Maps

Gr 2–5—This handsome and fun-to-browse volume will inspire armchair travelers. The book is organized by continent, each represented by a double-page image and followed by maps of several highlighted countries (17 European nations; 8 Asian nations; 7 African nations; etc.). "North America" includes spreads on Canada, the U.S., and Mexico; "South America" features Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Chile. Spreads are also devoted to the Arctic and Antarctica. The artwork's muted earth tones, decorative borders, and fine-lined drawings are reminiscent of an antique rendering, while the numerous small cartoon illustrations add a light, contemporary touch. Each entry lists the capital, population, square mileage, language(s), and flag. Whether depicting an area as expansive as Russia or as small as Fiji, each outline map includes major cities, rivers, bodies of water, and mountains. A bounty of labeled images represents flora and fauna, important landmarks and locales, favorite foods and pastimes, historical figures and cultural icons, major industries, individuals in modern and traditional dress, and more. In fact, these winsome renderings often spill beyond the specified political borders, providing plenty to look at and perhaps inspiring further research. Although far from comprehensive, this oversize atlas is a delight to explore. Each country is presented with a dash of local flavor, and the wealth of natural, cultural, and historical details encourages children to appreciate wonders unique to a particular region and characteristics shared across the globe.—Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal