CITIES OF THE WORLD

A skyline tour of eight cities around the world.

Each double-page spread focuses on one city, including Moscow, London, Venice, Sydney, and more. With three cities in Europe included, the fact that not one from the continent of Africa is covered is troubling. The main feature of the book is a cutout on almost every page in the shape of the city’s skyline; however, that tall buildings, mountains, and landmarks from subsequent or upcoming cities are visible through the cutout may confuse youngsters. Text in a narrow panel at the top of each page highlights a few facts about each city along with infographics outlining the climate and the population. Blurring of lines among entities may confuse readers; New York City, readers are informed, is nicknamed the Empire State, and each entry includes the national tree, animal, and flag rather than local information. White, circular panels share additional facts, and small text labels landmarks and features. Racially diverse people with skin tones from dark brown to paper white populate the various scenes as either locals or tourists. Ideas about dress, particularly in Dubai and Rio de Janeiro, may be inaccurately skewed, with figures mainly wearing traditional Middle Eastern and Carnaval attire, respectively, or beach wear and little else. In Tokyo, more people are depicted wearing kimonos than is typical.

This is one world tour to sit out.