This review was originally posted at my Book Review Blog
If You Were Me and Lived in … Portugal is among the children’s book series by author Carole. This series intends to educate children about cultures of several countries. The collection is ideal for children from pre-K to age eight.
The book takes children for a quick tour to Portugal. As you can see, the book cover shows where exactly Portugal is in the world map. Another map on the first page gives a geographic outline of the country with its capital city, just for kids to identify; not a detailed one. And then a little about the country’s history; a little about the origin – all just a little for little children!
Each page talks about something unique about the country – popular vacation spot, favourite cuisines, festivals, country symbol, sports – again, all just a little for little children. Small words in Portugese language are included at appropriate places with a pronounciation guide. This is something children would enjoy learning. My favourite is “Amo-te paizinho” (a-mo-te pa-iz-nho). Guess what it means?
The book design is laudable. Huge font used makes the reading attractive. Of course, colourful pictures accompany every page. Pictures of two little children (a brother and a sister) will take you round the book. A pronounciation guide page and blank pages for activities are at the end of the book.
Personally, I like to turn the pages over and over again and recite the Portugese phrases loudly. I know, I am not a kid, but, honestly I like the book as much as my toddler son does. Certainly, learning about the country this way was fun; more than browsing through wikipedia and web pages. I admire and appreciate this idea of the author to write for children about the cultures of the world. Children, indeed, should learn them in their growing-up years.
Other books in the series introduce Russia, Mexico, India, France, Norway, South Korea, Kenya, Turkey, Greece and Australia. I wish to read all of them soon.
Reviewed for the author
About the book
If you were me and lived in… Portugal: A Child’s Introduction to Culture Around the World by Carole P. Roman
ISBN: 978-1495379932 Publisher: CreateSpace Date of publish: May 28, 2014 Pages: 28
S.R.P.: $9.99
About the author
Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the If You Were Me and Lived in… series, which won the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children’s Nonfiction in 2012. She collaborated on this installment in the series with her five-year-old grandson, Alexander. Roman also writes the Captain No Beard series, the first of which was named a Kirkus Best of 2012, received a Star of Remarkable Merit, and won the Pinnacle Award in 2012.
Connect With the author
Thanks for the wonderful review. I’m glad you are enjoying the series!
Wonderful to have your comment here. My pleasure! Good wishes for the rest of the series.