Why do people collect things? This ode to museums mighty and minuscule will draw curious viewers of all ages — and is worthy of collection itself. What is a museum? Why would anyone amass shells, words, clocks, teeth, trains, dinosaurs, mummies . . . or two-headed sheep? Find out where the word "museum" comes from and what unusual items (unicorn horns? mermaids?) some early museums placed on view. Jan Mark’s humorous and conversational insights take readers through museums’ multifaceted history, while Richard Holland’s eye-catching mixed-media illustrations lend their own quirky flair. With vivid examples from all around the world, this wonderful book puts museums — and the many artifacts lovingly stored there — on display in a whole new light. Back matter includes a glossary and an index. A Common Core Text Exemplar Gr 3-6–Chronicling the ages-old human passion for collecting “interesting” things, Mark's look at the history of museums touches upon everything from famous hoarders of yore to the origins of scientific classification and modern-day institutions. The conversational text and mixed-media collage artwork make this miscellany of amazing anecdotes and intriguing insights perfect for sharing aloud.α(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. The act of opening this eclectic, tall-format tome will launch readers on a leisurely and edifying journey of discovery. —Publishers Weekly (starred review) Reading through this look at all things museum (definition of; history of; issues surrounding) is itself like wandering through an eclectic and idiosyncratic museum, marveling at the wonders it contains. —The Horn Book Jan Mark  was one of the most distinguished authors of books for young people, she twice won the Carnegie Medal. Richard Holland  is an illustrator who works with collage, and "enjoys the idea of collecting bits of paper and turning them into images." He lives in Essex, England.