Africans Thought of It by
Did you know that aloe vera--now found in countless products, including sunscreens and soaps--was first used by Africans? They ground it into powder and used it to treat burns and other skin conditions, and hunters used it to disguise their scent from animals. They also used the nutritious oil from the fruit of the oil palm tree in everything from cooking to medicines to wine. And the marimba, better known to us as the xylophone, is believed to have originated 700 years ago in Mali. Other unique African innovations include the technique of banana leaf art and using horns--and hairdos!--to communicate important messages. Africans Thought of It features descriptive photos and information-packed text that is divided into sections, including: * Agriculture * Food * Medicine * Music * Architecture * Games & Sports This fourth book in Annick's successful We Thought of It series takes readers on a fascinating journey across the world's second largest continent to discover how aspects of its culture have spread around the globe.
A Native American Thought of It by
Everyone knows that moccasins, canoes and toboggans were invented by the Aboriginal people of North America, but did you know that they also developed their own sign language, syringe needles and a secret ingredient in soda pop? Depending on where they lived, Aboriginal communities relied on their ingenuity to harness the resources available to them. Some groups, such as the Iroquois, were particularly skilled at growing and harvesting food. From them, we get corn and wild rice, as well as maple syrup. Other groups, including the Sioux and Comanche of the plains, were exceptional hunters. Camouflage, fish hooks, and decoys were all developed to make the task of catching animals easier. And even games--lacrosse, hockey and volleyball--have Native American roots. Other clever inventions and innovations include the following: * Sunscreen * Surgical blades * Diapers * Asphalt * Megaphones * Hair conditioner With descriptive photos and information-packed text, this book explores eight different categories in which the creativity of First Nations peoples from across the continent led to remarkable inventions and innovations, many of which are still in use today.
The Inuit Thought of It by
Today's Arctic communities have all the comforts of modern living. Yet the Inuit survived in this harsh landscape for hundreds of years with nothing but the land and their own ingenuity. Join authors Alootook Ipellie and David MacDonald as they explore the amazing innovations of traditional Inuit and how their ideas continue to echo around the world. Some inventions are still familiar to us: the one-person watercraft known as a kayak still retains its Inuit name. Other innovations have been replaced by modern technology: slitted snow goggles protected Inuit eyes long before sunglasses arrived on the scene. Andother ideas were surprisingly inspired: using human-shaped stone stacks (Inunnguat) to trick and trap caribou. Many more Inuit innovations are explored here, including: * Dog sleds * Shelter * Clothing * Kids' stuff * Food preservation * Medicine. In all, more than 40 Inuit items and ideas are showcased through dramatic photos and captivating language. From how these objects were made, to their impact on contemporary culture, The Inuit Thought of It is a remarkable catalogue of Inuit invention.
The Ancient Egyptians by
Presents a collection of Ancient Egyptian myths along with background information on the history, geography, and customs of ancient Egyptians.
The Ancient Greeks by
This book explains how the people of ancient Greece lived by describing their government, social customs, religion, and some aspects of their history.
DK Eyewitness Books: Mesopotamia by
Travel back to the land where human history was first recorded--the land of kings, queens, gods, goddesses, nomads, and scribes. Be an eyewitness to the "land between the rivers," from the first Sumerian city-states to the mighty Babylonian empires. DK Eyewitness Mesopotamia provides a detailed look at where the first cities, states, and empires rose. Richly detailed full-color images and photographs of ancient artifacts, architecture, and maps combine with a comprehensive overview of the Sumerian, Assyrian, and Babylonian civilizations. See incredible works of Mesopotamian art, meet the warriors and innovators living ahead of their time, learn how to read ancient inscriptions, and much, much more! The most trusted nonfiction series on the market, Eyewitness Books provide an in-depth, comprehensive look at their subjects with a unique integration of words and pictures.
Exploring Ancient Rome with Elaine Landau by
Time to visit ancient Rome. Readers watch the gladiators fight in the Colosseum, or go shopping at the Forum for a toga or gold jewelry. Author Elaine Landau and her dog, Max, take readers back in time to the center of civilization.
It's a Feudal, Feudal World by
Enter a medieval world unlike any you've seen before. Welcome to an innovative and reader-friendly approach to medieval history, one that combines visually appealing infographics, whimsical cartoons and lively, informative text. Each spread offers a snapshot that highlights an aspect of the diversity and intercultural dynamics of the medieval world, from Europe to the Byzantine, Ottoman and Islamic empires. Readers get the inside scoop on crusaders and caliphs, Mongols and midwives, as they read about expanding trade routes, power shifts, conquests, adventure, and persecutions. From the daily life of the medieval child to Rabban bar Sauma's extraordinary pilgrimage, the result is a colorful and varied picture of what life was like a thousand years ago. For example, did you know: * 5% of babies in English peasants' homes died from pig bites? * what medieval workers did for a living? * you could buy a Turkish horse for 455 cartloads of dung? * the best way to stop the unstoppable knight? Shapiro's meticulous research is brought to life by Ross Kinnaird's historically based, humorous, illustrations. Who would imagine medieval history could be this much fun!
Life in Ancient Africa by
From the first hunting and gathering societies to the great Nubian kingdoms of Kush, Africa has for centuries been the center of great cultural activity across its mountains, deserts, and rainforests. Life in Ancient Africa portrays the major civilizations of the ancient African era using maps and beautiful full-color photographs and illustrations.
Life in Ancient China by
Along China's Yellow River, a mighty and technologically advanced civilization grew and flourished for thousands of years without any contact from the rest of the world. Life in Ancient China explores the daily lives of early the Chinese people, profiles the great dynasties that ruled China over the centuries, and introduces important religious and philosophical contributions, such as Confucianism, Daosim, and Buddhism. Enduring Chinese innovations, such as writing, papermaking, and The Great Wall are also featured.
Life in Ancient Japan by
Despite the influence of powerful neighbors and periods of civil strife, the island nation of Japan remains a land of ancient traditions. This fascinating new book describes how Japan grew from rule by local chieftains to an emperor-led nation with many noble families competing for prominence. Beautiful spreads and full-color photographs unveil Japan's rich history including early pit dwellings, the development of castle towns, and life as a samurai warrior.
Life in Ancient Mesoamerica by
There are great mysteries that surround the earliest peoples that settled in the rainforests and coastal areas of Central America. Life in Ancient Mesoamerica explores the Olmec peoples and their massive stone sculptures, the great architecture, language, and art of the Maya, and the military achievement of the Aztec civilization. The book also features the many gods and goddesses of Mesoamerica, the role of religion in the daily life of the people, and what is known about each civilization's decline.
Life in Ancient South America by
The anicent Incas developed a government based on the conquest of neighboring communities, at the same time preserving the local customs and traditions of the cultures that came before them. Beautiful color images portray the land now known as Peru, as well as the astounding people who lived there prior to the arrival of Spanish conquistadors.
Pharaohs and Foot Soldiers by
Imagine being an interpreter of dreams in ancient Egypt. What was the daily grind like for the ancient Egyptians? Imagine it's your job to carve elaborate tombs out of rock formations (it will take years to do) or man an army outpost in the extreme heat of the desert. You might have worked transporting some of the over 2 million stones for the Great Pyramid or engineered irrigation projects along the Nile. Pharaohs and Foot Soldiers offers an innovative look at the jobs that kept Ancient Egypt running for 3,000 years. Among the 100 careers profiled you'll also find reed cutters (who worked naked), sandal makers (many went barefoot) and even embalmers (pulling out organs took special training). Whether prestigious or poor, Egyptians had to be tough, trustworthy, stealthy and skilled to get by. Complete with a fact-filled introduction, a comprehensive timeline and playful illustrations throughout, Pharaohs and Foot Soldiers will inspire readers to imagine how they may have lived out their days as a member of one of history's most fascinating civilizations.
A Street Through Time by
Traces the development of one street from the Stone Age to the present day, from dirt track to the rebuilding of inns as wine bars, showing how people lived and what they did all day.
From Scholastic's Horrible Histories series:
Awesome Egyptians by
These popular books include topics in geography and history. Even the most reticent readers will giggle as they learn all kinds of interesting facts about geography and history in these hilarious books.
Groovy Greeks by
It's history with the nasty bits left in! Want to know: Why some groovy Greek girls ran around naked pretending to be bears? Who had the world's first flushing toilet? Why dedicated doctors tasted their patients' ear wax? Discover all the foul facts about the Groovy Greeks- all the gore and more!
Measly Middle Ages by
Details everyday life in the Middle Ages, including gruesome information about the Black Death, superstitions, and the "miserable" monks.
Vicious Vikings by
The story of the vicious vikings and their savage Saxon enemies--history with the nasty bits left in!
Wicked History of the World by 
Algonquin Nation by
"Provides insight into the lives of the Algonquin people, both past and present, that includes their unique history, language, and cultural practices."-- Provided by publisher.
Huron-Wendat community by
An introduction to the Wendat, a First Nations people who were called Huron by French colonists.
Iroquois community by
An introduction to the Iroquois, including homes, tools, and festivals.
Mohawk nation by
"Discusses the history, language, and cultural practices of the Mohawk, both in the past and in current times."-- Provided by publisher.
Odawa community by
"Discusses the history, language, and cultural practices of the Odawa, both in the past and in current times."-- Provided by publisher.
Ojibwe community by
An introduction to the Ojibwe, including traditions, beliefs, materials and tools.
The People Shall Continue by
Told in the rhythms of traditional oral narrative, this powerful telling of the history of the Native/Indigenous peoples of North America recounts their story from Creation to the invasion and usurpation of Native lands. As more and more people arrived, The People saw that the new men did not respect the land. The People witnessed the destruction of their Nations and the enslavement of their people. The People fought hard, but eventually agreed to stop fighting and signed treaties. Many things changed and became more difficult, but The People continued to farm and create crafts. They remembered and told their children, "You are Shawnee. You are Lakota. You are Pima. You Acoma. . . . You are all these Nations of the People." The People held onto their beliefs and customs and found solidarity with other oppressed people. And despite struggles against greed, destruction of their lands, and oppression, The People persisted. "The times call on all of us to share The People Shall Continue. Ortiz reminds us that we must come together to save our planet." --Debbie Reese (Nambé Pueblo), PhD and publisher, American Indians in Children's Literature
Tuniit by
Delve into a centuries-old mystery about a lost Arctic civilization! Tuniit lived in Nunavut for a thousand years, even before Inuit arrived. This book introduces children to Inuit oral history and scientific theories to learn all about Tuniit.
Turtle Island by
Unlike most books that chronicle the history of Native peoples beginning with the arrival of Europeans in 1492, this book goes back to the Ice Age to give young readers a glimpse of what life was like pre-contact. The title, Turtle Island, refers to a Native myth that explains how North and Central America were formed on the back of a turtle. Based on archeological finds and scientific research, we now have a clearer picture of how the Indigenous people lived. Using that knowledge, the authors take the reader back as far as 14,000 years ago to imagine moments in time. A wide variety of topics are featured, from the animals that came and disappeared over time, to what people ate, how they expressed themselves through art, and how they adapted to their surroundings. The importance of story-telling among the Native peoples is always present to shed light on how they explained their world. The end of the book takes us to modern times when the story of the Native peoples is both tragic and hopeful.
