I can't read a book of historical fiction or fact without this one thing.

It needs to have a map.

• If it's a journey, I need to see a route.

• If it's a battle, I need to see the terrain.

• If it's a hometown story, I need to see the landmarks.

Maps set the context and give me the overview I need.

But more than that.

I think a great map is a gorgeous piece of artwork.

An illustrative historical map of the original lands lets me step into that time.

That's why Social Studies was my favourite school subject. Give me a textbook with a map and I'd want to read the story of every location.

I even remember mapping the local urban landscape from my pushbike over 4-5 weekends for some school project.

(I tried to master Adobe Illustrator to draw my own maps, but that was beyond me. Unfortunately.)

If a storybook doesn't have a map in it, it's no good to me.