Martha Maps It Out In Time

Who doesn't love a book with a map? Well… I (and my three-year-old grandson, Archie) love a fictional map! A map has that capacity to bring a book alive and to allow the reader to immerse themselves in the pages. It is possible to become lost for hours in the pages of a book with a map.

As a child, I would spend many an hour poring over a map, and still do, even though I am quite old now. How brilliant, then, to have a book that is literally brimming with maps in all of their shapes and forms, including concept maps and timelines.

Martha Maps It Out In Time is the second of Leigh Hodgkinson’s Martha Maps It Out books, and, like the first, it is just mesmerizing. Martha takes her reader on her exploration of time, from the present, through each of the dinosaur periods, right back to the Big Bang and the 'dawn of time'. And she really is the most delightful of guides. Her narration is sparky and humorous, and each page is brimming with quirkily childlike, collage-inspired illustrations and curiosity-pricking facts.

It is quite simply an informative, inspiring, and joyful exploration of the concept of time, and the incredible history of our universe.  Hodgkinson presents complex ideas in an exceptionally accessible way and manages to include a wide range of information in the book, without the pages feeling too busy: true testament to her skill as an illustrator.

If you have never ventured into the wild and funny world of Leigh Hodgkinson, then maybe make this book your introductory encounter, and then have a look at her other books. She is an extraordinary talent who has the wit and skill to delight both the young and old. Martha's Maps series would appeal to any curious child aged six and over.

Picture book / Reviewed by Tracy Parvin, consultant

Suggested Reading Age 5+

Martha Maps it Out in Time is the brilliant new book from Martha, exploring her journey back in time, all the way to the start of time! 

Martha's journey starts at the beach with her family when she finds a fossil and calls her Mary. Mary then starts her timeline and journey to find Mary's start and even her ancestors! Each page is FULL of information, fun and keeping the eye busy!

The pages are focused at the beach, but show how over time it has changed, both in the past, present and future. They show how Mary came to be and where she has been and most interestingly, where she stayed for a very long time.

Although the text is short, it is not short of added information and labels. I also enjoyed a couple of cheeky additions and added humour hidden throughout. This book would be a fantastic addition to any bookshelf, especially those with interest in Geography and History. I am looking forward to adding this to the classroom and exploring the past and future with the children.

Picture book / Reviewed by Lauren Maidman, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+