Maps

This book is almost too pretty to let my kids have!

"Maps" by Alexsandra and Daniel Mizielinska is not a comprehensive world atlas. It does not provide detailed topography; elevations; population of cities indicated by font size; or other conventional and expected information. However, what "Maps" does provide is a wealth of trivia and enough information to pique the reader's interest in learning more about each of the selected 42 countries, the Arctic and the Antarctic.Printed on heavy paper stock that is parchment-like in appearance, the illustrations and style of "Maps" are reminiscent of vintage maps. Illustrations are cartoon-like and plentiful. Some may find the maps "busy".Information for each entry includes a picture of the country's flag; the name of the capital city; the official language; the population; and the land mass' area. Cities are shown in red. Other information included about each country includes animal species found in the specific country; points of interest; foods; cultural information; some geographic features. All information is brief and serves only as a "teaser" inviting the reader to explore the country further.Readers seeking a comprehensive atlas that includes information about every country in the world may be disappointed in "Maps". It is not a geography book seeking to be all things to all readers. Individuals seeking an unusual, quality book that may encourage children and adults alike to research the included countries further will find "Maps" a delightful book and one that is well worth purchasing.

This is one of the very best books I have ever bought our grandson! It has been his favorite Go To book for a year now. We bought it for him when he was he had just turned 5. It started us on our year and a half Face Time chats about animals and the countries they live in. It helped develop his reading skills as we sounded out the animals names and has led to writing stories about those animals as his reading skills improved. The book is beautifully illustrated and so informative. It led him (and me) to other books and also Planet Earth programs that filled in more information about the countries and the animals that inhabit them. Priceless gift!

There are currently two negative reviews about this book, which after receiving it, I would like to comment on. Both individuals were upset a country they love was left out. Ireland and Israel aren't in this book, but neither are Norway, Portugal, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, Turkey and several other European countries, along with every central American country, all nations in the Caribbean, the Philippines, South and North Korea, Indonesia, most of Africa and many others I'm not going to list. Indeed, there are only 52 maps in this book, which was never billed as a COMPLETE atlas. Instead, it's a gorgeous introduction for children (and adults) to pique enough interest to inspire them to learn more about the world. It's funny to me that the absence of both Ireland and Israel were highlighted in the reviews, since both countries have an entire book devoted to them by Sasek. To me, Maps is a great addition to learn more about culture and geography in conjunction with Sasek's amazing This is...series. Furthermore, Israel's capitol in Maps is listed as Jerusalem, which not even the Obama administration recognizes, so I'm still confused as to why one of the reviewers is so angry. Finally, Maps is printed in Poland! I'm getting very tired of Chinese made books, so this means a great deal to me.

Do NOT waste your time to read this review. Not enough adjectives to fully appreciate this incredible book. The artwork is beyond amazing and any adult in your life will love it. I purchased this book for myself and I am 56 years old.. Neighbors came over last night and they are the same age —showed them this book and they were blown away. I would never buy this book for a child—- because a child will never appreciate the time,research and effort that went into making and designing this book.

If you like maps or geography, or just cool art, get this book! You won't regret it. It is large - think Rand McNally atlas size. Lovely book of maps!

This book has been really fun! I bought it to pair to some curriculum. I have also found that by keeping it in my car, my child opens it and spends a lot of time looking at it and asking questions. It’s colorful and engaging.

The book is bigger than I expected, love the art and its easy to follow. My 5 years old boy that it has been obsessed with maps love it .