Earlier this year, I received an email from a grandfather asking if I knew of a science picture-book for his three-year-old granddaughter. I didn’t. But I’ve since discovered this one from CSIRO Publishing, recommended for 5-to-9-year-olds.
It begins with a timelessly fun activity – imagining what creatures and contraptions we see, or think of, when looking at clouds. Something both reader and listener can do together – whatever our ages!
Through this connection with clouds, we get to see our world of weather, shapes and patterns from different points of view. That’s because Milo is on the ground, while Maya in an aircraft.
Illustrations have a majesty and surprise about them. I particularly enjoyed the double page featuring a rainbow. Aside comments are written in bubbles with green outlines. A thoughtful bubble suggesting five things to do if you are feeling scared is aptly included on the page explaining thunder and lightning!
This multi-faceted approach of illustrations, narrative and extra information creates a gradient for younger viewers to participate at their own pace over repeated readings.
This is certainly a book to be explored as well as read. It’s got that treasure-map vibe, with clues and additions carefully crafted into the artwork. And for those who want to delve deeper, there are two pages of facts, then a glossary of terms at the back.
Two things could have made this book even better. One was to include an image of a creature (possibly a kangaroo?) for Australia on the world map page. Since the book is published in Australia by CSIRO, the country’s identity shouldn’t be ignored! My other suggestion would be to have realistic star configurations depicted about the constellations on the sky-at-night page – preferably the four described (being Orion, Ursa Major, Cassiopeia and Crux).
This book is set out similarly to “The Great Australian Science Book”. It allows readers (or their listeners) to build comprehension over multiple encounters. It is certainly a book I’m eager to share with my younger grandchildren. I’ll enjoy contemplating those cloud-shapes and familiarising myself with their names again and again.
The World From Here is written by Cassi Polimeni and illustrated by Mel Armstrong. https://www.publishing.csiro.au/book/8210
