NONFICTION

Let's Explore China

by Walt K. Moon
9781512430042. ea vol: 24p. (Bumba Books: Let's Explore Countries). ebook available. further reading. glossary. index. maps. photos. Lerner. Feb. 2017. lib. ed. $25.32.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—Content and illustrative flaws limit this set's effectiveness. Topics include the country's location, topography and landforms, notable plants and animals, rural and urban areas, popular foods, and recreation. The main text is supplemented with critical thinking questions that are too advanced for beginning readers, who will either have to search for answers elsewhere or rely on adults for information. Examples include questions about the reasons why the Chinese built the Great Wall or the types of items that could be built with teakwood in India. The single map is almost featureless, and photos are generic—few are captioned or have children as their subjects.
VERDICT No improvement on extant sets.
Although this superficial series is intended for very young children, the brief texts lack information on child-centered topics. The clear color photos are appealing, but the youngest readers will come away with little sense of "exploring" these Caribbean countries or what life is like there. Critical thinking questions are scattered throughout the texts; each book includes a rudimentary map and limited picture glossary. Reading list. Ind.
Reviewed by Mary Mueller , Apr 01, 2017

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