Starting with a modern history class lesson, we meet a lad who falls asleep at his desk. History class is SO boring, you see, and Augustus can't keep his eyes open a moment longer. Keen to pep him up a bit, Professor Tempo takes him on a (literal) journey into the past, beginning in Africa and lighting the first human fire.
Part narrative, part info book with pockets of text and vibrant, textured illustrations, Augustus mingles with Druids at Stonehenge (2000 BC), meets a boy pharaoh (1332 BC), watches the early Olympics (448 BC) and walks the newly-built Great Wall of China (211 BC).
From there, Augustus witnesses the first Viking travels (AD 1000), merchants riding the Silk Road (AD 1225) and making music with Mozart (AD 1761). Onward he travels through the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries to the moon landing, learning some impressive world facts and major events and achievements that have shaped our world.
Beautifully-produced and designed, this is a fascinating book that combines amazing styling and illustration with clever concepts and a timeline of history that is far, far from boring.
Methinks young Augustus may just end up a history teacher, or world traveller, or both.
Great stuff.
Title: Diary of a Time Traveller
Author: David Long
Illustrator: Nicholas Stevenson
Publisher: Wide Eyed, $29.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 October 2015
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9781847806369
For ages: 7 +
Type: Picture Book
