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Wide Eyed Editions Amazing Asia An Encyclopedia of an Epic Continent (Epic Continents).
Welcome to Asia! Discover the incredible history and diversity of Asia in all its splendour, with this stunningly illustrated and fact-filled encyclopedia. We dive deep into this vast and epic continent, looking at its incredible past, its fascinating present, and its exciting future. Amazing Asia celebrates the five geographic regions – East, West, North and Central, South and South East. Each regional section
Highly illustrated regional Understand the geography and get to know the region's countries and its fascinating facts. Historical timeline and history Time-travel back to Asia's magnificent empires and dynasties, rulers, leaders, protests and conflicts. People and Learn about the important regional foods, ways of life, industry, arts and crafts, music and dance. Wildlife and Explore the breathtaking vistas, animal and plant life, such as the Bengal tiger, Banyan trees, the Chocolate Hills, or the Mekong river. Spectacular Discover an awe-inspiring panorama with stunning, intricate details, such as Mount Fuji, Petra and the Samarkand. Change makers and Meet the region's most inspiring people from every area of life – e.g., Bruce Lee, Yeonmi Park, Sachin Tendulkar and Tenzing Norgay. Today, Wander across the region in the present day and take a glimpse at what its incredibly exciting future might look like. Amazing Asia brings readers bang up to date, exploring everything from the origin of Asian migration, to pockets of Asian culture all over the planet. Find out about Asia's cultural reach across the globe with K-pop, martial arts, street food, sport, Bollywood, gaming, spiritualism and yoga, as well as the rise in business, technology and power structures. Celebratory and all-encompassing,this is the go-to illustrated children's reference on Asia. From the singing dunes of the Gobi Desert to the Republic of North Korea – one of the most secretive places on earth – to the rise of tech, artificial intelligence, mega-cities and superpowers, this is a breathtaking, thought-provoking and inspiring read for the whole family.
Highly illustrated regional Understand the geography and get to know the region's countries and its fascinating facts. Historical timeline and history Time-travel back to Asia's magnificent empires and dynasties, rulers, leaders, protests and conflicts. People and Learn about the important regional foods, ways of life, industry, arts and crafts, music and dance. Wildlife and Explore the breathtaking vistas, animal and plant life, such as the Bengal tiger, Banyan trees, the Chocolate Hills, or the Mekong river. Spectacular Discover an awe-inspiring panorama with stunning, intricate details, such as Mount Fuji, Petra and the Samarkand. Change makers and Meet the region's most inspiring people from every area of life – e.g., Bruce Lee, Yeonmi Park, Sachin Tendulkar and Tenzing Norgay. Today, Wander across the region in the present day and take a glimpse at what its incredibly exciting future might look like. Amazing Asia brings readers bang up to date, exploring everything from the origin of Asian migration, to pockets of Asian culture all over the planet. Find out about Asia's cultural reach across the globe with K-pop, martial arts, street food, sport, Bollywood, gaming, spiritualism and yoga, as well as the rise in business, technology and power structures. Celebratory and all-encompassing,this is the go-to illustrated children's reference on Asia. From the singing dunes of the Gobi Desert to the Republic of North Korea – one of the most secretive places on earth – to the rise of tech, artificial intelligence, mega-cities and superpowers, this is a breathtaking, thought-provoking and inspiring read for the whole family.
112 pages, Hardcover
Published October 17, 2024
About the author
Rashmi Sirdeshpande
33 books9 followersRashmi Sirdeshpande is an award-winning British Indian author of both fiction and nonfiction.
Rashmi gave up her beloved job as a lawyer to spend more time stretching and squeezing words into stories. In 2018, she was selected for the Penguin Random House WriteNow mentoring program and started her writing career by signing with Puffin Books.
Rashmi loves learning about new things, writing, and uses her platform to be the author that she was missing in her childhood.
Rashmi gave up her beloved job as a lawyer to spend more time stretching and squeezing words into stories. In 2018, she was selected for the Penguin Random House WriteNow mentoring program and started her writing career by signing with Puffin Books.
Rashmi loves learning about new things, writing, and uses her platform to be the author that she was missing in her childhood.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 9, 2024
In a Nutshell: An informative children’s nonfiction book focussing on the largest continent, the countries comprising it, and the richness of this region. Excellent presentation, comprehensive coverage, great illustrations. Much recommended.
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Asia, with the second highest number of countries in the world, the largest land mass (one-third of the entire planet’s land), and two-thirds of the world’s population (over 4.7 billion people), cannot be ignored on the global scale. Its glorious past has been somewhat affected thanks to all the colonial invasions and internal wars, but the present Asia has many tigers that roar with the right spirit. It also has a rich heritage in terms of nature as well as culture. The future of the world is fairly dependent on Asian countries (and their good and bad behaviour.)
The book begins with an introduction to the continent, its countries, and a list of fascinating facts for each Asian country. (I was a bit disappointed to see that India’s “fascinating fact” was that we are the most populous country in the world. Not fascinating at all – it’s commonplace knowledge and quite disappointing! I wish the book had mentioned something more offbeat and relatively unknown such as our having the largest postal network in the world or that we are the world’s largest producer of spices or that we have 22 official languages or that chess and snakes and ladders originated in India… So many fascinating trivia to choose from, but stuck again with the largest-population tag! All the other countries got such wonderful snippets. 😢)
This vast continent is then split across the five geographic divisions: East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, North and Central Asia, and West Asia. Of course, just because the continent is segregated this way doesn’t mean that the nations within a group are similar to each other. They might have certain things in common, but on the whole, each country in Asia has a distinct identity of its own, and the book brings this fact out well.
For each of these five regions, we get information about its history (kingdoms and civilizations), people and cultures, landscapes and wildlife, spectacular sights, famous changemakers, and future trends. I like how there is a properly illustrated map for every region so that picturing it on the globe is quite easy. Once all the regions are covered, there is a special section called ‘Global Asia’, which focusses on immigrant Asians across the world, and their contributions to their new homelands.
The final section mentions ten ways in which Asia has influenced the world. The book ends with a helpful glossary and a detailed alphabetical index of contents.
The scope of this book is itself a huge reason to pick it up. Within a single book, we get information about various countries and subject areas. The depth might be missing, but the width is detailed enough to encourage further research. To keep today’s youngsters hooked, the book also has several mentions of modern Asian content that is making waves globally, such as manga, K-pop, martial arts, yoga, and a lot more.
I learnt plenty of fascinating names and facts, especially about the Asian countries beyond South Asia. There were so many times when I stopped reading to google more about a particular place/custom/music. (Favourite new discovery? Lake Kaindy of Kazakhstan! I’d love to see it some day!)
The book isn’t purely laudatory. There is an intelligent handling of sensitive topics such as the two major ongoing wars (Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine), colonial rule and its repercussions, disputed territories such as Taiwan and Tibet, and even genocides and public protests against despotic governments.
The illustrations are excellent. Though I prefer photographs rather than sketches when it comes to nonfiction, I do understand the difficulty of legally sourcing photographs from so many diverse topics. The illustrations in this book have the tough task of matching up to real people/places/animals, and they handle this excellently. I loved how this beautiful and colourful continent springs to life in the graphics.
Overall, I am highly satisfied with the book. I wasn’t sure if a single book could do justice to this extensive potpourri of cultures that Asia is, but it does a commendable job.
Much recommended. It will serve well as a learning aide for Asian geography/social science/history in classrooms. Trivia-loving kids will also enjoy the splendid range of fun facts herein. The content ought to be a good fit for older middle-graders and teens.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group for providing the DRC of “Amazing Asia: An Encyclopedia of an Epic Continent” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Asia, with the second highest number of countries in the world, the largest land mass (one-third of the entire planet’s land), and two-thirds of the world’s population (over 4.7 billion people), cannot be ignored on the global scale. Its glorious past has been somewhat affected thanks to all the colonial invasions and internal wars, but the present Asia has many tigers that roar with the right spirit. It also has a rich heritage in terms of nature as well as culture. The future of the world is fairly dependent on Asian countries (and their good and bad behaviour.)
The book begins with an introduction to the continent, its countries, and a list of fascinating facts for each Asian country. (I was a bit disappointed to see that India’s “fascinating fact” was that we are the most populous country in the world. Not fascinating at all – it’s commonplace knowledge and quite disappointing! I wish the book had mentioned something more offbeat and relatively unknown such as our having the largest postal network in the world or that we are the world’s largest producer of spices or that we have 22 official languages or that chess and snakes and ladders originated in India… So many fascinating trivia to choose from, but stuck again with the largest-population tag! All the other countries got such wonderful snippets. 😢)
This vast continent is then split across the five geographic divisions: East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, North and Central Asia, and West Asia. Of course, just because the continent is segregated this way doesn’t mean that the nations within a group are similar to each other. They might have certain things in common, but on the whole, each country in Asia has a distinct identity of its own, and the book brings this fact out well.
For each of these five regions, we get information about its history (kingdoms and civilizations), people and cultures, landscapes and wildlife, spectacular sights, famous changemakers, and future trends. I like how there is a properly illustrated map for every region so that picturing it on the globe is quite easy. Once all the regions are covered, there is a special section called ‘Global Asia’, which focusses on immigrant Asians across the world, and their contributions to their new homelands.
The final section mentions ten ways in which Asia has influenced the world. The book ends with a helpful glossary and a detailed alphabetical index of contents.
The scope of this book is itself a huge reason to pick it up. Within a single book, we get information about various countries and subject areas. The depth might be missing, but the width is detailed enough to encourage further research. To keep today’s youngsters hooked, the book also has several mentions of modern Asian content that is making waves globally, such as manga, K-pop, martial arts, yoga, and a lot more.
I learnt plenty of fascinating names and facts, especially about the Asian countries beyond South Asia. There were so many times when I stopped reading to google more about a particular place/custom/music. (Favourite new discovery? Lake Kaindy of Kazakhstan! I’d love to see it some day!)
The book isn’t purely laudatory. There is an intelligent handling of sensitive topics such as the two major ongoing wars (Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine), colonial rule and its repercussions, disputed territories such as Taiwan and Tibet, and even genocides and public protests against despotic governments.
The illustrations are excellent. Though I prefer photographs rather than sketches when it comes to nonfiction, I do understand the difficulty of legally sourcing photographs from so many diverse topics. The illustrations in this book have the tough task of matching up to real people/places/animals, and they handle this excellently. I loved how this beautiful and colourful continent springs to life in the graphics.
Overall, I am highly satisfied with the book. I wasn’t sure if a single book could do justice to this extensive potpourri of cultures that Asia is, but it does a commendable job.
Much recommended. It will serve well as a learning aide for Asian geography/social science/history in classrooms. Trivia-loving kids will also enjoy the splendid range of fun facts herein. The content ought to be a good fit for older middle-graders and teens.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group for providing the DRC of “Amazing Asia: An Encyclopedia of an Epic Continent” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
September 12, 2025
Rashmi Sirdeshpande’s 'Amazing Asia' is a vibrant and eye-catching introduction to the diverse cultures, landscapes and traditions of Asia.
✦ What I Liked :
Beautiful Illustrations: The artwork is bright, colorful and engaging, making the book visually appealing for younger readers.
Diverse Coverage: It covers a wide variety of countries, landmarks and cultures, giving a lively overview of Asia’s richness and brief history.
Easy to Understand: The language is simple and accessible, perfect for sparking curiosity in children.
✦ What Could Be Improved :
A Few Incorrect Facts: While the book is fun, some factual details are slightly inaccurate or oversimplified, which may confuse readers who are looking for precise information. For Example, Algebra was introduced by Arabs to India. This is wrong. We were using algebra far before Arabs even new about mathematics. Zero invented here and scientific calculations were done, were all those without using algebra by Learned Saints of India?
Brief Treatment of Topics: Each section is very short, so complex cultures are only lightly touched on.
✦ Overall :
Despite a few factual slips, Amazing Asia remains a colorful and informative read that can inspire kids to learn a bit about the world’s largest continent.
My NetGalley review
✦ What I Liked :
Beautiful Illustrations: The artwork is bright, colorful and engaging, making the book visually appealing for younger readers.
Diverse Coverage: It covers a wide variety of countries, landmarks and cultures, giving a lively overview of Asia’s richness and brief history.
Easy to Understand: The language is simple and accessible, perfect for sparking curiosity in children.
✦ What Could Be Improved :
A Few Incorrect Facts: While the book is fun, some factual details are slightly inaccurate or oversimplified, which may confuse readers who are looking for precise information. For Example, Algebra was introduced by Arabs to India. This is wrong. We were using algebra far before Arabs even new about mathematics. Zero invented here and scientific calculations were done, were all those without using algebra by Learned Saints of India?
Brief Treatment of Topics: Each section is very short, so complex cultures are only lightly touched on.
✦ Overall :
Despite a few factual slips, Amazing Asia remains a colorful and informative read that can inspire kids to learn a bit about the world’s largest continent.
My NetGalley review
September 24, 2024
"Amazing Asia" is a delightful and concise guide to the diverse history, cultures, and people of the Asian continent. Author Rashmi Sirdeshpande offers a brief yet engaging overview of this vast and complex region, making it accessible for readers of all ages.
Through colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text, Sirdeshpande introduces readers to the major historical events, religions, cuisines, and traditions that shape the diverse nations of Asia. The book's approachable style makes it an excellent resource for younger readers or anyone seeking a quick and enjoyable introduction to the region.
One of the most appealing aspects of "Amazing Asia" is its celebration of the richness and diversity of Asian cultures. Sirdeshpande encourages readers to explore the unique customs and practices that make each country special while emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating our differences.
Overall, "Amazing Asia" is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history, culture, and people of this vibrant continent. This concise guide is a perfect starting point for readers of all ages who are eager to broaden their knowledge and appreciate the diverse tapestry of Asian cultures.
** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. **
Through colorful illustrations and easy-to-read text, Sirdeshpande introduces readers to the major historical events, religions, cuisines, and traditions that shape the diverse nations of Asia. The book's approachable style makes it an excellent resource for younger readers or anyone seeking a quick and enjoyable introduction to the region.
One of the most appealing aspects of "Amazing Asia" is its celebration of the richness and diversity of Asian cultures. Sirdeshpande encourages readers to explore the unique customs and practices that make each country special while emphasizing the importance of understanding and appreciating our differences.
Overall, "Amazing Asia" is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history, culture, and people of this vibrant continent. This concise guide is a perfect starting point for readers of all ages who are eager to broaden their knowledge and appreciate the diverse tapestry of Asian cultures.
** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. **
November 13, 2024
This engaging book looks at the vast continent of Asia, from the Middle East, down to the islands of Southeast Asia and up to the northernmost reaches of Russia. It introduces young readers to the myriad and diverse range of landscapes, wildlife, cultures, religions, lifestyles and architectures via fascinating facts and expressive illustrations, covering the past, present and future. The language is accessible with a focus on inclusivity. It is ideal for students interested in geography, other cultures and travel and would make an excellent addition to the school library collection. Aimed at 8 - 12 years.
November 26, 2024
Highly dubious – not only does this book feature some invented country called Palestine – I know all countries are somewhat invented, but all the same – but it declares Cyprus to be "part of Asia but some of their territory lies in Europe". It then says the "Tibet Autonomous Region" "can make its own laws". When budgets are tight, books that make such errors and dubious claims really can be easily ignored.
October 5, 2024
Can't wait for my preordered print copy to arrive! The grands will have to wait til January for me to share it with them. I loved all the visuals (but my eyesight sabotaged my reading of the smaller print information in E format), complete with maps, famous persons, all sorts of costumes, and more. Fantastic!
The illustrations by Jason Lyon are extravagant, complex, and brilliantly colorful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of ANY age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group/Wide Eyed Editions via NetGalley. Thank you!
@QuartoKids @CBCBook @wideeyeded #EasternCultures @@RashmiWriting #MapsAndMore @TheQuartoGroup #AllAges @QuartoKids @jasonlyon_
*****It's a week since review, and now that I have received the print copy I'm even more impressed! It is an oversized book and a total WOW!
The illustrations by Jason Lyon are extravagant, complex, and brilliantly colorful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of ANY age including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group/Wide Eyed Editions via NetGalley. Thank you!
@QuartoKids @CBCBook @wideeyeded #EasternCultures @@RashmiWriting #MapsAndMore @TheQuartoGroup #AllAges @QuartoKids @jasonlyon_
*****It's a week since review, and now that I have received the print copy I'm even more impressed! It is an oversized book and a total WOW!
October 8, 2024
Gorgeous, ambitious, meticulous and mind-boggling, this is my favourite sort of kids' non-fiction! It covers an incredibly diverse continent in a simple yet rich and engaging way. And with its warm illustrations, I'm sure the hard copy will be even more breathtaking. Perfect for kids – and adults – who enjoy discovering cool facts about places, cultures and people across the world!
December 28, 2024
This is an amazing encyclopedia of sorts that gives a good introduction into Asia. Truly it is a vast continent made up of different regions. It can be tropical, desert, snowy. It has the highest point in the world and one of the lowest
Students will learn so much from this text. I appreciated the highlights of big movers and shakers from Asia as well as glimpse both into origins and modern day.
Students will learn so much from this text. I appreciated the highlights of big movers and shakers from Asia as well as glimpse both into origins and modern day.
April 16, 2026
I liked the layout for the book, it was lovely, bright and the text was clear and easy to read.
The amount of detail and the overviews were great - it is all very well done.
The illustrations in the book were wonderful, really enjoyable and they definitely added to the book.
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
The amount of detail and the overviews were great - it is all very well done.
The illustrations in the book were wonderful, really enjoyable and they definitely added to the book.
It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!
November 4, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was a fun and informative read. The drawings were great as well. This would be a great read for those kids interesting in Asian cultures.
August 18, 2025
I love the illustrations in this book and how it is so easy to read. I am Asian and I even learned new things
May 17, 2026
Such a great book, I loved the illustrations! It was the right amount of interesting information, not too much like a history book. Plus it was so up-to-date and included very recent events!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews