At the Top of the World: The Greatest Mountains on Earth

by Robin Jacobs

88 pages, Hardcover

Published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells all about the tallest and most dangerous mountains in the world, including Mount Everest, The Mattherhorn, Chimborazo, Mount Fuji, Kilimanjaro, Denali, Puncak Jaya, and Vinson Massif. From Nepal to Tanzania to Antarctica, we learn all about these famous mountains and the people who climb them.

There are sections about how we measure mountains, the many dangers of climbing them, and different types of mountains and how they formed from lava or earthquakes or folds in the earth's crust. We learn about having proper climbing equipment, and how to tie various knots in rope to keep you safe on the cliffs. There are sections about how to identify the symptoms of frostbite and altitude sickness, as well as how to survive an avalanche. We also get to see maps of the different routes that climbers have taken to the summit, with descriptions of the obstacles they faced.

I love the bright illustrations in this book and the way the text is broken up into small paragraphs that are easy to read. Such a wealth of information! And not just facts about the mountains, but also information about the culture of the people who live at the base of the mountains, and their language, their religion, and their legends. So interesting to see how living near mountains has shaped many cultures around the world!

There are a lot of stories of climbers who died trying to reach the summit of various mountains. If you want to see the details of their gruesome deaths, you can check out this book on the Screen It First website! https://screenitfirst.com/book/at-the...

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mountain summits have captured the attention and imagination of humans since the dawn of time, and only the bravest have ventured to the highest peaks. With the risk of altitude sickness, injury, and even death, the dangers inherent to mountain climbing are real, and yet the pull to succeed in touching the highest point often supersedes the risks. And as humans continue to pursue the greatest mountaineering achievements, the tools and knowledge required to do so continue to advance in tandem with them. This oversized nonfiction picture book introduces readers to mountaineering from every perspective. Beginning with the geology behind mountains and some of the most prominent ranges in the world, the book then progresses to gear and knots that help climbers to ascend in the safest manner possible. Following the foundational segment are pages of carefully curated information pertaining to several recognizable global peaks. From Everest to Denali, these detailed sections provide readers with imagery and facts related to each peak from the perspectives of both foreign adventurers and native cultures, which enhances the respect offered within the pages of this book. Similarly, the elation that comes from reaching a distant peak is balanced with the very real dangers that come from climbing remote slopes. Built on sturdy pages with a thick, hard cover, this book is designed to survive myriad readings and intensive study. This well-designed and informational nonfiction picture book is ideally suited to older elementary school-aged readers who have a passion for climbing and mountaineering.

[YSBR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This informative and vibrantly illustrated picture book explores the climate, unique ecosystems, and geology of mountains all over the world. Jacobs explains the sport of mountaineering, starting with its origins in the Victoria era, and culminating in the sophisticated techniques we have today. The second half of the book tours the historical and cultural stories associated with a number of more high-profile mountains. Readers will learn about the geopolitical controversies, indigenous relationships to the landscape, tourism, and European conquests for each peak along with an illustrated description of one or more climbing routes. The heavy focus on Mt. Everest seems appropriate, given its importance in the climbing community. The book does make a respectful effort to talk about indigenous peoples and their ways of balancing modern tourism and traditional knowledge. However, the book does spend more time on the conquest of mountains, as describing the climbs is integral to the aim of the book. 

The artwork is colorful, folksy, and compliments the book’s diverse subject matter, depicting geological processes, mountaineering techniques, and indigenous spirituality nimbly. I liked how the book really did explore all topics related to mountains, leaving nothing out. The geology of the mountains was particularly well explained, with helpful and artistic diagrams. This is a really special book weaving together many subjects quite deftly, and can be enjoyed by a wide swath of ages, including adults. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for young and old alike to enjoy and share! It begins with a section answering the questions of what is a mountain, what words are used to describe it, what is involved in exploration, dangers, and the gear needed. Next are chapters dedicated to detailed natural and human history as well as important facts about several famous mountains: Mt. Everest in Nepal/Tibet, The Matterhorn in Italy, Mt. Fuji in Japan, Chimborazo in Ecuador, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Denali in Alaska, Puncak Jaya in Indonesia, and Vinson Massif in Antarctica. There is also a glossary at the end.
The illustrations by Ed J Brown are detailed, colorful, representative, and clearly reflect all the work that went into creating this book.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of ANY age (not only 8 to 12) including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected proof copy in Adobe Digital Editions provided by Cicada Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
#AttheTopoftheWorld by Robin Jacobs (author); Ed Brown (illustrator)
#NetGalley @cicadabooks #MountainsOfTheWorld

[Buchkathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alles über Berge - echt spannend und kurzweilig

Berge üben auf mich schon seit meiner Kindheit eine große Faszination aus. Natürlich waren es damals noch nicht die fernen Berge der Welt, sondern die deutschen Alpen im Familienurlaub. Aber die coolen Bergsteiger, die so mutig jeden Gipfel erklimmen, fand ich auch damals schon sehr beeindruckend. Da war ja klar, dass ich irgendwann auch in den Bergsport einsteige. Es reicht zwar immer noch nur für die Alpen und das Bergwandern, aber dieses Buch wollte ich trotzdem unbedingt lesen.

Denn hier lernen schon Kinder ab 8 Jahren alles über die gigantischen Gipfel. Es werden Begrifflichkeiten erklärt und dann verschiedene bekannte Berge der ganzen Erde vorgestellt. Zu jeden der Berge geht das Buch darauf ein, wie er zuerst bestiegen wurde und von wem. Natürlich gibt es dann auch zu diesen Gipfel unterschiedliche wissenswerte Fakten, die in kleinen Textschnipseln und vielen bunten Bildern dargestellt werden.

All das macht es zu einem sehr kurzweiligen Leseerlebnis, bei dem auch wir Erwachsenen richtig viel lernen können. Von mir gibt es eine dicke Leseempfehlung!

[André Keil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gigantisch sagt eigentlich schon genug über das Buch aus. Zunächst finde ich das Cover schon total kreativ und ansprechend umgesetzt. Es passt hervorragend zur Thematik und macht schon neugierig auf den Inhalt des Buches.
Fängt man dann an zu schmökern, wird einem ein breites Angebot und Informationen zu allen Dingen rund um das Bergsteigen geboten. Angefangen von historischen Bergsteigerausrüstungen bis hin zu moderneren.
Für mich als Mount Everest Fan gab es tatsächlich auch noch Informationen die ich so noch nicht gehört hatte. Auch über eine Unzahl anderer Berge gibt es detaillierte Informationen. Angefangen von verschiedenen Routen zur Besteigung, über die Kletterer die es geschafft haben.
Die Informationen die geboten werden sind oft kurze Texte. Also gut geeignet nicht nur für kleinere Kinder.
Fazit: Mal wieder ein super gehaltvolles Sachbuch mit tollen Texten und Bildern!

[SOYAMRG · Rating 4 out of 5]

A select number of the highest peaks in the world are examined in this large format book.

The initial chapter covers how mountains form, the largest mountain ranges, and mountain exploration. Each subsequent chapter covers a different famous peak. The information includes the location, the climate, relevant culture and mythology, famous explorations, and the different routes for reaching the summit. The text is broken into smaller chunks mixed in with the colorful and somewhat primitive illustrations. The final pages include a glossary of terms.

For any child interested in mountain climbing or adventure in general, this is a good introduction. For grades 3-6.

D.B.
Ret. YS Librarian

[Tasha Mutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

We reviewed this thinking it would be great for the kids, but I was just as intrigued as the kids!

The contents goes through the "greatest mountains on Earth" listing facts about the mountain but there is so much more. There is a list of "mountain terms", a guide to different mountain climbing rope knots and tools, as well as what to do in emergency situations when mountain climbing.

The illustrations are colorful and detailed allowing for us to better understand what was being read. We enjoyed the depiction of the step by step guide for the tying of knots.

Thank you NetGalley, Robin Jacobs, and Cicada Books for allowing me to review.

[Barbara Band · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an armchair mountaineer, I found this book fascinating. Eight mountains are featured from across the world and every continent. Looking at equipment and gear needed, the history around each mountain, myths connected with them, the impact of climbing and resulting tourism on the environment and indigenous people, the routes that can be taken to reach the summit and the various dangers climbers face. It really is jam-packed with information and all wonderfully illustrated. There's also a useful section on how mountains are formed, and a glossary of mountain and mountaineering words. Perfect for KS2, primary - especially if you're studying mountains or have any would-be mountaineers!

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

At The Top Of The World: The Greatest Mountains On Earth (And How To Climb Them) by @edjbrown @cicadabooks is an educational, fascinating, and engaging read! This wonderful book is for the adventure lovers at heart. It teaches countless facts about mountains, mountain climbing, and the most epic mountains in the world! Full of illustrations which visually explain, fun historical facts, and plenty of geography this book recommended for ages 7 & up is great!

[Lynsaroo · Rating 5 out of 5]

⛰️ Even if you’re not the adventurous type, you’re sure to find something of interest learning about the most impressive mountains on earth. Packed with incredible art, you’ll not only learn about the peaks themselves but the history of climbs and conquests and the people that live in the area. For those up to the challenge, they explain hazards, climbing gear, necessary knots, and more helpful knowledge.

[Karthika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I loved this book, full of adventure and information. The illustrations are extremely good. I loved the choice of colors. There are so many details about the various mountains and also some history, what's the path taken to reach the summit. I got carried away to the various places as I read this book. Definitely something I will reread.