View source for Atlas of Adventures by Lucy Letherland

{{infobox
|title=Atlas of Adventures
|author=Lucy Letherland
|reviewer=Louise Jones
|genre=Children's Non-Fiction
|rating=4
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|isbn=978-1847805850
|pages=96
|publisher=Wide Eyed Editions
|date=October 2014
|amazonuk=<amazonuk>184780585X</amazonuk>
|amazonus=<amazonus>184780585X</amazonus>
|website=http://lucyletherland.com/
|video=
|summary=A colourful and fun-filled journey of discovery around the world.
}}
''The world is full of adventures''.

With this inviting opening line, the ''Atlas of Adventures'' encourages young readers to travel the world from the comfort of their own sofa. Bold, bright illustrations show defining landmarks and celebrations from all around the world and each double-page spread is filled with bite-sized facts incorporated into the artwork. 

There is a world map on the first two pages of the book and each continent has its own section. The book also has a 'Where's Wally'-style element, as readers are encouraged to seek out two adventurers that appear in every picture. There is also a treasure hunt at the back of the book, with even more pictures to discover hidden in the pages of the Atlas. I'm not sure why the author didn't give the main characters names. They are simply referred to as 'The two adventurers'.

The illustrations are very detailed, with plenty to see in each page. Children can spend hours perusing the images and discovering a new gem each time. The style of the illustrations may polarise people. The pictures have a slightly 1970s feel and sometimes the heads and bodies are out of proportion, or limbs oddly twisted, but the pictures are so full of life, colour and energy, it is impossible not to be captivated by them. The book is bigger than the average picture book, which really allows the artwork to come to life.

The book does not overwhelm the reader with information, but breaks everything up into interesting snippets dotted about the page. There are two main paragraphs on each page that go into a little more detail and explain what is going on in the picture.

The author has done a good job at picking out defining places and moments to represent each country. We see, amongst other things, a verdant rainforest scene, the bright colours of the Holi festival, a camel safari and a baseball game in Central Park. Each picture captures the essence and spirit of the places portrayed.

The book will inspire readers and hopefully encourage them to grow up with a passion for travel and adventure. It encourages curiosity, understanding and tolerance and nurtures a love of the world around us. It is a beautiful, high-quality book and I thank the publishers for my review copy.

If the atlas inspires you to do your bit for the planet, then you may enjoy [[Planet In Peril by Anita Ganeri and Mike Phillips]]

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