What is Philosophy?

This is an attractive book and is the first of a new series entitled Little Book, Big Idea. It successfully explains quite a difficult concept to young children by using twelve questions to answer, ‘What is Philosophy?’ Each spread concentrates on a question such as, ‘What is Love?’ ‘What is Truth?’ and ‘What is Beauty?’ Most of the pages have a few small illustrations with brief explanations beside each. There is also a short paragraph to clarify the concept in the question.

I particularly like how the author writes of important values and how children can adopt them. For example, she communicates that, ‘Being truthful is a good thing’ (p.15) and ‘Helping your parents tidy up your bedroom shows them that you respect your home’ (p.27). The final pages explain how philosophy comprises many questions and we should keep asking them. The tone of the writing is very child-friendly and the scenes pictured throughout the book are places familiar to the young person: school; the park; home; the shops.

At the back of the book is a very useful glossary covering many words found in the text.

I think this innovative publisher, Noodle Juice Ltd, does indeed fulfil its ‘aim to be disruptive and challenge conventions with titles that help little people answer the big questions in an increasingly confusing world.’

This book would be a fabulous addition to any school classroom, library or home. It goes a long way to answer big questions for any inquisitive child. I am already looking forward to future, planned titles in this series.