Olympic and world records 2012 by Keir Radnedge

Scholastic, 2011. ISBN 9781741699821.
With the Olympic Games coming up this volume will be a welcome addition to information about the Olympics. It is divided into chapters featuring the sports that are contested in the Games. The first chapter examines the history and heritage of the Olympic Games, where they have been held; famous firsts including facts such as a Chinese Australian teenager's vision of a united world which led to the Closing Ceremony being one where all athletes mingle together. It gives a worldview of the Olympics with information about athletes from all over the world and from different times.
The book contains numerous photos, which range from early historical ones to modern day ones. Each photo has a snippet of information about how the different sports began and fascinating details about many athletes. It is ideal for browsing as each section has fascinating material arranged in box like sections, often with a photo accompanying it, and with bold headings to entice the reader. It is certainly not a book that has to be read from cover to cover but is ideal for dipping into. Reluctant readers will enjoy the easy to read layout and enticing information.
Pat Pledger