The ‘Atlas Obscura’ Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid

This guide to world wonders offers a tour of 100 curious and awe-inspiring destinations within 47 countries and three states in the U.S. Among the natural attractions highlighted are giant crystal formations in the caves of Naica, Mexico; a river in Colombia that turns the colors of the rainbow; and blue whales migrating in the waters off the coast of Iceland. Human-made works of architecture and technology include “Towering Tree Houses” built by minister Horace Burgess in the woods of Tennessee and the stone temples of Mnajdra, Malta. Among the more quirky curiosities is the Coromoto Ice Cream Shop in Venezuela, which scoops a record number of flavors, including spaghetti and sardine. For each locale, the authors include an obscure fact: “In Cambodia, the human head is considered sacred—never pat somebody on the head!” Whether readers are able to visit any of the featured locations, Thuras (a cofounder of Atlas Obscura) and Mosco advocate for exploring the here and now: “You are already somewhere amazing.” Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. [em](Sept.) [/em]