A galimoto is a handmade push toy from Malawi. a young boy is determined to gather enough wire and design his own galimoto. This could be combined with a craft activity, using pipe cleaners.

a serviceable book on Malawi, would be useful to let children know that fresh water isn't available in all parts of the world.

I like this one because it shows a modern view of Africa. Siba and Saba are two sisters that are always losing things, "They lost seven sweaters in seven speeding buses. They lost two pairs of silver sandals on the sandy beaches of Ssese Islands." Every night they dream of the things they have lost. The illustrations are magical.

I would recommend this book as an introduction to Arborbrook Air. It has beautiful illustrations. She introduces the earth to a visitor from outer space. She uses this profusely illustrated book to show diversity in homes, families, clothing, weather, transportation etc. She does not name specific countries or cultures. I think this book could promote discussion. There is one problematic spread where she features all kinds of families. I suspect the children will not notice the one family with two men and a baby on a blanket.

Rachel Isadora creates beautiful folktales and songs set in Africa. She takes an American folk song and sets in on the African plain, this story is not set in Malawi but an African village.

This book would be a great introduction to children around the world. Matt Lamothe tells the story of seven children from around the world. Their photographs are in the back. In double-page spreads, he illustrates their homes, families, clothing, meals, schools, alphabets, and routines. He manages this without the book being cluttered. An excellent introduction to children around the world.

Maria, Juan, and her mother take the bus to Mexico to visit their grandmother in a refuge camp. Despite the strict regulations, the children take great joy in seeing their abuela and find a creative way to give her a unique gift. Mitali Perkins is a Christian author.

In the tradition of "The House That Jack Built", members of the village create a pinata for a birthday party. I would recommend teaching Spanish words before reading the story. It does not specifically state that the story is set in Mexico.

This book highlights differences between Arab-American,and American customs. When Rubina is invited to a birthday party, she is dismayed when her mother insists she must take her yogrunger sister. In a few years, her sister is invited to a party and Rubina convinces her mother that she should not have to take her youngest sister, delightful illustrations.

This is a great book for exploring different cultures within the United States. In a multicultural classroom, students present their favorite holidays to the rest of the class.

Even though this story is set in modern Israel, it has the feeling of a traditional folktale. Children dan learn about the sights and sounds of Israel.

This colorful concept book has a Chinese theme. Children will learn about chopsticks, firecrackers and dumplings.

Ping is a young duck on the Yangtze River. He travels by boat with his 42 cousins and other relatives. When he fears getting a spanking for being the last duck on board, he has an adventure when a young boy grabs him and the boy's mom threatens to cook him for dinner,

Jan Brett is known for beautiful artwork. She takes great care to get the details right. In The Three Snow Bears, she introduces the Inuit culture in Canada through numerous details. The Three Bears end up rescuing the main characters' rescue dogs.

review based on YouTube Read Aloud and previous study of Jan Brett.

This updated version of "Little Black Sambo" has berien praised for its quality. It is clearly placed in India (always the setting) while maintaining the clever story. It could be a little long for kindergartners, Illustrations are beautiful and child-friendly.

review based on previous readings, and a You Tube read aloud.

Aya and Bobby are excited to travel to Thailand, they get to wear their pajamas on the plane. Once they arrive, they ride around Bangkok in carts called Tuk Tuks, visit a Buddist temple, go on a bike ride and eat a Thai meal. Pictures are attractive and child-friendly.
Info gathered from Children's Book Review and Amazon previews

A South Korean girl, her father, and their church family participate in a mission to send rice to impoverished, North Korea in hot air balloons. I like this book because children learn about North and South Korea. It focuses on a church's mission. The children learn only that people in North Korea are hungry and controlled by the government.

This Caldecott Award book is a Chinese version of Red Riding Hood. The illustrations are beautiful.

Katie and her brother climb aboard a stone Lion. The Lion comes to life and takes her and her brother on a tour of London including the Changing of thest Guard and Westminster Abbey. Beautiful yet child-friendly illustrations.

Anna Hibiscus and her extended family enjoy an outing on a Nigerian beach. Anna is disappointed that no one will go in the water but in the end, they all have a great day at the beach. Students will get a wonderful view of an extended family.

Children will love this story about a sneaky baby who stows away on her brother's bicycle as they travel through the Nigerian countryside They will get a wonderful sampling of Nigerian culture and vocabulary in the process.

This is one of my personal favorites Atinuke's books are about children in Nigeria. Children will catch the flavor of the culture and learn vocabulary. The illustrations do a great job of extending the story.

biography, early scientists, history of science, Middle Ages, Renaissance, Leonardo Da Vinci, science, nonfiction

elementary, junior high, U.S. history, constitution, bill of rights, new nation