Factastic Book of 1001 Lists

Did you know that about 15 million burgers are consumed every day in the United States? Or that the wingspan of an adult albatross is greater than the length of a small car? Or that the world's heaviest person (Jon Minnoch, 1941-1983) at one time weighed 1,400 pounds? Or that the finale of M*A*S*H still ranks as the most-viewed television show of all time with over 50 million households watching? The Factastic Book of 1001 Lists may be billed as a children's book, but adults will certainly appreciate these fascinating facts. The biggest, first, and fastest in categories such as "Sports Miscellany," "Films," "Amazing People," "Murder and Punishment," and "Natural Disasters" attract trivia hounds young and old. Each double-page spread is neatly designed with colorful charts and generous illustrations, making this dense collection of information easy to digest and especially easy to pick up and browse for short stints. Russell Ash, who also compiles the annual Top Ten of Everything, knows just how overwhelming this world of abundant Internet information can be. By dividing life into lists and categories, he manages to simultaneously simplify and glorify the amazing planet we inhabit. (Ages 9 and older) --Gail Hudson