DK books are always carefully designed with many visual elements and navigation options, and this is no exception.
There's a double-page spread that explains how the book works. It uses a subject arrangement and groups subjects together.
And there are see also references boxed on each page so you can easily find similar subjects.
A reference section, glossary and index are also included. The best place to start though, is the contents. That way you can discover what subjects can be explored.
Categories of subjects include: storytelling, music, sciences, gold, war, colour, water, inventions, and more. This is the Australian edition, so there is an Australian perspective given.
This is not an encyclopedia with lots of detail about each subject, but it provides a snapshot of key concepts. Under Art, for example, you can learn the definitions of painting, sculpture, drawing, and printing. Under Knights, you'll find an explanation of armour, squires, and jousting.
Photographs, drawings, and diagrams are an important feature on each page, and are the focal point.
The reference section of the book includes lists and tables related to the encyclopedia's subjects. For example, a list of Australian prime ministers, and tables of the alphabet in ancient Greek, Latin, Arabic and Mandarin. There's also a map of the world.
With around 300 pages, the DK Children's Encyclopedia is packed full of information for curious young minds. It would be a useful home resource for early primary students.
Title: DK Children's Encyclopedia
Author/illustrator: DK Australia
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley, $49.99
Publication Date: March 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9780143795049
For ages: 5 – 8
