You and Me Together: Parents and Children Around the World follows in the sumptuous, photographic picture book format of A Cool Drink of Water. Instead of water, this book looks at parent-child relationships as a global cultural theme. Simple, joyful language with pictures on each page take the reader on a poetic romp through the lives of children and their parents around the world. See parents and children from Arizona to Tanzania: "Making a mess / a meal/ a life together, me and you / Catching a fish / a bus / a ball / Dancing a turn or two / Seeing the sun / a storm / the world together, me and you." Stunning photographs lend texture and sophistication to the evocative text and beautifully complement its essential simplicity and sweetness. An elegant design gives the book an upscale and arty look, while keeping it accessible. This is an ideal book to be tenderly shared with a child or to enhance an introductory social studies lesson. Detailed photo captions in the end notes help readers understand the rich story behind each image and provide information about children from a variety of cultures and countries around the world. A map shows the location of each photograph, helping the reader make geographic connections to the pictures. A final note on the status of the world's children from Children's Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman provides added social value for readers who are interested in learning more, including ways to help disadvantaged children.
You and Me Together: Moms, Dads, and Kids Around the World FROM THE CRITICS School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2-Using a simple rhyming text, Kerley captures the essence of childhood's special moments, accompanied by superb full-color photos that depict parent-and-child interactions. Diverse cultures in various locations around the world are represented, and individuals are shown wearing a colorful array of traditional clothing. Children and parents engage in activities such as playing an instrument, taking a walk, making a meal, fishing, and dancing. Simple enjoyments also include sharing a joke or tale, taking a ride or a nap, and holding hands. The universality of childhood joys is evident whether in the United States, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, China, Thailand, Bhutan, Japan, Suriname, Indonesia, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, or any of the other settings. Back matter contains a world map, miniature reproductions of the photos along with their locations and a descriptive caption, and an inspiring "Note on the World's Children" written by Marian Wright Edelman. This book is an excellent tool for raising awareness of cultural differences and similarities. Its design and layout will allow for classroom use, group sharing, or individual reading. A welcome and timely addition.-Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
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