Books in Kingfisher Knowledge series

Kingfisher Knowledge is a groundbreaking series for readers hungry for information on today's hot topics. Lively, engaging text, packed with information, accompanies stunning photographs that enhance each chapter. Amazing, state-of-the-art digital artwork guides readers into the fascinating heart of the subject. This learning adventure does not stop there - information panels throughout lead the reader to further discovery. Each chapter offers website links, book lists, places to visit and career information. "Epidemics & Plagues" takes an in-depth look at epidemics and plagues past and present, finding out about the big killer diseases and what happens when they spread rapidly and affect large numbers of people. It conveys the sad yet gripping histories of the Black Death of 13th-century Europe, the Great Plague of London, the devastating smallpox epidemics of 18th-century America and the flu epidemic that followed the First World War. It peers under the microscope at the agents tha

KFK Castles & Forts takes you on an incredible journey through history. From the first Iron Age hill forts, travel to some of the world's greatest fortresses and castles. Find out more about Fort Ticonderoga and the part it played in the Revolutionary War; discover the secrets of Masada, King Herod's Judean fortress; visit Chateau Gaillard, and a medieval French castle under siege; marvel at the architecture of Japan's Himeji Castle; and learn about one of the most famous crusader castles, Syria's Krak des Chevaliers - home of the medieval Knights Hospitallers.

KFK Dangerous Creatures brings some of the world's most ferocious or venomous animals almost too close for comfort! Discover the "weapons" that many creatures carry -- from the deadly bite of the malaria-carrying mosquito to the enormous size, weight, and sheer muscle power of the grizzly bear. Learn about the astonishing way chimpanzees hunt other primates, and find out just how deadly some tiny spiders can be.

Microscopic Life explores the tiny worlds that exist around us and even within us! Examine how some organisms help us fight diseases and others help to produce food. But bacteria can also be harmful, causing tooth decay, food poisoning, and many deadly epidemics. Students will be amazed at the vast range of microscopic life and at the close proximity in which they live to humans!

Explore the most catastrophic natural events that have shocked the world since history began -- monster waves, avalanches, brush fires, earthquakes, floods, and terrifying tornadoes. Bursting with action-packed photographs and digital illustrations, this title looks at all aspects of natural disasters, including how rescue teams operate and how experts are using cutting-edge technology to try to predict and prevent disasters in the future.

Explore the crime lab with Forensics and discover how detectives use science to solve crimes. From the scene of the crime to a criminal's conviction, discover how the marks of blood, footprints, and fingerprints can lead the police to criminals. Find out how specialists can match trace evidence, such as a single hair found on a victim, to the murderer. Learn how famous crimes were solved and, like a true detective, find out whether it was arson, poison, or murder.

The Middle East captures the richness and diversity of Middle Eastern culture and places the region in its global context in a way that no other reference has done for this age group. The Middle East dominates global news and politics, and its many historical and sociological complexities are difficult to understand. By examining a wide range of themes, including religion, resources, history, politics, and current affairs, and then embarking on a country-by-country examination, The Middle East is an excellent companion to any discussion of current news or social and political events.

Kingfisher Knowledge: Dinosaurs by Nigel Marven journeys around the world, delving through layers of fossil evidence to uncover the secrets of prehistoric life. Step into a prehistoric landscape and unearth some of the most awesome dinosaur specimens yet discovered. Find out about fierce fighting dinosaurs and horned dinosaurs, and discover how dinosaur hunters build pictures of the lives of these amazing beasts