I am so extremely excited to review for the third consecutive year a multicultural book for Multicultural Children's Book Day!
This year, I've had the opportunity to review, and read with my son three books of author, Carole P. Roman's If you were me and live in... series. These lovely books will take your child around the world, and into the lives of children who live in these countries.
The series will give you a look into the culture, travel, food, currency, landmarks, traditions of the countries through the eyes of a child. It's a children's geography book that will surely please young and old. (I personally love these books!)
The author's text are simple yet captivating enough to draw the reader's attention especially a child. My child was smitten with attempting to read words written in the native language of the country. It also helped that each book has a pronunciation guide at the end. The illustrations by Kelsea Wierenga combine original landmark photographs with colorful images, and captivating drawings.
If you Were Me and Lived in....
...Russia - my child learned the names of Russian children, and about Moscow, and the Red Square. He enjoyed learning how to call us Mom and Dad in Russian; Mamochka and Papochka. He was excited to read on the games of xoken (hockey on the ice); and fipe which is similar to hide-and-seek. His favorite part of the book was learning about Grandfather Frost, and his granddaughter Snegurochka.
...Scotland - little one enjoyed what to call us his parents in Scottish, and children's name. He was especially captivated on learning that he can buy a stuffed unicorn, the legendary and mythical creature that represents grace, purity, healing, and healing with British pounds. His curiosity peeked when he learned of Nessie the deep water creature that lived in Loch Ness Lake.
....China - learning about the Great Wall of China, and the giant terracotta or clay army was fascinating. However, preparing for the New Year celebration that lasted for fifteen days made him wonder why we didn't celebrate for fifteen days, too! :) The food varied depending on where you lived in China, but the cha tea was always served with your meal.
These were a few of the things that my child learned with the If you Were Me and Lived in.... series books I won't share them all because you seriously need to read these books with your child. There's much to be learned in each book, and I highly recommend that the books in this series be part of your home, school, or local library.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day mission is to spread the word and raise awareness about the importance of diversity in children’s literature. Our young readers need to see themselves within the pages of a book and experience other cultures, languages, traditions and religions within the pages of a book. We encourage readers, parents, teachers, caregivers and librarians to follow along the fun book reviews, author visits, event details, a multicultural children’s book linky and via our hashtag (#ReadYourWorld) on Twitter and other social media.
Multicultural Children’s Book Day event was created by Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom and Valarie Budayr from Jump Into a Book/Audrey Press. You can find a bio for Mia and Valarie here.
Multicultural Children’s Book day 2016 Medallion Level Sponsors! #ReadYourWorld
Bronze: Pomelo Books* Author Jacqueline Woodson*Papa Lemon Books* Goosebottom Books*Author Gleeson Rebello*ShoutMouse Press*Author Mahvash Shahegh* China Institute.org*Live Oak Media