annieb123
Written on Jul 31, 2022
World of Weird is an anthology of true (but somewhat creepy) curiosities gathered and explained by the fictive Dr. McCreebor (Tom Adams) in a manner which will delight all ages. Due out 2nd Aug 2022 from Quarto on their Wide Eyed Editions imprint, it's 64 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is written as a book inside a book - as a journal found by a scientist of his Victorian ancestor's notes and drawings. It's got an engaging and graphically appealing layout and is full of interesting and weird tidbits from natural history, ephemera, and other oddities. Aimed at all ages, it's written in easy to understand language and it's fully illustrated, so kids 8+ will likely find it fascinating. The subjects are presented in a (mostly) age appropriate manner and there's nothing directly graphic or violent.There is a section with implements of torture which is a bit morbid and which will have most kids gleefully interested in bygone torture machines. (I certainly was at that age and even made a model of an iron maiden for a school project which horrified everyone).
The entries are gathered thematically into chapters: mechanical items, natural world, spiritualism in Victorian times, crime and punishment, magic, and death practices. The author has included a glossary, but the book lacks an index or bibliography.
The book is illustrated in an antique style with electronic line drawn images and clip-art graphics by "Celsius Pictor". The drawings are engaging and retro/antique looking. The type is high contrast and easy to read.
Four stars. This is the kind of book the majority of kids will find fascinating. It might be a bit much for sensitive readers. For that reason, I would encourage a thorough reading on the part of library acquisition committees before adding to their juvenile library collections. It's otherwise weird and quirky and I recommend it.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.