Marco Polo

Gr 4—8—In this sumptuous interactive scrapbook, excerpts from Marco Polo's own account of his travels are paired with beautiful maps, drawings, and illustrations. Explanations of how some of the material can be inaccurate, whether it is artwork that uses European styles for Asian scenes or statements based on the map of the world as it once was, are also included. Flaps lift to reveal stories or pictures, and there are envelopes with letters inside, a "golden passport" that slides out of a pocket, and reproductions of Chinese paper money. The sturdy paper might help to extend the book's shelf life, but some elements need to be handled carefully. One particularly good device is a map that details the stops on Polo's journey. The map slides out of an envelope on the back of the front cover, allowing children to keep it handy as they read through the book, which is divided into sections based on the stages of the journey. This volume is well suited to browsing, and many readers will want to spend time poring over the many details. An appealing, engaging addition.—Heather Talty, Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School, New York City