Book Review: THIS IS LONDON by Miroslav Sasek

THIS IS LONDON by Miroslav Sasek (Universe Books, April 2004 - first published 1959) Hardcover, 62 pages. ISBN # 0789310627 

Synopsis on the Goodreads website . . . . . .

A vacation in Paris inspired Miroslav Sasek to create childrens [sic] travel guides to the big cities of the world. He brought me 'This is Paris' in 1958 when I when I was publishing in London, and we soon followed up with 'This is London'. Both books were enormously successful, and his simple vision grew to include more than a dozen books. Their amusing verse, coupled with bright and charming illustrations, made for a series unlike any other, and garnered Sasek (as we always called him) the international and popular acclaim he deserved.

I was thrilled to learn that 'This is London' will once again find its rightful place on bookshelves. Sasek is no longer with us (and I have lost all contact with his family), but I am sure he would be delighted to know that a whole new generation of wide-eyed readers is being introduced to his whimsical, imaginative, and enchanting world.                                               (from the introduction by Jeffrey Simmonds, editor)

My Four-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .

     I recently learned of this series of travel books for children written back in the 1950's. Despite the age of this one, it's still fun to read it (just 58 pages) and enjoy the marvelous illustrations by Sasek. 

     His art style is charming, and being a children's book, this is full of drawings. 

     I would have loved to see Sasek revisit these cities and re-do the books. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1980. Despite it's age, this is a neat book to share with children.