A World of Information

A World of Information by Richard Platt, illustrated by James Brown (Walker Books) HB RRP $29.99   ISBN 9781406370843

Reviewed by Ashling Kwok

The first thing you notice about this book is the stunning cover that immediately catches your eye. The next thing you will see is the incredible artwork littered across every page of this magnificent book.

A World of Information is a treasure trove of knowledge. It is overflowing with fascinating facts and figures that will expand young minds and teach them about the world. Readers will spend hours flicking through the pages, soaking up all the information in this veritable feast for the eyes.

This clever reference book covers over 30 diverse topics including time zones and tectonic plates, the human eye, the periodic table of elements, organs of the body, and the solar system.

Do know how much clouds weigh? Do you know the anatomy of the human skeleton? How about the structure and atmosphere of planet earth? These are just some of the answers you will discover in this stylish and informative tome.

A World of Information is the brainchild of celebrated author Richard Platt who has managed to create an engaging fact-filled book that both children and adults will enjoy reading. The illustrations by James Brown are captivating and contemporary, with a charming retro feel that will engage and enthrall readers.

Although it is recommended for ages 7+, this book is perfect for anyone who loves to learn. The fact that it is so aesthetically pleasing makes it a wonderful gift for every occasion and a great coffee table book.

Ottoline and the Purple Fox by Chris Riddell (Pan Macmillan Australia)

RRP $19.95 ISBN 978-1-4472-7792-7

Reviewed by Ramona Davey

The moment I saw this book I could not help myself but to touch its beautiful hardback cover and turn it over to study the ornately gold decorated spine. It is a beautiful book to look at and hold.

Ottoline and the Purple Fox is the fourth book in the series about a young girl Ottoline and her companion, the strange hairy Mr Munroe. Together they have adventures as Ottoline’s parents travel the world seeking to find interesting objects to add to their ever-growing collection.

In this book Ottoline organises a dinner party. Guests get an unusual invitation that tells them what to wear. The reader gets one, too. This is a great idea. The book is full of ways to encourage the reader to interact with the story. Labels are scattered throughout the pages.  And the games played at the party are the type that the reader could try out with his or her own friends, for example:

Truth or Stair: Tell a true story or climb the stairs

Or

Pillow Island Hopping: Jump from pillow to pillow without touching the floor.

The book is heavily illustrated and there is so much to see, so many tiny details to stop and look at in Chris Riddells’s intricate drawings. The illustrations are in very thin black pen with the odd splash of purple. There are menus to browse, lists to check, poems to ponder and Ottoline’s notes to read.

There are lots of references to Chris Riddell’s other books within the illustrations so the reader can check out his other stories.

The book is a great fast read and can be read in one sitting. It is ideal for 8-10 year olds.