The World is Our Playground Series Book 3: Nanak and Tara’s Philippine Adventure

Written by Jamal Kaur Singh

Illustrated by Ronald Santos

This is my first time reading a book in this series which encourages elementary students to learn about the history, customs, beliefs, traditions, and languages of countries around the world.

The picture book is richly illustrated in vibrant colors and the bold font of the text makes it easy to read. I particularly enjoyed the mini language lessons which encourage readers to communicate in an unfamiliar language while enjoying the adventure. Readers explore the islands while experiencing its history, foods, celebrations, and family ties.

There are questions at the end included to test comprehension of the story. The author presents a lesson plan before the story begins. Background about the series and its characters as well as a summary of the author’s mission comes at the very end.

The book is packed with useful information that children will enjoy. I would suggest putting that background at the beginning to familiarize new readers upfront and then including the lesson plan toward the end.

Highly recommended for parents and teachers to teach about other cultures in an entertaining format.

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How to Shrink the Doubt Monsters: Novo the Space Robot Book 1

Written by Charity Froh

Illustrated by Zuzana Svobodova

This book is part of a picture book series that helps young children gain confidence and solve problems.

Novo is a space robot from the planet, Infinata. When a group of self-doubters invade his planet, the happy robots begin to doubt themselves. Soon after, they can no longer enjoy their favorite pursuits because they no longer believe in themeselves. Novo makes a trip to the planet earth but discovers self-doubters are present there as well. However, the children of earth teach him a valuable lesson. Will Novo succeed in teaching that lesson to his robot friends and save their planet?

The vibrant illustrations pop and the alliteration sentences are so much fun to read aloud. This book invites rereading and its lessons open up children’s minds to discussion of problem-solving.

Highly recommend this series to readers ages five through seven and their caretakers.

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