NONFICTION

Marvelous Maps: Our Changing World in 40 Amazing Maps

Welbeck. Apr. 2023. 96p. Tr $24.95. ISBN 9781803380421.
COPY ISBN
Gr 2-5–This book is a colorful assembly of 40 illustrated spreads depicting various maps, each accompanied by a three-to-four paragraph narrative explanation of what is portrayed. The topics cover a wide range, from traditional geography subjects like time zones to maplike concepts that are not as strict, like pepperoni pizza and the world map as designed by a dolphin. There is a mix of topics, from historic to pop culture to fantasy, with no thematic throughline, so the content feels random, unrelated, and untethered. Some ideas are unique, leaving readers wanting to learn much more, but there’s not enough of a visual vehicle to take them there. Other ideas are too abstract for this particular age group to grasp. There is a glossary of map terms in the back, as well as information about the genesis of each map. Kuestenmacher has been posting geography and map content on Twitter since 2011, amassing 250 million followers since his account’s inception.
VERDICT While the work is interesting and engaging for adults in the Twitterverse, this compilation does not translate equally for kids in the book format.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?