When I first saw the I See the Sun series, I knew I had to get it. I knew it would just be the perfect addition to my library of books that I share with my son. Why?
I have a “wanderer” bug. I love different places, different cultures and different languages. If I can’t go traveling in person, I love to do it through a book. On top of that, just looking at the cover, the illustrations looked amazing. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the books!
Then, when I found out that they were written in TWO languages, I was even more for it!
One of my favorite parts of the China book was the Chinese language. It is written in Mandarin (the most widely spoken dialect of Chinese) traditional characters. It was amazing how much I remember from taking Mandarin Chinese in high school. Yes, I took Chinese. I didn’t want to take trig…but I digress. Seriously. It was nice to share that knowledge and show my son the language differences.
These books are amazing on so many levels. On the surface, they are cultural teachers, allowing kids (and adults) to take a peek into the daily routines of three countries. Delving deeper, these books are easy readers that allow parents and kids to first read them together and then kids to read them alone, independently, as their vocabulary grows. My reluctant reader was intrigued enough to try reading the words by himself without me even asking!
Each book lends itself well to discussing what is the same and different about days here and days in far away countries.
These books show that the author, Dedie King has been to these places and really absorbed the culture and daily routines-she should…she was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal and taught school in Kathmandu and Bandipur. While she was there, she traveled to all of these amazing places. The goal of these books is to teach cultures to kids and show them the differences and sameness of each. Dedie King not only knows her cultural stuff, but she also knows her education too. She helped start and administer a co-op preschool and has managed other various educational pursuits.
Then, there is the illustrator, Judith Inglese. She has tons of experience with murals using different mediums. She makes the pages look like big murals,even on a small page. Her love for illustrating for children is evident here. The illustrations, although they are her first collaboration for publication are done with so much love and care.
My Rating on the Smiley Scale? A full 4 smileys!
I was very impressed with the books and highly recommend them for not only the cultural literacy aspect, but for the readability and the interest factor that brings in reluctant readers. A great set of books to add to any library!
So, want these? You can get these from your local bookstore or on Amazon.com, and although they retail for 12.95 each, you can get them just a hair cheaper at Amazon;
I See the Sun in China (English and Chinese Edition)
I See the Sun in Nepal (I See the Sun Books)
I See the Sun in Afghanistan
Plus, all three are available for Free Super Saver Shipping! So, get all three and they ship for free, Nice huh?
But….
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About Laura
I would like to see Japan.
I would like to see a “I see the sun in Egypt” book. I have always been fascinated by the pyramids and would like to learn more about this country while I read the book with my granddaughter.
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Voted for you at Picket Fence today. 1/17
I’d like “i see the sun in korea” because that is where our family is from.
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I See the Sun in Japan
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Voted today at Picket Fence for you.
In Australia becuase it looks cool and I dont know anything about it.
Voted at Picket Fence for you. 1/19
In Italy – I’ve always wanted to go there!
Voted for you on Picket Fence. 1/20
In Germany – that’s where I’m from.
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Korea
Voted for you at Picket Fence. 1/21
I would love to take my kids to see Costa Rica in the Sun because it is special to my husband & I.
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I would love to see I See the Sun in South Korea. I studied abroad there and I fell in love with their rich cultural background and their history and everything.
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I’d like to see the Sun in Colombia, because that is where my sons where born
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