Publication Date: 31 August 2023

The Blurb

To most of us, the world in which we live seems well-traversed – explored in all directions and meticulously mapped. But something unbelievable has escaped us all… an entire continent named Terra Ultima. This extraordinary book documents this strange new world for the very first time.

A visual sensation over a decade in the making, Terra Ultima is the life work of explorer Raoul Deleo. With the help of fellow explorer and biologist Noah J. Stern, Deleo’s findings were compiled into this very book – a collection of illustrations and notes so wonderful they seem unbelievable. All of them bear witness to the discovery of a continent so large, so rich and diverse in wildlife, that it remains a mystery as to why it has never been discovered before.

Deleo’s findings have now been made public for the very first time, so you too, dear reader, can share in the discovery of this previously unknown part of the world. Welcome to Terra Ultima – the edge of the world.

The Review

Utterly stunning and completely captivating, I spent a glorious afternoon discovering all I could about the newly discovered continent. Exquisitely detailed notes and illustrations capture a place, and its inhabitants, so far unharmed by humanity. The creatures catalogued within these pages are as strange and unbelievable as those Darwin must have introduced after his expedition to the Galapagos.

Amidst the curious creatures, are the exploration notes, detailing the physical geography, and the hardships faced on each expedition to uncover all of the wonders Terra Ultima has to offer. I found these utterly compelling, and loved the sketches accompanying them.

I would love the chance to see some of the creatures in real life, especially the lapin guin, but totally understand why Terra Ultima’s location has never been divulged. However, the vibrant array of wildlife, landscapes, and ecosystems depicted not only showcase the biological diversity of the continent but also transport readers to its lush forests and mysterious waters without having to leave the safety of your sofa.

With multiple uses in the classroom, this is a must for KS2 where staff and children will love it. It will have huge appeal for non-fiction fans and with it’s large format, I can really see it being shared by children pointing out details out to each other as a pleasure browser to return to time and again. It left me wondering what else is out there at the edge of our maps and the limits of our imaginations.

Huge thanks to Big Picture Press for sending me a copy.