They Did What?!: Your Guide to Weird and Wacky Things People Do »

Over the course of history, humankind has achieved remarkable things: the Great Pyramids, space travel, and the World Wide Web. But what about the eccentricities, the famous bloopers, the bits that have been edited out for so long, like pet rocks, air guitar contests, and turkey-and-gravy soda? It’s time to embrace, not erase! With They Did WHAT?!, Jeff Szpirglas awards the booby prize to history’s most absurd behaviors and creations. “What if” scenarios parody ridiculous events: “What if the latest fad was barracuda swallowing?” (Forget goldfish.) Recurrent characters, Professor and Student, engage in a witty banter, offering quirky facts and related information. Dave Whamond’s playful illustrations complement this satirical mix of history, science, and culture.

Meredith Kiger, Ph.D. - Children's Literature

As the author notes, we love to recognize accomplishments in this country, but rarely do we recognize "flubs." You know, the events best forgotten. This 64-page book does just that--recalls the absurd, the "what were they thinking?" events. With chapter titles such as "Far Out Fads," "A Whole Lotta Hoaxes," "The Extreme Sports Scene," and "Strange Museums," the author briefly and humorously recounts the bizarre but true. Wacky, colorful cartoonlike illustrations add to the craziness. Perfect for the kid who needs encouragement to read, the book provides brief vignettes on weird events sure to capture the imagination. Even grownups will be amused. An index is included. 2005, Maple Tree Press, Ages 8 to 10.