Little Kid, Big City!: New York

Gr 1-3–This early elementary travel guide celebrates New York City and uses the style and format of a “choose your own path” series. Hallmarks of NYC tourism are featured, including the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Bronx Zoo. The text offers advice on navigating the gridlike streets of Manhattan, taking the subway, and information about taxi cabs. Sightseers are encouraged to taste New York’s famous pizza, bagels, and the delectable offerings of Little Italy. The neighborhoods of Chinatown and Harlem are described in simplified overviews, which do not fully encompass the nuances and cultural diversity of each community. The book can be read in a linear order or readers can follow the prompts at the bottom of each section to choose their own path through the city. The cartoonish illustrations reflect the mood of a bustling metropolis. Characters with light and dark skin tones are depicted, although the main character is a boy who appears to be white and blond. An index of recommended attractions and a pull-out map of the city are included.