Snack Time Around the World

June 1, 2004
K-Gr 3-Beginning with a simple world map, each of these books proposes a "journey" to sample foods in foreign lands. Tapping a high-interest topic, they seek to promote cultural understanding, a pillar of the social studies curriculum in many schools. Unfortunately, this clever concept is flawed in execution. In a haphazard selection of nine countries, South America is not represented at all. There is no link established between food items and geography. Evening Meals is the stronger title. Here the American hamburger is juxtaposed with such dinners as Ethiopian goat stew and the typical Australian lamb chop. The idea that people around the globe share food at day's end is communicated. The introduction of a single meal plus a fact about customary mealtime behavior is an appropriate portion for the intended audience. Bright illustrations denote physical differences among the world's peoples. Simple recipes are included. Following the same format, Snack Time pays more attention to the sugary treats and fast-food options available abroad than to native fare. Both books are easy to digest but not very satisfying.-Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT

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