NONFICTION

My Illustrated Encyclopedia

by Alain GRÉE
illus. by Alain Grée. 800p. index. GMC. Apr. 2018. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781908985972.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—While the cartoonish illustrations in this British import are at times charming, this book misses the mark. Obviously intended for younger elementary school students, it relies mainly on visuals, not text. There are some cultural missteps—in the pages on boats and ships, a Native American wearing a feathered headband rows a canoe, and depictions of Asians and Inuits are also stereotypical. The retro 1950s look may be right for the intended age, but the information isn't, and there is little cohesion among the chapters. They are more or less a compilation of "stuff to know" ("Flowers," "Rivers," "Freshwater Fish," "Vehicles"), but there are far better beginning materials on this topic, such as DK's Picturepedia or Children's Illustrated Encyclopedia.
VERDICT Not recommended.
Reviewed by Sharon Verbeten, Brown County Library, Green Bay, WI , Mar 01, 2018

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