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| Map of modern Germany and Poland |
Author Carole P. Roman takes the young reader to Germany and Poland and helps them imagine themselves as a child living in homes and going to school. These books are not history discourses and do not point out the centuries of conflict in the region encompassed by Poland and Germany. They are introductions into the cultures of the area.
If You Were Me and Lived in ... Poland
My thoughts: Poland is a land rich in history. In musical history, Poland boasts being the birthplace of Frederick Chopin. If you love classical music, you are much aware of his beautiful music. This little book speaks of benches with buttons you can push and they render Chopin's music. What a treat to enjoy. Also, the discovery of how our Earth moves around the Sun was made by a Polish scientist, Nicolaus Copernicus and the famous salt mine that has many beautifully carved chambers is accented as Polish heritage.
In each of the "If You Were Me" books by Roman, the story line is basically the same in which the boy and girl associate themselves in a Polish family going about their day - eating, playing, going to school and identifying landmarks. I find it fascinating to see the food eaten at a meal or perhaps a treat purchased while out-and-about. Playing in Poland usually is an out of doors activity but they have a few inside toys.
The glossary at the end of the book will help the young reader pronounce and define words particular to Poland.
Another entertaining source to educate on the geographic and cultural information of a country for the young reader.
In each of the "If You Were Me" books by Roman, the story line is basically the same in which the boy and girl associate themselves in a Polish family going about their day - eating, playing, going to school and identifying landmarks. I find it fascinating to see the food eaten at a meal or perhaps a treat purchased while out-and-about. Playing in Poland usually is an out of doors activity but they have a few inside toys.
The glossary at the end of the book will help the young reader pronounce and define words particular to Poland.
Another entertaining source to educate on the geographic and cultural information of a country for the young reader.
If You Were Me and Lived in ... Germany
My thoughts: Beautifully illustrated with cheerful people, and combined drawings and photographs the social story of Germany is told touching on family life and the names of items such as food, toys, school. The area is Bavaria and is beautifully forested. The food you would eat at home or when on an outing is described and makes me long for a good German inspired Reuben. The love of soccer and the Oktoberfest which they have been celebrating for centuries are much anticipated and loved activities.
The location of Germany on the world globe with famous landmark buildings and locations touches on the geography of the country but the main focus is understanding the people and their interactions and daily life.
Some accomplishments of the Germanic peoples are the focus in this introduction to cultures highlighting the good from this area and not the dark history that has plagued them. The glossary at the end of the book aids in definition and pronunciation of a variety of words.
This will be a good entertaining and educational introduction to the culture of Germany for children.
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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each book to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given. Winners' copies are sent compliments of and directly to them by the author.