J Is for Jamaica (World Alphabets) [Hardcover]

Benjamin Zephaniah (Author), Prodeepta Das (Photographer)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: World Alphabets

In this engaging photographic alphabet, rap poet Benjamin Zephaniah introduces young readers to the sights, sounds, and tastes of Jamaica, from A to Z. From cricket to pumpkin, from hummingbirds to yam, J Is for Jamaica explores the colorful diversity of this small but beautiful island, from its bustling capital of Kingston to its glorious white sand beaches to the peaceful and serene Blue Mountain. Prodeepta Das’s lively photographs capture the heart and soul of this island nation, whose welcoming spirit is reflected in the friendly faces of its people.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2—An alphabetical introduction to the island. From ackee, Blue Mountain, and cricket to ugli fruit, veranda, and waterlilies, readers learn of some of Jamaica's flora, fauna, and familiar sights. The text is limited to four lines of verse for each entry and lacks in-depth information. The vivid, colorful photographs do much more to help readers visualize this tropical nation.—Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA
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Review

A beautiful introduction to all aspects of life in Jamaica. A feast to the eye and the ear. -- Scholastic

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books (June 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1845074017
• ISBN-13: 978-1845074012
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 10.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,362,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy mom, August 27, 2008

By 

J. Henry "happy mama" (Illinois) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: J Is for Jamaica (World Alphabets) (Hardcover)

This book is wonderful. My husband and I go to Jamaica every two years and plan to take our kids someday. In the meantime this is a great way of introducing them to the cultures and sites of this great country. The pictures are great. I love the honesty and the hopefulness of the rhymes. I would highly recommend this to those who have been to Jamaica as well as those who have not.

5.0 out of 5 stars So glad I found this book., December 20, 2011

By 

Cmill - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: J Is for Jamaica (World Alphabets) (Paperback)

So happy I found this book, so I can continue to expose my 4yr old daughter to the Jamaican part of her heritage. Very real, vivid pictures of all of the things she was used to seeing when we were there. I would recommend this book for any child.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for young Jamaican kids, May 17, 2011

By 

Lorraine Jones (Kingston, Jamaica) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: J Is for Jamaica (World Alphabets) (Paperback)

I found this title while looking around for culturally relevant educational books for my grandson who is just under 3 years old. Most of the alphabet books available in Jamaica are produced elsewhere and reference things that are not readily recognized by our children.

When I saw 'J is for Jamaica' I figured it must be available locally, but I couldn't find it. I'm glad I sent off for it because my grandson just loves it. He reads it everyday. It is colorful, and the illustrations are actual photos, not drawings or cartoons!

I would recommend this book to any Jamaican parent or educator, or anyone who wants to teach their kids about Jamaica.