Did you know that in 1653, the Dutch built a wooden wall along the top of New Amsterdam to keep out the British and the Native Americans? Welcome to Wall Street (nearest McDonald's: 160 Broadway).

Now, when we get to the Children's Museum of Manhattan, I want you to track down a) the dog that writes poetry b) the first drafts of Dr Seuss's books c) some dead skin cells. No squabbling, please, or we don't go to Coney Island tomorrow ("coney" means "rabbit", incidentally).

DK's new series of guides "for kids who know where they're going" kicks off with New York and London (did you know that the "front" of Buckingham Palace is really the back?).

Each is packed with amazing facts and handy tips (look out for MPs being interviewed on Parliament Green - you might even get on television).

There are treasure hunts at most locations and any number of tasks, games, lists and quizzes. But above all, there are the pictures - the gem-like cut-outs that turn each glossy page into a glittering kaleidoscope. Kids will be kept fully occupied guarding these guides from grasping adults.