Books by Richard Platt
Kingfisher Knowledge: Forensics
Explore the crime lab with Forensics and discover how detectives use science to solve crimes. From the scene of the crime to a criminal's conviction, discover how the marks of blood, footprints, and fingerprints can lead the police to criminals. Find out how specialists can match trace evidence, such as a single hair found on a victim, to the murderer. Learn how famous crimes were solved and, like a true detective, find out whether it was arson, poison, or murder.
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Pirate (DK Eyewitness Books)
Take a close-up look at the colorful--and cruel--robbers of the sea. Learn who devised the terrifying Jolly Roger, how a surprisingly disciplined life was maintained aboard pirate ships, and what cunning ruses pirates used to lure merchants to their doom.
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Pirate (DK Eyewitness Books)
Take a close-up look at the colorful--and cruel--robbers of the sea.
Sink into this exciting introduction to the world of sea-thieves – their origins, adventures and blood-thirsty battles. Learn who devised the terrifying Jolly Roger, how a surprisingly disciplined life was maintained aboard pirate ships, and what cunning ruses pirates used to lure merchants to their doom. Everything you ever wanted to know from why European kings and queens encouraged piracy to what pirates ate at sea.
Great for projects or just for fun, this fact-packed guide shows and tells you everything you need to know about pirates.
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DK Eyewitness Books: Shipwreck
Describes the history of shipwrecks, famous wrecks, causes, navigation and rescue techniques, and underwater archeology and the exploration of wrecks.
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Piratas (DK Eyewitness Books) (Spanish Edition)
"A survey of the history of piracy and lives of pirates covers such specifics as the invention of the Jolly Roger, discipline aboard pirate ships, and pirate ruses."
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Pirate Diary: The Journal of Jake Carpenter
Adventure! History! Pirate Diary reveals life on the high seas in the eighteenth century—through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy.
Curious about life on a pirate ship? Climb aboard this account of adventure on the high seas as told by a feisty nine-year-old carpenter's apprentice, circa 1716. Historically accurate illustrations of ship and crew, a map of Jake's travels, and a detailed glossary and index vividly reveal the fascinating — and harsh —-life of a pirate in the eighteenth century. Ships ahoy!
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Pirate Diary: The Journal of Jake Carpenter
"Platt weaves vast quantities of nautical information into a text as lively as it is absorbing." - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)
Curious about life on a pirate ship? Check out PIRATE DIARY: THE JOURNAL OF JAKE CARPENTER, an account of adventure on the high seas as told by a feisty nine-year-old carpenter’s apprentice, circa 1716. Historically accurate illustrations of ship and crew, a map of Jake’s travels, and a detailed glossary and index vividly reveal the fascinating - and harsh - life of a pirate in the eighteenth century. Ships ahoy!
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Spies! (DK Readers, Level 3: Reading Alone)
Explore the history of espionage with the DK Reader Spies! Meet the famous and the infamous―the agents and the double agents. Infiltrate the FBI, CIA, and KGB, and follow the evolution of the tools of the trade, including industrial spying and computer hackers.
Stunning photographs combine with lively illustrations and engaging, age-appropriate stories in DK Readers, a multilevel reading program guaranteed to capture children's interest while developing their reading skills and general knowledge.
With DK Readers, children will learn to read―then read to learn!
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Would You Believe...in 1400, reading could save your life?!: and Other Academic Advantages
In this interesting book, readers will learn about the often painful and frequently distasteful educational practices that our ancestors employed, and explore some unusual teaching methods used today. Find out about the Neolithic cave school, the English charity boarding school in Dickensian times, where pupils shared their boarding rooms with chickens and turkeys, and the one-room school in Nebraska where the handful of pupils ride to school on horses.
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Through Time: London
From a Neolithic camp to the host of the 2012 Summer Olympics, very few cities have seen as much history, innovation, and bloodshed as London. In Through Time: London - by Richard Platt, illustrated by Manuela Cappon - readers take an historical, geographical, and anthropological journey through London's past through amazing artwork and detailed cross sections. From the earliest habitations to the Roman and Viking invasions, the Plague, Shakespeare, The Great Fire, right up to the Industrial Revolution, the Blitz, and more, readers will uncover layer after layer of London's magnificent history and learn about the people who have called the city home.
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Through Time: Pompeii
This sumptuous, innovative recreation of Roman life traces the rise and fall of a great empire. Superb illustrations retell the lost story of Pompeii―the life of its people, its conflicts and disasters, and the changing fortunes of a house at the center of it all. Beginning in the sixth century bce, a simple hut becomes a farmhouse, and gradually the farmhouse is swallowed up by the expanding new city of Pompeii. The house grows as the city and its inhabitants prosper. But finally it also suffers the devastating effects of the natural disaster that swallowed up the city―the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This is the story of the growth and destruction of a house, a city, and an empire. Further, it is a tale of discovery and revelation that tracks the extraordinary archaeological work involved in unearthing and
interpreting Pompeii's remains.
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Through Time: Beijing
Through Time: Beijing traces the rise and fall of great dynasties and the everyday lives of the citizens who prospered or suffered under their rule. Beginning in prehistoric times, an agricultural community slowly evolves. Farming villages then come under the control of a local lord, and by the medieval period an imperial palace is taking shape. This new capital is then overthrown by invading Mongols, who destroy it and build their own city. Later, the Mongols are replaced by the Ming, who create the legendary Forbidden City and rule China for the next five hundred years. The book's fluent narrative text and beautiful illustrations tell the enthralling story of BeijingÑits triumphs, conflicts, and people--right up to the present day.
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Plagues, Pox, and Pestilence
Plagues, Pox, and Pestilence by Richard Platt, illustrated by John Kelly is a comprehensive history of disease and pestilence, told from the point of view of the bugs and pests that cause them. The book features case histories of specific epidemics, ‘eyewitness' accounts from the rats, flies, ticks and creepy-crawlies who spread diseases, plus plenty of fascinating facts and figures on the biggest and worst afflictions. Illustrated throughout with brilliantly entertaining artworks and endearing characters, you'll be entertained by a cabinet war room showing the war on germs, a rogues' gallery highlighting the worst offenders, the very deadliest diseases examined under the microscope and much more.
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Versus: Pirates
What would happen if the Golden Age pirate, Blackbeard, fought the dashing Muslim pirate Barbarossa? Who would win and why? Who would be the ultimate fighting pirate? In VS – Pirates, two pirate gangs meet on classic pirate ships and engage in fierce combat, with a hand-to-hand battle between the leader of each gang. Information on chosen weapons (such as clubs, cutlasses and caltrops), plus armor and tactics, gives further insight to each pirate's strengths and character.
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The Germ Lab: The Gruesome Story of Deadly Diseases
Prepare to be infected with fun and fascinating knowledge. The Germ Lab tells the gruesome story of deadly diseases, told by the filthy pests that spread the germs!
Discover history's worst epidemics and pandemics and see how and why they happened, including the "Black Death", polio and coronavirus. Hear the "eyewitness" accounts from the pesky rats, flies, ticks and creepy-crawlies who spread the most terrible viruses around the world and cause the most damage. Watch out for terrible typhoid, beware of malicious malaria and learn more about cruel Covid-19.
Don't be too scared though. The Germ Lab explains how bacteria and other bad beasties are beaten through the work of genius scientists and with the development of vaccinations. Meet Jon Snow, whose careful observations of the slums of London led him to stop the spread of cholera , and see the world's leading scientists in action as they create life-saving vaccines.
Written by Richard Platt and illustrated by John Kelly, the brilliantly humorous artworks and fun characters will entertain young readers with a cabinet war room showing the war on germs, a rogues' gallery highlighting the worst offenders, the very deadliest diseases examined under the microscope, and much more. So grab your lab coat and join forces with science to tackle the war on germs.
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Eureka!: Great Inventions and How They Happened
Eureka! looks at the instances in which some of the world's greatest inventions were conceived and explains how creative genius has enabled some individuals to look right through a problem and come up with a solution that has eluded rivals.
From the excitement of Newton's historic discovery of the laws of gravity to the more recent creation of Teflon, this fascinating book illuminates an amazing variety of inventions, as well as the moments of inspiration (and sometimes perspiration) behind them.
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Communication: From Hieroglyphs to Hyperlinks (Kingfisher Knowledge)
by Richard Platt, Jonathan S. Adelstein
Communication explores the technologies that we use to share information and "talk" to one another, from the alphabet to television and the Internet. Learn about significant moments in communication history, such as the invention of the telephone and the origins of the World Wide Web. Discover how photography saves lives, how radio waves are used in space travel, and how communication is used during times of war.
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Spy (DK Eyewitness Books)
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.
Eyewitness Spy is DK's classic look at the history of espionage, now reissued with a CD and wall chart.
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Disney Pirates of the Caribbean: The Visual Guide (Visual Guides)
An insiders' guide takes readers on an unforgettable tour of the swashbuckling world of Captain Jack Sparrow, providing insight into the main characters of the first two Pirates of the Caribbean movies, the exotic locations, and Jack's ship, The Black Pearl.
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DK Readers L3: Spiders' Secrets
Young readers with a love of science will enjoy this book about spiders! Learn about creepy spiders and hairy tarantulas. With an advanced sentence structure, full-color photographs, lively illustrations, and a full glossary, this is the perfect book to help children gain confidence in reading on their own. Ideal for children who are fascinated by insects!
Stunning photographs combine with lively illustrations and engaging, age-appropriate stories in DK Readers, a multilevel reading program guaranteed to capture children's interest while developing their reading skills and general knowledge.
With DK Readers, children will learn to read—then read to learn!
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Shipwreck Detective
An activity-packed journal--with a compass embedded in the cover--of a diver's quest for hidden treasure follows Duncan Cameron deep under the sea as he searches for mysterious lost gold.
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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Complete Visual Guide
Featuring highlights from all three Pirates of the Caribbean movies, an insider's guide takes readers on a tour of the swashbuckling world of Captain Jack Sparrow--his ship, his crew, and his incredible adventures on the high seas.
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Castle (DK Experience)
Uses panoramic storyboard sequences with cutting-edge digital illustrations to help readers dive in and learn in a whole new way as the action unfolds, and includes definitions on every page to help readers increase their vocabulary as they read.
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Moon Landing: Apollo 11 40th Anniversary Pop-Up
"This wonderful book retells our story vividly. I should know; I was there."
— Buzz Aldrin
Trace the history of people's fascination with the moon — and the scientific developments that led to a ground-breaking mission — in an out-of-this-world novelty book marking the first moon landing. Acclaimed author Richard Platt focuses on humankind's dreams of traveling to the moon, the race to conquer space, the technology needed to reach the moon and sustain the astronauts in space, and the moon landing itself. Re-creating the excitement of the expedition are extraordinary pop-ups depicting a rocket, the lunar module, a spaceship, and a spectacular spherical moon, while booklets and flaps offer readers a wealth of intriguing facts.
* Published in anticipation of the fortieth anniversary of the first moon landing on July 20, 1969
* Features official NASA photographs, two mini-books, and fun informational flaps
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Egyptian Diary: The Journal of Nakht
Who is plundering the tombs of ancient Memphis? A brother and sister solve the mystery in this diary full of intriguing details about daily life in Egypt 3,500 years ago.
What was it like to be an aspiring young scribe in Egypt, circa 1500 BC? Picture it through the eyes of nine-year-old Nakht, who has just moved with his family to bustling Memphis, where his father has a prestigious new job. As Nakht takes up his own (often boring) lessons, little does he know that he and his sister, Tamyt, will soon stumble upon a sinister plot involving the robbing of nearby tombs — and will actually catch the high-ranking mastermind at a banquet inside their own house! As a reward, the siblings are invited to the royal palace in Thebes to meet none other than King Hatshepsut, whom they are shocked to discover is a woman — one of few female kings in ancient Egyptian history. Brimming with lively, detailed illustrations and bolstered with endnotes, a timeline, and a glossary, this newest tale from the author of CASTLE DIARY and PIRATE DIARY is sure to stir readers' interest in one of the most fascinating eras in history.
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Roman Diary: The Journal of Iliona of Mytilini: Captured and Sold as a Slave in Rome - AD 107
Relive the drama of the Roman Empire through the eyes of a young Greek slave in this latest installment in an acclaimed historical series.
Iliona never imagined that her sea voyage from Greece to Egypt would lead her to Rome. But when her ship is boarded by pirates, that’s where she ends up — as a slave. Separated from her brother, Apollo, Iliona is soon at the whim of her owners, and the chance of regaining freedom seems like a distant dream. But unlike her brother’s plight, Iliona’s life as a slave isn’t as bad as she feared: her new family provides clothing, food, and even schooling, and best of all, she is free to explore the wonders of Rome. Step back to AD 107 and take in the luxury of the baths, the splendor of the Senate, the thrill of gladiatorial combat, and the excesses of Roman feasts in a fictional diary full of excitement, humor, and accurate historical detail.
Back matter includes notes for the reader, a glossary, an index, and sources.
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Pirate Diary: The Journal of Jake Carpenter (Historical Diaries)
Curious about life on a pirate ship? Climb aboard this account of adventure on the high seas as told by a feisty nine-year-old carpenter's apprentice, circa 1716.
Curious about life on a pirate ship? Climb aboard this account of adventure on the high seas as told by a feisty nine-year-old carpenter's apprentice, circa 1716. Historically accurate illustrations of ship and crew, a map of Jake's travels, and a detailed glossary and index vividly reveal the fascinating — and harsh — life of a pirate in the eighteenth century. Ships ahoy!
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Roman Diary: The Journal of Iliona, A Young Slave (Historical Diaries)
"Like Platt’s previous ‘diaries’ about castles, pirates, and ancient Egypt, this offers an accessible introduction to history." — Booklist
Iliona never imagined that her sea voyage from Greece to Egypt would lead to Rome, but when she is captured by pirates and auctioned off as a slave, that’s where she lands. Readers are invited to view the wonders of Rome through Iliona’s eyes—the luxury, the excess, and the politics.
Back matter includes notes for the reader, a glossary, an index, and sources.
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Egyptian Diary: The Journal of Nakht (Junior Library Guild Selection)
"A fresh, lively voice. . . . Replete with details of daily life." — Kirkus Reviews
The year is 1464 BC, and Nakht’s family is moving to the city of Memphis. Nakht, who is studying to be a scribe, keeps a journal of the many sights and sounds of the bustling city — temples and pyramids, cargo ships, a hippopotamus hunt, even a tomb robbery. Presented as a lively diary, here is an invitation for readers to witness firsthand what life was like for one boy in Egypt 3,500 years ago.
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A World of Information
From Morse code to the bones in the human body, this visually stunning collection of facts and figures puts a world of information at your fingertips.
How much do clouds weigh? Who invented the pencil? How many ways can you tie a knot? Discover the answers to these and many other questions in this elegant and absorbing miscellany of general knowledge. From music notation to Roman numerals and from the skeleton to the solar system, essential facts are brought to life by stylish infographics and fascinating commentary. Perfect for all ages, this book is sure to amuse and intrigue even the most curious minds.
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DK Readers: Plants Bite Back! (Level 3: Reading Alone)
There are plants that prickle, sting, and even munch insects for lunch! So, never bite a strange plant—it might bite back!
Stunning photographs combine with lively illustrations and engaging, age-appropriate stories in DK Readers, a multilevel reading program guaranteed to capture children's interest while developing their reading skills and general knowledge.
With DK Readers, children will learn to read—then read to learn!
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Eyewitness: Spy
Photographed in full color. Go under cover to investigate the intriguing world of espionage. From spies of Genghis Khan to the real inspiration behind James Bond to the history and operations of secret service offices around the world, this volume reveals all the fascinating tools, disguises, and tricks of the trade.
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Crime Scene: The Ultimate Guide to Forensic Science
A fascinating, richly illustrated introduction to the high-tech world of forensic science shows how the latest methods of scientific detection are used to uncover the truth about a crime scene to reveal how crimes were committed and who was responsible for them, with detailed explanations of the techniques and equipment used by forensic investigators. 50,000 first printing.
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The Ultimate Book About Me: Discover What Makes You 'YOU!'
Reality TV, constant status updates, endless "selfies," and publicly posted videos that document everything from first steps to falling flat on your face
today's kids are growing up with a very unique sense of self. This book challenges kids to ask themselves the question, What does it mean to be me?, and gives them the scientific and sociological tools to really explore the answers. Using a playful approach that incorporates visual puzzles, quizzes, memory tests, and other fun tactics, The Ultimate Book About Me delves into the real facts behind deeply engaging questions like: Am I really unique? How well do I know my body? What does it mean to be a boy or a girl? How do I remember things? How much of me will survive beyond my lifetime?
Tons of colorful graphics help convey the subject matter (from the inner workings of the brain to hormones and genetics) in a kid-friendly format. A glossary provides deeper understanding. Full-color illustrations throughout.
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DK Adventures: Galactic Mission
Set in the year 2098, in Galactic Mission five school children have won an international competition to visit outer space and journey to the distant star system of Alpha Centauri on the spaceship Argo to find a new home. But right from the start things don't go according to plan-conflict, malfunctions, mistrust, and running out of fuel all get in their way of trying to enter Alpha Centauri's atmosphere. Will they all make it back alive? Will they discover a new planet with great potential for human life to survive?
DK Adventures are an innovative mix of narrative and nonfiction for kids ages 8-11 featuring engaging, action-packed stories that help kids build their skills in vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and critical thinking while developing a love of reading. With diaries, recipes, poetry, instructions, graphics, or songs, the genre spreads in each DK Adventures title enhance the story and reinforce curriculum learning, while the expansive range of entertaining nonfiction subjects will appeal to boys and girls everywhere.
Supports the Common Core State Standards.
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Stephen Biesty's Incredible Body Cross-Sections (DK Stephen Biesty Cross-Sections)
How does the body protect itself from infections? What makes your tummy rumble? Are you taller at the beginning or end of the day?
This extraordinary book actually takes you inside - and around - the human body to see how it works, with the help of some truly unique illustrations and some very small people!
Explore your brain, your bones, and everything in between in incredible cross-section drawings of all the body systems. Inside each one are teams of tiny characters busy at work, and explaining what's going on.
Every page is packed with jaw-dropping facts. Did you know that the skin is your largest organ - in an adult, it's 2 sq m (22 sq ft). Have you ever thought about how heavy the brain is? Well, it's about 1.4 kg (3 lb) and is crammed with 100 billion nerve cells that help you think and move. And by the time you turn 75, your heart will have pumped blood around your body 4,000 million times!
With the challenge of finding two tiny explorers making their way through the body, learning about anatomy has never been so much fun!
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A World of Discovery
An essential compendium of some of the most world-changing discoveries and inventions of all time, from the first use of money to antibiotics and artificial intelligence.
In a stylish miscellany, celebrated author Richard Platt and printmaker James Brown travel through time to showcase the amazing breakthroughs in science and technology that have changed our lives forever. From the wheel to the telephone to the Internet, human history is studded with innovations that have changed our world. Each bold, bright, and beautiful infographic is complete with engaging and easy-to-understand explanations. A follow-up to international bestseller A World of Information and its companion, A World of Cities, this book covers thirty groundbreaking discoveries and is perfect for inquiring minds of all ages.
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Doctors Did What?! The Weird History of Medicine
DOCTORS DID WHAT?! examines some successful and many more unsuccessful treatments for humans' aches and pains. Historian Richard Platt is at his lively best in these browsable tomes.
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Discovering Pirates
Exciting illustrations put wind in the sails of the most famous pirates as they travel the seven seas in search of treasure and adventure. This children's book includes a wealth of information on what life was like on the high seas: what pirates ate, what they wore, and what they did while they were out to sea.
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Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Castle (DK Stephen Biesty Cross-Sections)
History comes alive in this incredible children's illustrated book about castles.
Slicing through different areas of a medieval fortress, extraordinary views reveal the people busy inside, preparing for battle as an enemy army approaches.
Packed with facts, you'll find out what it takes to build a massive 14th-century castle, dress a knight in armor, or prepare a feast fit for a king or queen. From the drawbridge to the dungeon, Cross-Sections Castle swarms with the people who keep the castle going--the workers, craftsmen, and servants. And, as you pore over every page, look out for the villainous spy. Is he in the well... the keep... the moat? No? Keep looking, he's there somewhere!
Back in print after 20 years, you can now cheer on jousters, be entertained by a troubadour, and witness the gory details of a traitor's demise. This unique illustrated book for kids is not just the story of a castle; it brings medieval history to life.
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Stephen Biesty's More Incredible Cross-sections (DK Stephen Biesty Cross-Sections)
This illustrated book for children shows you how things work. Look inside the human body, explore the magic of Venice, and take a tour around a movie studio - and much more!
Part of a unique series, More Incredible Cross-sections is Stephen Biesty at the top of his game. In this updated edition with a refreshed, contemporary style, he gives readers an exploded view of 12 objects, places, landmarks, and modes of transport. But look closer! In every picture is an alien who has lost his way: can you find him?
As you pore over Stephen Biesty's superbly detailed pages, you will also discover loads of awesome facts. Did you know that steam engines were notoriously difficult to stop, leading to frequent accidents? Or that people at an Antarctic research base rely on supplies from an aircraft's parachute drops during winter?
From windmills to cities, airports to space stations, More Incredible Cross-sections is for curious minds of any age interested in finding out how our amazing world works.
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