M. patrick Sauer

What you can find in the
Fantastic Factoid series

Volume 1

Where Curiosity Meets Wonder Prepare to be whisked away on an exhilarating adventure spanning the breadth of human knowledge. From the mysteries of Ancient Civilizations to the cutting-edge marvels of Space Exploration, Fantastic Factoids is your passport to a world of discovery.

Buy the book to read all 40 chapter's

Ancient Civilizations

Discover how the Ancient Sumerians used “Beer Rations” as wages for workers or how the Egyptians believed cats to be divine. Marvel at the Mayans practice of teeth filing and decoration with precious gems. Learn about the Zapotec Civilizations remarkable ball court complexes used as sacred spaces for ritual sacrifices.

The Sumerians' Beer Rations: In ancient Sumeria, beer was a staple of daily life, so much so that workers received beer rations as part of their wages. This brew, known as "kash," was considered nutritious and safer to drink than water due to the fermentation process, making it essential for sustaining the labor force.

The Egyptians' Cat Cult

Ancient Egyptians held cats in the highest esteem, considering them divine beings worthy of adoration and reverence. The goddess Bastet, depicted as a lioness or a woman with the head of a lioness, embodied the protective and nurturing qualities associated with felines. Cats were not only cherished as beloved companions but also revered for their role in safeguarding homes and granaries from rodents and pests, contributing to the prosperity of Egyptian society. In temples dedicated to Bastet, lavish offerings were presented to honor these revered creatures, and mummified cats were buried alongside their human counterparts to ensure safe passage to the afterlife. This profound reverence for cats underscores the deep spiritual connection between the ancient Egyptians and the enigmatic feline companions who shared their homes and hearts.

The Chinese Oracle Bones: During the Shang Dynasty in ancient China, divination rituals involved the use of oracle bones, typically ox scapulae or turtle plastrons, inscribed with questions to the gods. After heating the bones, cracks would form, and priests interpreted these patterns as divine messages, offering guidance on matters of state, agriculture, and warfare.

The Olmec Rubber Ball Game: The Olmec civilization of ancient Mesoamerica played a ball game using a solid rubber ball, often as part of religious ceremonies. Players would bounce the ball off their hips, aiming to pass it through stone hoops mounted on walls, with the game symbolizing cosmic battles and the cycle of life and death.

The Minoans' Bull-Leaping Rituals: The Minoan civilization of ancient Crete practiced a dangerous sport known as bull-leaping, where athletes vaulted over charging bulls in acrobatic displays of agility and bravery. This ritual, depicted in Minoan frescoes, likely had religious significance, symbolizing the triumph of humanity over nature.

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Space Exploration

Learn the truth about the failures of the Russian space race or ponder the fate of a stowaway bat on a 2009 space shuttle mission. Find out if space pens really work or what shapes a spider weaves its web into while in zero gravity

Space Bat on Space Shuttle

The discovery of a bat clinging to the external fuel tank of the Space Shuttle Discovery just before the STS-119 mission's launch in 2009 highlighted the unforeseen encounters with wildlife that astronauts and engineers face in space exploration. The presence of the bat, likely seeking refuge in the shuttle's structures during pre-launch preparations, underscored the challenges of maintaining secure and controlled environments in the complex infrastructure of space vehicles. This unexpected incident prompted NASA to enhance wildlife mitigation measures and reinforce habitat control protocols to minimize the risk of similar occurrences in future missions. Additionally, the incident sparked discussions about the potential impacts of wildlife on spacecraft operations and the importance of comprehensive risk management strategies in space exploration endeavors

Space Exploration

Lost Cosmonaut Conspiracy: During the early days of space exploration, rumors circulated about Soviet cosmonauts who supposedly died in secret missions that were covered up by the government. These alleged "lost cosmonauts" became the subject of conspiracy theories, though evidence supporting their existence remains scant.

Space Pen Myth: Contrary to popular belief, NASA did not spend millions of dollars developing a pen that could write in space; rather, Paul Fisher, an inventor, independently developed the Fisher Space Pen using his own funds. The pen uses a pressurized ink cartridge to write in zero-gravity environments, and both NASA and the Soviet space program adopted it for their missions.

Golden Record on Voyager: Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft each carry a golden record containing sounds and images representing Earth, intended as a message to any extraterrestrial civilizations that might encounter them. This interstellar time capsule includes greetings in 55 languages, music from different cultures, and natural sounds of Earth, curated by a committee chaired by Carl Sagan.

Space Dust Collection by Stardust: NASA's Stardust spacecraft collected samples of interstellar dust during its mission, capturing particles from beyond our solar system. These microscopic grains, traveling at speeds of over 20,000 kilometers per hour, provided valuable insights into the composition and origins of interstellar matter. The painstaking analysis of these interstellar particles not only expanded our understanding of the universe but also demonstrated the ingenuity and technical prowess of NASA's scientific endeavors, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in space exploration.

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Famous Artifacts Stories

Uncover the mystery of the Shroud of Turin bearing an image of a crucified Jesus Christ or marvel at the craftsmanship of the Crystal Skulls of ancient Mesoameric imbued with supernatural powers. Behold the discovery of the Terracotta Army consisting of 8,000 intricately crafted clay soldiers standing guard at the tomb of the first Chinese Emperor.

The Shroud of Turin

The Shroud of Turin has captivated the world for centuries, with its enigmatic image of a man bearing wounds consistent with crucifixion. Scientists have conducted various tests on the cloth, including carbon dating, which yielded conflicting results and only added to the mystery surrounding its origins. Some researchers propose that the image was formed through natural processes such as contact with a human body, while others argue for a supernatural explanation, deepening the intrigue and controversy surrounding the artifact.

The Codex Gigas: The Codex Gigas, also known as the Devil's Bible, is a massive medieval manuscript containing religious texts, legends, and illustrations. Legend has it that the entire manuscript was written by a single monk in a single night, with the Devil's help, leading to its eerie reputation and enduring fascination.

The Lost Colony of Roanoke Artifacts: The Lost Colony of Roanoke was an English settlement in present-day North Carolina that mysteriously disappeared in the late 16th century. Despite its enigmatic fate, artifacts discovered in the area, such as pottery shards and metal objects, continue to offer tantalizing clues about the colony's inhabitants and their fate.

The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of ancient Jewish religious texts discovered in caves near the Dead Sea in the mid-20th century. These well-preserved manuscripts shed light on early Jewish religious practices and beliefs, offering valuable insights into the development of Judaism and Christianity.

The Georgia Guidestones: Sometimes referred to as the "American Stonehenge," the Georgia Guidestones are a mysterious monument consisting of four massive granite slabs inscribed with ten guidelines in eight modern languages. Erected in 1980 in rural Georgia, the purpose and origin of the Guidestones remain enigmatic, fueling conspiracy theories and speculation about their true meaning.

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Volume 2

With painstaking research, we have compiled the most unusual, strangest, and sometimes completely absurd facts known to man. Inside you will find 41 chapters and over 200 thought-provoking and captivating illustrations designed to get the reader's attention and stimulate conversation.

Lesser Known Dinosaurs

Therizinosaurus, meaning "scythe lizard," was a theropod dinosaur characterized by its unusually long claws, which reached lengths of up to 3 feet (1 meter). Despite its fearsome appearance, Therizinosaurus was an herbivore, likely using its claws to strip leaves and branches from trees.

Therizinosaurus: Therizinosaurus, meaning "scythe lizard," was a theropod dinosaur characterized by its unusually long claws, which reached lengths of up to 3 feet (1 meter). Despite its fearsome appearance, Therizinosaurus was an herbivore, likely using its claws to strip leaves and branches from trees. This dinosaur lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Asia, and its discovery revolutionized scientists' understanding of herbivorous dinosaurs.

Microraptor

Microraptor, a fascinating dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous era, offers valuable insights into the evolution of flight and the transition from dinosaurs to birds. Residing in what is now China, Microraptor belonged to the dromaeosaur group, characterized by their bird-like features and close relationship to modern avians. What sets Microraptor apart is its unique adaptation of long feathers on its arms and legs, a feature that hints at its potential for gliding or even powered flight.

Deinocheirus: Deinocheirus was a massive ornithomimosaurian dinosaur known for its enigmatic arms, which were initially discovered before the rest of the skeleton. When the complete skeleton was finally unearthed, it revealed a bizarre-looking dinosaur with a humped back, a duck-like bill, and a sail on its tail. Deinocheirus lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now Mongolia, and its unusual anatomy has puzzled scientists for decades.

Amargasaurus: Amargasaurus was an herbivorous sauropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Cretaceous period in what is now South America. It was characterized by elongated spines protruding from its neck vertebrae, forming a double row of sails along its back. While the purpose of these sails is still debated among scientists, they may have been used for display, species recognition, or thermoregulation.

Ankylosaurus: Ankylosaurus was a heavily armored dinosaur with thick, bony plates covering its body and a club-like tail for defense. Its name means "fused lizard," referring to the way its bones were fused together to form a solid shield. Ankylosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous period in what is now North America and was one of the last surviving members of the ankylosaur family.

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American Presidents

John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, found himself in possession of an unexpected and exotic gift during his tenure in the White House. The Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat, and Revolutionary War hero presented Adams with an American alligator; a creature unfamiliar to many in Europe at the time.

John Quincy Adams' Alligator John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States, found himself in possession of an unexpected and exotic gift during his tenure in the White House. The Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat, and Revolutionary War hero presented Adams with an American alligator; a creature unfamiliar to many in Europe at the time. Seeking to foster goodwill and impress Adams, Lafayette saw the alligator as a unique offering from the New World. To the surprise of visitors, Adams decided to house the alligator in one of the White House's bathrooms, where it quickly became a curious attraction. Guests to the presidential residence were taken aback by the sight of the alligator, which amused itself by splashing in the bathtub, adding an unexpected element of novelty to the historic halls of the White House..

Andrew Jackson's Parrot: Andrew Jackson's pet parrot, Poll, was known for its colorful vocabulary and fierce temperament. Poll had been taught to swear by Jackson himself and often used profane language, much to the amusement of Jackson's guests. When Jackson died in 1845, Poll was removed from his funeral procession after repeatedly interrupting the solemn proceedings with its squawks and curses.

Martin Van Buren's Tigers: In 1839, Sultan Mahmud II of the Ottoman Empire sent two tiger cubs to President Martin van Buren as a diplomatic gift. Van Buren kept the tigers on the grounds of the White House for a brief period before donating them to a zoo. The presence of these exotic animals at the White House captured the public's imagination and added to Van Buren's reputation as an eccentric leader.

William Henry Harrison's Goats: William Henry Harrison, the ninth president of the United States, was known for his love of farming and agriculture. He kept several goats at the White House during his brief tenure as president in 1841. Harrison's affinity for goats reflected his rural upbringing and his desire to maintain a connection to his roots while serving in the nation's highest office.

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Wild West Heroes and Villains

"The Wild West refers to the period of American history from the early 19th century to the end of the 19th century, characterized by vast expanses of unsettled land, rugged terrain, and lawlessness. It was a time of westward expansion, marked by the migration of settlers, gold rushes, and conflicts between Native American tribes and pioneers."

Wild Bill Hickok

Wild Bill Hickok whose real name was James Butler Hickok, emerged as one of the most iconic figures of the American West during the mid-19th century. His legendary status was primarily built upon his reputation as a skilled gunslinger and law enforcement officer, with tales of his daring exploits spreading everywhere. Hickok's quick draw and sharpshooting abilities were the stuff of legend, and he was often regarded as one of the deadliest shooters in the West. However, despite his outward image of strength and prowess.

Hickok's personal life was fraught with tragedy and hardship. Following the death of his first wife, Agnes Thatcher Lake, in childbirth, Hickok struggled to cope with the loss and found solace in the transient lifestyle of the frontier. His subsequent relationships were marked by turmoil and instability, further exacerbating his inner struggles. Ultimately, Wild Bill Hickok's legacy remains as one of the most iconic figures of the American West, but his life serves as a reminder of hardships faced by those who lived during this turbulent period of American history.

Belle Starr: Belle Starr's life was filled with intrigue and adventure, as she navigated the dangerous world of outlawry while also maintaining connections to more respectable society. Despite her criminal activities, she was known for her intelligence and charisma, which allowed her to command respect even among notorious outlaws.

Billy the Kid: Billy the Kid's life was shrouded in mystery and controversy, with conflicting accounts of his deeds and motivations. While he was undoubtedly involved in criminal activities, he also exhibited flashes of kindness and compassion, leading some to view him as a sympathetic figure caught up in the tumult of the times.

Cherokee Bill: Cherokee Bill's brief but violent criminal career reflected the lawlessness and chaos of the post-Civil War West. Despite his actions, he remains a tragic figure, a product of his environment and circumstances, whose story serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of violence and crime.

Black Bart: Black Bart's gentlemanly demeanor and literary flair set him apart from other outlaws of his time, earning him a reputation as a unique and enigmatic figure. His robberies, while daring, were conducted with a certain panache and style that captivated the public's imagination and made him a legendary figure in Western folklore.

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Volume 3

Welcome to Fantastic Factoids for the Insanely Curious Volume III “Masters of Influence: 150 Visionaries Who Shaped the World”. Unlike our volume’s one and two, which offered thought-provoking factoids covering a variety of subjects, this volume focusses on individuals that have transformed history. In most cases the people selected were chosen because of their achievements, which have transcended history and shaped the way we live today. However, some individuals made the list because they are notorious for committing atrocities that also changed the world. Simply put, our methodology for those selected relied on the age-old adage that:

" Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Winston Churchill "

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743, in Shadwell, Virginia into a prominent Virginia family of planters and landowners. He received a classical education at the College of William and Mary where he developed a keen interest in law, philosophy, and politics.

Thomas Jefferson

Inspired by the Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy, Jefferson became a passionate advocate for American independence and self-government. Not surprisingly, in 1776 he was appointed as a member of the Continental Congress and tasked with drafting a declaration of independence from British rule.

His eloquent and impassioned words in the Declaration of Independence proclaimed the fundamental principles of American democracy, including the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and asserted the right of the American colonies to govern themselves free from British tyranny. He quickly became a preeminent American statesman and regarded as a “Founding Father” for his role as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

Following the American Revolution, Jefferson served as the first Secretary of State under President George Washington and later as Vice President under President John Adams. In 1800, he won a bitterly contested presidential election against Adams and assumed office as the third President of the United States where he pursued a vision of limited government, agrarianism, and expansion.

During his presidency Jefferson championed the ideals of individual liberty and states' rights, while advocating for a strict interpretation of the Constitution and opposing the expansion of federal power. He oversaw the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States and opened up vast new territories for settlement and development. However, Jefferson's presidency was not without controversy. He faced challenges such as the Embargo Act of 1807, which aimed to prevent American involvement in European conflicts but ultimately damaged the U.S. economy and provoked widespread opposition.

Beyond his political career, Jefferson was also a prolific writer, philosopher, and inventor. He authored numerous essays, letters, and treatises on topics ranging from politics and government to science and religion. He founded the University of Virginia, which he considered one of his greatest achievements, and designed and built his own home, Monticello, a masterpiece of architecture and innovation.

Jefferson's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He is celebrated as a champion of liberty, democracy, and human rights, but his ownership of enslaved people and his complicated views on race and equality have also sparked controversy and debate. Despite these contradictions, Jefferson's impact on American history and culture is undeniable, and his ideas continue to shape the nation's identity and aspirations to this day.

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Elon Musk

Elon Musk, born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, is a visionary entrepreneur, inventor, and industrialist known for his groundbreaking work in technology, transportation, and renewable energy. His early life was marked by a keen interest in science, technology, and entrepreneurship. As a child, he taught himself computer programming and developed a passion for reading science fiction. After immigrating to the United States in the early 1990s, Musk attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied physics and economics

In 1995, Musk dropped out of Stanford University's PhD program to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. He co-founded Zip2, a software company that provided business directories and maps for newspapers. Musk's success with Zip2 earned him his first fortune when the company was sold to Compaq for $307 million in 1999. Following the sale of Zip2, Musk co-founded X.com, an online payment company that later became PayPal. PayPal revolutionized the way people conduct financial transactions online and was acquired by eBay for $1.5 billion in 2002. Musk's share of the sale made him even wealthier and provided him with the financial resources to pursue his ambitious goals.

In 2002, Musk founded SpaceX with the goal of reducing the cost of space travel and making humanity a multiplanetary species. SpaceX has achieved numerous milestones, including the development of the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy rockets, as well as the Dragon spacecraft. In 2020, SpaceX made history by launching the first crewed mission to the International Space Station (ISS) by a private company.

In addition to his work with SpaceX, Musk is also the CEO and lead designer of Tesla, Inc., a company he co-founded in 2003 with the goal of accelerating the world's transition to sustainable energy. Tesla has become a leader in electric vehicle (EV) technology and has revolutionized the automotive industry with its sleek and innovative electric cars, including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.

Musk's other ventures include Neuralink, a neurotechnology company focused on developing brain-computer interfaces; The Boring Company, which aims to revolutionize transportation with underground tunnels; and SolarCity, a solar energy services company acquired by Tesla in 2016.

Despite his many successes, Musk has faced criticism and controversy throughout his career. He has been criticized for his management style, his outspoken and sometimes controversial statements on social media, and his handling of various legal and regulatory issues. However, he remains undeterred in his quest to push boundaries. His bold vision for the future, including the colonization of Mars, the development of sustainable energy solutions, and the advancement of artificial intelligence, continues to inspire millions of people around the world.

Elon Musk's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and innovation. His impact on industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to renewable energy and artificial intelligence is undeniable, and his influence on the future of humanity is likely to be felt for generations to come.

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Cleopatra

Cleopatra VII Philopatry was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt and was one of history's most enigmatic and captivating figures. She was born in 69 BCE and ascended to the throne at the age of 18. She inherited a kingdom in turmoil and faced numerous challenges to her rule.

Cleopatra

Cleopatra was born into the Ptolemaic dynasty, a Greek-Macedonian ruling family that controlled Egypt for nearly three centuries. Despite her Greek ancestry, Cleopatra embraced Egyptian culture and religion, presenting herself as the reincarnation of the goddess Isis and forging strong ties with the Egyptian priesthood.

From the outset of her reign, Cleopatra faced political instability and external threats to her kingdom. In 48 BCE, she was forced to flee to Syria after being ousted from power by her brother, Ptolemy XIII. However, she was determined to regain her position and enlisted the support of Julius Caesar who was a powerful Roman general. To gain Caesar’s support Cleopatra smuggled herself into Caesar's presence, reportedly rolled up in a carpet. She captivated him with her intelligence, charm, and beauty. Caesar was so impressed by Cleopatra's wit and political acumen, that he restored her to the throne, making her his ally and lover in the process.

While under Caesar's protection, Cleopatra solidified her hold on power and embarked on a program of reform and modernization in Egypt. She implemented economic policies to alleviate poverty, promoted trade and commerce, and invested in infrastructure projects such as the construction of temples, roads, and public buildings. However, this was short-lived due to Caesar’s assassination in 44 BCE.

After Caesar's assassination, Cleopatra's alliance with Rome came under threat, and she sought to secure her position by forming a relationship with Mark Antony, one of Caesar's chief lieutenants and a member of the Second Triumvirate. Cleopatra and Antony fell deeply in love and formed a powerful political and military partnership, with Cleopatra providing Antony with troops, ships, and financial support in his campaigns against his rival, Octavian. However, their alliance would ultimately lead to their downfall. In 31 BCE, Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra's forces at the Battle of Actium, forcing them to flee to Egypt. Facing certain defeat and capture, Cleopatra and Antony chose to take their own lives rather than submit to Octavian's rule. Cleopatra died by suicide, reportedly from the bite of an asp, while Antony fell on his sword.

Cleopatra's death marked the end of the Ptolemaic dynasty and the beginning of Roman rule in Egypt. Despite her defeat, Cleopatra's legacy endured, immortalized in literature, art, and popular culture. She became a symbol of beauty, power, and seduction, depicted in countless works of art and literature as a femme fatale and exotic queen. Though her reign ended in defeat, Cleopatra's legacy as one of history's most fascinating and influential figures lives on, inspiring fascination and admiration to this day.

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Our happy readers!

Great book for the classroom!

As a teacher, I was excited to introduce this book to my students, anticipating it would spark their interest. I was absolutely right. The book didn't just capture the attention of my avid readers; it also inspired …

Great gift and easy read

Loved this book. A quick easy read. Pick it up and read a few pages at a time. This would make a great gift. I learned lots of new things. The variety of topics kept it from becoming boring. Highly recommend it.

Coolest pics ever!

This book has the coolest pictures I have ever seen in a book of this sort. Some of my favorites are: Leonardo DaVinci’s robot knight, The Elongated Skulls of Paracas, The Mayan Hero Twins, Catatumbo Lightning, The Legend of the Minotaur ...

Another winner from the Fantastic Factoids franchise

Fantastic Factoids Volume II is phone kryptonite! If you are a person who wishes to have interesting conversations with your family rather than watching them stare at their phones then buy this book.

Did you Know?

This book should be called “Did you know?” because the factoids are so interesting that you just want to know more. The topics are very diverse and the photos are really neat. Great little book for those looking for…

Exceeded all of my expectations!

I would recommend this book to anyone who just enjoys history, but especially to anyone who studies Naval History or the life and times of those involved with Commodore Perry’s expedition to Japan. I can foresee ...

Lots of good info - easy read.

This is the type of poker book that you will lend to your poker playing friends because it is full of info not stories. Unlike other poker books it's an easy read. You can literally skip to sections where your ...

Straight to the point. Highly recommend it.

Easy read that is straight to the point on how to play poker. Get this book if you want no filler stories and to not be overloaded with excessive stats and poker lingo.

Refreshing Message of Friendship

'Benny the Bumblebee' is more than just a children's book; it's a heartwarming story that teaches valuable lessons about friendship, the beauty of nature, and the importance of caring for the creatures that share our world.

Great children's book

This is a great kids book. The message is that our differences make us unique and everybody has worth. It's kinda like the Rudolph the Rednosed reindeer story in..

Great book.

Easy read for a bedtime story. Good message about friendship

fantastic factoids

What you can find in the Fantastic Factoid series

Volume 1

Ancient Civilizations

Space Exploration

Famous Artifacts Stories

Volume 2

Lesser Known Dinosaurs

American Presidents

Wild West Heroes and Villains

Volume 3

Thomas Jefferson

Elon Musk

Cleopatra

If history or gaming is more your style

we offer the two books below.

To My Dearest Wife, Lide

Texas Hold'em Uncovered

Children's Books

Mark the Mighty Shark

Zach the Two Striped Zebra

Bennie the Bumble Bee

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Our happy readers!

Great book for the classroom!

Great gift and easy read

Coolest pics ever!

Another winner from the Fantastic Factoids franchise

Did you Know?

Exceeded all of my expectations!

Lots of good info - easy read.

Straight to the point. Highly recommend it.

Refreshing Message of Friendship

Great children's book

Great book.

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M. patrick sauer

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What you can find in the
Fantastic Factoid series