A vast range of topics are covered, with enough detail provided to give an introduction and preliminary understanding of each topic, whilst not becoming overly didactic. The information presented is succinct, relevant and will spark further interest and investigation.
The topics are divided into eight distinct sections: nature; the human body; science and technology; space; Earth; people and places; history; art and culture.
Each section has multiple subsections, including the branches of the animal kingdom, genetics, magnetism, space travel, gems, minerals, volcanoes, historical civilizations, cultures, language and dance.
There is a reference section at the back, which has a condensed collection of facts and figures, for those readers seeking more detail. There is also a comprehensive index, allowing readers to search for topics of interest, plus a list of acknowledgements and photography permissions for use, including many museums and galleries from across the world.
In a digital era, when seemingly everything is available at the end of a fingertip, one might question what role an encyclopedia such as this has to play? Whilst there is a plethora of information available in the online world, and much of it is reliable, young readers do not always have the skills to recognize fact from misleading fiction. A book with such a wide variety as this is large, and, yes, it is a little bit heavy, but there are no pop up advertisements, no online trolls, no live chats with unknown members, no links to online games and no false news.
Reliable fact-checked information, presented in a fun and engaging manner, which appeals to visual learners as well as theoretical learners, will always have a place.
Title: WOW! the visual encyclopedia of everything (New Edition)
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley, $39.99
Publication Date: 16 July 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780241364352
For ages: 5+
Type: Junior non-fiction
