%20%20--%3E%0A%3Csvg%20version%3D%221.1%22%20id%3D%22Layer_1%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20xmlns%3Axlink%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F1999%2Fxlink%22%20x%3D%220px%22%20y%3D%220px%22%0A%09%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20684.6%2068.1%22%20style%3D%22enable-background%3Anew%200%200%20684.6%2068.1%3B%22%20xml%3Aspace%3D%22preserve%22%3E%0A%3Cg%3E%0A%09%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M444.1%2C29.3h-17.4v14.5h17.4V29.3z%20M36.4%2C68.1l29.3-50.8V0H50.4L32.9%2C36.8L15.5%2C0H0v68.1h16.7V45.8l12.4%2C22.3H36.4z%0A%09%09%20M49.1%2C68.1h16.6V23.4L49.1%2C52.1V68.1z%20M76.6%2C68.1h45V53.8H93.3V41.6h21V27.1h-21V14.8h28.3V0.1h-45V68.1z%20M175.6%2C68.1h17.3v-68%0A%09%09h-16.5v40.3L150%2C0.1h-17.6v68h16.7V27.7L175.6%2C68.1z%20M235.8%2C14.8h15.4V0.1h-47.4v14.7H219v53.2h16.8V14.8z%20M290.3%2C45.9h-17.1%0A%09%09l7.5-15.6h2L290.3%2C45.9z%20M298.7%2C68.1h18l-32.2-68h-5.7l-32%2C68h18l3.3-7.1h27.1L298.7%2C68.1z%20M325.2%2C68.1h46.2V53.8h-29.6V0.1h-16.7%0A%09%09V68.1z%20M423.7%2C14.8h27.2V0.1H407v68h16.7V14.8z%20M462%2C68.1h46.2V53.8h-29.6V0.1H462V68.1z%20M564.8%2C34.1c0%2C10.7-7.2%2C19.2-18.5%2C19.2%0A%09%09c-11.4%2C0-18.5-8.5-18.5-19.2s7.1-19.2%2C18.5-19.2C557.6%2C14.9%2C564.8%2C23.4%2C564.8%2C34.1%20M580.6%2C34.1c0-19-14.2-34-34.3-34%0A%09%09c-20.2%2C0-34.3%2C15-34.3%2C34c0%2C19%2C14.1%2C34%2C34.3%2C34C566.4%2C68.1%2C580.6%2C53.1%2C580.6%2C34.1%20M604.8%2C20.5c0-4.1%2C3.3-6.2%2C6.7-6.2%0A%09%09c4.4%2C0%2C6.6%2C3%2C6.6%2C6.6h14.7C631.8%2C9.1%2C625.1%2C0.1%2C611%2C0.1c-12%2C0-21.7%2C9.3-21.7%2C20.6c0%2C10.9%2C5.9%2C15.9%2C16.7%2C19.8%0A%09%09c5.2%2C1.8%2C11.5%2C3.2%2C11.5%2C8c0%2C3.3-2.4%2C5.5-6.4%2C5.5c-3.6%2C0-6.6-3-6.6-6.7h-15.2c0%2C11.5%2C7.9%2C20.8%2C21.8%2C20.8c12%2C0%2C21.6-9.3%2C21.6-20.6%0A%09%09c0-10-5.3-16.4-16.7-19.8C610.6%2C26.1%2C604.8%2C25.3%2C604.8%2C20.5%20M670%2C20.9h14.7C683.8%2C9.1%2C677.1%2C0.1%2C663%2C0.1c-12%2C0-21.7%2C9.3-21.7%2C20.6%0A%09%09c0%2C10.9%2C5.9%2C15.9%2C16.7%2C19.8c5.2%2C1.8%2C11.5%2C3.2%2C11.5%2C8c0%2C3.3-2.4%2C5.5-6.4%2C5.5c-3.6%2C0-6.6-3-6.6-6.7h-15.2c0%2C11.5%2C7.9%2C20.8%2C21.8%2C20.8%0A%09%09c12%2C0%2C21.6-9.3%2C21.6-20.6c0-10-5.3-16.4-16.7-19.8c-5.4-1.6-11.3-2.4-11.3-7.2c0-4.1%2C3.3-6.2%2C6.7-6.2C667.7%2C14.4%2C670%2C17.3%2C670%2C20.9%0A%09%09%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fg%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E%0A)
13 Surprising Facts About George Orwell
George Orwell is best known for penning the dystopian novel 'Nineteen Eighty-Four'—regarded as one of the greatest classics of all time—but writing novels was only one small facet of his life and career.
BOOKS
The Tree That Inspired Dr. Seuss's The Lorax Has Fallen Over
The whimsical Monterey cypress believed to have inspired Dr. Seuss's 'The Lorax' toppled over for unknown reasons.
Virginia’s University of Lynchburg Is Adding a Harry Potter Class to Its Fall Curriculum
This fall, Virginia's University of Lynchburg is adding a course called “Harry Potter and the Good Life," in which students will read J.K. Rowling's books as well as the works of philosophers.
Wizarding World Orlando’s New Roller Coaster Is Full of Harry Potter Easter Eggs
The new Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure ride at Universal Studio Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must-see for Potterheads.
10 Amazing Facts About Harriet Beecher Stowe
Harriet Beecher Stowe came from a family of abolitionists, and her novel 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' turned public opinion against slavery.
The Hidden Meaning Behind the Colors of Each of Harry Potter's Hogwarts Houses
The house colors of Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff are connected to the four elements, according to Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.
The Mental Floss Summer Reading List: 27 Books to Read in Summer 2019
Nothing completes a lazy summer day in the sun or week spent on the beach quite like a great book—and whether you’re into true crime, classics, or history, we’ve got recommendations for every kind of bibliophile.
Dorothy Thompson, the Journalist Who Warned the World About Adolf Hitler
After this crusading reporter was kicked out of Germany, she continued her anti-Nazi coverage at home.
Potted Potter: New Las Vegas Show Reenacts All 7 Harry Potter Books in 70 Minutes
A new parody show in Las Vegas is reenacting all seven Harry Potter books in less time than it takes to even watch one of the films.
10 Facts About Dr. Seuss’s Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
Like square caps and billowing gowns, Dr. Seuss's 'Oh, the Places You’ll Go!' has become synonymous with graduation ceremonies.
J.K. Rowling Had Planned for Hermione to Have a Sister in the Harry Potter Books
Fans likely missed a possible meaning behind Hermione’s words when she told Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, “Nobody in my family’s magic at all.”
15 Facts About The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle's bright, beloved children's classic about an insatiable caterpillar has been collecting awards—and fans—since it was first published in 1969.
Harry Potter Named the Most Inspirational Children’s Book Character
Harry Potter beat out Hermione Granger, Mary Poppins, and Matilda for the title of most inspirational character in children's literature.
Isaac Hempstead Wright Says Bran's Fate in Game of Thrones Was George R.R. Martin's Plan
'Game of Thrones' star Isaac Hempstead Wright says that while the series' ending shocked many viewers, it came straight from George R.R. Martin himself.
The Home That Inspired Peter Pan Is Reopening as Scotland's National Centre for Children's Literature and Storytelling
The gardens at Moat Brae House in Scotland inspired J.M. Barrie to create Peter Pan's Neverland. Now, the property is a children's center and free library.
The Three Simple Words Stephen Fry Couldn’t Say While Recording the Harry Potter Audiobooks
Stephen Fry, the man who narrated all 11 Harry Potter audiobooks, couldn't get past one simple phrase without stuttering.
The Reason Kids Like Hearing the Same Bedtime Story, Over and Over Again
Reading the same story again and again might exasperate parents, but it's got proven benefits for their child.
A 17th-Century Book With a Hidden Compartment for Poison Is Selling for $11,000
The miniature apothecary lab has a shelf for bottles and drawers labelled with the names of various poisonous plants.
11 Facts About John James Audubon
John James Audubon didn't establish the Audubon Society, but he did create of America's most iconic works of natural history, 'The Birds of America.' He also had controversial views about vultures.
The Best Ways to Get Kids to Love Books, According to Children's Laureates
There's no one simple trick for getting kids to love books, but making sure they see you reading is the best place to start.
Scholar Claims the Voynich Manuscript Is Written in a 'Proto-Romance' Language
A UK scholar claims the Voynich manuscript isn't written in code, but in an extinct language. Other experts aren't so sure.
Read George R.R. Martin's Original Game of Thrones Outline
The author's initial plan for his 'A Song of Ice and Fire' books was very different from the story we've come to love in print and on TV.
Kids Visiting These Pediatricians Get Free Books With Every Check-Up
The benefits of reading books to kids early in their lives are clear, and now more pediatricians are equipping families with the tools to do so.
Norman Mailer's MoonFire: The Epic Journey of Apollo 11 Is Getting a Special 50th Anniversary Release from TASCHEN
This July will mark the 50th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing. TASCHEN's book contains rare photos from NASA, magazine archives, and private collections.