Books in the How Did That Get Here? series

Provides the history of this orchid bean used in such products as candy, ice cream, soft drinks, medicines, and chocolate. This book discusses the vanilla bean's journey from its discovery by the ancient civilisations of Mexico, to Europe where its flavourful secrets remained a mystery to Europeans even 300 years after they first encountered it.

Maize, or com, was the staple food of many early cultures in South America, Mesoamerica, and the Caribbean. This book teaches young readers how the farming of corn spread to the rest of the world and how corn may be one answer to the problem of fossil fuel consumption. It is for ages 7-14.

Tells the story of one of the world's first fibres, shorn from sheep, carded into wool since as early as 1500 BC. This book teaches young readers about the introduction of mass manufactured clothing during the Industrial Revolution and how wool and textile are produced today. It is for ages 7-14.

Intended for ages 8-14, this book follows the history of cotton from its earliest beginnings in Pakistan and Peru to its world-wide use. Colour photographs and maps describe the plant itself as well as where and how it is produced. Various black and white images help tell the story of the early cotton trade.