Incredible Comparisons (Hardcover)

by Stephen Biesty (Author), Russell Ash (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8. This eye-catching book makes comparisons based on known quantities rather than numerical measurements. For example, the weight of the blue whale is compared verbally and graphically to the weight of 26 African elephants. Double-page spreads are devoted to the measurement of comparative sizes, weights, volumes, heights, speeds, and distances. The scope includes the cosmos, Earth, and life on it. The introduction defines the basic yardsticks to be used; once comparisons are made to these points of reference, these new comparisons may be used in later sections. There are straight equivalencies, such as the population of Seoul being equal to the population of Australia. Other comparisons are proportional: if a man could jump as far as a grasshopper, he could long jump 103 feet instead of merely the world record of 29 feet. The informative, entertaining illustrations are used effectively to demonstrate the topics covered. A minor quibble is that while the index helps locate references to specific items, it does not indicate what is measured. Overall, though, this bright and colorful oversized offering is a delight; it is a great source for browsing, as each entry leads readers down a new path.?Jeffrey A. French, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 4 and up. Although its main audience will probably be upper-elementary and middle-school children, this is a book that really defies age categorizing. Even adults will find themselves flipping the pages. The combination of informative thumbnail captions and extraordinarily detailed artwork, presented on well-thought-out double-page spreads (and a few spectacular foldouts), is DK at its best. Some of the illustrations, including one of a 40-week-old fetus, are even presented "actual" size. Ash sets the stage with the ground rules he used to make his comparisons and with some guidelines for successfully using the book. In succeeding chapters, he covers a wealth of topics--from expected ones (speed and weight, for example) to more specialized ones aimed at helping readers better understand some of the mysteries of the universe and the workings of the human body. Selective is the operative term here, and the book's large size may prove a shelver's nightmare. On the other hand, it is a true browser's delight; leave it out on a table, and you'll draw a crowd. Stephanie Zvirin

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN (August 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789410095
• ISBN-13: 978-0789410092
• Product Dimensions: 13.8 x 10.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #473,772 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible!, December 17, 1999

By	Firth McEachern (Cairo, Egypt) - See all my reviews

Incredible! Just incredible! Russel Ash's "Incredible Comparisons" is a lively book that sends across amazing facts and comparisons about all sorts of subjects. Such subjects include politics, the environment, city life, space, people, geography, money, big buildings, and many more. The whole book keeps the reader on his/her toes, completely facinated with all the surprising facts and comparisons that are displayed. On every page I was inclined to say, "Wow! I never knew that before!" I think it is fair to say that the title is very appropriate; it is certainly incredible because I found out so many interesting details about our world, which Russel Ash so skillfully shows in this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars chock full of interesting facts, but overwhelming!, December 20, 1999

By A Customer

This book has many facts and pictures which are truly incredible, and the text is well written and researched. However, for me anyway, the layout of the pages was such that it was quite overwhelming. Things were placed here and there in what seemed like almost a random fashion, and I found myself always feeling like I was missing something. I felt almost relieved to be done reading this, which is too bad, as it's really a neat book and I wanted so much to enjoy it more. My feeling might just be because I am older than the target age for readers, and a younger reader raised in the information age entirely would probably not have that problem at all!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is terrific for all ages!, November 30, 1998

By A Customer

This book is enticing to the eye and the mind! It's chock full of pictures, graphs, and charts that help define just how big a blue whale is, or just how long the Titanic is, or just how many people were killed by the Plague! It's absolutely fascinating for children AND their parents!! I was almost more excited than my son was about it!