China

Children's Literature - Kris Sauer

Those looking to introduce elementary students to the world's third largest country should consider starting with this title. Aimed at students in grades K through 2, the book uses simple language ("China is on the east side of Asia. East is on the right side of Asia on a map.") and excellent photography to tell China's story. The author covers the Great Wall in addition to discussing China's size, topography, animals, and people. Included are an appropriately straightforward table of contents, index, glossary, bibliography, and web resource. Studying China, one of the most interesting countries in the world, can be a Herculean task. Richardson does a good job of ferreting out the topics of greatest interest to students and teachers alike, synthesizing them into language appropriate to her audience, and selecting photographs that support and enhance a reader's comprehension of this most complex and fascinating of countries. The title is part of the " My First Look at Countries" series. Some of the other countries profiled in this series include Australia, Canada, Iran, Israel, and Mexico.