Like a tour of UN headquarters which it simulates, this is informative and entertaining and exhausting. (One of the troubles is that—probably in deference to a world market—it asks the reader to examine the works of art contributed by each country.) In contrast to Sasek's earlier cityscapes, this is generally sober and straightforward, explaining the history, purposes and functions of the UN, identifying its chief components and associated organs; kids who begin to nod will perk up again in the press room, the post office and the gift shop. Adult fans of the series may miss the accustomed levity but teachers and parents can trade on the eye-appeal—including a spread of the maps of the 122 member nations—for a thorough briefing.
