Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 03/01/2018 Who knew the study of flags (vexillology) could be so much fun? This appealing book should answer any questions young readers might have about world flags. It describes what the different crosses, saltires, tribands, bends, stars, suns, circles, bicolors, and animals (mythical and real) on the world’s flags represent. Many flag symbols reflect the political struggle countries have experienced or show hopes and beliefs. Intriguing little brown-skinned robed figures are shown carrying the different symbols that illustrate each flag. Opening comprehension questions help guide reading, and there are plenty of interesting facts about flags across the world. A glossary offers explanations for parts of a flag, while vintage-style illustrations cleverly help represent the recognizable geography of different countries. Blank end pages give readers space to design their own flags (not ideal for library collections). Despite the lack of an index and the difficulty sometimes in distinguishing between dark blue and dark green on some flags, this is a surprisingly moving and informative book. - Copyright 2018 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 05/01/2018 Gr 2–6—Budding vexillologists will want to get their hands on this book. Jacobs's guide to the flags of the world is beautiful and informative. After a brief walk through the history of flags in general, the author offers a two-page lesson on flag design, with definitions of many of the unique terms associated with vexillology (the study of flags). The rest of the book is dedicated to each of the flags of the world, organized by specific design elements. The pages are filled with various historical iterations of a country's flag, with brief captions outlining how and why flags changed over time. Intriguing facts and sidebars are included on every spread and provide a broad understanding of flags and their use throughout the world. Maps at the end offer an opportunity to locate unfamiliar countries mentioned within, and empty pages are available for young enthusiasts to create their own flags. The entire design, from whimsical endpapers filled with people carrying all sorts of flags to the thick, creamy pages, makes for an utterly browsable, attractive package. VERDICT Recommended for most libraries.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.