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PLEASE NOTE: Dust jacket missing. Book is in good condition and may contain underlining/highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items (toys, dvds, etc.). We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24/7 customer service. Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime! Satisfaction Guaranteed! PLEASE NOTE: Dust jacket missing. Book is in good condition and may contain underlining/highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items (toys, dvds, etc.). We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24/7 customer service. Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime! Satisfaction Guaranteed! See less
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John Farndon
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Do Not Open Hardcover – November 7, 2007

by John Farndon (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 93 ratings
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An edgy and highly illustrated title packaged in a metal case explores lost worlds and unravels secret mysteries, from the Mona Lisa's hidden past to the history of Area 51.
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    10 - 17 years
  2. Print length
    256 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    5 - 12
  5. Dimensions
    8 x 0.25 x 9 inches
  6. Publisher
    DK Children
  7. Publication date
    November 7, 2007
  8. ISBN-10
    0756632056
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0756632052
  10. See all details
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The Amazon Book Review
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–9—This entertaining look at oddities, mysteries, and unexplained phenomena successfully adapts the innovative format first seen in Pick Me Up (DK, 2006). Nearly 100 topics are covered, mostly on spreads, each with a unique look. "Who Are the Men in Black?" uses a captioned street map to present facts and theories (Nazca Lines, Bermuda Triangle, Atlantis), for example, while cases of "Spontaneous Combustion" appear on illustrations of burning paper. Occasional foldouts, liftable flaps, and vertical page turns add more variety. Beyond the strong visual appeal, many layouts convey information effectively, such as the color-coded flow chart that tracks the mysterious disappearance of "Lord Lucan." Individual entries can stand alone, but cross-references at the bottom of the page encourage jumps to related topics in a manner that simulates Web page links. "Hidden Gold," for instance, can lead to "Paris Underground," "Kremlin," and further exploration. With rare exceptions, cross-reference series are not circular, so starting at a random page sets off a long series of intriguing leaps. The index provides access to specific topics, though broader subjects applying to several entries, such as "crime" or "spying," do not appear. Most libraries will discard the clever cardboard packaging that simulates a silver jail cell, but the overflowing collage of images on the regular cover works fine. The exciting design, cleverly organized information, and perennial kid-appeal of the topics should make this a popular title, and it may easily lead readers to pursue other books on topics that catch their interest.—Steven Engelfried, Multnomah County Library, OR
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

". . . a colorful book filled with unexplained mysteries, bizarre anecdotes through the ages, great escapes, codes, optical illusions, hoaxes, and explanations of secret systems and complexes." -- Boingboing.net

"Do Not Open comes peeking out from between the bars of its own little prison door and will. . . make children immediately ignore the warning of its title. . . This is a good bet for pre-(and full) teens." -- The Wall Street Journal, December 2007

Awarded by the Voice of Youth Advocates organization -- VOYA Nonfiction Honor List, 2008

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ DK Children; Box edition (November 7, 2007)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0756632056
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0756632052
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 10 - 17 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 5 - 12
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.25 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 0.25 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 93 ratings

About the author

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John Farndon

John Farndon

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LONDON-BASED AUTHOR JOHN FARNDON studied earth sciences and English literature at Cambridge University but has since written on just about every topic imaginable. He has written over 300 books, which have sold millions of copies around the world in most major languages and include many best-sellers, such as the award-winning 'Do Not Open', which became a cult-hit in the USA as well as featuring on the New York Times and Washington Post best-seller lists. In earlier years, he wrote mostly for children, and has been shortlisted a record four times for the junior Science Book prize. But recently he has been writing for adults too.

Many of his books have on popular science, and in particular earth science and nature, and environmental issues, including'How the Earth Works', 'The Wildlife Atlas', 'The Dictionary of the Earth'. He was a major contributor to the Smithsonian's 'Earth' and 'Science' encyclopedias His 'Practical Encyclopedia of Rocks and Minerals' (not as dry as it sounds!) has recently been one of the top 15 selling books for Scientific American. The 'Atlas of Oceans, his big book on endangered life in the oceans, for Yale in the USA (A&C Black in the UK and Australian Geographic in Australia) garnered glowing reports prepublication from major figures in the USA such as the Cousteaus, Carl Safina, and Harm de Blij.

But he has covered a wide range of topics, including many books on contemporary issues such as 'Everything you should know about Iran', 'China Rises') and '101 Facts You Should Know about Food'. He also writes on the history of science and idea. In 2010, his book for Icon 'Do You Think You're Clever?' was a best-seller and was shortlisted for the Society of Authors Education Award. 'The World's Greatest Idea' was selected as one of the top 50 books of the year in South Africa.

He has a growing following on his internet sites, including podcasts and blogs, and is also a playwright and songwriter, whose work has been performed at such theatres as the Donmar and Almeida in London and the Salisbury Playhouse. Songs of his have been selected many times for the Sondheim Singing prize and other showcases.

http://www.johnfarndon.com/

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
93 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Holly
5.0 out of 5 stars Read so much, it fell apart
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2011
Verified Purchase
I bought this for my son (now 8, at the time 7). He reads it nearly everyday and I heard from the back of the car, "My Do Not Open book's cover broke." I would not say, however, it is the fault of the book, but rather a sign of how well loved it is.

It has inspired some interesting conversations about critical thinking (it tends to lean towards the fantastic, but always ends on a "what do you think" note).

Personally, I find the layout overwhelming, with lots of graphics, text interwoven - it is a visual feast. It works for my son, however, and that is what's important.
One person found this helpful
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Julie Neal
5.0 out of 5 stars Half silly, half serious, all terrific
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2007
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A compilation of weird and wonderful trivia illustrated with what must be thousands of fun and whimsical images, this outstanding book is a great bathroom read. Each subject is covered with a just a paragraph or two, and there are so many topics! Randomly flipping open the pages I find info about Mark Felt's secret identity as Watergate's Deep Throat, the Rosetta Stone, spontaneous combustion, Elvis' secret identity as "Jon Burrows," the secrets behind common magic tricks, "Top Tips for Breaking The Time Barrier", the tribes of the rain forest... I could go on forever.

Usually books like this seem thrown together, with out-of-date info and cheap graphics. This one is just the opposite. What I especially like is the variety of art. The credits page lists 12 illustrators; it seems like about a hundred.

By the way, the book doesn't look like the image shown above. That's its reflective silver storage box. The book cover, which you see peeking out behind the bars, is a colorful collage of the various art inside. True to the spirit of the book's title, the box has a magnetic hinge, which makes it difficult to open.

It has a companion title,  Pick Me Up .
21 people found this helpful
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C. Kaufman
5.0 out of 5 stars kid enticing
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2007
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This book is perfect for kids who love to read short articles about stuff. Think "Bathroom reader" series for kids. It comes in a box and the cover looks like an iron door with open slats showing the book. It even has a magnetic closure on the "door". It is filled with interesting facts in a comic book way and bright pictures. I would recommend this to any child (or adult) that enjoys reading almanacs.
4 people found this helpful
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Mido
1.0 out of 5 stars Less interesting than it seems
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2008
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Perhaps with kids this book is interesting, but overall it is hard to read, lacks much substance (or research), and is not compelling. If you have read or skimmed other books of "secrets" or how things work, this book will not add much.
4 people found this helpful
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Lisa R
5.0 out of 5 stars LOTS of interesting and fun facts! Great for tweens!
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2017
Verified Purchase
Doesn't look that exciting in the picture, but this is a book not to be missed. Fantasticlly done with LOTS of awesome info and facts. We homeschool our son and he gets really engrossed in this book.
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Jennifer N. Collins
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book!
Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2013
Verified Purchase
This book has engrossed both my 10-year-old daughter and 9-year-old nephew, who each received their own copies for Christmas after my daughter discovered it a toy store and couldn't put it down. Lots of interesting facts and information about a variety of topics and terrific accompanying graphics and illustrations. The book is varied and therefore should have something for most curious kids. Highly recommended!!!
One person found this helpful
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Rhonda Lowe
3.0 out of 5 stars Didn't come with Cover
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2015
Verified Purchase
Book is great, my 7 year old son loves it. But It did not come with the "Do Not Open" Metal-like cover sleeve as pictured, and my son was very disappointed about that.
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Cindi Vanwingerden
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2008
Verified Purchase
My 9-year-old got this for Christmas and disappeared in his room for several hours. Now he taunts us with his new knowledge and astounds us with the tidbits he offers us. We have bought several for presents and have heard so many positive things from all recipients. A great book for the 8-12 range and maybe even +/- a couple years. One of these days, I really want to sneak in a take a peek, but I promised him it would be his secret.....
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Marshall
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book
Reviewed in Canada on July 26, 2021
Verified Purchase
Have loved this book since I was a kid, I swear it’s part of who I am today lmao. I remembered it and had to re order one and it’s just as great as I remember
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Rodz
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2016
Verified Purchase
Excellent brainfood for kids
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Shelley Lake
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on December 31, 2014
Verified Purchase
My son's favourite book of all time.
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Linda S
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2015
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This book is absolutely brilliant. Kids love it
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Fred the Cretan
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 16, 2015
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Excellent dip-in book .... fascinating!
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