Changes

I've always been fascinated by maps: diverse features can be converted into symbols, drawn on a piece of paper and then passed to someone else to interpret. Making or reading maps are skills which stay with you throughout life and learning 'how to' is relatively simple and great fun. Author Justin Miles has a car accident in 1999 and brain injuries meant that he had to learn to walk and talk from scratch. Whilst he was doing this he decided to become a full -time explorer and to support charities which inspire children to learn. He raises funds by taking on daring challenges, which have included climbing mountains, exploring the Arctic, crossing deserts and cutting his way through the jungle. If a man knows about maps, then it's Justin Miles.

The book is aimed at children but adults are not going to find it childish or patronising. The language is clear, helpful and - best of all - ''encouraging''. There are basic explanations about using maps and the different types of maps which are available, even down to distinguishing between ''topological'' and ''topographic'' maps. It's bang up to date and recognises that a lot of people are going to be looking at maps on phones. There's early encouragement to begin map -making - starting with a map of your desk, your home or your garden - and goes on to explain about the symbols which you'll regularly find on maps.

If this book appeals then [[50 Things You Should Know About: Wild Weather by Anna Claybourne]] might come in handy and you should have [[The Nature Explorer's Scrapbook by Caz Buckingham and Andrea Pinnington]] ready for when you get home. [[City Atlas: Discover the world with 30 city maps by Martin Haake and Georgia Cherry]] might come in handy. Those going on a ''very'' long journey might need [[Serious Survival: How to Poo in the Arctic and Other Essential Tips for Explorers by Marshall Corwin]]. You might also find [[WCS Junior SurviveoPedia HC (Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook Junior Editions) by David Borgenicht]] useful.