What a Wonderful World (Picture Flats) Book Review for Kids

What a Wonderful World (Picture Flats) book review: what the book is about

The book celebrates the beauty and diversity of our world through the lyrics of the well-loved song. Each page shows a different scene: majestic mountains, quiet rivers, busy city streets and the calm countryside.

Together the scenes invite readers to explore the sights, sounds and colours of the world around them. The message is simple: cherish the beauty of life and find joy in small, everyday pleasures.

Who are the characters?

There is no single hero. The world itself is the main character: its landscapes and creatures are shown page after page, in all their variety.

Why families love this book

The book carries a message of hope, gratitude and appreciation for life. The song's lyrics and the illustrations work together to create a rich sensory experience that speaks to readers of every age.

It works as a bedtime story read aloud, or as a book a child enjoys quietly alone. Either way, it invites readers to slow down and enjoy the moment. Its themes of love, connection and the beauty of nature have made it a classic.

The book reminds readers of all ages to cherish the beauty of life and to find joy in the simple pleasures that surround us every day.

The illustrations

The pictures are bright and full of joyful details. You will find the vivid colours of a sunset and the intricate patterns on a butterfly's wings.

Mixed media and collage give the artwork texture and a sense of movement, which draws children into each scene. Whether the page shows a busy street or a peaceful landscape, the feeling is one of wonder.

What a Wonderful World (Picture Flats) book for kids: book type and age

This is a children's picture book that pairs lyrical text with illustrations. It suits readers of all ages who enjoy nature and music.

The text is easy to follow and the artwork is bright, so it is a good fit for reading aloud as a family or for quiet reflection.

How the book builds gratitude and wonder

The book asks readers to pause and appreciate the variety of our planet: the colours of a rainbow, the sound of a bird's song. By building a habit of noticing, it helps children see the beauty in everyday moments.

Read-aloud tip After each page, ask your child to name one thing they saw today that was "wonderful". It turns the book into a small gratitude ritual before sleep.

About the author, Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong, the legendary jazz musician, is best known for his iconic recording of "What a Wonderful World". The song's lyrics and uplifting melody have inspired generations of listeners around the world.

Similar books about our wonderful world

• "The Earth Book" by Todd Parr
• "All the World" by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee
• "Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth" by Oliver Jeffers

Gift it right: What a Wonderful World as a birthday gift

A picture book that celebrates nature and gratitude is one of the more thoughtful books as birthday gifts for kids, and a family can return to it for years. Add a name label inside the cover so it stays on your child's shelf, and a name sticker on the wrapping.

See all personalised book labels, or browse our gifts for kids to pair the book with something more.

Read next

• Here We Are by Oliver Jeffers book review
• The Jungle Book Picture Flats book review
• The Wizard of Oz Picture Flats book review
• How to raise a reader: building lifelong reading habits