Children - Religion & Beliefs, Children - Reference & Study Aids

Ghosts A Strange Science Book

Name: Ghosts A Strange Science Book
Author: Sylvia Funston
ISBN: 9781894379199

by Sylvia Funston

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Overview

Discover the Strange Science of ghosts

Do you believe in ghosts?

We all love hearing spine-tingling tales of ghostly beings in our midst. Over thousands of years, and in every part of the world, people claim to have come in contact with many different kinds of ghosts. Ghosts, the third book in the popular Strange Science series, looks at ghosts and apparitions found throughout history and examines the science behind this eerie phenomenon.

Award-winning author Sylvia Funston uses science to look into the age-old question of whether ghosts actually exist, delving into ghostly behaviors and our own beliefs about the power of omens, dreams, hallucinations and paranormal experiences. Ghosts also investigates the mysteries behind spooky encounters that sometimes seem to defy scientific explanation.

Along the way, readers will visit ghostly haunts and get the chance to meet the ghost of Catherine Howard (one of Henry VIII's unlucky wives), the ghost who met writer Mark Twain, and the Flying Dutchman ghost ship, among many others.

This lighthearted, entertaining and informative tour of an ever-popular subject is 100% guaranteed to thrill those who love a good ghost story (and who doesn't?). Fully illustrated with many amazing photos and spooky art that will leave the reader wondering - hmmm... could it be?, Ghosts also comes complete with a scary haunted house maze that tests your knowledge of ghost lore, quizzes to find out if you are in tune with other worlds and a ghostly index. Boo!

About the Strange Science series

What is a ghost? Do Monsters really exist? Are there really mummycurses? In the Strange Science series, award-winning author Sylvia Funston uncovers bone-chilling tales of strange and startling phenomena. Guaranteed to make your skin crawl and your hairs stand on end, this incredible series from Owl delves into the real science behind some of the most unreal occurrences. Mummies (2000) was followed by Monsters (2001). The first two titles have been received with great reviews.

About the Author, Sylvia Funston

Sylvia Funston explored animal behavior in Animal Feelings (1998) and Animal Smarts (1997) and human behavior in The Book of You: The Science-and Fun! - of Why You Look, Feel, and Act the Way You Do (1999). Her latest books in the Strange Science series are Mummies (2000) and Monsters (2001), all from Owl Books.

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Editorials

Children's Literature

Here is a compilation of ghost sightings, information about ghosts and spirits, and out-of-body-experiences. As the author says "Beware! There's spooky stuff in here. Read at your own risk." What the book really does is debunk a lot of the mystery and asks readers to reflect on the real and known versus the unexplained. The section that tells about ghosts related to specific locations relates the tale of a Canadian Mountie who in 1875 claims to have seen an entire Cree campsite that had been wiped out by another tribe. Another tale tells of ghost Roman soldiers who are still said to patrol Hadrian's wall. There is a board game for kids to play, which unfortunately may only appeal to kids younger than those for whom the text is targeted. However, it is good Halloween fare. 2001, Owl, $19.95 and $9.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-This book offers scientific explanations of ghostly phenomena while maintaining that some incidents cannot be explained by science. It has all of the usual offerings: encounters and sightings, historical and cultural beliefs and rituals, and ghost hunting. The slightly oversized layout features sidebars on colorful backgrounds, a number of average-quality cartoons, and a few interesting archival photographs. This volume is sure to get lots of circulation. However, for more appealing presentations with much of the same information, libraries may want to consider purchasing Colin Wilson's Ghosts and the Supernatural (DK, 1998; o.p.), Gary L. Blackwood's Spooky Spectres (Benchmark, 1999), or Christopher Maynard's Informania: Ghosts (Candlewick, 1999).- Michele Capozzella, Chappaqua Public Library, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.