mind
(Our Amazing World #2)

Gr 2-6--The second installment in the "Our Amazing World" series spotlights fascinating treasures from around the world. The text begins with an explanation of what makes a treasure, which is defined as "anything that's important or valuable to someone." That definition encompasses an array of items, places, and natural wonders. As a result, the book offers a wide study of world history, people, and cultural artifacts. Each spread contains multiple vignettes organized by theme. Each illustration is accompanied by an informational paragraph. One spread focuses on fossils, with scenes showing different dinosaur discoveries from Tanzania and China, and the strange Cambrian creatures found in Canada's Burgess Shale. Another spread spotlights architectural treasures, with depictions and descriptions of the Taj Mahal, Pantheon, Hagia Sophia, and the Palace of Versailles. The artwork is lush and immersive. A foldout world map adds additional interest, showing the location of many of the world's treasures. Pages teem with exciting discoveries, such as the Svalbard Seed Vault in Norway, the Moai of Easter Island, and the Benin Bronzes. VERDICT An illuminating international treasure hunt sure to invite repeat perusals; a welcome addition to nonfiction collections.--Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State Univ., OH