Nikola Tesla (Great Lives in Graphics)

Gr 4-8—The lives of three of history's geniuses are explored in these highly visual offerings. From birth to death, noteworthy events in their professional and personal lives are presented. Frida Kahlo was an acclaimed artist from Mexico with physical disabilities. Wolfgang Mozart was a prodigy who created brilliant music before dying at an early age. Nikolai Tesla was instrumental in the early development of electricity for practical use. Each biography is comprehensive, and in what some may consider timely, the titles on Kahlo and Mozart point out how modern vaccines for polio and smallpox have eradicated those diseases. The narratives are presented in graphic form: bright pictures and inserts with snippets of information and trivia dominate the pages next to paragraphs composed of small, dense text. Some will find much of this distracting, especially the nonlinear time lines that go down and then up. However, the bright, colorful illustrations will attract browsers, creating an excellent opportunity for those who might not otherwise choose biographies. VERDICT Though there are numerous biographies available on these subjects for this age group, the bright graphic style will find an audience for those seeking entertainment along with their research.—Margaret Nunes

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

@the_treasure_babes Instagram review https: //www.instagram.com/p/CZ_sVEMMMN9/
"Wonderful series of books from Button Books... We are very happy to add them to our library of extraordinary people."

@mancunian_mum Instagram review https: //www.instagram.com/p/CaX2nI4MgxH/
"This range of books is called the Great Lives in Graphics series and they are books but with a comic style in ways, with amazing infographics and illustrations. They include a mixture of common and lesser known facts, to educate about famous figures from history...They're great books for any collection!"

@homeplaylearn Instagram review https: //www.instagram.com/p/CZ_sVEMMMN9/
"We love this collection of biographies on extraordinary people throughout history from great thinkers to big creatives! This series is full of illustrations, infographics and added humour too! There are truths and trivia to learn from along the way."

@rosieslibrary Instagram review https: //www.instagram.com/p/Ca2uOybqqtN/
"This is such an excellent series of books and I was thrilled to see there are two new ones to add to the collection! Both of these, as well as the rest of the collection are brilliant Infographic biographies that are presented in a super engaging way and vividly explains each person life from birth and through all of their successes, as well as branching off into theories and concepts that lead them. These books are a great snapshot into the lives of great people and are all a really fun read! They're perfect for young learners."

@mrssburns Instagram review https: //www.instagram.com/p/CasCgRwMpo5/
"Absolutely superb and always top of my children's book pile."

@stylishmodernmotherhood Instagram review https: //www.instagram.com/p/CcGDrsOLwgA/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y
"These books are so entertaining & a joy to read! A great way to educate & inspire young minds!"

@bookishwaytoplay
Instagram review https: //www.instagram.com/p/CRiqVW-sHiM/,
20th July 2021
"Wahoo, four new titles in this fantastic biography series publish this
month...I can confirm that these are
just as good! Information is presented in such a unique way that you can't help
but pour over the pages for hours. Each spread is a work of art in itself,
cleverly designed to work with the content. Whether you've got an older reader
who is fascinated by one of these great people from history, a school project
to complete, or a school library or home bookshelf to stock with inspiring
stories, these are for you."

@afamilythatreads
Instagram review https: //www.instagram.com/p/CUNJ8-JsmUT/
"I'm
obsessed. A non-fiction infographic series that introduces children to
biographies of people who changed the world? YES PLEASE! Saying that these
books are fun is an understatement... They are captivating and easy to
understand which is a hard combination to find when it comes to books on
history and changemakers! I personally learned a lot of new facts and can't
wait to read the rest of the books in this series. A definite must have for
every child (and adult!)."

@homeplaylearn
Instagram review https: //www.instagram.com/p/CUSr9oIMfov/
"If you would like
to find out about some extraordinary people then look no further! 'Great Lives
in Graphics' is a fairly new educational book series from Button Books...Brimming
with interesting, and sometimes quirky, facts, timelines, artwork and
discoveries as well as vibrant graphics, these make for a great collection for
children to learn from and be inspired by!"

@mancunian_mumhttps: //www.instagram.com/p/CRiqVW-sHiM/

"They are just stunning, hard backed books
that use infographics mixed with common and lesser known facts, to educate
about famous figures from history. The books detail key and important moments
from the figures' lives but presented in such an accessible way for children.
The colours and style are just so engaging for children, it's a book but
with an almost comic book feel. There are a huge array of interesting ways to
present information in illustrated forms. The books also have a useful glossary
at the back. What fab books! Do
check them out and the amazing range of other titles, over at
@gmcpublications."

Raise Bay Blog https: //www.raisiebay.com/2021/07/more-great-lives-in-graphics-book-review.html
"What I love about these
graphic books is their unique approach to educating the child."

@thebabybookworm
Instagram review https: //www.instagram.com/p/CXW5JS9Pwuj/
"In these slim yet delightfully
comprehensive and detailed volumes, readers can learn about historical figures like
Cleopatra, Martin Luther King, Jr., Anne Frank, and more!...Informative and
engaging. Infographic layouts are always a great approach to make learning fun,
and these middle-grade biographical titles are as entertaining to look at as
they are to read. The information presented covers both the elementary and the
esoteric...We would absolutely recommend this for curious middle-grade readers,
especially those interested in world history."

@booksb4bedtime
Instagram review https: //www.instagram.com/p/CZJgZyyqWFA/
"These
books are brimming with fascinating information, brilliant illustrations and
are beatifically packaged so can easily be the perfect gift for any knowledge
thirsty reader and the whole series would definitely be on the coffee table."

@teenyreaders Instagram
review https: //www.instagram.com/p/CZKUlKrqPBz/
"These
colourful, hard-back books are absolutely jam-packed with facts and fascinating
insights into who the individual was, and they're laid out in really
captivating and fun graphic formats, making them super accessible...They really
are learning made fun. There is so much to discover and enjoy..It would make a
brilliant collection for any child who loves discovering fascinating facts and
finding out about interesting people."

@mrsbrownsbookbox Instagram
review https: //www.instagram.com/p/CZbeLVPKnKo/
"The
unique graphic style makes the books accessible to such a wide range of readers
and captures and keeps their attention. I think the biggest endorsement of this
series is that it was the most read set of books in my classroom with children
dying to reel off incredible information to you on each read."

Rachael Jess - Family lifestyle blog
https: //www.rachaeljess.com/2022/02/great-lives-in-graphics-book-review.html
"These books have hit their mark and will not
gather dust in any child's bookshelf!"

@home.read.play, Instagram
review

https: //www.instagram.com/p/CQfkNh4s-f7/

"School libraries need to stock up on this series because
they really do deliver on making learning exciting."

Mid-West Book Review

http: //www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/jan_21.htm#Series

"Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, all
four volumes in this new 'Great Lives in Graphics' series for young readers are
especially and unreservedly recommended for elementary school, middle school,
and community library biography collections."

@raising_bookworms,
Instagram review

https: //www.instagram.com/p/CQTLmddHNmn/

"Each infographic biography showcases a historical icon's
life and their experiences and achievements. They hold an abundance of
information which is easily absorbed thanks to the cleverly illustrated pages,
making them highly engaging. The visual detail and vibrancy really captures
your attention and they have a great balance of essential and fascinating life
details and fun quirky facts. These books are the ideal next stage for those
who love #littlepeoplebigdreams series and want to find out lots more
facts...Ideal for even the most reluctant readers, these educational books aimed
at 8+ would make perfect additions to classrooms and school
libraries."

Toddle About

https: //www.toddleabout.co.uk/reviews/great-lives-in-graphics-book-series-from-button-books/

"These are brilliant books, both eye-catching and
informative...The illustrations are bright and colourful, and there is a lot of
variety in the way each of the pages are presented, making each page
interesting to look at and a pleasure to read. These books are a great way to
introduce children to some of the most influential people in world history in a
visual and engaging way, whilst also explaining about the times and places in
which they lived. We really liked the timelines and interesting facts, and we
particularly enjoyed the amusing anecdotes that were included too! The books
themselves have a lovely feel to them with matt, textured covers, and nice
thick pages, giving them the feel of a high-quality book."

@littlebookhabit,
Instagram review

https: //www.instagram.com/p/CLH_677njbt/

"A brilliant way to get reluctant readers or children who
aren't always drawn to non-fiction to give it a go."

The Tiny Activists

https: //thetinyactivist.com/2020/11/29/great-lives-in-graphics-series/
and https: //www.instagram.com/p/CIMlso_nR-P/

"This series is so cool! It combines history and an almost
graphic novel layout to teach readers about different well-known figures
throughout history."

@bookishwaytoplay,
Instagram review

https: //www.instagram.com/p/CH2GlzohwmV/

"There have been some super biographical books for children
published recently and none more so than the 'Great Lives in Graphics'
series...What is most striking about this particular series is the innovative way
these books have been designed. The clever use of info graphics and visual
detailing ensures these books are jam-packed full of key information but in an
entirely accessible and eye-catching way for young readers. You cannot help but
be drawn into the colour and vibrancy of each spread, as well as the
fascinating facts they contain. These
books are educational but also fun. They feel fresh and unique in their
approach and they really would be great additions to classrooms, libraries and
homes everywhere."

@littlelibraryowl,
Instagram review

https: //www.instagram.com/p/CH2zHMQnScV/

"A wonderful and innovative new series of educational
infographic books focusing on the biographies of four inspirational historical
figures (a writer, activist, leader, and scientist!). We love picture-book
biographies, as they provide such an accessible and engaging way for children
to read through history...The easy-to-understand and fun infographics are packed
with bold colours and graphics that bring each story to life (we also love the
fun endpapers that are unique to each book!)...These unique biographies will
open your little reader's eyes to the experiences and incredible achievements
of men and women who have changed the world. Perfect resources for teaching at
home or in the classroom! Aimed at children aged 8-12. Watch out for the next
four books in the series - Nikola Tesla, Frida Kahlo, Mozart, and Jane Austin -
coming to the UK in April 2021 and to the US in October 2021."

@talesofkids, Instagram
review

https: //www.instagram.com/p/CHQWWQCgPCt/

"We get to learn about fun facts, incredible discoveries and
achievements in a visual, easy to understand snapshot. These books are a MUST
in every home library, classroom library and school library."

@picturebooksblogger, Instagram
review

https: //www.instagram.com/p/CF96bquAEK5/

"A stunning set of visual biographies #greatlivesingraphics
is a great way to learn more about these notable people from our history
#annefrank #cleopatra #martinlutherking #stephenhawking
@gmcpublications."

Red Reading Hub

https: //redreadinghub.blog/2020/10/11/great-lives-martin-luther-king-jr-anne-frank-stephen-hawking-cleopatra/

"Each book has an introductory page of narrative, a
timeline, details of family life and spreads detailing the subject's key
achievements; and each brings to life through its stylish, easily understood
infographics, the person and the accomplishments of a memorable human being.
Well worth adding to primary school topic boxes and libraries."

@thecolourfulchronicles,
Instagram review

https: //www.instagram.com/p/CGxvvqZl6gC/

"These books provide education on a variety of important
issues... The design and layout of these books are stylish and colourful, brought
to life with fun, striking and easy to understand imagery and text,
communicating information clearly and quickly. I also found the word glossaries
at the back to be super helpful for explaining particular meanings. A fab series."

@giftbookblogger,
Twitter and Instagram review

https: //twitter.com/bookgiftblogger/status/1405273929095081984
and https: //www.instagram.com/p/CQLAOqegGeF/

"Further additions to the #greatlivesingraphics series by
@GMCbooks #fridakahlo #mozart #nikolatesla. Engaging #nonfictionbooksforkids
which pack a punch. Bold graphic design coupled with compelling facts make this
series a must-have for shelves everywhere."