'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Sunday 28 November 2010

Review: Who Do You Think You Are?


I love a bit of genealogy, and am keen to pass this love on to my kids, so I was delighted by this gorgeous book, inspired by the hit BBC TV series.

Kids have an inherent need to find out who they are - and what better way than delving back into the past. Designed for young children, yet incredibly comprehensive, this amazing book will draw kids in faster than a new Nintendo chip.
Totally interactive, the book opens with a tempting Title Page pocket containing a family tree poster that can be filled in by the reader (after much careful genealogical research, of course).

We're then treated to a fascinating 'history' on genealogy, how to get started and ways you can begin cataloguing your finds.

Each double-page spread holds several lift-the-flap options that will have kids intrigued - like the genealogy jargon buster (even I need that one!) and detective tips hidden behind a magnifying glass, making this book not only informative and interesting but totally fun.

Really cool, science-like info will also sate the naysayers (can you roll your tongue? are your earlobes attached? why are your eyes blue?) while the incredibly comprehensive text - from birth certificates, the census, how we used to live, heirlooms and internet resources - will have parents and teachers rolling around in educational glee.

Approachable, fun and beautifully laid out with a series of quirky illustrations and old time photos, this is one book I wish I had as a child - and am delighted to hand to my own children, who devoured this book in nanoseconds, prepping their time capsule and filling out their own little detachable treasure book, set into the back cover.

Just brilliant.

Title: Who Do You Think You Are?

Author: Dan Waddell
Illustrator: Warwick Johnson Cadwell
Publisher: Walker Books, $34.95RRP
Publication Date: 1 October 2010
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781406327885
For ages: 8+
Type: Picture Book/Information Book