Bradford, Wade  Around the World in a Bathtub: Bathing All Over the Globe
Gr. K–3     32 pp.     Charlesbridge

Illustrated by Micha Archer. Children worldwide react the same way to bathtime, according to this gently humorous and engaging look at different bathing rituals. The familiar scenario — in which a child evades with "No, no!" while a grownup says "Yes, yes!" — is depicted in different languages. From bathhouses in Turkey to hot springs in the Himalayan valleys, Archer's oil-paint and collage illustrations are filled with a homey warmth.
Subjects: Customs and Holidays; Multicultural books; Baths; Behavior—Cleanliness

Eaton, Gale  A History of Ambition in 50 Hoaxes
Middle school, high school     271 pp.     Tilbury

Introduction by Phillip Hoose. This highly entertaining and unusual book takes a fresh and sophisticated approach to world history. Brief but informative sections detail hoaxes and unsolved mysteries from ancient times to the present, and from the familiar (the Trojan Horse) to the more obscure (the 1971 discovery of alleged Stone Age tribe the Tasaday). A fascinating read for high schoolers and adults. Extensive source notes are appended. Glos., ind.
Subjects: General and World History; Swindlers and swindling; Hoaxes; Behavior—Truthfulness and falsehood

Fixx, John D. and Fixx, James F.  The Curious Guide to Things That Aren't
Gr. 4–6     110 pp.     Walter Foster

Illustrated by Abby Carter. In alphabetical order, the authors present twenty-six intangible nouns such as time, reflection, and love. A double-page spread offers both verbal and visual clues to each; the following spread features a black, white, and fluorescent-pink cartoon drawing on the left and an informative description of the term on the right. Both a guessing game and a compendium of interesting information.
Subjects: General Knowledge; Riddles; Questions and answers; Concept books—Alphabet books

Flynn, Sarah Wassner  This Book Stinks!: Gross Garbage, Rotten Rubbish, and the Science of Trash
Gr. 4–6     128 pp.     National Geographic

With its colorful design, clear layout, and approachable organization and presentation, this look at waste management balances dire truths with practical responses. Flynn spotlights the amount and types of trash humans create, particularly Americans, and explains where all our garbage goes and how individuals can lessen their environmental impact. Throughout, quizzes and activist profiles also encourage readers to do their part. Ind.
Subjects: Pollution and Conservation; Environment—Refuse and refuse disposal

Osborne, Mary Pope and Boyce, Natalie Pope  Magic Tree House Incredible Fact Book
Gr. K–3     133 pp.     Random House

Illustrated by Sal Murdocca. Magic Tree House series stars Jack and Annie have collected a ton of amazing, weird, and gross facts on their numerous trips, organized here into thirteen categories (e.g., "Birds," "Spectacular Space," "Famous Landmarks") for young readers to explore. The kids appear with their signature notebooks and guiding comments throughout. Short sentences and a jazzy layout with vivid photographs help focus and maintain interest. Ind.
Subjects: General Knowledge

From the October 2017 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.

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