Hey all you parents out there... today I am bringing you an awesome review for a fabulous series, "If You Were Me and Lived In..."
So far we've read 10 books in the series. The latest one we've read is "If You Were Me and Lived in Portugal." It was awesome. I'll do a brief break down of each, and a short review with link below!
So far we've read 10 books in the series. The latest one we've read is "If You Were Me and Lived in Portugal." It was awesome. I'll do a brief break down of each, and a short review with link below!
About the book:Award winning and best selling author Carole P. Roman travels to beautiful Portugal. This pro active book invites children to think about Portugal's many wonders from the sunny Azores to the wide variety of food. Roman's If You Were Me books have a simple, winning formula: portray children from other countries and explain how familiar items and customs are the same, and how they differ, in the country being discussed... The appeal of Roman's If You Were Me series is that this information is not offered in the bland style of an encyclopedia entry, but rather as part of a tour of real life in India...It's this organic conversational tone that keeps the book interesting and inspires kids' own curiosity for other cultures." Peter Dabbene The Foreword Review Join Carole P. Roman as she takes you to explore the friendly country of Portugal!
My Review:
This, like the other 9 in the series, does a fantastic job at breaking down the culture of Portugal in a way that's interesting and fun for kids to learn. It's a bit longer than the original ones we read, and I kind of miss that shortness. But it's still full of interesting facts and information presented in a way that really relates to kids. We read them at bedtime and then talk about them. It's fun to see my son and daughter take the time to try and relate to different kids they hear about.
My Review:
This, like the other 9 in the series, does a fantastic job at breaking down the culture of Portugal in a way that's interesting and fun for kids to learn. It's a bit longer than the original ones we read, and I kind of miss that shortness. But it's still full of interesting facts and information presented in a way that really relates to kids. We read them at bedtime and then talk about them. It's fun to see my son and daughter take the time to try and relate to different kids they hear about.
About the Book:
Exploring the world has never easier—or more fun!—than with Carole P. Roman’s award-winning If You Were Me and Lived In… children’s series. Continuing its globetrotting tradition, If You Were Me and Lived in…Russia explores the magic and wonder of this captivating country. As children ages three to eight take a leisurely stroll around Russia, they will come across some of the country’s most recognizable sites, including the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the Red Square. Learn about Russia’s yummy delicacies, like borscht and caviar, before playing popular Russian games like chess and “fipe”—a game children may know better as “tag”! Brimming with these and other fascinating facts, If You Were Me and Lived in…Russia is the perfect way to both entertain and educate your children about the great big world that exists outside their windows. From Russia’s festive New Year’s celebrations to popular Russian names, this charming addition to the If You Were Me and Lived in… family explains everything there is to know about one of the world’s most historic destinations. Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the If You Were Me and Lived in… series, which won the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children’s Nonfiction in 2012. She collaborated on this installment in the series with her five-year-old grandson, Alexander. Roman also writes the Captain No Beard series, the first of which was named a Kirkus Best of 2012, received a Star of Remarkable Merit, and won the Pinnacle Award in 2012.
My Review:
This one had some really long moments that were a little harder to keep my little ones' attention. But once we got passed them, they found the Russian culture interesting. We know several people from Russia, so it was easy to try and show the culture that some of their friends come from. Like the other books in the series, this is a great way to teach kids about other cultures from all over the globe. It's presented in a way that's interesting and fun and really helps kids learn about other kids.
Exploring the world has never easier—or more fun!—than with Carole P. Roman’s award-winning If You Were Me and Lived In… children’s series. Continuing its globetrotting tradition, If You Were Me and Lived in…Russia explores the magic and wonder of this captivating country. As children ages three to eight take a leisurely stroll around Russia, they will come across some of the country’s most recognizable sites, including the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the Red Square. Learn about Russia’s yummy delicacies, like borscht and caviar, before playing popular Russian games like chess and “fipe”—a game children may know better as “tag”! Brimming with these and other fascinating facts, If You Were Me and Lived in…Russia is the perfect way to both entertain and educate your children about the great big world that exists outside their windows. From Russia’s festive New Year’s celebrations to popular Russian names, this charming addition to the If You Were Me and Lived in… family explains everything there is to know about one of the world’s most historic destinations. Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the If You Were Me and Lived in… series, which won the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children’s Nonfiction in 2012. She collaborated on this installment in the series with her five-year-old grandson, Alexander. Roman also writes the Captain No Beard series, the first of which was named a Kirkus Best of 2012, received a Star of Remarkable Merit, and won the Pinnacle Award in 2012.
My Review:
This one had some really long moments that were a little harder to keep my little ones' attention. But once we got passed them, they found the Russian culture interesting. We know several people from Russia, so it was easy to try and show the culture that some of their friends come from. Like the other books in the series, this is a great way to teach kids about other cultures from all over the globe. It's presented in a way that's interesting and fun and really helps kids learn about other kids.
About the Book:
BETHPAGE, N.Y. — Former social studies teacher Carole P. Roman has penned a new addition in her exiting explorations of foreign cultures and customs with “If You Were Me and Lived in … Australia". In her years as a teacher, parent and grandparent, Roman noticed that there were few, if any, books about other cultures for young children. Roman has remedied the deficit and now introduces the new Australia installment in a series that educates kids, parents and teachers, alike. Roman recognizes that children love to discover the differences and similarities of other people and places in far-off lands. In this series, she describes details that kids can relate to. Tailored to children from 3-to-8-years old, her writing is simple but does not talk down to youngsters. Among the topics that are introduced in this journey to Australia are the unusual indigenous animals, the extraordinary Great Barrier Reef, the currency, the beloved game of cricket and the national holiday, Australia Day, as well as the special nicknames people have for one another and the curious taste sensation, Vegemite. “This series is just enough facts to begin a discussion without overwhelming the child and can be expanded or contracted to fit the age group,” Roman explains. "Carole P. Roman has created a marvelous premise for her series of educational children's books: young readers are given the opportunity to realistically envision a foreign country without leaving their homes, libraries, or classrooms....Roman's formula allows for so much lovely variety in each book of this series that it hardly seems like a formula at all...If You Were Me and Lived in ...Kenya is a short, vibrant picture book, brightly illustrated in cartoon style. The text is scant, appropriate, and does not deviate from the central theme." ForeWord Reviews Clarion Review
My Review:
This was one of my favorites. I loved the pictures and all the time Carole obviously took to try and find fun facts that would catch the kids attention. Since we read these at night before bed, it makes a nice little discussion before we go to sleep. I love how involved the kids get in the stories and finding out things that they can relate to with other children from around the world! Just like the others in the series, this is a great book for kids to learn about Australia.
BETHPAGE, N.Y. — Former social studies teacher Carole P. Roman has penned a new addition in her exiting explorations of foreign cultures and customs with “If You Were Me and Lived in … Australia". In her years as a teacher, parent and grandparent, Roman noticed that there were few, if any, books about other cultures for young children. Roman has remedied the deficit and now introduces the new Australia installment in a series that educates kids, parents and teachers, alike. Roman recognizes that children love to discover the differences and similarities of other people and places in far-off lands. In this series, she describes details that kids can relate to. Tailored to children from 3-to-8-years old, her writing is simple but does not talk down to youngsters. Among the topics that are introduced in this journey to Australia are the unusual indigenous animals, the extraordinary Great Barrier Reef, the currency, the beloved game of cricket and the national holiday, Australia Day, as well as the special nicknames people have for one another and the curious taste sensation, Vegemite. “This series is just enough facts to begin a discussion without overwhelming the child and can be expanded or contracted to fit the age group,” Roman explains. "Carole P. Roman has created a marvelous premise for her series of educational children's books: young readers are given the opportunity to realistically envision a foreign country without leaving their homes, libraries, or classrooms....Roman's formula allows for so much lovely variety in each book of this series that it hardly seems like a formula at all...If You Were Me and Lived in ...Kenya is a short, vibrant picture book, brightly illustrated in cartoon style. The text is scant, appropriate, and does not deviate from the central theme." ForeWord Reviews Clarion Review
My Review:
This was one of my favorites. I loved the pictures and all the time Carole obviously took to try and find fun facts that would catch the kids attention. Since we read these at night before bed, it makes a nice little discussion before we go to sleep. I love how involved the kids get in the stories and finding out things that they can relate to with other children from around the world! Just like the others in the series, this is a great book for kids to learn about Australia.
About the Book:
Number four in a series of world culture, If You Were Me and Lived in... Turkey, explores cultural differences through a child's understanding. A respectful and lively treatment of the subtle differences of the people from different parts of the globe we share. Join Carole P.Roman as she travels to learn out the people, culture, and customs of the people Turkey.
My Review:
This book is the perfect length for reading at night. Sometimes the facts can be a bit long, but this one has the longest for Children's Day and even that is just the right size for small minds to stay focused. The pictures are fun and definitely cute to look at. My daughter loves pointing things out as we read. This one really engaged them to figure out some new aspects of this culture!
Number four in a series of world culture, If You Were Me and Lived in... Turkey, explores cultural differences through a child's understanding. A respectful and lively treatment of the subtle differences of the people from different parts of the globe we share. Join Carole P.Roman as she travels to learn out the people, culture, and customs of the people Turkey.
My Review:
This book is the perfect length for reading at night. Sometimes the facts can be a bit long, but this one has the longest for Children's Day and even that is just the right size for small minds to stay focused. The pictures are fun and definitely cute to look at. My daughter loves pointing things out as we read. This one really engaged them to figure out some new aspects of this culture!
About the Book:
Carole P. Roman takes you on a journey this time to Asia, landing in South Korea. Once again, children can learn how life is like for young people on the other side of the globe. From food to famous landmarks, they will learn that's it's easy to find something in common with people in different countries.
My Review:
I feel like every book I open from Carole is bound to be a treat for my kids. The pictures in this one are stunning, and so full of details! They match the facts that the kids are learning about South Korea perfectly. If you want your kiddo to learn about South Korea and even take the time to learn similarities, this is a great book... check out the entire series!
Carole P. Roman takes you on a journey this time to Asia, landing in South Korea. Once again, children can learn how life is like for young people on the other side of the globe. From food to famous landmarks, they will learn that's it's easy to find something in common with people in different countries.
My Review:
I feel like every book I open from Carole is bound to be a treat for my kids. The pictures in this one are stunning, and so full of details! They match the facts that the kids are learning about South Korea perfectly. If you want your kiddo to learn about South Korea and even take the time to learn similarities, this is a great book... check out the entire series!
About the Book:
Let's travel to India! Land of bright colors and delicious spices, If You Were Me and Lived in...India, takes young readers on a road trip to learn about this interesting place. Children will learn how to say mommy and daddy, what type of currency is used, games that youngsters play and a lot of interesting facts about the beautiful land of India. If You Were Me and Lived in...India adds this ethnically diverse country to the growing, award winning series that is out to cover the entire globe, teaching children about culture and customs all over the world. The ForeWord Review, Clarion Review gave "If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya" a coveted five star ranking. The first book in the series, If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico" received the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Nonfiction 2012.
My Review:
In a world where there are so many different people in the world, and we are such a large melting pot- especially here in the United States, this is a great series. This book is filled with the bright colors and details that you'd expect to find with the Indian culture. Also, the facts are fun and definitely help kids connect to each other. You can just see their minds finding the common ground and being like "Hey, we aren't so different!" I love that. And I hope that Carole keeps writing these books!
Let's travel to India! Land of bright colors and delicious spices, If You Were Me and Lived in...India, takes young readers on a road trip to learn about this interesting place. Children will learn how to say mommy and daddy, what type of currency is used, games that youngsters play and a lot of interesting facts about the beautiful land of India. If You Were Me and Lived in...India adds this ethnically diverse country to the growing, award winning series that is out to cover the entire globe, teaching children about culture and customs all over the world. The ForeWord Review, Clarion Review gave "If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya" a coveted five star ranking. The first book in the series, If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico" received the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Nonfiction 2012.
My Review:
In a world where there are so many different people in the world, and we are such a large melting pot- especially here in the United States, this is a great series. This book is filled with the bright colors and details that you'd expect to find with the Indian culture. Also, the facts are fun and definitely help kids connect to each other. You can just see their minds finding the common ground and being like "Hey, we aren't so different!" I love that. And I hope that Carole keeps writing these books!
About the Book:
Let's travel to Kenya! Number five in this exciting series travels to Africa to learn about the thrilling country of Kenya. This extraordinary book "If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya- A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World" explores life for children on a new continent. The book touches on many familiar topics such as names, money, games,and food as well the sites and sounds that come with living in Africa. Embraced by educators, parents, and children, the series gently and respectfully introduces the subjects of cultures and customs around the world. On "If You Were Me and Lived in...South Korea": "Roman has proven her skill at writing children's books with her Captain No Beard series, as well as with the other volumes in her cultural series. If you were me and lived in ...South Korea uses a technique of speaking directly to the child reading or listening, similar to Laura Numeroff's If You Give a...series. This strategy is well suited to a book about foreign cultures as it gives little imaginations a boost by helping children envision themselves growing up with customs and traditions different from the ones they're familiar with..." Peter Dabbene ForeWord Reviews Clarion Review On "If You Were Me and Lived in...France": "It is the simplistic and positive way that Roman,a former social studies teacher, delivers the text, that makes this series appealing-the books are short and to the point and just what you want when you're introducing geography and culture to the youngest reading set." Bianca Schulz-The Children's Book review.
My Review:
One of the things that I truly love about this series is the fact that Carole bounces all over the world. She doesn't limit the countries to common ones or even ones that are necessarily super familiar. In the Kenya one, she finds the common things and even the uncommon things and presents them in a fantastic way that really helps the kids relate to each other. I wish that more people took the time to help kids understand that we're all basically the same and if you look for it, you'll find the common ground.
Let's travel to Kenya! Number five in this exciting series travels to Africa to learn about the thrilling country of Kenya. This extraordinary book "If You Were Me and Lived in...Kenya- A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World" explores life for children on a new continent. The book touches on many familiar topics such as names, money, games,and food as well the sites and sounds that come with living in Africa. Embraced by educators, parents, and children, the series gently and respectfully introduces the subjects of cultures and customs around the world. On "If You Were Me and Lived in...South Korea": "Roman has proven her skill at writing children's books with her Captain No Beard series, as well as with the other volumes in her cultural series. If you were me and lived in ...South Korea uses a technique of speaking directly to the child reading or listening, similar to Laura Numeroff's If You Give a...series. This strategy is well suited to a book about foreign cultures as it gives little imaginations a boost by helping children envision themselves growing up with customs and traditions different from the ones they're familiar with..." Peter Dabbene ForeWord Reviews Clarion Review On "If You Were Me and Lived in...France": "It is the simplistic and positive way that Roman,a former social studies teacher, delivers the text, that makes this series appealing-the books are short and to the point and just what you want when you're introducing geography and culture to the youngest reading set." Bianca Schulz-The Children's Book review.
My Review:
One of the things that I truly love about this series is the fact that Carole bounces all over the world. She doesn't limit the countries to common ones or even ones that are necessarily super familiar. In the Kenya one, she finds the common things and even the uncommon things and presents them in a fantastic way that really helps the kids relate to each other. I wish that more people took the time to help kids understand that we're all basically the same and if you look for it, you'll find the common ground.
About the Book:
Join Carole P. Roman on a trip to the Northern Hemisphere and learn about Norway- The Land Of the Midnight Sun. In this exciting series, children are able to read about the many things we share in this great, big world of ours. If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway describes many things that make that country unique and fun. Readers will be able to learn about the capital, common names, a beloved holiday, as well as favorite food and other fun facts. This book is an excellent introduction for those beginners who want to learn about the many thrilling places and great people who share our planet.
My Review:
This has been the favorite of the series so far. My son absolutely LOVED the idea of an ice hotel and living in such a magical place. This is the one I heard about for days... suddenly he wanted to go live in Norway! Every fact I told him just fueled his need to live there. Whenever we read a new one, I am always quick to ask if he'd still rather live in Norway, so far this is the winner every time. Carole does a great job at bringing these places to life! I adore this series- even if that means I have to convince my 6 year old that maybe moving to another country right this second isn't the best idea ever.
Join Carole P. Roman on a trip to the Northern Hemisphere and learn about Norway- The Land Of the Midnight Sun. In this exciting series, children are able to read about the many things we share in this great, big world of ours. If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway describes many things that make that country unique and fun. Readers will be able to learn about the capital, common names, a beloved holiday, as well as favorite food and other fun facts. This book is an excellent introduction for those beginners who want to learn about the many thrilling places and great people who share our planet.
My Review:
This has been the favorite of the series so far. My son absolutely LOVED the idea of an ice hotel and living in such a magical place. This is the one I heard about for days... suddenly he wanted to go live in Norway! Every fact I told him just fueled his need to live there. Whenever we read a new one, I am always quick to ask if he'd still rather live in Norway, so far this is the winner every time. Carole does a great job at bringing these places to life! I adore this series- even if that means I have to convince my 6 year old that maybe moving to another country right this second isn't the best idea ever.
About the Book:
"If You Were Me and Lived in...France-A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World" is the second book in Carole P. Roman's remarkable series about countries all over the globe. With each book covering a different nation, Roman opens up a world of wonder while highlighting the fact that underneath it all we are far more alike than we might have imagined. Focusing on what life would be like from a child's viewpoint, she examines the diversity of the people who make up our planet.
My Review:
Like I'm sure everyone that reads this series has experienced, this is where my people come from. I'm the first generation in the US, so reading about my mom's homeland is fun and it was a great way to show my kids where some of our traditions come from. Not only that, but it also gave me a chance to check to see just how accurate Carole is. And she's spot on! I absolutely love this one. It makes me smile every time we read it. It was also the PERFECT length! Some of the later books are a bit longer in some of the descriptions and can be a mouthful to read and a little harder to pay attention through, but this one is perfect. Highly recommend!
"If You Were Me and Lived in...France-A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World" is the second book in Carole P. Roman's remarkable series about countries all over the globe. With each book covering a different nation, Roman opens up a world of wonder while highlighting the fact that underneath it all we are far more alike than we might have imagined. Focusing on what life would be like from a child's viewpoint, she examines the diversity of the people who make up our planet.
My Review:
Like I'm sure everyone that reads this series has experienced, this is where my people come from. I'm the first generation in the US, so reading about my mom's homeland is fun and it was a great way to show my kids where some of our traditions come from. Not only that, but it also gave me a chance to check to see just how accurate Carole is. And she's spot on! I absolutely love this one. It makes me smile every time we read it. It was also the PERFECT length! Some of the later books are a bit longer in some of the descriptions and can be a mouthful to read and a little harder to pay attention through, but this one is perfect. Highly recommend!
About the Book:
"If You Were Me and Lived in ...Mexico-A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World" is the first entry in an exciting new children's series that focuses on learning and appreciating the many cultures that make up our small planet. Perfect for children from Pre-K to age 8, this book is a groundbreaking new experience in elementary education. Interesting facts and colorful illustrations help children realize that although the world is large, people all over the globe are basically the same.
My Review:
The last book for me to review in the series, is actually the first in the series! This is a great book, again we see the shorter descriptions that are found in the beginning books... the ones I love because they are so much easier to read! I also think this is a really important book for those of us that live in the US. Since Mexico is our neighbor, our kids should really understand that the kids there are like them and like the same stuff- even if they call it something different. Carole has done a fantastic job with the entire series with bringing fun, exciting, an relateable facts to each country she introduces her readers to. I hope she keeps writing and giving us more places to visit!
"If You Were Me and Lived in ...Mexico-A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World" is the first entry in an exciting new children's series that focuses on learning and appreciating the many cultures that make up our small planet. Perfect for children from Pre-K to age 8, this book is a groundbreaking new experience in elementary education. Interesting facts and colorful illustrations help children realize that although the world is large, people all over the globe are basically the same.
My Review:
The last book for me to review in the series, is actually the first in the series! This is a great book, again we see the shorter descriptions that are found in the beginning books... the ones I love because they are so much easier to read! I also think this is a really important book for those of us that live in the US. Since Mexico is our neighbor, our kids should really understand that the kids there are like them and like the same stuff- even if they call it something different. Carole has done a fantastic job with the entire series with bringing fun, exciting, an relateable facts to each country she introduces her readers to. I hope she keeps writing and giving us more places to visit!
About the Author:
Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 for her first book, award winning author Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons. Using an imaginary game she played with her grandson as a base, Captain No Beard was born."Captain No Beard- An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life" has not only been named to Kirkus Best of 2012, it received the Star of Remarkable Merit, and won the Pinnacle Award for 2012. "Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience" Book 2 in the series, received 5 Stars from The ForeWord Review The Clarion Review. Strangers on the High Seas has won second place in the Rebecca's Reads Choice Awards 2013. It has followed with six more books to the series.
Motivated by her love of yoga, Roman has written a book that not only teaches four poses, but shows how easy and accessible yoga can be.
Her new non fiction series, "If You Were Me and Lived in..." combines her teaching past with her love of exploration and interest in the world around us. The debut book in the series, "If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico" has won the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Non Fiction 2012. France, South Korea, and Norway. Rebecca's Reads has given If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway an honorable mention in the 2013 Choice Awards. If You Were Me and lived in ...France won second place. ForeWord Review has nominated If You Were Me and Lived in...France for best in children's non fiction literature 2013. They will be followed with Kenya, Turkey, India, and Australia. She plans to do Portugal, Greece, and Argentina next year.
Writing for children has opened up a whole second act for her. While she is still working in her family business, this has enabled her to share her sense of humor as well as love for history and culture with the audience she adores. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children.
Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 for her first book, award winning author Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons. Using an imaginary game she played with her grandson as a base, Captain No Beard was born."Captain No Beard- An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life" has not only been named to Kirkus Best of 2012, it received the Star of Remarkable Merit, and won the Pinnacle Award for 2012. "Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience" Book 2 in the series, received 5 Stars from The ForeWord Review The Clarion Review. Strangers on the High Seas has won second place in the Rebecca's Reads Choice Awards 2013. It has followed with six more books to the series.
Motivated by her love of yoga, Roman has written a book that not only teaches four poses, but shows how easy and accessible yoga can be.
Her new non fiction series, "If You Were Me and Lived in..." combines her teaching past with her love of exploration and interest in the world around us. The debut book in the series, "If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico" has won the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Non Fiction 2012. France, South Korea, and Norway. Rebecca's Reads has given If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway an honorable mention in the 2013 Choice Awards. If You Were Me and lived in ...France won second place. ForeWord Review has nominated If You Were Me and Lived in...France for best in children's non fiction literature 2013. They will be followed with Kenya, Turkey, India, and Australia. She plans to do Portugal, Greece, and Argentina next year.
Writing for children has opened up a whole second act for her. While she is still working in her family business, this has enabled her to share her sense of humor as well as love for history and culture with the audience she adores. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children.
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