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A is for Atlas, Adventure, and Australia

April 2, 2018 Claire Annette Noland 7 Comments

A is for April which means that the 2018 A to Z Blog challenge has officially begun. This year I am on the lookout for Literary Maps. I am defining literary quite loosely as I am focusing on maps in children’s books.  Unfortunately, people don’t seem to be that interested in maps these days. I love maps because they are the starting point for journeys. I hope you’ll join me on this geographical/alphabetical adventure.

 

                                                                                                                                                   Atlas of Adventures                                                                                                                                                                                                              A collection of Natural Wonders, Exciting Experiences and Fun Festivities from the Four Corners of the Globe

by Rachel Williams (author) and Lucy Letherland (illustrator) Aurum Press 2014

 

When is the last time you looked at an atlas? If it’s been awhile, I suggest you take a look at the Atlas of Adventures. It is one of the most readable atlases available and definitely lives up to its subtitle. This over-sized book is divided into continents and each section shows activities and challenges in destinations around the world. Time spent reading each double page spread will get you dreaming and planning your next trip. Now, should I ride with cowboys in Northern Patagonia or go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef?

 

 

 

Aunty Dot’s Incredible Adventure Atlas 

by Eljay Yildirim (author) and Brigitte McDonald (illustrator)  Reader’s Digest 1997

 

Lucky Aunty Dot and Uncle Frank have won a trip around the world. They send back photos, maps, and souvenirs home with letters describing their adventures. Rich with details, this book is more of a travelogue than an atlas as it highlights sites and scenery from countries around the world. Perfect for those travelers always on the hunt for the perfect items to bring back home.

 

 

Possum Magic

by Mem Fox (author) and Julie Viva (illustrator) Harcourt: 1983

This sweet picture book tells the story of little possum, Hush, whose Grandma Poss uses magic to make him invisible in order to keep him safe. Hush enjoys all the things he can do while invisible but eventually wants to be seen again. Unfortunately, Grandma Poss can’t remember how to make him visible but she know it has something to do with food. The two travel around Australia eating local foods until Grandma Poss’ memory is prompted and Hush appears. The book ends with a map of Australia showing their culinary journey.

 

Isn’t it interesting to see how a place is pictured by different cartographers/ artists?

See you tomorrow for the letter B.

 

Filed Under: Blogging A to Z, Books Tagged With: Atlas of Adventures, Aunty Dot's Incredible Adventure Atlas, Blogging a to z, Maps in Children's Books, Possum Magic

Previous Post: « Here and There – a global celebration
Next Post: B is for Biography – mapping a trip around the world »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor says

    April 2, 2018 at 2:04 pm

    I love how you compare maps in different books. My fave has to be the possum one 🙂

    Reply
  2. Hilary Melton-Butcher says

    April 2, 2018 at 6:13 pm

    Hi Clare – loved seeing these .. and I’ll enjoy each of your posts. It is fascinating how creative artists can be – giving us an overview of something the same, yet completely different … wonderful – cheers Hilary

    Reply
  3. Evelyne Holingue says

    April 3, 2018 at 1:55 am

    Atlases used to be such a big part of my life when I was a kid. I really dreamed of the vast world that surrounded me when I turned the pages. It’s great to see new atlases for young readers. The wonder of the world is so big when we are little.
    I would love the PB with the possum too 🙂

    Reply
    • Claire Annette Noland says

      April 4, 2018 at 5:16 am

      This atlas is wonderful as are the other geographical books published by Quarto. I think the large size of good atlases helps children understand how big the world is.

      Reply
  4. JazzFeathers says

    April 3, 2018 at 9:02 pm

    They all look like lovely book, but the last one stole my heart.
    I hav enever been one to look up maps – even if being a fantasy reader you’d think I should be. And still, I find maps fascinating.

    Reply
    • Claire Annette Noland says

      April 4, 2018 at 5:10 am

      The last one is my favorite, too.

      Reply
  5. Eva says

    April 4, 2018 at 12:48 pm

    So I must be a bit odd, because I’m still very interested in maps. We always use paper maps for our trips 🙂

    Reply

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Hello. I’m Claire Annette - reader, writer, teacher, and field trip planner extraordinaire. Here at A Field Trip Life you will find ideas for adventures large and small and the kids’ books that inspire them. Sign your permission slip. Let's go!

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I'm excited to share that the Crystal Kite Award v I'm excited to share that the Crystal Kite Award voting continues until July 18th for members of SCBWI. Our book, Nancy Bess Had a Dress, is in the Southwest Division (where illustrator @angelac.hawkins lives)

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and I'll be doing story time and craft at the Three River Public Library on July 11th at 10:30

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Art is for all ages.

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This is a soft, gentle, and breathtakingly beautiful picture book that should be enjoyed all summer long. @pbspree #summersolstice #summerasolsticestory
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Written by Forrest Zenone, Skyler Zenone, and Tricia Stone-Shumaker
Illustrations by Penny Weber
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