The Cities Book

This book reads like a cross between the Guinness Book of World Records and a travel guide.  It contains interesting and at times unusual facts and information about some of the most intriguing places on each continent.  Of course it highlights the world’s most well-known cities such as New York, Paris, London, and Rio de Janeiro.  However, it also includes some of the most bizarre places on the planet.  For example, Oaxaca City in Mexico is known for hosting the most extensive Day of the Dead celebrations in the world.  And the Ukrainian city of Pripyat, near the site of the 1986 Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster is a ghost town which is literally frozen in time.

 

The subtitle touts this book as “A journey through 86 of the world’s greatest cities.” I really liked this book because it provides readers with a flavor of the rich cultures and traditions throughout the world.  The book is full of photos and illustrations.  It’s a delightful book that parents can share with children who are aspiring world citizens.