Children from Australia to Zimbabwe: A Photographic Journey Around the World [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by Maya Ajmera (Author), Anna Rhesa Versola (Author) "AUSTRALIA is both a continent and a country..." (more)
Key Phrases: Number of Children, Total Population, Environmental Fact (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6. Children from 25 alphabetically arranged countries are introduced through beautiful, full-color pictures. A map of the world highlights the countries profiled. Each nation receives a two-page spread that includes a map, flag, a few paragraphs describing the people who live there, and four or five photographs. Each selection also contains additional facts: capital, language, population, number of children in the country, favorite sports, and an environmental tidbit. Finally, other countries whose names begin with the same letter are listed. The writing is unexciting, consisting primarily of brief declarative sentences, but the tone and content reflect respect for and knowledge of the concerns of children. In a particularly nice touch, the word "Hello" is written in the country's dominant language and spelled out phonetically. To represent the letter X, the authors provide excerpts from writings by elementary school students who describe the imaginary country of Xanadu. An afterword suggests books and activities that might help children explore other cultures and become a "global citizen." There is not enough substance here to do more than motivate readers to further exploration of a particular country, but perhaps that is enough.?Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 3^-6. This photographic journal alphabetically introduces 25 countries from six continents and one imaginary land. For example, the letter S is represented by Senegal. In a few short, chatty paragraphs, readers learn tidbits about the land's topography, its religion, festivals, and food. A facts section gives information on the capital, languages, favorite sports, etc. But the real eyecatchers are the beautiful photographs of children at work, play, and worship. Each one celebrates the dignity and importance of children and allows readers to discover the differences and similarities among civilizations. And that imaginary land? It's Xanadu. In the words of children, it is a country where there are lots of flowers, where no one is rich and no one is poor. There is no violence. Sounds like a nice place to live, doesn't it? Denia Hester

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing (August 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 088106999X
• ISBN-13: 978-0881069990
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #910,866 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Put this in your car, November 12, 2005

By	Gwynne C. Spencer (Monmouth, Oregon) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Children from Australia to Zimbabwe: A Photographic Journey Around the World (Hardcover)

Stunning photographs, concise maps, and simple text that introduces the basics of a culture, a country, and a way of life make this book great "back seat" reading. Kids shouldn't be watching tv in the car anyway. Books like this will make the ride more enjoyable and enriching. It also would be a great addition to a pediatrician's waiting room, or a dentist.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Children from Australia to Zimbabwe: A Photographic Journey Around the World, January 15, 2007

By	M. J. Fulco "Grade 4 Teacher" (PUTNAM, CT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Children from Australia to Zimbabwe: A Photographic Journey Around the World (Hardcover)

I use this book in my grade 4 classroom. The pictures and writing help my United State's students better understand the world around them. This book is a favorite in my classroom.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book, March 31, 2008

By	Megan Deperro (NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Children from Australia to Zimbabwe: A Photographic Journey Around the World (Hardcover)

Excellent book. The only thing is about Brazil. I lived in Brazil and only the super rich speak English and even some of the wealthy do not. If you go to Brazil, expect to hear Portuguese.