BooksforTopics Reading for Pleasure Recommendations
Book Title: Ancient Wonders (available here)
Author: Iris Volant
Illustrator: Avalon Nuovo
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Publication Date: July 2019
Most Suitable For: KS2+
Reviewed by: Daisy Rizo, Y6 Teacher & KS2 Leader
Beautifully illustrated and bursting with knowledge, Volant and Nuovo’s Ancient Wonders is the perfect companion for any teacher of history, supporting links and connections between different curriculum topics. From the Great Pyramid of Giza to Stone Henge, information is nestled between beautiful illustrations – double-page spreads that bring the book to life with pops of colour and intricately-drawn diagrams that enable the reader to delve deeper into the ancient design and structure.
In its very first pages, the reader is encouraged to embark upon an awe-inspiring journey across the world, exploring ancient wonders and the stories of those who brought them to life. Each of the Seven Wonders of the World are explored in three sections: inspiration, ancient technologies and ‘another wonder’.
The section dedicated to the Temple of Artemis, for example, begins with a stunning illustration and an introduction to its history. Broken down into easy-to-read paragraphs, the book does not favour illustration over information, and instead boasts the story of the wonders from conception to modern day. Following on from its history, the book dives into each wonder’s original inspiration, drawing on ancient mythologies and how many of them are intertwined. The text goes on to explore another similar but lesser-recognised wonder, acknowledging that the initial list of seven is just a sampling of stunning artworks from past civilisations. Additional ‘wonders’ include The Ellora Caves, Emperor Quin’s Terracotta Army and the Nazca Lines.
Ancient Wonders is an impressive and comprehensive non-fiction picture book that children (and adults alike) will love to explore!
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You can order Ancient Wonders online or from your local bookshop or library.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending us a review copy of this book and to Review Panel member Daisy for reviewing it.
Where next?
> Visit our Reading for Pleasure Hub
> Browse our Topic Booklists
> View our printable year group booklists.
> See our Books of the Month.
