The Boy Who Loved Maps, written by Kari Allen and illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Penguin Random House. 2022. $23.99 ages 6 and up

 

"The girl thought a moment, then smiled. 
"I'd like a map of the perfect place. A 
place that's toes-in-the-sand, wrapped-up-
in-a-towel warm." 

The Mapmaker checked his globe and drew
a map of the warmest place he could find,
with its sunny, sandy beaches. 

The girl studied the map, then shook her head." 

When I was teaching in an early years classroom, we liked to try our hand at mapping. We started with the child's room, and moved out from there, almost always ending with a map of our school neighborhood. It was an appreciated learning experience for all.  So, I am delighted to share this new book about a boy who loves maps, and who does his very best to create the map a young girl in interested in having. 

The mapmaker has his own personal space for doing his work. It is a treehouse, and it contains all he needs to produce the maps he so loves making. He doesn't just make them; he collects them and studies them, too. They are different sizes and describe numerous settings. When the girl visits his tree house, she makes a request for her own map. She knows exactly what she wants. The mapmaker sets to work. With each try, the girl is enthusiastic but not satisfied. She wants more and more. Finally, he has to admit failure. He has never seen such a place charted. 

The girl suggests theyshould try exploring. Once he has everything he needs, they are off. The girl carries nothing. As they walk together through town, they find places that perfectly match her wishes. Their final stop is the girl's house where she adds found treasures to her growing collection. That exploration is all the mapmaker and his new friend need to create the one-of-a-kind, exactly-right map she has described. 

This debut picture book is an on-going riddle for readers, always encouraging them to think about the perfect place the young girl is describing. Mr. Karas uses gouache and pencil to enhance the story and provide maps that are sure to interest the kids who have the same interest as The Mapmaker. 

End matter includes an author's note, map words, a description of a map, step-by-step instructions for mapping a neighborhood, and a list of map activities.