Another satisfying outing in a charming series for young armchair travelers.
Continuing its presentation of various Latin American cities, the Vámonos series introduces little ones to Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia.
Lively, color-saturated illustrations depict some of the sights to be found in the city. Following the same format and aesthetic that characterizes the series overall, it names each sight by its Spanish name, following it with a simple statement in both English and Spanish. Children are introduced to attractions such as the hustle and bustle of San Victorino, and the unique Ciclovía concept, in which every Sunday miles of streets are closed off to cars for the enjoyment of cyclists, runners, and skaters. Further afield, children learn of the salt cathedral in Zipaquirá, built deep inside a salt mine. The food served at La Puerta Falsa restaurant might puzzle readers not familiar with Colombian vocabulary, and the English text makes no attempt to translate or explain them: “Changuas, pericos, and chocolate completo.” The book ends with a few thumbnails providing a little more information in English only. Companion volumes introduce Antigua, the old colonial capital of Guatemala, with its colorful locales and dramatic volcanoes overlooking the city; and Panama City, the capital of Panama. In the latter, a number of the sights mentioned are not in the city, such as the critically important Panama Canal, but are day trips instead.
Another satisfying outing in a charming series for young armchair travelers. (Board book. 2-5)Pub Date: May 11, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-947971-61-5
Page Count: 22
Publisher: Lil' Libros
Review Posted Online: March 30, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A straightforward and lively introduction to the democratic process for readers older than babies.
Baby learns about the elections in this latest entry to the Baby Loves… series.
A toddler with light-brown skin works with her white mommy to color signs and put stamps on postcards to get out the vote, and she cheers Mommy on when she “puts the ballot into the machine.” Along the way, Baby explores key aspects of the political process with her white mom and another, brown-skinned caregiver, such as campaigning, candidates, and the different types of political leaders. It is a simplified and rosy picture of American democracy, asserting confidently that the “candidate with the most votes wins,” and political opponents “can still be friends” after an election. The art is a toddler-centric, idealized world in a bold, bright cartoon style featuring political candidates from a wide range of backgrounds. There is a female-presenting president, a black, male-presenting vice president, a brown-skinned, hijabi senator, and a white, male-presenting representative who uses a wheelchair. While the explanations, imagery, and suggested activities are spot-on for older preschoolers, the format and the “baby” label make the content developmentally inappropriate for the target audience of babies and toddlers. Little ones still learning to label things in their homes and their neighborhoods will be hard-pressed to understand the basics of civic engagement.
A straightforward and lively introduction to the democratic process for readers older than babies. (Board book. 3-5)Pub Date: April 7, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-62354-227-6
Page Count: 20
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Review Posted Online: March 24, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A sweet way to expand toddlers’ worldviews.
In this addition to the Vámonos travel series, young armchair travelers explore Lima, the capital city of Peru.
The trip starts in the residential neighborhood of Miraflores, where adventurers paraglide and lovers meet in the Parque del Amor. In the historic center of the city children get a glimpse of the catacombs and the changing of the guard in the Plaza de Armas. Water fountains dancing under lights can be enjoyed in the Circuito Mágico del Agua. Children also learn about a gastronomical fair and the celebrations in July for Independence Day. Going further afield, children are introduced to Machu Picchu and the delights of sand surfing in Chilca. Each sight is named by its Spanish name followed by a simple statement in both English and Spanish. The two statements are not always the same but are similar in sentiment. The book ends with a few thumbnails providing a little more information in English only. Companion volumes Vámonos a Oaxaca and Vámonos a San Juan follow the same format and presentation. Child-friendly, color-saturated illustrations introduce children to the sights and events of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Oaxaca, a city in southern Mexico. As with the Lima book, both books take young readers beyond the city limits to explore iconic nearby attractions.
A sweet way to expand toddlers’ worldviews. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Sept. 22, 2020
ISBN: 978-19-47971-52-3
Page Count: 22
Publisher: Lil' Libros
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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