Ireland

Children's Literature

This book in the "Checkerboard Geography Library" series makes the story of Ireland, both Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, accessible to young children. In addition to the text, it includes fast facts, timeline, maps, weather charts and a description of Irish money. A chart of Irish words and English equivalents is included. Since Ireland changed from using the Irish pound to the Euro in 2002, the illustration covers both currencies. Brief chapters, written in simple language, cover history, government, economy, cities, geography, plants and animals, holidays and festivals and sports and leisure. A recipe for soda bread (to be used only with adult supervision, the reader is cautioned) could be used to give the child a taste of a traditional Irish food. "Dia Duit," a typical Irish greeting, along with a picture of Irish children with a donkey in the countryside introduces children to the Emerald Isle. The book also includes a glossary, web sites and index. 2001, Abdo Publishing, $21.35. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Janet Crane Barley AGES: 4 5 6 7 8