FICTION

This Is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from Around the World

illus. by Matt Lamothe. 52p. glossary. maps. photos. Chronicle. May 2017. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9781452150185.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3—An illustrated take on how seven real kids from different countries go about a typical day. Each spread introduces a new topic (family, teachers, chores, dinner, play, etc.) and dedicates a panel to each child, identified by country, with glossary words underlined ("Iran: I live in a second-floor apartment in the city of Gorgan, close to the Caspian Sea."). Lamothe was able to create the digitally rendered illustrations based on photos sent to him by the families featured (a family photo for each child is included at the end). The muted palette in combination with the level of detail makes for a pleasing visual experience. An ending spread with a night sky scattered with stars and a glowing full moon is accompanied by the words, "This is my night sky," hinting that though these kids may lead very different lives, they all sleep under the same sky. In the "Meet the Families" section, Lamothe emphasizes that "not everyone in Peru likes to play soccer, and not everyone in Japan eats fish for breakfast," smartly communicating that the work is just one representation of much larger, complex communities. Endpapers provide a visual map of each child's name and country, including a cameo of the author.
VERDICT A good purchase to refresh social science and geography collections.

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?