All About Flags!

by Robin Jacobs

A refreshingly engaging introduction to flags of the world and the stories they tell.  Did you know that the flag of the USA was inspired by that of the East India Company – a private shipping company that traded in the spoils of the British Empire? Do you know what the black star on the flag of Ghana means? Or why the Russian flag looks similar to that of the Netherlands? Find the answers to these questions and more in this gorgeously presented, accessible atlas of flags.  Through simple designs and colours, national flags can tell us a lot about the histories, identities and interrelationships of the countries they represent. Grouping flags together first by continent and then by theme, this illuminating book explains how countries relate to one another, and how their politics and histories are interconnected. It provides a great launch point for discussions around identity, geography and nation building, and is a timely addition to the reference shelf of any politically curious 6 to 11-year old.  All About Flags! is packed with fascinating facts, clearly arranged by Robin Jacobs ( Earth-Shattering Events,  Cicada, 2019) and engagingly presented by Ben Javens ( Alex and Alex , Cicada, 2021). 

Genres: Childrens, Nonfiction

104 pages, Hardcover

Published April 9, 2024

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history of flags is fascinating! As countries interacted and their cultures blended together or grew apart through hundreds of years, their national flags were designed to represent those connections. Different symbols and colors on flags represent specific places, religious beliefs, ethnic heritage, or special moments in history that influenced each nation.

I liked that this book talks about some difficult topics in history (such as war, religion, and colonization) without biased commentary for either side. It's just a bald statement of the facts, which is how history should be.

The illustrations are excellent, and there are cute little characters who explain the history to the reader. Each page is organized in a way that makes it easy to read, and the flags are grouped in categories by region. Then you can see the similarities in flags from the same region of the world!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Neville Stephens · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book gives false information. On page 14-15 it says that Romania is not where it actually is

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful reference book, especially with so many protestors flapping flags of other countries (and other places) at the moment. This splits the world into continents, and then the flags for each into themes (those in Africa with colours based on Marcus Garvey ideas, the Pacific territories using the Union Jack in ensign arrangement, etc etc). It is not quite perfect – is that a lozenge or a rhombus, for first it was one and now it's the other? Also, I didn't like the coloured sticky tape detailing in the design that patches the text on to the page in scrapbook fashion – a couple of times at least it distracted from the flags.

But the derivation of all the designs, the symbolism of the colours and the thoughts behind the whole lot make this to be of interest to everyone. It doesn't try to include other flags – the Olympics, the EU, NATO, etc, but it can dip into now-expired historical designs, and it pretty much achieves what it aimed to. A strong four stars.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All About Flags! by Robin Jacobs is an awesome and informative book about flags. I love learning about the various flags of the world and how they came to be. I felt that All About Flags! was well researched and organized. I believe All About Flags! is a great resource for any age. I highly recommend this book! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.

[Vu Linh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had a really good time with this book.
I love that fact that not just about flags, it’s also open up a lot about history, culture, politics, and so many other aspects of a country/territory. It triggers my curiosity to understand more.
The visualisation part is very well-done and makes the knowledge easier to be absorbed.
This also reminds me a lot of the sitcom I enjoy - The Big Bang Theory with the main character Sheldon who has a great passion for flags 🙃

[Allison · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just browsing it, I find the arrangement very challenging and misleading for readers.
There is a chapter Asia but doesn't list all of Asia, has a separate chapter for the Middle east. The 7 countries of Central America between Mexico and Columbia are gone from the North American chapter but are included in the chapter called "Central and South America." There isn't any explanations.

Edit: I read through it and still didn't find any explanations explaining how different regions are part of different continents, while leaving them out of continents such as Middle East and Most of Russia out of Asia. It really misleads kids who might not have a firm grasp on geography.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Very informative!