The Big Book of Climbing: An Illustrated History of Mountaineering, ­Bouldering, and Beyond

Gr 3-6–Translated from the original Spanish, this brightly colored reference book showcases different aspects of climbing. Beginning with an overarching look at traditional mountain climbing, this slender volume then defines more recent adaptations, such as bouldering, free base climbing, and urban climbing. With the splashy color scheme, a collage effect is created; most of the climbers have neon pink skin tones; shapes such as bodies and mountains are boiled down to basic blocks; and long scattered blurbs make up the text. There are layouts dedicated to history and equipment used; unless readers are familiar with climbing, though, the short explanations of equipment and the long lists of important figures and dates may get tiresome. At the end, a small effort is made to inform kids of sustainable climbing practices, and a short glossary wraps up this very fun-looking but somewhat perplexing read.