India

November 1, 2017

Gr 4-7-Attractive photos, well matched with the text, are the strongest element of this set. The books all share a common format, beginning with an introductory photo and description of an iconic location, such as the Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, or Stonehenge. Additional spreads locate each country and describe its landscape and climate, wildlife, population, schools, sports, foods, and celebrations, with content that is generally positive about it and its people. A "Fact Page" adds statistics, and directions for a children's game that is popular in the country and a recipe for a traditional dish are pluses. Most of the content is standard geographic information, but the text is occasionally vague to a fault. ("Small populations of First Nations and Inuit people also call Canada home"-can a million-plus people be considered "small"?). VERDICT A fine choice for introduction and basic reports.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2017
Grades 4-7 The Country Profiles series nicely balances its scope and depth of information for middle-grade researchers. This title begins with a view of India's iconic Taj Mahal before presenting the country's geographic location on a large, boldly colored map. From there, readers will become acquainted with India's landscape and climate, wildlife, people, and culture. The latter is the most interesting, as it addresses language, religion, pastimes, diet, traditional family units and marriage practices, and discrimination born of a declining caste system. Small paragraphs of reader-friendly text accompany clear photo illustrations (many with fast-fact sidebars) and helpful infographics. A time line and two-page spread of India Facts provide a visual overview of significant historical events and cultural notes. Well organized and comprehensive, this is an inviting starting point for school reports.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)