Explore the Wonders of the World

Knowing about the monuments of the distant, and not so distant, past can be an important lesson in the history and culture of the human race. And, in The Wonders of the World: 46 Monuments of Civilization (Workman, 2007), it's not all stone circles and ancient palaces. In fact, the skyscrapers of Manhattan are featured as a modern monument which, just like the Taj Mahal and the Eiffel Tower, forms an important expression of it's time and place in world history.

The Wonders of the World presents all 46 monuments in a thick deck which fans out to reveal an array of architectural delights, arranged in order from oldest to most recent, and each featuring several full-color images, as well as an informative overview, of the monuments. Old standbys, such as Stonehenge, the Parthenon, and Machu Picchu, are all included, as well as some new discoveries that will leave many astonished. These include Yemen's still vibrant San'a Townscape, Thailand's Grand Palace of Rattanakosin, and Japan's Temple of the Golden Pavilion.

All this knowledge is sure to prep your child for his next test, not to mention a life full of knowledge about the world's wonders. Plus, the deck's portable design makes it the perfect pick for a family vacation take-along. Kids can quiz each other on the facts, or just enjoy the colorful kaleidescope of facts and photos that give the “wonders” their wow-factor. Parents may want to sneak a peek, too: after all, you never know when you might need to pull a wonder out of your hat.