Themed Reviews: Great Britain

            2012 has been a big year for Great Britain: between Queen Elizabeth II celebrating her Diamond Jubilee and London hosting the Summer Olympics, there are many cultural celebrations planned in the country this year-a country with an impressive and rich history dating back to prehistoric times.

            Great Britain, which today consists of England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, is the third most populous island in the world, with a population of over 60 million. The selection of nonfiction titles highlighted below focuses on the countries and famous cities making up Britain. The novels are new titles that are ideal for those interested in delving into both contemporary and historical fiction set in Britain.

http://www.clcd.com/features/th_greatbritain.php

For more information about Great Britain visit:
www.history.com/topics/british-history
www.bbc.co.uk/history/forkids
www.visitlondon.com/attractions/family

A Walk in London
Salvatore Rubbino

A mother and daughter set out to explore the great city of London. Sticking to central London this pair has a busy day ahead of them. They hit many of London's most famous sights, but author and illustrator Rubbino makes sure readers get more than just typical tourist highlights. This mother-daughter pair also walks through St. James's Park to visit the pelicans, watches street performers at the Covent Garden piazza while eating fish and chips, investigates the Whispering Gallery inside the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral, looks up at The Monument and learns about the Great Fire of 1666, and at the end of their day they take a ferry ride on the river Thames back to Westminster. Rubbino's mixed media illustrations have a distinctly vintage vibe to them and while there is a lot to look at on each page it does not feel cluttered or overwhelming. The main text, narrated by the daughter, is clear and engaging. Many smaller trivia facts are scattered around on each page, providing further depth to the story of this city. Near the end, a large fold-out shows the skyline of London with labeled landmarks. A wonderfully narrated walking tour of London; recommended. 2011, Candlewick Press, Ages 5 to 7, $16.99. Reviewer: Emily Griffin (Children's Literature). 
ISBN: 9780763652722