Nonfiction Natural World

Normalcy is a fragile thing. For the people in these twenty real-life accounts, it shattered in an instant. What happens when the ground opens up, the sky falls, or a wall of fire consumes everything in its path? When the mundane world of deadlines and daily routines is replaced by a desperate fight for the next breath? SURVIVING - Disasters places you directly into the heart of catastrophe. Journey alongside ordinary people—parents, teachers, and commuters—thrown into the most extreme situations imaginable. From catastrophic tsunamis and terrifying wildfires to sudden building ...

From “perhaps the foremost interpreter of Eastern disciplines for the contemporary West—and an author who ‘had the rare gift of ‘writing beautifully the unwritable’” (Los Angeles Times)—a guide that draws on Chinese Taoism to reexamine humanity’s place in the natural world and...

Discover how Mount Tambora's catastrophic eruption plunged the world into darkness, altering the global climate and inspiring the likes of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. This remarkable story of disaster and survival is brought to life by the award-winning author of The Mona Lisa Vanishes. The...

How can a single tree help build cars, protect doctors, power industries, and change the way people move across the planet? The Amazing Rubber Tree: How One Plant Changed the World takes readers on a fascinating journey through science, history, and innovation—starting with a living tree in the rainforest and ending with the rubber products we use every day. Young readers will explore: How rubber trees grow and why they produce latex How people learned to tap trees without cutting them down The transformation of liquid latex into solid rubber Rubber’s role in transportation, medicine, ...

A powerful nonfiction book that explains the science, history, and human cost of tsunamis — and why the next one could be deadlier than the last. Tsunamis are not just waves — they are sudden, unforgiving forces capable of wiping out entire cities in minutes. Tidal Waves & Tsunamis: The Science and Fury of the World’s Most Devastating Waves takes readers on a gripping journey into how these events happen, what causes them, and why modern civilization is more at risk than ever. From the 2004 Indian Ocean catastrophe to future megatsunami threats, this book covers: The science of wave ...

Investigative journalist, former atheist, and bestselling author Lee Strobel weaves together standout content from his bestselling books plus dynamic new interviews to explore what we can know for sure about the supernatural realm­—so mysterious, so captivating! Through the investigative work...

"At once lyrical and exacting, clear-sighted and deeply informed—a beautiful book." —Elizabeth Kolbert, author of Under a White Sky A profound and poetic reflection on the cyclical nature of life, what happens when we break that cycle, and how to repair it—told through the fate of...

A revelatory dive into the overlooked history of grass and the astonishing ways it has shaped human history Try, if you can, to imagine a world without grass. There would be no lawns or athletic fields, no blooming meadows or rolling wheat fields, no sweeping savannas or steppes. Gone too would...

Siblings Nimol and Akara take us on a whirlwind adventure across their ancient home country of Cambodia. Are you ready to explore hidden temples that were built thousands of years ago? Would you like to taste a crispy deep-fried cricket sold on the side of the street? You could even dive into the crystal clear ocean and enjoy some tropical snorkeling. Nimol and Akara can't wait to show you where they live, how they speak, and what they eat.

You and your whole family are invited on a journey around the world. We’re heading on an adventure to explore different cultures, beliefs, and religions, as well as the holidays and festivals that bring people joy. From Iran to Israel to Mexico to Japan, we’re planning on stopping off to experience a taste of the festivities celebrated across the globe. In this one-of-a-kind kids’ documentary series, local children will give you a sneak peek at their religious beliefs, celebrations, customs, and traditions.