Synopsis
Introduces the geography, daily life, history, culture, and natural resources of Mexico.
Children's Literature
Containing excerpts from the author's 1999 book also entitled Mexico, this edition presents basic geographical information. Emphasis is placed on fiestas and their historic and cultural importance, particularly in celebration of Independence Day every September, and includes instructions for readers to create a fiesta decoration. Migrating monarch butterflies are depicted in the text and a photograph, but the Mexican site where they gather annually is not identified. Vague captions do not provide names for geographically significant sites, such as the notably tall mountain pictured, and Mexican trees from which resin is harvested to produce chewing gum. The mid-nineteenth century map, emphasizing the U.S. not Mexico, is impractical for young readers unaccustomed to consulting maps and includes such archaic geographical identifications as Creek and Cherokee lands and omits state borders which might help readers' comprehension. The author imprecisely describes Mexico as shaped like a triangle, which will confuse beginning readers learning about shapes. Neither Aztecs nor their culture's continuing importance to Mexico, as symbolized in that country's flag, are mentioned. Sugarcane, a major Mexican crop, is not included in the farming section. Illustrations do not portray children. Neither school nor sports, familiar activities many young readers share with Mexican children, is discussed. Supplement with the author's initial Mexico, David C. King's Projects About the Ancient Aztecs (2006), or David F. Marx's Mexico (2000). Part of the "My First Look at Countries" series.