B IS FOR BANGLADESH

A is for Ankhee (eyes), B is for Bangladesh, C is for crocodile. An odd mixture of words in Bangla (Bengali) and English and place names is used to unsuccessfully structure this collection of attractive photos of the country that became independent in 1971. Das’s photographs are varied and reproduced well. They tell their own story and on their own merit are worth incorporating into a study of this part of the world that uses additional materials. The text adds a few details but gives a very cursory view. For example, the author’s note says that most people are Muslims, although there are other religions practiced. There is a sentence about “Eid-ul-Adha,” a Muslim celebration, but Hinduism and Buddhism actually get more extensive mention. The book might be useful to Bangladeshi parents who want to show their North American and British offspring their country of origin, but it doesn’t produce an inkling of what life is like for children in Bangladesh now—a shame. (Informational picture book. 5-8)