Author: Carole P. Roman
Publisher: Red Feather Publishing
ISBN: 978-1490-522395

“If you were me and lived in Australia (aw-strayl-ya), you would live in the Southern Hemisphere. The country is actually called the Commonwealth of Australia,” Carole P. Roman writes in her children’s book, If You Were Me and Lived In … Australia – A Child’s Introduction to Culture Around the World.

Part of the worldwide series, this twenty-eight page paperback targets preschool to early elementary school aged children and readers who like learning about other countries. With no profanity, scary scenes, or violence, it would best be read to beginner readers based on some complicated words that usually include pronunciation. Colorful illustrations cover one side of the page with a nicely sized font wording on the opposite side, sometimes overlapping, making it hard to read. One page at the end of the book reiterates how to pronounce certain words and their meanings.

Australia is an interesting place as it was named after the Latin word meaning “south.” The reader learns that its people are called “Aussies." This book promotes people lived on the large island over forty thousand years ago.

A unique place to visit is the Old Parliament House in the capital city of Canberra. Located between Melbourne and Syndey, it is also called the “bush capital” due to its surrounding vegetation.

There are many activities in the country such as visiting the famous Great Barrier Reef that can be seen from outer space. One can see fish, coral, dolphins, turtles, and whales by snorkeling or riding in a bareboat, a mini-submarine with windows. Cricket is also played.

Favorite foods are vegemite sandwiches that are made of a dark brown vegetable paste on white bread with a special butter, roasted meat prepared on the barbie, and fresh salad.

The reader learns English words are pronounced similarly to American words. Also taught are common names for boys and girls along with what to call parents.

Not written as a fictional story, this educational book is a simple way for a young child to learn about a foreign land, especially if he or she knows someone is living there or planning a trip to visit.

With so many countries around the world, one looks forward to future books in the series to learn more about a particular location.

Thanks to Red Feather Publishing for furnishing this complimentary book in exchange for a review based on the reader’s honest opinion.

Follow Here To Purchase If you were me and lived in... Australia: A Child's Introduction to Cultures around the World (Volume 8)