Chris Haughton is a prolific writer and illustrator who work includes A Bit Lost, which won the Dutch Picture Book of the Year, Oh No George!,SHH! We have a Problem, Don’t Worry, Little Crab , and Well Done, Mummy Penguin.
The subject of this book is one bound to appeal to middle grade readers. It shows how people developed means of sharing information in increasingly more complex ways which resulted in better problem solving, which in turn has led to our present information rich society.
Haughton starts with language. He explains how sounds are interpreted by the brain to create meaning. One spread is devoted to the beginning of language, before discussing what people did before writing and the art of remembering. He explains how writing developed from first marks into complex writing systems.
From writing he moves onto printing and the rise of literacy, the Renaissance, the Scientific Revolution and classification of knowledge. The second half of the book describes and explains news and newspapers, intellectual property, networks, broadcasting, radio and television. A whole chapter is devoted to disinformation – propaganda, advertising and public relations. The final (big) chapter is about computers, the internet, mobiles, going viral, AI and social change.
All these topics are fascinating. The book is full of snippets of information that would reward delving deeper. While the topic and the information are of great interest to readers of all ages the book is let down by its design. The print is small, and difficult to read on the dark coloured pages. It’s a relief to get to a white page. The illustrations are attractive and useful but again lose impact on dark pink, blue or black backgrounds. The book’s design gives it an edgy vibe in keeping with the topic but it doesn’t help in making all that useful interesting information accessible, but then, maybe I just need new glasses. His website gives sample pages of the book so you can judge for yourself.
Chris Haughton is a prolific writer and illustrator who work includes A Bit Lost, which won the Dutch Picture Book of the Year, Oh No George!, SHH! We have a Problem, Don’t Worry, Little Crab , and Well Done, Mummy Penguin.
