Books in The Scariest Places on Earth series

The Romanian region of Transylvania is overshadowed by the terrifying specter of Dracula. This book delves into the origin of the Dracula legend, including the historic figure of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler. It also introduces actual places in Transylvania that may be connected to this frightening character. Fact boxes and photographs help provide the perfect, though sometimes spooky, snapshot of this interesting part of Eastern Europe.

In northeastern Wyoming, a strange rock formation towers eerily over its surroundings. This place plays a significant part in many Native American legends. It became known as Devils Tower and was later named the first US national monument. Readers will be engaged by the history of Devils Tower and will be particularly interested in how it formed 65 million years ago as a result of volcanic activity. Today, it's still a sacred space as well as a challenging location for rock climbers.

The Dead Sea might sound like a scary place to cool off on a hot day, but many people flock to its waters. The Dead Sea got its name because its salty waters can kill any fish or plants that try to live in it. However, scientists have just recently found a kind of bacteria that live on the seafloor. Readers will find out that some truly spooky things happen around this Middle Eastern lake, like sinkholes opening around its coastline! They'll also learn the science behind these weird happenings and gain an appreciation for an amazing natural resource.

The Bigfoot Trail in northwestern California got its name because of hikers' accounts of glimpsing large, hairy, humanlike creatures living in this area. This book entices readers to come along on this forbidding trail, if they dare. The Bigfoot Trail is long but, because many parts aren't well traveled, hikers and readers get to experience a truly wild side of the United States. They'll learn about blood-sucking fish called lamprey, fierce creatures such as black bears and wolverines, and beautiful mountains, rivers, and valleys. If Bigfoot lives along this trail, it picked a perfect place to hide!

Mount Terror off the coast of Antarctica was named after a ship. While there's plenty to fear about this landform, which is actually a volcano, the scariest facts of all concern the terrifying natural conditions of Antarctica. Readers will learn about Mount Terror and the explorers who risked their lives to learn about it and other parts of the frozen Antarctic. Some, such as Robert Falcon Scott, didn't live to tell the tale. Vivid photographs and frightening facts of this landscape will inspire readers' imaginations.

Mount Terror off the coast of Antarctica was named after a ship. While there's plenty to fear about this landform, which is actually a volcano, the scariest facts of all concern the terrifying natural conditions of Antarctica. Readers will learn about Mount Terror and the explorers who risked their lives to learn about it and other parts of the frozen Antarctic. Some, such as Robert Falcon Scott, didn't live to tell the tale. Vivid photographs and frightening facts of this landscape will inspire readers' imaginations.

Death Valley in the American Southwest isn't a destination for those who don't enjoy the heat! Its scary name was given to it by a group of gold seekers who barely made it out of the valley alive. In fact, a few in their group weren't as lucky. Readers of this book will find out more about the unique landscape of this national park and about the animals and plants that have the vital adaptations needed to live there. Incredible photographs reflect why so many visitors make the trip to California and Nevada to experience Death Valley for themselves.