Ellis (1)

I feel that any kind of review for this book is superfluous to requirements. It’s not a book I want to review, it’s a book I want to revere. Simple, compact, slender by its page count, immense in its concept, Measuring the World is the story of Kimberly Paula Hetherington aged 10 who decides to……….. measure the world.
‘ I am scared, but I am brave. I know nothing and want to know everything.’
If ever a book like this was needed for the world, it’s now, more than ever. show more It’s a book for all ages so it can be experienced at whatever conceptual level the reader might be. Younger readers may interpret the text literally and their imaginations will accept that Kimberly can measure the length and breadth of the sea. Older readers will understand the metaphysical intention behind Kimberleys measuring……
‘……. a preacher from each and every faith.’
It’s a book many of us could read in minutes but the content should remain with us for ever. It’s a book that is a perfect gift for those you love, and maybe those you don’t love. For the reading of it may bring about more love than you ever thought possible.
The presentation of the book is delightful. The text, by Ellis, is accompanied by some simple yet effective black-and-white line drawings, and some pages have the suggestion of blue skies and white clouds along their tops. Drawings are by Emily Woodthorpe. The cover, plate and background design were by Desislava Georgieva.

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An intriguing little book. A little girl decides to leave the comfort of her home and parents and measure the world as in the title. Finding that this has not brought her solace she needs guidance from her parents, there’s one thing she has not measured. I won’t give it away. I read this with my reviewer hat on having received it in the Early Reviewer scheme. I wondered for whom it was written and felt it is appropriate for any age although children would need some things explained but show more then it opens up discussion which can only be a good thing. Then I noticed on the back cover that it states, “For readers of all ages”. So there we are. An enjoyable little thing. show less

This is a quirky little book, based on the idea that the things that are really important in life are difficult to measure. The writing is sparse and flows with poetry. The line drawings are beautifully executed. I did wonder if it would work better as a larger format, soft cover book. I found that the small size and hard back made it quite difficult to read, or to appreciate the art. This might seem a small niggle, but for a book of this kind, it proved quite a barrier to enjoyment.

This is an unusual little book that I received in exchange for a review. It's a very quick read but strikes me as one of those books you go back to and think about. It would make an interesting gift for someone with an adventurous soul. Have you ever wondered if you could measure everything in the world? Which would be the hardest things to measure?