Actually, Factually

(back cover)
Actually, Factually
Can you answer these questions?
1. Which of these man-made objects is visible from outer space?
(a) The Egyptian Pyramids (b) The Great Wall of China (c) The Empire State Building
2. Your hair and nails continue to grow after you die.
(a) True (b) False
3. Can you fly away by holding a large bunch of party balloons?
(a) Yes (b) No
3. What is the approximate memory span of a goldfish?
(a) 5 minutes (b) 1 day (c) 3 seconds
4. Lightning never strikes the same place twice. (a) True (b) False
5. Which event inspired the famous childrenas verse aRing Around the Rosiea?
(a) The Battle of Gettysburg (b) The Black Plague (c) The Chicago Fire
Open this book and youall find amazing answers to these and many more questions. Youall also find out why so many incorrect answers and fraudulent facts have captured the popular imagination and continue to be believed.

Hereas a fascinating collection of misunderstandings, myths, mistakes, and misconceptions that kids enjoy talking about, reading aboutaand debunking when they are able. Is it possible to use an umbrella as a parachute? Can you fly away by holding a big bunch of party balloons? Do hair and nails continue to grow after a person dies? Is it really dangerous to eat before you go swimming? The correct answers to these and many more questions are presented, and augmented with reasons why many incorrect answers have captured the popular imagination and continue to be believed. Hereas a great book for browsing, for putting an end to old argumentsaand maybe for starting a few new ones. Cartoon style black-and-white line illustrations on most pages.