Aleksandra Mizielinska, Daniel Mizielinski, Maps
Published 2013 by Big Picture Press, first published 2012 in Poland; 112p
I have spent the last afternoons presenting the world to my daughter using Maps by Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski. Soon after Ema went to bed I used the atlas again, longing for Europe and dreaming of Asia.
It is a fabulous book, addressing all ages. It has 52 highly illustrated maps that are organized by continent and which originally present the world using information about political borders, capital, flag, population, spoken languages, cuisine, sports, outdoor activities and representative citizens for each country.
I loved the aesthetic perspective of this oversized, nonfiction book. There are impressive details regarding the relief forms, flora and fauna of each country but I mostly liked the human figures that populate the land – writers, leaders, scientists, children, people wearing national costumes. There are also delightful illustrations with each country’s cuisine and authentic representations of indigenous populations. The back contains a collection of flags.
Each map (a two-page spread each) is a beautiful lesson. Geography mixes with history and culture, creating an engaging and satisfying effect. The pages look like old papyrus and the illustrations might look too simple but it is part of the book’s charm which easily captivates all senses. The information is abundant; Maps is a book to which you need to return periodically.
Aleksandra Mizielinska and Daniel Mizielinski are a married couple, both graphic artists and internationally recognized authors. It took them three years to create Maps but it was a real success. The atlas was published in more than thirty countries, Romania included.
Complement Maps with Counting Lions, a wonderful book that celebrates wildlife and brings awareness on the endangered species.
from words to worlds 