"Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American philanthropist and business owner, and Batman, his crime-fighting alter ego, have been entertaining audiences since 1939. The character was so popular after appearing in Detective Comics that DC Comics decided to give Batman a comic book of his own. In doing so, they created one of the company's most successful franchises. Author Michael Burgan details the history of Batman--from his tragic origin story and his infamous...

"In the 1930s, Warner Brothers studios introduced the world to the Looney Tunes. A witty rabbit named Bugs, a stuttering pig named Porky, and an erratic duck named Daffy are just some of the characters that have left audiences hysterically laughing for almost a century. The animated short films, starring some of the most iconic cartoon characters in history, went on to have a second, long life on television. In this book, author Steve Korte details...

"Star Trek remains one of the most popular science-fiction series of all time, and Captain Kirk is one of the most famous and highly decorated captains in the history of Starfleet. Viewers follow his adventures through space as the commanding officer of starships like the U.S.S. Enterprise. But did you know that Kirk wasn't even the show's first captain? And that the Star Trek series almost didn't happen? Author M. D. Payne takes readers aboard Starfleet...

"The whimsical, wacky, and wondrous character of Willy Wonka made his first appearance in Roald Dahl's 1964 children's novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. When the fictional factory owner opened up the doors of his company, readers were welcomed into his world of pure imagination...and chocolate! Wonka went on to dazzle a whole new set of fans in the 1971 film that brought Dahl's characters to life. Since then, there have been other movie adaptations,...

"Since the 1980s, the Transformers toy line has been defining the lives of children with its mighty heroes. But the Robots in Disguise have morphed into much more than just a toy line! This biography for young readers tells the incredible story of the tiny toys that became blockbuster movie stars, comic book heroes, and more. Ride along with Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and Megatron as you learn the history of the Autobots, the Decepticons, and their...

"Author L. M. Montgomery first brought Anne Shirley onto the page in 1908, and this independent and inspiring character has been capturing readers' hearts ever since. The story of an orphaned girl who is sent to Avonlea on Prince Edward Island to live with the Cuthbert family includes adventure, romance, and an ensemble of iconic characters like Diana Barry and Gilbert Blythe. Today, fans enjoy Anne on page, on screen, and even on stage as the popular...

"Discover the action-packed history of Jurassic World and how dinosaur fans of all ages came to love the series' movies, books, TV shows, and even theme park rides. From the 1990 Michael Crichton novel to the movies still releasing today, young readers will love stepping into this world where dinosaurs rule. The Jurassic World franchise has thrilled fans for decades by building a world where science and adventure meet, raising the question: Could...

"In 1597, Shakespeare debuted his newest play, a tragedy about a young Italian couple whose families were sworn enemies. Romeo and Juliet quickly became one of the most famous couples in literary history, and this play became one of Shakespeare's most performed shows. But did you know that much of Romeo and Juliet's story was adapted from tales by other writers? Learn all about how William Shakespeare's dynamic and romantic teenage duo sprouted from...