Amazing Asia
Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Jason Lyon
Wide Eyed Editions

In this large format book, author Rashmi Sirdeshpande explores the world’s largest and with over 4.7 billion people, most populated continent, Asia.

With its powerful illustrations, excellent design and engaging and informative text, the book begins with an introduction to the continent, its countries, a map and a list of fascinating facts for each Asian country.
The massive continent is then split into five geographic regions: West Asia, South Asia, North and Central Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia though within these each country has its own distinct identity.
For each region there is a time line, a spotlight on some change makers , superstars and other historical tidbits, a look at people and cultures, wildlife and landscapes,

spectacular sights and at the present and future possibilities.

After the regions comes a section with a large map, entitled Global Asia with a focus on indentured labour, causes of migration and the contribution of Asian immigrants to their new homelands such as Australia.
Two final spreads present ways in which Asia has influenced the world

and backmatter comprises a glossary and index.

Rashmi’s writing is sure to keep young readers interested as she includes such topics as K-pop, manga and martial arts as well as mentioning colonialism, Tibet and Taiwan as disputed territories, the Israel/Palestine and Russia/Ukraine conflicts with sensitivity. She certainly presents with aplomb the rich tapestry that is Asia. Jason Lyon’s illustrations really help bring the written content to life and with its wealth of starting points for further exploration, I’d thoroughly recommend this book both for home browsing and classroom use.