Horn Book (Tue Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

Each map in this attractive book reveals an engaging mix of tourist sites, animals, traditionally dressed people, important figures such as Gandhi and Homer, products and cultural items (e.g., Japanese manga, Russian nesting dolls), as well as facts and figures. With a retro look reminiscent of old illustrated atlases, this browsable volume will lead to wanderlust.

Kirkus Reviews

A tourist atlas of sorts, in which maps of select countries are reduced to little more than natural and political borders to serve as backdrops for thousands of small images. Arranged by continent--with Europe's section first and by far the largest--the maps each fill an oversized spread. All are the same size, so that, without regard for scale, the illustrators allot Iceland and New Zealand the same space as, for instance, Antarctica and Russia (including Siberia). Every map teems with labeled, colored drawings of characteristic wildlife and local residents, renowned figures from history and legend, major cities and landforms, famous buildings, important industries, foods, foliage, works of art, musical instruments, and other place-linked sights and items. The images overflow into neighboring oceans and seas, where they share space with pictures of sea life, boats and water sports. Sidestepping the stereotypical tendencies common to older illustrated maps, here human figures sport modern dress as well as regional costume (with labels for most of the latter that note "traditional dress") and, often, specific tribal or cultural identifications. Flags and basic facts are tucked into the corners, but the intent here is plainly to present crazy-quilt impressions of each country's history and culture rather than systematic geophysical information. Not a complete world, but rewarding fare nonetheless for both young cartografiends and armchair travelers. (Informational picture book. 6-12)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

First published in Poland in 2012, this oversize world atlas from the Mizielinskis is packed with details about (some of) the nations of the world, encapsulated in clear-line cartoons. The book is organized by continent, and each featured nation gets its own spread; since less than 50 countries are featured in total, there are noticeable gaps-the Caribbean is left out entirely, and Jordan and Egypt are the sole representatives of the Middle East. Still, the nations that do get covered are a delight to explore, as the Mizielinskis fill their maps with tiny labeled images of local wildlife, cuisine, activities, and notable citizens (Moomin author Tove Jansson appears on the Finland pages, and Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela help represent the Republic of South Africa). Compelling, if not comprehensive. Ages 7-10. (Oct.)

School Library Journal (Fri Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2013)

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