Let's face it: homeschoolers can't have too many books. Well, I felt that way long before I was a homeschooler. To me, a happy home is one where the books are toppling over in stacks in the living room, in the bedroom, in the bathroom, etc. I'm not sure my husband agrees. In any case (I am beginning to digress as I am wont to do when I talk about my favorite subject!), it is definitely true that books are a homeschooler's stock in trade. So whenever I am fortunate enough to be able to review books, I jump at the chance! These four cute and informative books from Carole P. Roman with Away We Go Media did not disappoint!
If You Were Me and Lived in...France, If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico, If You Were Me and Lived in...South Korea, and If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway each give kids a bite-sized impression of what it is to be a child growing up in another country and culture. In each book, the most important lesson that kids take away from the books is that, regardless of where we live and what we do, regardless of the foods we eat and the sights we see when we look out our windows, when it comes right down to it - people are just people! What a great message!
Each of these paperback books is under 30 pages and costs under $9.00. They are ideal for ages PreK-8, but can really be enjoyed by anyone! The pictures inside are exactly like the pictures on the cover and the culture is pretty thoroughly covered in 1-2 facts per page. What that translates to is a reading/learning experience that is not overwhelming even for the youngest readers. Older readers could breeze through these books independently in a few minutes, but even the youngest pre-readers could sit with mom or dad and listen to a page or two a day to learn something new about a different culture.
The facts would make excellent copywork!
Because we are not actually studying any of the countries covered by the books right now, I simply gave each of my four children all of these books to read. Their verdicts? They all (12, 10, 8, and 8) really enjoyed them. It didn't take them long to read the books, and afterward even my 8 year-olds were able to tell me all about each of the countries. Of course, the best indication of whether or not books are a success is whether or not you return to them again after your initial pass through them. I always say that the best books are like good friends you want to visit again. Well, these books have apparently made the grade. I have repeatedly found them out of the schoolroom and on the kids' floors next to their beds. That means that they are taking them to bed with them to read as they go to sleep! Well done, Ms. Roman!
My future plan for this set is to pass it on to my four year-old niece. She is right in the target age, and I know that she will absolutely love these books. She is at that lovely beginning grammar stage of inhaling facts and then reciting them back. I can't wait to hear her start to tell us all about Norway, South Korea, Mexico, and France!
Crew members with kids of all ages have been reading these books, so be sure to click the banner below to see how they have been enjoying them!
Thank you for that great review. I am so glad that all of your children were able to take something away form the series. Hope your niece likes them as well!
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