Book Review: Friends Beyond Measure

Nightingale, the journal of The Data Visualization Society, recently published an interview with artist Lalena Fisher.* This February, Fisher, a former contributing graphics editor at the New York Times, published a picture book called Friends Beyond Measure. The book tells (and visualizes!) the story of friends Ana and Harwin. I just picked up a copy from my local public library, and there is *so* much to love.

There’s a narrative.

For better or worse, most books about data visualization center on the data visualizations. Here are some cool graphs about a topic. Or, here are people or characters who created graphs for your viewing pleasure. But, as Fisher discusses in her interview, this book has a plot that, in and of itself, has nothing to do with data visualization. And that plot is really relatable for kids and adults.

Also, because the text and visuals aren’t redundant, adults and kids can add a second layer to their reading experience by discussing the charts. Which emotions are Ana feeling? What’s the fastest way to Harwin’s new house?

There’s humor.

The plot is bittersweet, but there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. (What are those mysterious numbers anyway?)

The illustrations are lovely.

This book has a friendly, hand-drawn style that is sure to inspire and empower budding young data scientists.

There’s a *great* list of chart types.

At the back of the book, Fisher lists and explains 12 types of data visuals. Each is accompanied by suggested, age-appropriate data collection/plotting activities.

Have you read any great data visualization books lately? Tell us about them in the comments!

* I LOVE the science x art logo on Lalena’s homepage!