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A World of...
Un mundo asombroso
This visually stunning miscellany from the effortlessly stylish print-maker James Brown is a collection of incredible facts and figures. Do you know how many bones there are in the human body or how clouds form? Or about different types of knots or how Morse code works? Each illustration is both beautiful and enlightening, and is accompanied by an engaging fact-filled explanation by celebrated author Richard Platt. Covering more than 30 diverse and fascinating topics, there is a world of information at your fingertips in this book, which is perfect for all the family to enjoy.
64 pages, Hardcover
Published November 22, 2016
1 person is currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Richard Platt
289 books26 followers(1953–)
Richard Platt is the author of more than sixty informative books for young readers, and he also writes for innovative multimedia projects. Some of his most popular works have been collaborations with illustrator Stephen Biesty on the "Cross-Sections" series. After a failed attempt to forge a career as a photographer, Platt discovered that he had a knack for writing. "I started writing about photography: first magazine articles, then books," he explained on the Walker Books Web site. "I got a job editing children's books, then went on to write them."
In the 1990s, Platt teamed up with popular juvenile illustrator Biesty for several books, beginning with Stephen Biesty's Incredible Cross-Sections Book, published in 1992. The following year, a second volume in the series, Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Man-of-War, proved equally interesting for late-elementary-age readers, especially those enchanted by seventeenth-century battleships. Alongside Biesty's cutaway illustrations, Platt provides explanatory text that indicates the purpose and activities in each section of the ship. The hardships of life aboard such vessels for their often 800-member crews are not overlooked, either, and the drawings depict food rations crawling with maggots and a doctor's pail containing severed limbs. Ellen Mandel, writing for Booklist, asserted that Platt's "intriguing text" serves to make "this meticulously presented book a treasure of factual content and visual imagery."
For Stephen Biesty's Incredible Everything, Platt provides informative paragraphs to accompany the illustrations for many everyday products, such as athletic shoes and compact discs. Much of the text revolves around the manufacturing process. Stephen Biesty's Incredible Body is a lesson in human anatomy, with sections on each of the body's systems and several major organs; the digestive system alone takes up four pages. Platt has also worked with the illustrator on Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Castle and Stephen Biesty's Incredible Explosions.
Working with publisher Dorling Kindersley, Platt has authored several titles in their "Eyewitness" series, some of which have appeared in the United States under the Knopf/Borzoi imprint. Pirate details the world of corsairs, privateers, and crime on the high seas throughout history. A reviewer for Science Books and Films, Richard B. Woodbury, praised the work as "a veritable miniencyclopedia or minimuseum" and "a pleasure to look at." Spy chronicles the history of espionage and the decisive role intelligence-gathering triumphs have played in history. Of particular emphasis are the code-breaking endeavors by Allied intelligence networks during World War II. Shipwreck, also part of the "Eyewitness" series, investigates famous sea disasters and rescues. Like the other books in the popular series, Shipwreck is lavishly illustrated. Chris Stephenson, writing in School Librarian, called it "an excellent source of historical evidence and nautical information."
Platt has also written several books about inventions. His The Smithsonian Visual Timeline of Inventions, which appeared in 1994, won praise from reviewers for its comprehensiveness. Platt divides the development of technology throughout the ages into five sections, including agriculture, conquest, and communication. The timeline begins at 600,000 BCE, around the time humans likely began using fire, and includes predictions for innovations that may occur in the near future. Cathryn A. Camper, reviewing The Smithsonian Visual Timeline of Inventions for School Library Journal, praised Platt's skilled use of illustration and text, which the critic felt "teaches a sophisticated form of literacy similar to" that provided with multimedia learning tools—an area in which Platt already had a great deal of writing experience. "Readers will delight in the colorful pictures and the text, which gives just enough information to satisfy curiosity," opined Voice of Youth Advo
Richard Platt is the author of more than sixty informative books for young readers, and he also writes for innovative multimedia projects. Some of his most popular works have been collaborations with illustrator Stephen Biesty on the "Cross-Sections" series. After a failed attempt to forge a career as a photographer, Platt discovered that he had a knack for writing. "I started writing about photography: first magazine articles, then books," he explained on the Walker Books Web site. "I got a job editing children's books, then went on to write them."
In the 1990s, Platt teamed up with popular juvenile illustrator Biesty for several books, beginning with Stephen Biesty's Incredible Cross-Sections Book, published in 1992. The following year, a second volume in the series, Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Man-of-War, proved equally interesting for late-elementary-age readers, especially those enchanted by seventeenth-century battleships. Alongside Biesty's cutaway illustrations, Platt provides explanatory text that indicates the purpose and activities in each section of the ship. The hardships of life aboard such vessels for their often 800-member crews are not overlooked, either, and the drawings depict food rations crawling with maggots and a doctor's pail containing severed limbs. Ellen Mandel, writing for Booklist, asserted that Platt's "intriguing text" serves to make "this meticulously presented book a treasure of factual content and visual imagery."
For Stephen Biesty's Incredible Everything, Platt provides informative paragraphs to accompany the illustrations for many everyday products, such as athletic shoes and compact discs. Much of the text revolves around the manufacturing process. Stephen Biesty's Incredible Body is a lesson in human anatomy, with sections on each of the body's systems and several major organs; the digestive system alone takes up four pages. Platt has also worked with the illustrator on Stephen Biesty's Cross-Sections Castle and Stephen Biesty's Incredible Explosions.
Working with publisher Dorling Kindersley, Platt has authored several titles in their "Eyewitness" series, some of which have appeared in the United States under the Knopf/Borzoi imprint. Pirate details the world of corsairs, privateers, and crime on the high seas throughout history. A reviewer for Science Books and Films, Richard B. Woodbury, praised the work as "a veritable miniencyclopedia or minimuseum" and "a pleasure to look at." Spy chronicles the history of espionage and the decisive role intelligence-gathering triumphs have played in history. Of particular emphasis are the code-breaking endeavors by Allied intelligence networks during World War II. Shipwreck, also part of the "Eyewitness" series, investigates famous sea disasters and rescues. Like the other books in the popular series, Shipwreck is lavishly illustrated. Chris Stephenson, writing in School Librarian, called it "an excellent source of historical evidence and nautical information."
Platt has also written several books about inventions. His The Smithsonian Visual Timeline of Inventions, which appeared in 1994, won praise from reviewers for its comprehensiveness. Platt divides the development of technology throughout the ages into five sections, including agriculture, conquest, and communication. The timeline begins at 600,000 BCE, around the time humans likely began using fire, and includes predictions for innovations that may occur in the near future. Cathryn A. Camper, reviewing The Smithsonian Visual Timeline of Inventions for School Library Journal, praised Platt's skilled use of illustration and text, which the critic felt "teaches a sophisticated form of literacy similar to" that provided with multimedia learning tools—an area in which Platt already had a great deal of writing experience. "Readers will delight in the colorful pictures and the text, which gives just enough information to satisfy curiosity," opined Voice of Youth Advo
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 22, 2016
A World of Information is a big, quite heavy book, that contains lots of factual information on a variety of subjects. From the Solar System, to The Human Eye, Organs of the Body to Roman Numerals, this book will have children eager to impress with the facts that they have learned.
On each double, differently coloured page of the book you will find a different subject. On one side is all the factual information. On the other is the illustrations which include captions. The pictures visually show you what the factual information tells you.
I particularly liked the Flag Semaphore section. We had fun trying to spell out words to one another using our makeshift flags, and performing the poses for each letter.
It has been well documented that children take in and remember information if it is told in a fun, engaging manner. The use of illustrations has also been recognised as helping a child to remember. So with the combination of the two in this book, I hope children will pick up a variety of knowledge that they will remember for a long time to come.
Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com
On each double, differently coloured page of the book you will find a different subject. On one side is all the factual information. On the other is the illustrations which include captions. The pictures visually show you what the factual information tells you.
I particularly liked the Flag Semaphore section. We had fun trying to spell out words to one another using our makeshift flags, and performing the poses for each letter.
It has been well documented that children take in and remember information if it is told in a fun, engaging manner. The use of illustrations has also been recognised as helping a child to remember. So with the combination of the two in this book, I hope children will pick up a variety of knowledge that they will remember for a long time to come.
Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com
January 21, 2018
This oversized book (10.70”x14.60”) packs a lot of information covering 30 different topics on two page spreads each. Inside you will find information about things like the Atomic Structure, Music Notation, and The Layout of an Orchestra. For fact-loving kids, this book is a real smorgasbord of food for the brain (and much of it will be talked about at the dinner table, no doubt). Actually, what’s really nice about this book is that it will appeal to adults as much as to children. I found some many of the topics really fascinating, especially finding out about natural phenomena like the Neap & Spring Tides, since my favorite place in the world to be is the seashore. Not only did I get a better understanding of how and why the tides happen, but I even learned some facts about how the tides have affected history (or almost did anyway). Each page has a cream colored background, with a frame and text in one color per page, in a variety of old fashioned flat colors. So if you or your young reader have ever wondered about Time Zones & Tectonic Plates, The Anatomy of a Bicycle, and other interesting things, this is the book for you.
November 29, 2017
This is one of those books that a family can purchase and use through the years of educating their entire family. Literally from kindergarten through grade 12. In fact, Mom and Dad might find it educational as well.
Though not a thick book, having only 64 pages, it is large in that it is approximately 11 by 15 inches. And while not a reference book encyclopedic in content, it can most certainly be referred to on a variety of topics leaning heavily on the sciences.
I found it interesting that though the style and font of the book are quaint or old fashioned, the information is definitely up-to-date. I liked, too, the information per topic is contained on a two-page spread and has it's own color.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review with my own opinions which are given without compensation.
Though not a thick book, having only 64 pages, it is large in that it is approximately 11 by 15 inches. And while not a reference book encyclopedic in content, it can most certainly be referred to on a variety of topics leaning heavily on the sciences.
I found it interesting that though the style and font of the book are quaint or old fashioned, the information is definitely up-to-date. I liked, too, the information per topic is contained on a two-page spread and has it's own color.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review with my own opinions which are given without compensation.
February 6, 2017
Wel, fantastisch, mijn review is verdwenen. :| GJ Goodreads. :|
Dan maar een korte review: Leuk boek, mooie platen, ik had alleen graag wat ordening gezien (Lichaam, Sterrenkunde, etc.) in plaats van het allemaal door elkaar.
Dan maar een korte review: Leuk boek, mooie platen, ik had alleen graag wat ordening gezien (Lichaam, Sterrenkunde, etc.) in plaats van het allemaal door elkaar.
February 13, 2022
Insieme agli altri titoli di "A World Of..." questo libro meriterebbe di essere suggerito dagli educatori e maestri delle scuole primarie e non. Con una serie di stupende infografiche vengono spiegati concetti fondamentali della storia della civiltà umana: carta, pianeti, corpo umano, alfabeto internazionale, fenomeni atmosferici e chi più ne ha più ne metta. Libro che ha il potere di stimolare la curiosità riguardo fenomeni e oggetti che possiamo osservare ogni giorno ma sui quali purtroppo non ci facciamo mai delle domande. Mi sarebbe piaciuto fossero stati toccati più temi in alcuni casi con una profondità maggiore ma mi rendo conto che il libro rientri nella letteratura per l'infanzia.
November 27, 2017
Have you ever wondered about different types of clouds you see in the sky? Did you have questions about roman numerals? Or maybe you were looking at what makes up a bicycle. "A World of Information" is a large sized hard cover publication from Candlewick Studios covering a range of topics from Morse Code to Greek alphabets.
"A World of Information" has quickly become a favorite in our home. This over-sized book is gorgeous to look at and makes for a perfect coffee table book. This book is also a great gift to all kids who are curious and love reading facts. Another aspect I like about "A World of Information" is that while it gives you a snapshot of the topic, it doesn't feel overwhelming. There is enough detail for one to learn something new but not too dense to put you off from reading more.
Information is cleverly organized for ease of reading. In the "Different types of knots" page, an example knot "Baker's knot" explains the origin of the name, a snippet on how Inca people used knots to record numbers and the correlation of math and knots! So much to read and learn. A few topics including the knots page, also has an example activity.
The full page illustrations are beautifully designed. The Knots page has a lovely layout of different types of knots with a "name plate" right below each knot.
This is a stunning book for your home library or for gifting to young readers. A World of Information is wonderful as a read aloud so is just as suitable for younger children. Highly recommended!
"A World of Information" has quickly become a favorite in our home. This over-sized book is gorgeous to look at and makes for a perfect coffee table book. This book is also a great gift to all kids who are curious and love reading facts. Another aspect I like about "A World of Information" is that while it gives you a snapshot of the topic, it doesn't feel overwhelming. There is enough detail for one to learn something new but not too dense to put you off from reading more.
Information is cleverly organized for ease of reading. In the "Different types of knots" page, an example knot "Baker's knot" explains the origin of the name, a snippet on how Inca people used knots to record numbers and the correlation of math and knots! So much to read and learn. A few topics including the knots page, also has an example activity.
The full page illustrations are beautifully designed. The Knots page has a lovely layout of different types of knots with a "name plate" right below each knot.
This is a stunning book for your home library or for gifting to young readers. A World of Information is wonderful as a read aloud so is just as suitable for younger children. Highly recommended!
April 3, 2018
What instruments are at the back of an orchestra? How many names have there been for British paper sizes? (It’s more than you would hope for.) The preceding sounds a lot like some random trivia book. If you are looking for one of those, don’t buy this book. (If you are looking for the preceding questions’ answers, then, ok, buy this book). If you seek to learn a world of information, with not as much randomness, then this is a great book to consider. In this book, A World of Information, you’ll find many fun facts, synopses, and diagrams of information among each well-developed topic in the book. You’ll find that a different topic is discussed when you flip the page just once, with well-placed graphics, pleasing colors, and wonderful information. It’s a great reference book for the information enthusiast. I’d first like to note, however, that this information is not readily applicable. And, secondly, that I disagree with the authors when they write, “pencils have hardly changed to this day” (46). Perhaps mechanical pencils don’t count? Of course, this is a small matter: the fact that I only took away a star for that inaccuracy means that this book is still amazing.
José C, 5, San Francisco Regional Mensa
José C, 5, San Francisco Regional Mensa
December 30, 2017
This oversized book (10.70”x14.60”) packs a lot of information covering 30 different topics on two page spreads each. Inside you will find information about things like the Atomic Structure, Music Notation, and The Layout of an Orchestra. For fact-loving kids, this book is a real smorgasbord of food for the brain (and much of it will be talked about at the dinner table, no doubt). Actually, what’s really nice about this book is that it will appeal to adults as much as to children. I found some many of the topics really fascinating, especially finding out about natural phenomena like the Neap & Spring Tides, since my favorite place in the world to be is the seashore. Not only did I get a better understanding of how and why the tides happen, but I even learned some facts about how the tides have affected history (or almost did anyway). Each page has a cream colored background, with a frame and text in one color per page, in a variety of old fashioned flat colors. So if you or your young reader have ever wondered about Time Zones & Tectonic Plates, The Anatomy of a Bicycle, and other interesting things, this is the book for you.
January 5, 2025
This was excellent. An incredible compendium of cleverly presented and illustrated facts about interesting things! From the origins of certain points of knowledge like knots (I know it doesn’t sound interesting but it is!), the solar system, to medical discoveries that unpin what we know now of modern medicine, this book has a little bit (just enough, really) of everything.
I love the full page spread diagrams, the clever narrative and the amount of information shared to keep it engaging whilst still informative. I really couldn’t fault it and think it’s ideal for curious minds to get just enough information about quite a lot of things!
ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
I love the full page spread diagrams, the clever narrative and the amount of information shared to keep it engaging whilst still informative. I really couldn’t fault it and think it’s ideal for curious minds to get just enough information about quite a lot of things!
ARC provided from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2019
A two page spread for each topic, detailing things like the names of all the figures that make up typefaces, and the shapes and names of all types of screws, and knots, and semaphore... I'd recommend this as a coffee table book for people of ALL ages who like little facts and knowing names for things.
August 17, 2018
Wow! Just wow. The encyclopedic information in this great little book provides readers with interesting facts, but also should spark further investigation of all the subjects it touches. And it touches a lot.
December 11, 2017
A large (in size) informational miscellany covering such things as anatomy, astronomy, math, and the sciences. The illustrations are screen-printed.
February 28, 2018
Share this book with the whole family, find out about music, the moon and more!
February 28, 2022
Fabulous picture book for kids and adults! A book designed to make you think learn!
April 28, 2025
Gorgeous.
December 31, 2017
Extraordinary explainer about everything from type to clouds; this is like a book full of beautiful infographics.
February 9, 2017
I was sent a free copy of this book by the publisher Walker Books.
Ever wondered how to write in morse code? Ever wondered about the phases of the moon? Or the different types of clouds in the sky? There are so many different things to learn and discover with 'A World of Information'.
This book is a very large, about A3 size, heavy hardback book with a lovely embossed cover. Inside each page is made of thick paper and is printed to look like something old fashioned. Each double page spread contains information on one topic. The left hand side contains written information, broken up with small pictures and small snippets of extra information while the page on the right features images or diagrams.
'A World of information' contains so many topics, there are just too many to print them all here but for example, kids can learn about the different types of code such as morse and semaphore; information on Earth, it's crusts, core, the sky and space layers around us; information on orchestral arrangements, different types of screw, the parts of the body including details on how the eye works and the names of your bones, etc....Just so many different subjects that kids will love to learn. The information is explained in a fun and easy way, each piece of text is easy to read and not too long to create boredom. In fact the way this book is arranged visually just really appeals and makes it easier for the information to be absorbed.
Many of the things taught in this book are things I learned toward the end of primary school or beginning of secondary (age 11) , but there are still subjects I was never taught such as the flag codes on ships and a brief history and invention of pencils and paintbrushes. As an adult I really enjoyed reading this book. There were many things I learned or re-learned such as the periodic table, but they were explained in such a fun and easy way that it felt exciting and fun to learn rather than a chore, as it did back at school.
The illustrations and diagrams are what really makes this book stunning and stand out. They are simple, no complicated colours, and very easy to follow. I also really love the whole old-fashioned style of the print. There's just something about it that is really appealing to me. I had similar books on facts and information as a child and I just loved reading them and learning all the different things.
Though the book is A3 in size and heavy to hold, probably best to lay it down on the floor or a table, I can really see kids enjoying having such a big book. It makes the diagrams and pictures easier to see and makes the whole book feel fun. It's a really great book of interesting information that I can really recommend to anyone who wants to get their kids interested in this sort of stuff.. It can also give them a head start when they learn this at school! (pictures on amazon and my website)
Ever wondered how to write in morse code? Ever wondered about the phases of the moon? Or the different types of clouds in the sky? There are so many different things to learn and discover with 'A World of Information'.
This book is a very large, about A3 size, heavy hardback book with a lovely embossed cover. Inside each page is made of thick paper and is printed to look like something old fashioned. Each double page spread contains information on one topic. The left hand side contains written information, broken up with small pictures and small snippets of extra information while the page on the right features images or diagrams.
'A World of information' contains so many topics, there are just too many to print them all here but for example, kids can learn about the different types of code such as morse and semaphore; information on Earth, it's crusts, core, the sky and space layers around us; information on orchestral arrangements, different types of screw, the parts of the body including details on how the eye works and the names of your bones, etc....Just so many different subjects that kids will love to learn. The information is explained in a fun and easy way, each piece of text is easy to read and not too long to create boredom. In fact the way this book is arranged visually just really appeals and makes it easier for the information to be absorbed.
Many of the things taught in this book are things I learned toward the end of primary school or beginning of secondary (age 11) , but there are still subjects I was never taught such as the flag codes on ships and a brief history and invention of pencils and paintbrushes. As an adult I really enjoyed reading this book. There were many things I learned or re-learned such as the periodic table, but they were explained in such a fun and easy way that it felt exciting and fun to learn rather than a chore, as it did back at school.
The illustrations and diagrams are what really makes this book stunning and stand out. They are simple, no complicated colours, and very easy to follow. I also really love the whole old-fashioned style of the print. There's just something about it that is really appealing to me. I had similar books on facts and information as a child and I just loved reading them and learning all the different things.
Though the book is A3 in size and heavy to hold, probably best to lay it down on the floor or a table, I can really see kids enjoying having such a big book. It makes the diagrams and pictures easier to see and makes the whole book feel fun. It's a really great book of interesting information that I can really recommend to anyone who wants to get their kids interested in this sort of stuff.. It can also give them a head start when they learn this at school! (pictures on amazon and my website)
February 5, 2023
Over Alles is een groot formaat boek met allerlei leuke wetenswaardigheden. Je leert bijvoorbeeld wat over wolkenformaties, over de reeks van Fibonacci en over de verschillende onderdelen van je fiets. In korte teksten wordt ingewikkelde materie behandeld. De prachtige illustraties zijn niet alleen mooi om naar te kijken, maar ook zeer verhelderend. Want er staan pittige onderwerpen tussen.
Abracadabra
Zoals die over de atomaire structuur. En dan merk je dat een bladzijde eigenlijk te kort is om dit onderwerp helder te krijgen. Zinnen als ‘Er zijn meer isotopen met hetzelfde aantal en dezelfde rangschikking aan protonen en elektronen, maar die hebben een ander aantal neutronen’ zullen voor mij altijd Abracadabra blijven.
Wel heel erg grappig vond ik onder andere de bladzijde over de verschillende soorten schroeven. Dat zijn nou eens dingen waar je in het dagelijks leven niet bij stilstaat. Maar ook die zijn natuurlijk ooit door iemand bedacht.
Ik denk trouwens dat er op de pagina over het menselijk skelet een vertaalfout is geslopen. Bij het kopje Krakende Kootjes staat het volgende:
Lees verder op mijn website Verhaalkabaal!
Abracadabra
Zoals die over de atomaire structuur. En dan merk je dat een bladzijde eigenlijk te kort is om dit onderwerp helder te krijgen. Zinnen als ‘Er zijn meer isotopen met hetzelfde aantal en dezelfde rangschikking aan protonen en elektronen, maar die hebben een ander aantal neutronen’ zullen voor mij altijd Abracadabra blijven.
Wel heel erg grappig vond ik onder andere de bladzijde over de verschillende soorten schroeven. Dat zijn nou eens dingen waar je in het dagelijks leven niet bij stilstaat. Maar ook die zijn natuurlijk ooit door iemand bedacht.
Ik denk trouwens dat er op de pagina over het menselijk skelet een vertaalfout is geslopen. Bij het kopje Krakende Kootjes staat het volgende:
Lees verder op mijn website Verhaalkabaal!
December 4, 2016
Beginnend in het boek over alles, even terug in de tijd. Een spreekbeurt aan het nakijken? Dankzij de geweldige tekeningen van James Brown toch weer niet. Was er zo een boek jaren geleden dan was kiezen waar een spreekbeurt over moest gaan stukken simpeler. Dit boek wil je daarvoor gebruiken.
Dit ruime A3 boek is gevuld met prachtige posters gelijk klaar voor je spreekbeurt of je het nu over de gulden snede of rivieren wil hebben de leuke feitjes zijn zo gevonden. Dit boek helpt zeker bij een wiskunde verslag. Gelukkig worden de kinderen nog steeds aangemoedigd om hun informatie niet alleen van internet te halen. Niet alleen voor een spreekbeurt vind je interessante weetjes, ook staan er leuke weetjes die het zeker goed gaan doen op verjaardagen.
Zeker het onderdeel SCHROEVEN en SPIJKERS gaat hoog storen bij de volgende verjaardag.
Over alles ligt al vast klaar voor als de kinderen een jaar of acht zijn. Zodat er samen genoten kan worden van de wonderen van de Fibonaccireeks. Die zeer verhelderend door Richard Platt wordt uitgelegd.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews