World Politics in 100 Words; Eleanor Levenson, illustrated by Paul Boston

World politics in 100 words, it doesn’t sound possible. Yet it is achieved superbly in this fun, informative and beautifully presented read which takes readers on an educational journey through political jargon.

Politics is important, whether you have a big interest in it or not, we are all affected by politics. From an early age children experience the forces of politics. At school, they work under the authority of the teacher, the school governing body help run and manage the school and make important decisions, a school council may help make decisions to improve the lives of children at the school, and voting often takes place to elect class representatives, house captains and head boy/girl.

In essence this book is an elaborate dictionary of one hundred words that are linked to politics. It defines, outlines and explains one hundred political concepts and it makes for a really interesting read. From democracy and bureaucracy, treasury and budget, war and treaty, patriotism and racism, this book has got it covered.

Each page is presented with a large illustration and an explanation of the word in exactly one hundred words. Each word is linked to one of five themes: state, citizenship, ideas, economics, media, and these five themes are briefly explained at the beginning. The explanations throughout the book are clear, concise and child friendly. The accompanying illustrations are clever, thought-provoking and beautiful and really capture the political world in a fun and amusing way. Where appropriate, words are paired together over a double page, for example, populism and nationalism, utopia and dystopia, poverty and wealth, capitalism and socialism.

This is a great addition to any home, school or library and it is sure to spark interest, generate valuable discussions and encourage further questioning and lines of enquiry. It might even be the beginning of a journey for a future politician or leader.

Recommended for 10+

With thanks to Netgalley, Words & Pictures and Quarto Knows for the advanced reader copy.