This week, we’re exploring our great planet from the comfort of our homes – via books! Read on for great series and titles that will take you around the world.
Bumba Books® — Let’s Explore Countries
- Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 1
- Reading Level: Kindergarten
Have you ever wondered what people do for fun in Russia? Or what special foods people eat in China? Explore the answers to these questions and more! In this series, readers will learn about the history and culture of various countries in an interesting and accessible format. Dynamic full-color photographs, charts and diagrams, and age-appropriate critical thinking questions help readers understand what makes each country special. You’re just a book away from being a world traveler!
Chicken in the Kitchen
- Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 2
- Reading Level: Grade 2
What would you do if you woke up one night to find the shadow of a giant chicken passing your bedroom door? Go and investigate, of course! When Anyaugo follows a giant chicken into her kitchen one warm night in Nigeria, she embarks on a fun-filled adventure where nothing is quite as it seems. Is the mischievous giant chicken a friend or a foe? More importantly, will Anyaugo be able to save the food for the New Yam Festival the next day?
Kaya’s Heart Song
- Interest Level: Preschool – Grade 2
- Reading Level: Grade 2
“Let me tell you a secret—if you have a heart song, anything is possible. Even magic!”
Kaya is looking for her heart song—the song that happy hearts sing. Her search takes her on a journey deep into the jungle where a broken down carousel waits for a very special song to make it turn again.
Crayola® Country Colors
- Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 3
- Reading Level: Grade 1
Readers explore the role that colors play in countries around the world with Crayola®! Stunning photos capture everything from the bright colors of landscapes to the colors of traditional celebrations including Holi, Diwali, and Día de Muertos.
Pull Ahead Books — Continents
- Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 3
- Reading Level: Grade 2
Journey to all parts of the earth in this geography starter series. Readers will be introduced to each continent’s landforms and agriculture, animals, famous cities, and sites. Also discussed are occupations, activities, languages, and cultures on each continent.
Country Explorers
- Interest Level: Grade 2 – Grade 4
- Reading Level: Grade 3
Engaging photographs, colorful designs, and informative, accessible text are combined in this beginning geography series. World and country maps show the country’s location and geographical features. Extensive back matter includes a description and traceable image of the country’s flag, as well as a Fast Facts section identifying the capital, main landforms, rivers, population, and more.
Our Great States
- Interest Level: Grade 2 – Grade 5
- Reading Level: Grade 3
Do you know the state with the biggest mall in the United States? Did you know that Montana is one of the best places in the world to learn about dinosaurs? In the Our Great States series, readers will learn fun and fascinating facts like these about the fifty states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, DC. Each book explores some of the fun and kid-friendly things that make the state unique. Curricular sidebars and back matter make these books well-rounded and useful as travel guides or study aids.
Searchlight Books™ — Do You Know the Continents?
- Interest Level: Grade 3 – Grade 5
- Reading Level: Grade 3
This series from the well-respected Searchlight Books™ brand will help young readers gain global perspective and understanding through learning about the continents and their distinguishing characteristics. Each book offers a clear overview of the featured continent, covering the major landforms, climate, natural resources, countries, cultures, people, economics, and major cities. Vivid photos, clear text, sidebars, and helpful maps make these books valuable geography resources.