All about Flags! - by Robin Jacobs (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Through simple designs and colours, national flags can tell us a lot about the histories, identities, and interrelationships of the countries they represent. Grouping flags together first by continent and then by theme, this ... book explains how countries relate to one another, and how their politics and histories are interconnected"--

Book Synopsis

A refreshingly engaging introduction to flags of the world and the stories they tell.

Did you know that the flag of the USA was inspired by that of the East India Company--a private shipping company that traded in the spoils of the British Empire? Do you know what the black star on the flag of Ghana means? Or why the Russian flag looks similar to that of the Netherlands? Find the answers to these questions and more in this gorgeously presented, accessible atlas of flags.

Through simple designs and colors, national flags can tell us a lot about the histories, identities, and interrelationships of the countries they represent. Grouping flags together first by continent and then by theme, this illuminating book explains how countries relate to one another and how their politics and histories are interconnected. It provides a great launch point for discussions around identity, geography, and nation building, and it is a timely addition to the reference shelf of any politically curious 6- to 11-year old.

All About Flags! is packed with fascinating facts, clearly arranged by Robin Jacobs (Earth-Shattering Events, Cicada, 2019) and engagingly presented by Ben Javens (Alex and Alex, Cicada, 2021).

Review Quotes

"This comprehensive volume provides almost every detail one could desire about national flags. Neatly organized in sections that cover the history of flags, explanations of symbols and colors, and flags of different nations by continents, this title leaves out little information. Young researchers and those with an interest in flags of different countries should find this book useful; selectors should strongly consider purchasing for both school and public libraries." - School Library Journal

"All About Flags shares information about not only flags of different countries, but also about flags for different purposes, such as naval flags, flags used to identify groups of people, and more. Readers learn that there are unusual flags out there, including square flags of two countries, a flag with more than four sides, etc. Flags in the book are grouped by continent and then by theme, so there is a clear order for how to understand the flags as they are represented throughout the book. The glossary at the end as well as the index of countries rounds out the book, making it very easy to find whatever information necessary to learn about different countries and their flags." YA Books Central

About the Author

Robin Jacobs is a children's television and book writer living on the outskirts of Bristol, UK, with her family and two dogs. She has an undergraduate degree in Earth Sciences and has authored books such as Earth-Shattering Events (Cicada, 2019) and The Mellons Build a House (Cicada, 2023). She is passionate about environmental issues surrounding climate change.

Ben Javens is an illustrator and designer based in Birmingham, UK, whose drawings have been featured in The New York Times, School of Life, Anorak and The Guardian. He is the illustrator of Two Can (Francis Lincoln, 2016) and Alex and Alex (Cicada, 2021).