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The Hello Atlas
Look into the lives of children all over the world with this book that celebrates one of humanity's greatest written and verbal language. Including fully illustrated word charts, featuring children depicted in their home country, doing ordinary things, this book features more than 100 languages, from well-known and lesser known indigenous languages that introduce us to some of the world's most remote communities. With foreword by ethnobotanist and explorer, Professor Wade Davis. Comes with a free, downloadable app for iOS and Android that allows you to hear the phrases in the book, each recorded by a native speaker.
80 pages, Hardcover
Published October 4, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
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January 12, 2021The good:
Charming, whimsical artwork, variety of languages and phrases, maps showing relationship between the different countries’ languages.
The bad:
First of all, so many languages didn't make the cut. So many common languages. This book is advertised as featuring both common and lesser-known languages, and for highlighting more than just a country's official language when there are pocket communities who use another. So, for example, how is it Canada's and the USA's substantial population of Pennsylvania Dutch speakers don't seem to exist here? It's such a distinct dialect of Deutsch (Deitsch!), and it covers such a broad geographic range, and it isn't even mentioned. Also, too much information that did make the cut has been relegated to the app. No pronunciation is given (not even IPA, which is both succinct and precise), nor any explanation on the languages and their difference. I have listened, for example, to the news from Paris and from Quebec, and even though they’re both recorded in French, they have a distinctly different sound. The Democratic Republic of the Congo uses yet a different style of pronunciation. In addition, even the similarities are hard to spot. Languages that are related often have words that are cognate, but here, the related languages are often separated by others in between, making it hard to see their linguistic connection. There’s enough here to inspire kids, I guess, but I think the most I got out of it was being able to look at a map and see (some of the places) where these different languages are spoken. I don’t know how useful or practical any of it is.
The ugly:
I had such a wretched time with the app. I thought, when I got the book, that the book would be a complete thing unto itself. But that’s not the case here; this book is meant to be read alongside an app that will talk in all the languages. That sounded nice at first, since I’d much rather hear something than read a person try to describe how something should sound. However, it was a little alarming to me how absolutely central the app was to understanding the book. (I mean, doesn’t the book mean anything?) Anyway, I installed the app, and it doesn’t work. I can select a country or a language, and I can see the picture of a smiling child, but the app freezes up and won’t speak. I tried restarting, uninstalling, reinstalling—nothing. I told some relatives, and we tried it on three different devices, and it didn’t work anywhere. Worse, I couldn’t even delete it successfully; now, it randomly keeps trying to re-install itself, and it makes the whole device crash. I can’t make it go away. So, to sum up, the book is kind of worthless without the app, and the app is kind of worthless anyway. Cute pictures, and a nice idea, but far too inaccessible to be worthwhile.
Charming, whimsical artwork, variety of languages and phrases, maps showing relationship between the different countries’ languages.
The bad:
First of all, so many languages didn't make the cut. So many common languages. This book is advertised as featuring both common and lesser-known languages, and for highlighting more than just a country's official language when there are pocket communities who use another. So, for example, how is it Canada's and the USA's substantial population of Pennsylvania Dutch speakers don't seem to exist here? It's such a distinct dialect of Deutsch (Deitsch!), and it covers such a broad geographic range, and it isn't even mentioned. Also, too much information that did make the cut has been relegated to the app. No pronunciation is given (not even IPA, which is both succinct and precise), nor any explanation on the languages and their difference. I have listened, for example, to the news from Paris and from Quebec, and even though they’re both recorded in French, they have a distinctly different sound. The Democratic Republic of the Congo uses yet a different style of pronunciation. In addition, even the similarities are hard to spot. Languages that are related often have words that are cognate, but here, the related languages are often separated by others in between, making it hard to see their linguistic connection. There’s enough here to inspire kids, I guess, but I think the most I got out of it was being able to look at a map and see (some of the places) where these different languages are spoken. I don’t know how useful or practical any of it is.
The ugly:
I had such a wretched time with the app. I thought, when I got the book, that the book would be a complete thing unto itself. But that’s not the case here; this book is meant to be read alongside an app that will talk in all the languages. That sounded nice at first, since I’d much rather hear something than read a person try to describe how something should sound. However, it was a little alarming to me how absolutely central the app was to understanding the book. (I mean, doesn’t the book mean anything?) Anyway, I installed the app, and it doesn’t work. I can select a country or a language, and I can see the picture of a smiling child, but the app freezes up and won’t speak. I tried restarting, uninstalling, reinstalling—nothing. I told some relatives, and we tried it on three different devices, and it didn’t work anywhere. Worse, I couldn’t even delete it successfully; now, it randomly keeps trying to re-install itself, and it makes the whole device crash. I can’t make it go away. So, to sum up, the book is kind of worthless without the app, and the app is kind of worthless anyway. Cute pictures, and a nice idea, but far too inaccessible to be worthwhile.
October 8, 2017
Wonderful way to introduce kids to the understanding that there are many many languages in the world and the ways they are connected. I would have loved this as a kid. There is a free app that accompanies the book that provides pronunciations.
A great book for a classroom.
A great book for a classroom.
June 14, 2017
LOVE this book! Each continent has a welcome column that briefly discusses the language families found there, or, in the case of some continents, the indigenous languages and the other dominant languages that were brought there through colonization. What a mirror for a child who speaks Cherokee, Choctaw, Ojibwe or Cree to see themselves on the map and to hear their language on the free app!
October 2, 2016
I received a copy of this title from Allen & Unwin for review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
A big and bright atlas of language, aimed at youngsters who want to find out how to be friendly in a foreign land.
As you can probably infer from the cover illustration, this book is all about people talking. The understanding that people in different places communicate using different sound patterns will no doubt spur on motivated youngsters to find out more. This is definitely the book for that youngster. The atlas is divided into sections relating to different continents, and each section features a range of images of children doing everyday things - playing sport, taking a walk, going to school - captioned with the child's name and the language they speak. Each child is also accompanied by a phrase in their native language (and in some cases, alphabet) with an English translation.
While there is only a small amount of text for the plethora of images and languages, many of the children are pictured in some form of national dress, or performing an activity that is associated with their region of the world - ice hockey in North America, for instance - so there is plenty of visual information to flesh out the text.
The illustrations are done in attractive pastel tones and, happily, represent a range of skin colours for each continent. On my initial flick through the book, I was a little overwhelmed with the number of children featured and I was worried that it might be a bit of information overload for younger readers. Each section is preceded with a map of the particular continent that shows each of the children who will be showcased in the following section and where on the continent their language is spoken. This provides readers with a chance to flick back and forth through the section to give a visual reminder of where each language group sits in the broader scheme of things.
I was quite interested to see whether any Australian Indigenous languages would be included and after a cursory inspection, I found three - Arrernte, Warlpiri, Yolngu - as well as Australian Kriol. I wanted more, to be honest. I realise that there has to be some kind of cut off point, but considering Australia had over 200 separate language groups once upon a time, it's a bit of a shame that only three and a half made the cut here.
In a handy turn of events, The Hello Atlas also comes with a free app for smart devices that allows readers to actually hear the languages in the book being spoken. I decided it would be remiss of me not to download it (even though it's a pretty big app - you might need to clear some space first!) and I was pleasantly surprised that it is simple and streamlined in design and would be perfectly easy to master for anyone with even a basic knowledge of app-related pointy finger-jabbing.
Overall, I found this to be a fun and informative book that is the perfect size to pop on a classroom or library shelf to entice budding linguists. The large format of the atlas means that multiple readers can gather round it at the same time, which can only be a good thing for a book that is based on the topics of communication and personal interaction.
I'd definitely recommend this one to classroom teachers, as well as parents who want to inspire a love of language and diversity in their mini-fleshlings.
Ten Second Synopsis:
A big and bright atlas of language, aimed at youngsters who want to find out how to be friendly in a foreign land.
As you can probably infer from the cover illustration, this book is all about people talking. The understanding that people in different places communicate using different sound patterns will no doubt spur on motivated youngsters to find out more. This is definitely the book for that youngster. The atlas is divided into sections relating to different continents, and each section features a range of images of children doing everyday things - playing sport, taking a walk, going to school - captioned with the child's name and the language they speak. Each child is also accompanied by a phrase in their native language (and in some cases, alphabet) with an English translation.
While there is only a small amount of text for the plethora of images and languages, many of the children are pictured in some form of national dress, or performing an activity that is associated with their region of the world - ice hockey in North America, for instance - so there is plenty of visual information to flesh out the text.
The illustrations are done in attractive pastel tones and, happily, represent a range of skin colours for each continent. On my initial flick through the book, I was a little overwhelmed with the number of children featured and I was worried that it might be a bit of information overload for younger readers. Each section is preceded with a map of the particular continent that shows each of the children who will be showcased in the following section and where on the continent their language is spoken. This provides readers with a chance to flick back and forth through the section to give a visual reminder of where each language group sits in the broader scheme of things.
I was quite interested to see whether any Australian Indigenous languages would be included and after a cursory inspection, I found three - Arrernte, Warlpiri, Yolngu - as well as Australian Kriol. I wanted more, to be honest. I realise that there has to be some kind of cut off point, but considering Australia had over 200 separate language groups once upon a time, it's a bit of a shame that only three and a half made the cut here.
In a handy turn of events, The Hello Atlas also comes with a free app for smart devices that allows readers to actually hear the languages in the book being spoken. I decided it would be remiss of me not to download it (even though it's a pretty big app - you might need to clear some space first!) and I was pleasantly surprised that it is simple and streamlined in design and would be perfectly easy to master for anyone with even a basic knowledge of app-related pointy finger-jabbing.
Overall, I found this to be a fun and informative book that is the perfect size to pop on a classroom or library shelf to entice budding linguists. The large format of the atlas means that multiple readers can gather round it at the same time, which can only be a good thing for a book that is based on the topics of communication and personal interaction.
I'd definitely recommend this one to classroom teachers, as well as parents who want to inspire a love of language and diversity in their mini-fleshlings.
April 3, 2019
They included a Czech girl and a Slovak boy! But alas, my Bulgarians friends, no little Bulgarian speaker. Only Serbian, Croatian and Turkish for that lovely patch of Europe.
March 5, 2017
I really like this book for giving kids an introduction to the number of languages that exist throughout the world. One of the nice things about it is that it has an app you can download to go with it, and that will give you audio clips of phrases in different languages. For each language, it has several basic phrases ("Hello", "What's your name?", "Nice to meet you", etc.), so the app expands on the one or two phrases per language that the book provides.
June 3, 2017
I think students will be really surprised to see how many more languages there are than just the typical high school course offerings. I have not explored the app. that goes with the book, but I will do that before sharing with kids.
December 4, 2018
Takes the reader around the world and shows children speaking all different languages.
Information text presented for each continent along with the illustrations of children saying hello in their own languages.
Chart of other phrases at the end of the book.
Information text presented for each continent along with the illustrations of children saying hello in their own languages.
Chart of other phrases at the end of the book.
February 10, 2018
Execellent start guide to not just common languages spoken, but also various indigenous languages from around the world. Great illustrations with good diversity. Love this book!
July 2, 2022
Fun to look at some if the different languages spoken across the world.
August 27, 2023
Fascinating!
March 9, 2026
wish there were more languages! even in the back or something! but it is such a beautiful book!!
November 20, 2016
Handicott, B. (2016). Hello atlas. New York: Wide Eyes Edition.
Citation by: Amy Reesor
Type of Reference: Geographical Reference
Call Number: Ref 912 Han
Content/Scope: The atlas targets students in grades 1-4 and focuses on over 100 languages spoken around the world using illustrations of diverse children standing on a map of where they live. Language name and correlating geographical locations are given and examples of phrases are provided. There is also an app students can download to hear the phrases included in the atlas verbalized in the diverse languages by native speakers. This would be a text used to promote diversity and support a feeling of belonging for all students while exposing them to the continents and countries of the world.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Wide Eyed Editions publishes non-fiction books to promote wonder in children and their families about the world. Ben Handicott is the author of many titles including 50 Museums to Blow Your Mind (2016), 50 Beaches to Blow Your Mind (2016), and many other titles on diverse languages around the world.
Arrangement/Presentation: The 80 page atlas is broken down by continent and provides a brief summary and history of the languages for the continent. A two page map for each continent is included and accurate depictions of the native children are standing on the map. The text next to each child gives the country, language spoken, and an interesting fact. After the map layouts, there are comic style illustrations of the children performing everyday activities in their country, and phrases in the languages they speak with the English translation.
Relation to Similar Work: There are many atlases available which target children, but few target an audience as young as four years old. This atlas exposes the students to the world they live in, but truly celebrates the differences of the inhabitants.
Accessibility/Diversity: The atlas targets a very young audience which is often difficult to find in reference materials, and makes this resource accessible to all students in the elementary setting. The diversity displayed in the book celebrates our differences and provides a book the ELL population can connect with and share with peers.
Cost: $27.99
Professional Review: Paz, S. (2016, November 15). [Review of Hello atlas by Ben Handicott]. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com.libsrv....
Citation by: Amy Reesor
Type of Reference: Geographical Reference
Call Number: Ref 912 Han
Content/Scope: The atlas targets students in grades 1-4 and focuses on over 100 languages spoken around the world using illustrations of diverse children standing on a map of where they live. Language name and correlating geographical locations are given and examples of phrases are provided. There is also an app students can download to hear the phrases included in the atlas verbalized in the diverse languages by native speakers. This would be a text used to promote diversity and support a feeling of belonging for all students while exposing them to the continents and countries of the world.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Wide Eyed Editions publishes non-fiction books to promote wonder in children and their families about the world. Ben Handicott is the author of many titles including 50 Museums to Blow Your Mind (2016), 50 Beaches to Blow Your Mind (2016), and many other titles on diverse languages around the world.
Arrangement/Presentation: The 80 page atlas is broken down by continent and provides a brief summary and history of the languages for the continent. A two page map for each continent is included and accurate depictions of the native children are standing on the map. The text next to each child gives the country, language spoken, and an interesting fact. After the map layouts, there are comic style illustrations of the children performing everyday activities in their country, and phrases in the languages they speak with the English translation.
Relation to Similar Work: There are many atlases available which target children, but few target an audience as young as four years old. This atlas exposes the students to the world they live in, but truly celebrates the differences of the inhabitants.
Accessibility/Diversity: The atlas targets a very young audience which is often difficult to find in reference materials, and makes this resource accessible to all students in the elementary setting. The diversity displayed in the book celebrates our differences and provides a book the ELL population can connect with and share with peers.
Cost: $27.99
Professional Review: Paz, S. (2016, November 15). [Review of Hello atlas by Ben Handicott]. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com.libsrv....
November 24, 2016
This book does what many language books are unable to do: allows readers to hear words and phrases spoken in another language. To listen to the words and phrases, readers must download the free accompanying app, The Hello Atlas, which is available for both iOS or for Android.
The book is organized by continent. Throughout the book, there are many charming illustrated pictures of children in the various countries posed in situations with basic phrases in the particular target language (with an English translation). The reader then chooses the language (sometimes specified by country) in the app and listens to the the phrase well reading along with the book. The app also includes additional basic phrases.
What is amazing is that the words and phrases appear to be recorded of a native speaker of that language! Languages even include indigenous languages, which I had never heard previously spoken. My only minor gripe is that a handful of the languages were missing from the app - languages that are included in the book. Sometimes the languages missing are like the South American Dutch language. Other times it's a less widely spoken language such as Australian Kriol. I would love to see an update to the app that includes recordings from speakers of the missing languages. Nevertheless this is an exciting addition to children's language books.
The book is organized by continent. Throughout the book, there are many charming illustrated pictures of children in the various countries posed in situations with basic phrases in the particular target language (with an English translation). The reader then chooses the language (sometimes specified by country) in the app and listens to the the phrase well reading along with the book. The app also includes additional basic phrases.
What is amazing is that the words and phrases appear to be recorded of a native speaker of that language! Languages even include indigenous languages, which I had never heard previously spoken. My only minor gripe is that a handful of the languages were missing from the app - languages that are included in the book. Sometimes the languages missing are like the South American Dutch language. Other times it's a less widely spoken language such as Australian Kriol. I would love to see an update to the app that includes recordings from speakers of the missing languages. Nevertheless this is an exciting addition to children's language books.
February 8, 2017
This is a really cool book! So many languages! My students have been trying to say the phrases in other languages. Haven't downloaded the app, but that would be really helpful to get the pronunciations correct.
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September 29, 2016Superb. The whole concept of an atlas of language is unique in a children's book. This book awakens the imagination and the natural curiosity of every child. A mind opener.
December 15, 2016
Not a book for reading straight through, but perfect for exploring repeatedly. Wonderful variety of languages and cultures are presented and the illustrations elevate the simple phrases.
April 11, 2017
This incredible atlas shows languages all over the world. It has an app that you can download and use with it to hear what the words really sound like. You can learn to say hello in more than 100 languages!
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