Michael Hearst

Michael Hearst is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and writer. and is a founding member of the band One Ring Zero. Hearst has performed and given lectures and workshops at universities, museums, and cultural centers around the world. He has toured with The Magnetic Fields, performed with The Kronos Quartet at Carnegie Hall, and has appeared on such shows as NPR's *Fresh Air*, A+E's *Breakfast With The Arts*, and NBC's *The Today Show*. Hearst is the author of a four-part book series, each book geared toward a grand theme: *Unusual Creatures*, *Extraordinary People*, *Curious Constructions*, and *Unconventional Vehicles*. Each book includes a companion album, and *Unusual Creatures* was also made into a PBS Digital series, which he hosted.

"This fun and informative entry in the Uncommon Compendiums series will appeal to lovers of vehicles of all kinds. Hearst provides hilarious asides as he presents facts about 45 quirky and unusual vehicles, which he defines as 'just about anything that moves (and typically carries something else) . . . . Kids will enjoy learning about these fascinating and outlandish vehicles."-Booklist

"Highlights 50 incredible structures."--Design Mom

"The wry humor in Hearst's commentary will keep readers entertained."-Publishers Weekly

"Hearst obviously had a lot of fun compiling this interesting assortment of man-made creations, making great use of wit and puns."-School Library Journal

"Hearst has knack for delivering facts the way kids and teens like them-quick and fun."--School Library Journal Curriculum Connections

"An engaging and informative collection."-Publishers Weekly

"Sneakily inspiring. Hearst will change lives with this book."--Mary Roach, NYT bestselling author of Stiff, Spook, and Gulp

"Not cute curios, but the seriously weird, which... make the animals that much more appealing." - Kirkus Reviews

"Hearst's enthusiasm for his subject... comes through on every page. A terrific conversation starter." - Scientific American

"This handsome volume is a fun-for-all informative compendium." - School Library Journal

"Hugely entertaining and just as informative" - Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

" A cool compendium of fascinating animals" - Boston Globe/ Best Children's Books of the Year