Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 21 Apr 2026

Big Brilliant World by Aysha Tengiz and Matt Ralphs

Trying to capture the excitement of travelling to other parts of the world in a way that is meaningful for children can be a difficult task. How do you explain just how different other countries are and yet how they are in some ways very similar to each other? Sights and sounds, cultures and customs may vary but, ultimately, people are people and often have the same needs and aspirations.

So, if you want to introduce young readers to the richness that they can find out in the wide world and maybe demystify some of these things, Big Brilliant World envisaged by Aysha Tengiz, an award-winning illustrator and animator based in Newcastle, may be the very thing you need. The text comes from the experienced author, Matt Ralphs who writes both fiction and non-fiction books for children.

In the book we visit 12 of the world’s big cities – London, Tokyo, Paris, New York, Seoul, Istanbul, Mexico City, Budapest, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona and Rome. Each city is given a double page spread absolutely packed with places of interest, events, new foods, landmarks – and you’ll also get a chance to pick up a useful phrase or two in the native languages:

“Along the way. You’ll also learn about the different languages spoken in each city – and even pick up some of your first words in those languages!”

The layout of the book has an almost comic-book feel as you progress from frame to frame picking out details and maybe lingering on some aspects longer than on others depending on your interests – there’s literally something here for everyone and a young reader can get lost in their imagination as they move around the streets each city.

The book would be an ideal addition to any school library but it would also make an great book for sharing between a child and their parent or carer – together they can try mastering how to say hello in all the different languages you’ll find here.

Available now from Big Picture Books, you’ll be able to get a copy from your local independent bookshop – who will be happy to order it for you if they don’t have it on their shelves.

 

Terry Potter

April 2026