Books, for me, have always been a conduit to travel, whether real or imagined. When travel, real or imagined, also inspires creativity, it’s a win-win-win. Everything & Everywhere: A Fact-Filled Adventure for Curious Globe-Trotters by Marc Martin checks all of the boxes for me: a book about travel by an artist.

A note from the author in the opening pages explains the book’s premise: “The following pages are a gathering of facts, thoughts, and observations about our planet as seen through the eyes of an artist.” When I read the words “through the eyes of an artist” I became excited for budding artists about to discover these wonder-filled pages. I loved that the pages looked more like a travel journal than an atlas. And I love that the author/artist chose to illustrate what he found interesting, rather that what might be expected of him. And he did so with humor. One description in particular made me smile: “Reykjavik: The capital of Iceland and home to many natural wonders and strange sauces.”

At 10.3″ x 13.8″,  Everything & Everywhere is probably best labeled an oversized picture book. But there’s something about an oversized book in a tiny lap that makes the world seem even larger, don’t you think?

Judging by the amount of time I spent poring over the pages in the book, I can only imagine how many hours will be spent perusing and pondering by younger readers. (It’s categorized as a book for ages 5-8, or grades K-3, but I personally stopped letting these labels shame me a long time ago. And the labels shouldn’t stop you from spending some time with it, either!) Whether in the home or in the classroom, I envision many companion elements, like blank notebooks, pens, watercolors. But curriculum science isn’t my specialty, so here are some ‘in the classroom’ suggestions from America Grelinger. [link to come]

In the meantime, happy travels!

Everything & Everywhere: A Fact-Filled Adventure for Curious Globe-Trotters by Marc Martin (Chronicle Books | 9781452165141 | October 9, 2018)