Book Review #50

"Britannica All New Kids' Encyclopedia: What We Know & What We Don't" 

Author: Christopher Lloyd
ISBN: 978-1912920488

Reading Level: 8 to 12 years

Publisher: Britannica Books, 2020

Genre/Theme/Style: Children’s Non-fiction, Kid's Encyclopedia 

Topic: Reference Information for Children

I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 4 Roars? The book has a lot of pictures and interesting information for children that appreciate non-fiction. I realize that many kids might not enjoy an encyclopedia format.  However, the reader might not notice, because in this case, it reads as a picture book with facts. 

Critical Analysis: I do not typically consider encyclopedias for review, but this one struck me as something a kid might really enjoy and not recognize as an encyclopedia.   

Accuracy: The information is up-to-date and accurate. It was edited by over 70 world experts. 

"Well-illustrated and info-packed, this is a wonderful encyclopedia for the curious kids in all our lives." ~ Mary Pope Osborne

Organization: It is a single-volume encyclopedia that is arranged from the beginning of time to present day. Which is another reason it does not feel like an A-Z traditional encyclopedia. 

"This exciting single-volume compendium ranges across time and space, and it's packed with pictures." ~ Meghan Cox Gurdon, The Wall Street Journal

Design: The design is non-traditional. It uses photography, text, illustrations, and infographics to help children learn.  

"A refreshing transparency distinguishes Britannica’s All New Kids’ Encyclopedia, from the ultrasmart subtitle to the mini profiles of its experts. Visually driven, with factoids, lists, infographics, even quizzes." - The New York Times, Holiday Gift Guide 2020

Connections: Video by Britannica