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Big Brilliant World

"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."

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LoveReading4Kids Says

LoveReading4Kids Says

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.

Joanne Owen
Reviewed by Joanne Owen
Joanne Owen is a writer, reviewer and workshop presenter whose lifelong love of books began when she was growing up in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
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About Big Brilliant World

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.

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