It's Cool to Learn About Countries

Gr 2—4—These books feature sections on business and government, the people, celebrations, and food. The first chapters set the tone with a map, geographical specifics, and information about the location and climate of the country. Franchino explains that the Philippines grows many crops, and produce goods such as clothing, medicines, and computer parts. Also, many people work in the service industry. Japan is described as smaller than the state of California and very mountainous. The business and government chapter discusses its high-tech industries, as well as the production of textiles and other products such as rice, and the large fishing industry. Up-to-date color photographs appear throughout both books, but many are just filler. The caption for a photo of four people reads, "Many families have lived in the Philippines for generations," and one of two girls informs readers that "Japan is home to millions of people." One or two activities, charts, and recipes are included. More detailed than the "Welcome to the World" series (The Child's World) and not as in-depth as the "Enchantment of the World" (Children's Press), these books might attract browsers.—DeAnn Okamura, San Mateo County Library, CA