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

Tuesday 15 November 2016

Reviews: A World of Information

Kids love facts. They love information. Surprising, enlightening, fascinating information ... they soak it up like a sponge.

And the desire for fascinating information doesn't stop (or rather, shouldn't stop) as we age--that sense of curiosity that keeps us buzzing and engaged in life.

This large format book--A World of Information--uses retro-magazine-style text layout and tonal infographic-style illustrations to present a seriously cool collection of topics from cloud classification to the periodic table.

This 60+ page, large format book, opens with eye-popping endpapers, followed by a Contents page listing a drool-worthy line-up.

Learn all about knots, the anatomy of type, music notation, the Greek alphabet, international code, regular polygons, organs of the body, the Golden Ration and the Fibonacci Sequence, just to name a handful.

Each entry covers a double-page spread and goes into satisfying detail. In Knots, we not only learn about the differing types (including diagrams), we learn about knots and maths, the history of knots, interesting facts, and even how to tie a knot without letting go of each end of the rope (cool!).

This is a beautifully-designed book, with elegant layout and typography that will satisfy readers of all ages, not just kids. Due to its detail and sophisticated content, I would recommend it for kids aged 10 and over, though younger kids with special interests could enjoy dipping into it, too.

A deeply satisfying read that touches on comprehensive and oftentimes convoluted topics in a way that will both attract and engage kids to find out even more.

Title: A World of Information
Author: Richard Platt
Illustrator: James Brown
Publisher: Walker Studio, $29.99
Publication Date: 1 October 2016
Format: Hard cover, large format
ISBN: 9781406370843
For ages: 10+
Type: Non-Fiction, Information Book, Picture Book