Continuing its presentation of various Latin American cities, the Vámonos series introduces little ones to Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia.
Lively, color-saturated illustrations depict some of the sights to be found in the city. Following the same format and aesthetic that characterizes the series overall, it names each sight by its Spanish name, following it with a simple statement in both English and Spanish. Children are introduced to attractions such as the hustle and bustle of San Victorino, and the unique Ciclovía concept, in which every Sunday miles of streets are closed off to cars for the enjoyment of cyclists, runners, and skaters. Further afield, children learn of the salt cathedral in Zipaquirá, built deep inside a salt mine. The food served at La Puerta Falsa restaurant might puzzle readers not familiar with Colombian vocabulary, and the English text makes no attempt to translate or explain them: “Changuas, pericos, and chocolate completo.” The book ends with a few thumbnails providing a little more information in English only. Companion volumes introduce Antigua, the old colonial capital of Guatemala, with its colorful locales and dramatic volcanoes overlooking the city; and Panama City, the capital of Panama. In the latter, a number of the sights mentioned are not in the city, such as the critically important Panama Canal, but are day trips instead.
Another satisfying outing in a charming series for young armchair travelers. (Board book. 2-5)Pub Date: May 11, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-947971-61-5
Page Count: 22
Publisher: Lil' Libros
Review Posted Online: March 31, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2021
Categories: CHILDREN'S SOCIAL SCIENCES
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In this addition to the Vámonos travel series, young armchair travelers explore Lima, the capital city of Peru.
The trip starts in the residential neighborhood of Miraflores, where adventurers paraglide and lovers meet in the Parque del Amor. In the historic center of the city children get a glimpse of the catacombs and the changing of the guard in the Plaza de Armas. Water fountains dancing under lights can be enjoyed in the Circuito Mágico del Agua. Children also learn about a gastronomical fair and the celebrations in July for Independence Day. Going further afield, children are introduced to Machu Picchu and the delights of sand surfing in Chilca. Each sight is named by its Spanish name followed by a simple statement in both English and Spanish. The two statements are not always the same but are similar in sentiment. The book ends with a few thumbnails providing a little more information in English only. Companion volumes Vámonos a Oaxaca and Vámonos a San Juan follow the same format and presentation. Child-friendly, color-saturated illustrations introduce children to the sights and events of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Oaxaca, a city in southern Mexico. As with the Lima book, both books take young readers beyond the city limits to explore iconic nearby attractions.
A sweet way to expand toddlers’ worldviews. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Sept. 22, 2020
ISBN: 978-19-47971-52-3
Page Count: 22
Publisher: Lil' Libros
Review Posted Online: Sept. 29, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2020
Categories: CHILDREN'S SOCIAL SCIENCES
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In this latest addition to the Baby Loves Political Science series (a spinoff of Baby Loves Science), a toddler discovers the duties of the United States president.
Jumper-wearing Baby, a confident preschooler with light-brown skin and hair pulled back in a bun, learns about leadership with Papa, who has slightly lighter skin than his offspring. Papa’s job running a food pantry is somewhat inexplicably compared to that of the U.S. president, shown here as a woman with silver hair and the same complexion as Baby. The straightforward text explains simple civic concepts in two or three sentences per double-page spread, running through the three branches of government, presidential responsibilities, Cabinet positions, and the electoral process. Diverse representation abounds, with governmental officials of a variety of skin colors; some wear hijabs, turbans, or head scarves, and others use wheelchairs or forearm crutches. Companion title Congress! publishes simultaneously and introduces a different preschooler named Baby to explain the legislative branch of government. This tot and an unidentified caregiver, both with dark-brown skin and curly, brown hair, write their congressperson urging support for environmental protection legislation. In both books, the cartoon art uses subtly textured, vivid colors to illustrate this sunny, optimistic world. As with much of the series, the explanations and scenarios are pitch-perfect for preschoolers but, like Air Force One, will fly over the heads of actual babies.
The “Baby” branding and format may confuse many buyers; these simple civics lessons work best for preschoolers and up. (Board book. 3-5)Pub Date: April 13, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-62354-235-1
Page Count: 20
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2021
Categories: CHILDREN'S SOCIAL SCIENCES
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