Flying Colors - by Robin Jacobs (Hardcover)

About the Book

A beautifully illustrated introduction to the history and symbolism of 70 flags from around the world.

Book Synopsis

By exploring the designs of flags, we can learn all about the histories and aspirations of the countries they represent. Did you know that only the flag of Nepal has more than four sides? Or that the flag of Mozambique features a book, a hoe and an AK47? Robert Fresson's vintage-inflected illustrations shed fresh light on the wonders of vexillology.

Review Quotes

KIRKUS REVIEW: The book has been laid out so skillfully that even the busiest flag looks beautiful. Readers who know the definition of "vexillologist" may be the target audience, but even people with no interest in geography might find themselves entertained and even a little tearful.

BOOKLIST REVIEW: Who knew the study of flags (vexillology) could be so much fun? This appealing book should answer any questions young readers might have about world flags. Many flag symbols reflect the political struggle countries have experienced or show hopes and beliefs. Opening comprehension questions help guide reading, and there are plenty of interesting facts about flags across the world.

BYU CHILDREN'S BOOK & MEDIA REVIEW: This book is amazing. Every page has top-to-bottom illustrations with text boxes. However, where many books with this style seem to lack a natural narrative, the text flows smoothly and ties together. The book is surprisingly engaging for a book about flags. The book is full color and the illustrations really help to convey the author's point. Greece's flag, for instance, changed in small steps to become what it is today, and the illustrated history of the flag makes the story so much more.

MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW: A Guide to Flags from Around the World is designed to be accessible to young adults, but readers of all ages will enjoy learning about the history of each flag. Flying Colors is highly recommended, especially for public and school library collections

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW: Readers who are intrigued by signs and symbols will find a treasure trove of information in this handbook of world flags. Miniature figures dressed in pillowy uniforms (they are "vexillogists," individuals who study flags) serve as guides to what flag colors and symbols represent. Jacobs's intriguing insights are gracefully paired with Fresson's polished digital graphics, which recall classic Tintin illustrations.

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW: The entire design, from whimsical endpapers filled with people carrying all sorts of flags to the thick, creamy pages, makes for an utterly browsable, attractive package. VERDICT Recommended for most libraries.

SEMI COLON BLOG REVIEW: What a beautiful and detailed guide to the design and history of flags around the world! This book is a fairly new volume, published in London in 2017, but it has the traditional attention to style, layout, and accuracy that characterizes older, vintage books for children.

TULSA BOOK REVIEW: The text is well written at a reading level that will be accessible to middle-grade readers yet should hold the interest of older readers who have an interest in the topic. The illustrations are detailed and colorful and represent the subject matter perfectly. Maps and blank pages for note taking in the back complete this book. The binding is sturdy, and the heavy paper gives a richness to this book. This is a good one.

YOUTH SERVICES BOOK REVIEW: Through this colorful volume, readers get both a short history of important dates for countries around the world and an understanding of flag meaning, function, and power. Fascinating new facts can be learned on each page and the focus is on interesting flags from all over the world, even if they are from the tiniest of islands.

About the Author

Illustrator Robert G Fresson has a meticulous graphic style inspired by work of Herge and 'Boy's Own' illustrations of the 1940s. His work has been published in The New Yorker, the New York Times and the Guardian amongst other publications.

Robin Jacobs: Robin Jacobs is an advertising creative living and working in London. She has been involved in numerous curatorial activities relating to children's illustration and is the author of Passport (Cicada 2015) and You Are Here (Cicada 2015).