Africa, amazing Africa: Country by country by Atinuke

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Illus. by Mouni Feddag. Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406376586.
(Age: All) Highly recommended. Themes: Africa, Geography, Climate, Animals. Every page is full of colour and fascinating information in this highly readable account of the 55 or so states in the continent of Africa. Divided into four sections, following the points of the compass, each section deals with the countries within its area. So, Southern Africa for example lists the states of Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. A page is devoted to each country and an introductory paragraph outlines the main features of the place which might include geography, climate, main cities, features, history, customs and industry. This is accompanied by vibrant illustrations and several facts at the bottom of the page. Each page is enticing in what it reveals about that country, the information given is absorbing, capturing the imagination of the reader.
I read it from cover to cover, it is so well written it lends itself to that use, while in a classroom, its usefulness is enhanced by a sound index and references to websites for further information. I was struck with the positive thrust of the book. The information about Africa is future focussed, each country is presented as a vibrant community working together to overcome problems of the past. The illustrations present a colourful, intoxicatingly positive aura, full of life, colour and movement to encourage every reader to see this extraordinary continent with fresh eyes.
The book's introduction outlines some of the things about Africa which make Africa amazing and unique: the first humans walked there, there are 55 states, but this is variable, there is a huge range of temperatures, climates and landscapes as well as animals and religions, languages and governments. Impossible to put into one book, the facts given will whet the appetites of the students with a desire to know more about the world they live in.
Fran Knight

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