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Summary: You'll find more than 5,000 years of history in this beautiful book that charts London's past from Neolithic times and the Roman invasion through Shakespeare's period and the Blitz. The author covers the historical, geographical, and anthropological highlights with informative text that relates to the illustrations of the city from each period. This is an illustrated history of London for elementary readers.
Type of Reading: family reading, anytime reading, independent reading, reluctant reader
Recommended Age: read together: 6 to 9; 8 to 10
Interest Level: 6 to 10
Age of Child: Read by a 9-year-old boy.
Little Kid Reaction: The son of a friend read this book and liked it so much I let him keep it.
Big Kid Reaction: The information the book contained was excellent and the art work pulls the reader into each time period. The cutaways and city illustrations are nicely done and the facts will interest a young reader.
Pros: Engaging illustrations and lots of data will keep young readers engaged -- and learning!
Cons: Of necessity, each section is a little busy with lots happening but that also serves to keep the child engrossed in each page. I wish the book was a little longer so that more periods could have been included.
Borrow or Buy: Buy. I'd buy this one since I think the child will return to it over and over again. Also, if you are going to take your family to London this is the perfect introduction to the city's past for everyone going on the trip.
Educational Themes: There are lots of ways to explore this book. It is an excellent introduction to history for elementary students. You can also use it as a way to map the city and its landmarks. Because it looks at the history, culture, and geography, you can expand the learning with other material on just those subjects.
Notes: Bob Walch, Monterey, California, sent us this review. Bob's reviews appear in the Salinas Californian, Watsonville Register-Pajaronian, Aptos Times, Ride/Western Times and Coast Views Magazine. His online are at MyShelf, Roundtable Reviews, Parent Click, Midwest Book Review, and I Love a Mystery.
Literary Categories: Nonfiction - picture book, history
Date(s) Reviewed: August 2009
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