Big Book of Ships by Minna Lacey (illustrated by Gabriele Antonini)

Discover the vast and fascinating world of seafaring vessels with Big Book of Ships by Minna Lacey, illustrated by Gabriele Antonini. This exceptional children’s book invites young readers to embark on a visual voyage across history’s most impressive ships – from sleek modern cruise liners and massive container ships to powerful battleships and ice-breaking vessels. With four giant fold-out pages, the book offers an immersive experience: each spread reveals the scale, structure and story behind each ship type.

Designed for curious kids aged around 5-7 and up, the book encourages exploration and wonder. It includes dynamic colour illustrations and clear, engaging facts, alongside digital links to video clips so that the vehicles of the sea spring to life beyond the page. Whether it’s discovering how a luxury cruise ship works, tracing the evolution from early steam-powered vessels to today’s high-tech carriers, or simply marvelling at the enormity of a supertanker, readers are drawn into a world of maritime adventure.

Perfect for gifting or as a reference on the bookshelf of young transport enthusiasts, this hardback edition (published 30 June 2022 by Artbooks) stands out both in format and content. With its large dimensions (approximately 245×295 mm, weight around 440 g) the book itself becomes a showpiece.

Parents, teachers and librarians will appreciate the combination of fun and informative content — offering a rich learning moment that doesn’t feel like a lesson. The fold-out pages invite interactive reading, discussion and shared discovery. Use it to spark questions: “How do icebreakers work in the Arctic?” or “What makes container ships so massive?” Moreover, the video links help extend the reading experience into multimedia learning.

Add this title to your children’s collection and watch as a simple looking-glass book transforms into a window on the world’s great ships and our connection to the sea.