The Bumper Book of London

May 1, 2012

Gr 4 Up-With Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in full swing, and the Summer Olympics fast approaching, London is the place to be in 2012. Most visitors will be familiar with red phone boxes, the Houses of Parliament, and Trafalgar Square, but may not know that the iconic phone booth design was the result of a competition, that Big Ben is the name of the bell, not the clock, and that the lions at the base of Nelson's Column were modeled on the King of Sardinia's lion. Nor will they necessarily be aware of the number of common expressions that have roots in the history or traditions of life in the city: "box office," "on the wagon," "big wigs," "exchequer." This volume is not so much a guidebook as it is a factoid head-rush. The authors have done an admirable job of organizing an astounding amount of trivia, history, and minutiae. After starting with a brief chapter of random facts, the book is arranged by historical periods, from Roman London up to postwar London. It's unfortunate that there isn't a chapter about millennial and 21st-century London (there is a huge difference between London of the 1950s and the Cool Britannia 1990s), but this is a minor quibble. The book is further divided by areas of interest: "Royal London," "Crime and Punishment," "Show Time," etc. The final chapter, "London's Best," is one last chance to itemize the absolute "must see" locations. The book is illustrated with childlike drawings that add to its eclectic charm. The index is useful but almost too scholarly for such an ephemeral title. A highly entertaining way to encounter a most extraordinary city.-Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2012

All eyes are on London for the 2012 summer Olympics, but no matter when they visit, travelers always need a good guidebook. Jones and Lewis (coauthors, London Adventure Walks for Families) have written another kid-accessible guide to London that is a treat for the whole family. This small volume is packed with history, and the authors provide hints about little-known destinations, explanations of many of the mysteries and quirks of London, and even a recipe or two. Readers learn how the postcodes of London, devised to reduce the confusion caused by the number of streets with the same names, define the personality of each district. Biographies of medieval notables Chaucer and Caxton, the lost rivers of London, and football club fan chants are among the unusual topics covered. VERDICT With its colorful, fun look and appealing illustrations, this guidebook is thoroughly enjoyable, even for someone who knows London well. Highly recommended for all travelers, whether in an armchair or on the ground.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.