Signs and Symbols, Myths and Legends, and Zoology

We have been taking a closer look at three DK books: Signs and Symbols, Myths and Legends, and Zoology. Smithsonian Zoology invites us to explore the animal kingdom up close, and will be loved by all those interested in wildlife. It will delight, fascinate, surprise, and spark our interest in specific animal groups. The book takes a closer look at a variety of wildlife from tiny insects to sleek sharks and majestic elephants. As Albert Einstein said, "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."

We like the clear and colourful diagrams that are used to explain how animals adapt and survive in different environments. The unique nose-to-tail approach, with chapters on different body parts, allow us to focus in on the beauty of the antenna of a moth, the flight feathers of a parrot, or the feeding tentacles of a jellyfish. 

Zoology explores how we have depicted animals in art throughout the ages in paintings, cultural histories and architecture, and used as inspiration for new discoveries. With fascinating stories, such as how animals communicate, defend their territories, and attract mates, Zoology offers an engaging introduction to the extraordinary diversity of the animal kingdom.

Myths and Legends by Philip Wilkinson is a comprehensive visual guide to global mythology. We can learn about world's myths and legends from Greek mythology to Norse mythology, including answers to interesting questions...

What did Japanese mythology say about the beginning of the Universe? How did Oedipus become the classic tragic hero in Greek mythology? Who brought about the origin of death in Maori mythology? This book combines vivid retellings of famous legends with over 1,000 illustrations of characters, famous artworks, and artifacts, which makes it easier to understand the stories that are central to every culture. The content of the book is separated by continents. The colourful images, different fonts, and diagrams make it fun to read.    

Signs and Symbols is an interesting book that will answer curious questions such as Why a flag at half-mast symbolize mourning? Why brides in the West traditionally wear white, while Asian cultures associate this colour with death? What different birds and flowers represent in different cultures, and much more.  

This fully-illustrated guide unlocks the secret language of the signs, symbols, and traditions around us. It is divided into two sections, first looking at major sources of symbols such as basic shapes, colours and numbers, the natural world, then placing symbols in context of mythologies and religions, the human life cycle, people and culture, and symbol systems. Most cultures in the world at some point worshipped the Sun as the supreme cosmic power, and it was interesting to read about the beliefs. For example, the popular Stonehenge solstice in Wiltshire, Britain has been a focus for pagan celebration where people gathered to greet the dawn as it rises over the Heel stone on midsummer's day. The red disc in the Japanese flag represents the rising sun. Even precious stones are linked to spiritual power and purity, for example the diamond symbolizes purity, truth, and fidelity and is believed to absorb the wearer's emotions and cleanse the soul.This book will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. 

Wonders of Gift Giving contest: 
Visit this page https://www.dk.com/ca/promotion/the-wonders-of-gift-giving select the book you would like to get as a gift this Holiday season. Post an image of the book cover on Twitter announcing it as the book you would like to receive for the holidays tagging @DKCanada and with #DKGiftGiving. 
This will automatically enter you to win the book during the 12 Days of Gift Giving campaign. Each day from December 1 until 12th DK Canada will be giving away a book a day based on people's picks. 

Giveaway: 

If you live in Canada enter to win a copy of Zoology. This giveaway ends on January 4th. Please leave comments and follow my social media networks to be eligible to win. 

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Disclosure: This post is in partnership with DK Canada. Please note that all opinions and thoughts expressed are my own. All rights reserved on photographs and written content Createwithmom © 2010 - 2019. Please Ask First