From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 2–Using a simple rhyming text, Kerley captures the essence of childhood's special moments, accompanied by superb full-color photos that depict parent-and-child interactions. Diverse cultures in various locations around the world are represented, and individuals are shown wearing a colorful array of traditional clothing. Children and parents engage in activities such as playing an instrument, taking a walk, making a meal, fishing, and dancing. Simple enjoyments also include sharing a joke or tale, taking a ride or a nap, and holding hands. The universality of childhood joys is evident whether in the United States, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, China, Thailand, Bhutan, Japan, Suriname, Indonesia, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, or any of the other settings. Back matter contains a world map, miniature reproductions of the photos along with their locations and a descriptive caption, and an inspiring "Note on the World's Children" written by Marian Wright Edelman. This book is an excellent tool for raising awareness of cultural differences and similarities. Its design and layout will allow for classroom use, group sharing, or individual reading. A welcome and timely addition.
–Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the
Library Binding
edition.
PreS-Gr. 2. Like Kerley's
A Cool Drink of Water (2002), this nonfiction picture book features exceptionally fine color photos of people around the world accompanied by brief phrases of text. Read sequentially, the words form a rhythmic poem about parents and children spending time together. But the richest use of the book might be reading it spread by spread, allowing the words and pictures to spark conversation between adult and child about the world beyond their own communities. American children will recognize the pictured activities, but they will still find some surprises. For example, a pet pictured is not a puppy but a baby goat. A rake is used not for backyard leaves but for rice fields. Each picture is reproduced in postage-stamp size at the conclusion, along with notes identifying the locale and remarking on the activity pictured. In a short essay (that seems out of place given the book's young audience), Marion Wright Edelman laments the poverty, abuse, and gun violence toward the young and exhorts adults (presumably) to care for all the world's children. A visually rich resource on the commonality and diversity of the parent-child relationship around the world.
Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
