The Mind‑Blowing World of Extraordinary Competitions by Anna Goldfield & Hannah Riordan

Get ready to be amazed by a global collection of bizarre, exciting, and unconventional contests in The Mind‑Blowing World of Extraordinary Competitions. From pumpkin rowing and camel beauty pageants to toe wrestling and crying‑baby festivals, this book showcases 36 real competitions from around the world and throughout history.

Writer and podcaster Anna Goldfield leads readers through each eccentric event with fun facts and vivid storytelling, while Hannah Riordan’s playful illustrations bring each bizarre competition to life. Perfect for fans of Guinness World Records or curious readers who love the wonderfully weird and entertaining.

🌈 Key Themes 

🏆 Unusual Athleticism – Competitions that challenge creativity over conventional sport

🌍 Cultural Traditions – Events rooted in diverse global societies

😄 Humour & Quirkiness – Spotlighting the strange, hilarious side of human competition

🧠 Curiosity & Discovery – Encourages readers to explore the world’s odd but real events

📜 Historical Insight – Connects modern quirks to ancient customs and social contexts

📘 Fact-Driven Fun – Engages through entertaining tidbits as well as visual storytelling