By Matt Ralphs (author) , Aysha Tengiz (illustrator)
"Packed with pithy cultural insights and set to spark an interest in learning languages, this top-notch non-fiction nugget takes readers on a rousing ride around twelve top cities."
Hardback In Stock £12.99 £11.69
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March 2026 Non-Fiction Book of the Month
Big and brilliant in name and nature, Matt Ralphs’ Big Brilliant World is an absolute no-brainer of a book to give to non-fiction fans. Traversing London, Tokyo, Paris, New York, Seoul, Istanbul, Mexico City, Budapest, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona and Rome, fact-thirsty five-plus-year-olds will be utterly absorbed by this tour of twelve of the world’s most fascinating cities.
Well-chosen, lucid coverage of each location’s notable historic landmarks, foods and phrases will surely inspire a wider interest in culture and language. In Rome for example, we learn how to say “the food is delicious” (“il cibo è delizioso”) and discover that tourists toss around €3000 into the Trevi Fountain each day.
Over in Mexico City, we’re introduced to the magic of mariachi music and the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco. Meanwhile, the trip to Tokyo introduces local delicacies, like ramen and sushi, and local lingo, including how to say “cute” (kawaii) and “cool” (kakkoii).
Illustrated with elegance and energy by Aysha Tengiz (think Richard Scarry ’s busy detail presented in a bolder, clearer style), there’s plenty to spot on every beautifully engaging page. At once an inspirational introduction to the world’s glorious diversity and a stimulating language-learning primer, Big Brilliant World is an informative, accessible trove of cultural treasures.
It's time to pack your bags and get ready to set off on an adventure! This bright, busy and brilliant book tours 12 cities around the world: London, Tokyo, Paris, New York, Seoul, Istanbul, Mexico City, Budapest, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona and Rome.
Read the full description
The incredibly detailed illustrations will take you right to the heart of some of the world's most exciting and magical cities. Learn how to say new words and phrases in different languages, whilst also discovering new foods and spotting historical landmarks along the way.
With fun characters and surprises to spot throughout, this book provides hours of fun for little ones, and is an ideal first introduction to foreign languages.
Fire Girl author Matt Ralphs has always been fascinated by witches, ghosts and anything that sent a shiver down his spine - and as a child was convinced that his Suffolk home was haunted. His favourite childhood book was Enid Blyton's The Enchanted Wood, as it was magical, mysterious and a little bit weird - and his goal as an author is to create books that make children feel just as happy, scared and thrilled as he did when reading as a kid. If he had to choose between being a witch or being a demon he would plump for the latter, as he believes it might be fun to be evil for a while - but Shhh - don't tell anyone!
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It's time to pack your bags and get ready to set off on an adventure! This bright, busy and brilliant book tours 12 cities around the world: London, Tokyo, Paris, New York, Seoul, Istanbul, Mexico City, Budapest, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona and Rome.The incredibly detailed illustrations will take you right to the heart of some of the world's most exciting and magical cities.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Big Brilliant World and determined it is suitable for children aged 5-8 years old
Big Brilliant World features in the following genres: Featured Books for 5+ readers, Featured Books for 7+ readers, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, People / Places, Reference Works, Atlases & Maps, Children’s: picture books, activity books, early learning concepts, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Hardback. £11.69, down from the £12.99 cover price. In Stock.
Big Brilliant World was written by Matt Ralphs and published by Big Picture Press an imprint of Bonnier Books UK
Big Brilliant World has 31 pages
£11.69, reduced from £12.99. In Stock.
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