cover image Maps

Maps

Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski, trans. from the Polish by Antonia Lloyd-Jones. Candlewick/Big Picture, $35 (112p) ISBN 978-0-7636-6896-9

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.)