The Big Book of Useless Science Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable Science Facts You Won't Be Taught in School

An encyclopedia of mind-bogglingly random science facts that will lodge in your brain and refuse to leave.

Heard about the poisonous tree in the Amazon rainforest that grows exploding fruit? Did you know that manatees control their buoyancy with farts? Or that the first vending machine was invented in ancient Egypt?

In this compendium of obscure facts readers will be treated to baffling scientific knowledge they would never learn at school. Broken into chapters including engineering, space, and biology, a team of experts has scoured the margins to find the silliest and most pointless science facts that the world has to offer.

Accompanied by hilarious illustrations, kids will meet the ants turned to zombies by a deadly fungus, discover why astronauts left their poop on the Moon, and find out about the rainstorm that lasted a million years (before umbrellas were invented!). They will also learn completely useless information like that all of the hair on your head could hold the weight of two elephants.

(SPOILER: the information in this book isn't really useless. It will inspire, shock, and amuse the reader-and maybe spark an interest that will last a lifetime. It just won't help you with any exams!)

Written by experts:
Erin Winick Anthony has always loved making things, whether it was Halloween costumes with her mom or LEGO towers in her living room. That inspired her to get a mechanical engineering degree! She now uses her technical background to translate complex science and space topics for the public.

Saad Bhatty is a geologist. By day, he brings the wonders of geoscience to life through captivating science animation videos. By night, he transforms into MrEarthGuy on TikTok and YouTube, where he shares mind-blowing facts about our planet. When he's not unravelling Earth's mysteries, you can find him exploring new ways to make science fun and engaging for everyone.

Dr. Oluwapelumi Kareem is an organic chemist and science communicator who loves teaching science to anyone who will listen. He is the owner of the education company At The Benchtop, which makes learning kits and promotes science in diverse communities.

Ellen Weatherford is a science communicator who expresses her love for animals and nature by creating fun and informative content online. When she's not making the podcast Just the Zoo of Us, she's probably going on adventures with her kids, playing video games, or reading science-fiction novels.

Matt Green, also known as The Rapping Science Teacher, is an entrepreneur and former school teacher. He has over 1.4 million followers on social media and has performed on ITV's The Voice UK, BBC One's Blue Peter, The One Show, and BBC Radio 1Xtra! His ambition is to help as many students as possible to excel in science.

Graham Lutz loves learning about everything! His brain, supercharged by ADHD, is always buzzing with cool facts. When he's not playing with his four kids, Graham writes books, gives talks, and helps people be their best. He studied how brains work at Harvard University and Georgia State University, and now fills his own brain with fun, wacky knowledge to share with you!

Author: Neon Squid
Publisher: Neon Squid
Published: 05/06/2025
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781684493777
Audience: Ages 9-12

About the Author

Neon Squid creates beautiful nonfiction books for inquisitive kids (and kids at heart). We believe the most amazing stories are real ones, so our books are for children who want to decipher ancient scrolls, orbit distant stars, and dive into the deepest oceans. Our books are a labour of love--written by experts, illustrated by the best artists around, and produced using the finest materials, including sustainably sourced paper. We hope that by reading them kids are encouraged to further explore the world around them.

The Big Book of Useless Science Knowledge is written by experts from around the globe including science teacher/rapper Matt Green, engineer Erin Winick Anthony who worked at NASA, geologist and podcaster Saad Bhatty, and Harvard psychologist Graham Lutz.

Hannah Li is an award-winning Chinese-American illustrator based in New York. With a background in fine arts, Hannah's illustrations often exhibit a unique blend of traditional techniques and digital art.

Kay Wolfersperger is a designer and illustrator based out of Savannah, GA. Her lively, colorful work often explores humor and positivity.

Liz Kay is a British illustrator whose books include The History of Everywhere and My Met Sticker Collection.