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ami*
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I would like to write more unit studies, but want to focus on the 'other' side of the world (get out of the U.S. and Europe).
I am looking for picture books suggestions with the setting in--
Korea
India
Thailand
Africa
Eastern Europe
Other parts of Asia
Central America
South America
and, not exactly my top priority, but also looking for some on-
Australia
Switzerland
Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark
Hawaii (and other islands in the ocean)
The books need to be GOOD books :) Enough to pull out a unit study.
Thanks  Ami
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MaryM
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A lot of people are reading this thread - but no one is biting. So I guess I'll jump in but I'm not sure if these ideas would be what you're looking for in a GOOD book for unit studies.
India
Rikki Tikki Tavi by Rudyard Kipling would be a classic. Here is another version. Both of these pictures books are nicely illustrated but they are adaptations so text is altered some from original.
Baya, Baya, Lulla-by-a by Megan McDonald is the story of an Indian mother who is weaving a blanket for her baby while a baya bird is building her nest nearby and the interaction between the two. It's told in lyrical fashion interspersed with soothing sounds and Hindi words.
Korea
The Firekeeper's Son by Linda Sue Park is set in Korea in the 1800s and is a fictional story about the historic bonfire system used in Korea. It's a touching story as well as an introduction to this piece of history I knew nothing about.
BTW, Ami, when you ask about Central America are you referring to countries other than Mexico? Seems like there are lots set in Mexico but not many in other Central American countries.
This thread has made me interested in books set in these cultures. I want to see what is out there also. I've just requested about 30 from the library and will post reviews as I get them. What fun.
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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Elizabeth
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I've promised my children that we'll do Africa in September, when Jan Brett's Honey, Honey Lionwill be published. Here are some other's on my ,list:
On Noah's Ark which is also by Jan Brett and drawn after her research in AFrica.
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears
bringing Rain to Kapiti Plain
Ashanti to Zulu: African Traditions
Jambo Means Hello
A Story, A Story
I know we'll lapbook this unit!
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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Natalia
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These are not picture books but for Africa we watched a series of 5 videos on Africa. They are made by National Geographic and each one focuses on way of life that is dissapearing and the struggle to keep their identity in the midst of the modern world. I don't know how old are your kids but this videos helped us to visualize the geography of Africa. One of the stories takes place close to Kilimanjaro, another one in the Sahara etc.
Another resource for Africa that is fun is the Africa song from the Geography Songs that SL sells. The song has a catchy beat and it really helped us to memorize the countries of Africa.
I hope this help even if they are not picture books 
Natalia
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momwise
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Charlie's House is a short picture book set in Guguletu township South Africa. Mogo's Flute by Hilda van Stockum is set in Kenya. It's a chapter book with illustrations.
Come Holy Spirit!
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MacBeth
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I have a bunch of India books on my website:
India. these books include many Hindu tales, some of which might be a bit intense for young kids, but which are very interesting.
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Don's wife since '88; "Mom" to the Fab 4
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ami*
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MaryM wrote:
BTW, Ami, when you ask about Central America are you referring to countries other than Mexico? Seems like there are lots set in Mexico but not many in other Central American countries.
This thread has made me interested in books set in these cultures. I want to see what is out there also. I've just requested about 30 from the library and will post reviews as I get them. What fun. |
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Hi! I have decided to write a unit for The Firekeeper's son. :) Thanks so much for your suggestions!
Mexico would be fine (for a few). I do already have one posted at my site from Mexico (Hill of Fire), but I would gladly take more suggestions. However, I would LOVE to find anything -- just some great books-- for Central America that deal with countries other than Mexico.
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ami*
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Thanks everyone for the suggestions!
MacBeth, I will check out your site!
I can't wait to get my hands on Honey, Honey, Lion! :) I hope to meet Jan Brett during her Honey, Honey, Lion tour.
I *think* I have chosen a few more books for units--
The Firekeeper's Son (Korea)
Love as Strong as Ginger (China-America)
Crow Boy (Japan)
I know FIAR offers books with China/Japan settings, but I would like to do more units on those areas (after all, how many units are focused in the U.S.? and how many people LIVE in China?). Just wanting to give my son and future children a broad world-view.
Thanks again! And keep those suggestions coming! :)
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MichelleW
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Here is a good one from Argentina:
Gauchada by C. Drew Lamm
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amiefriedl
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This is where I should have posted my suggestion for The Poombah of Badoombah. It is a good picture book for a study about India.
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Amie
Blessed with an awesome hubby and Mom of ds10, dd7, dd3 and dd 10months.
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MaryM
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ami* wrote:
I am looking for picture books suggestions with the setting in--
Eastern Europe
Other parts of Asia
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Did you want suggestions for Russia? Wondering since it falls in both continents. There had been a request for Russia picture books in another thread, so thought I'd post here as well. We recently read and enjoyed these.
The Wolfhound (Kristine Franklin) - Set in Tsarist Russia. A boy finds a half frozen borzoi (Russian wolfhound) and nurses it back to health. Adventure follows.
Sasha's Matrioshka Dolls (Jana Dillon) - Set in old Moscow, is an entertaining story about a boxmaker who carves matrioshka (nesting) dolls for his granddaughter. Has fun, folksy illustrations.
Philipok - Adaptation of a short story by Leo Tolstoy. It's about a little boy in 19th century Russia who wants to go to school with his big brother, but his mother says he is too young. One day he sneaks off to school. Cute story about learning.
A Symphony of Whales (Steve Schuch) - Set in a native village in Siberia. It's based on a true story of villagers and a Russian icebreaker ship saving thousands of beluga whales who were trapped in the Senyavina Strait by ice.
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Erin
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Ami
If you go to my website, Aussie Book threads (see below) you'll find lots of picture books. I'm happy to give you more details on any 
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Rachel May
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This book is might be good for a unit on Vietnam
Angel Child, Dragon Child.
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Thomas and Anthony (10), Maria (8), Charles (6), Cecilia (5), James (3), and Joseph (1)
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SeaStar
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Erandi's Braids
Mexico/Central America
Lots of lists and resources here:
Around the World with Children's Books
Around the World with Jan Brett
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SeaStar
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Books about Austria
African safari trail...
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stefoodie
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India/Nepal area:
Cloud Tea Monkeys
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knowloveserve
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Regarding "A Symphony of Whales".
We LOVE this book. It's on my "to buy" list. A whole wonderful unit could be built on it. It's neat too because the bay where it took place is on the easternmost part of Russia... where it nearly touches Alaska. So it's in the top-left corner of most traditional map projections of the world... not too many great books in that zone so it's nice to find books that truly ARE from all over the world.
This one is wonderful.
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4Real Forums : Picture Book Discoveries
Topic: I'm looking for some suggestions
