by Valerie Wyatt (Author) Fred Rix (Illustrator)
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Gr 3-5 Wyatt takes a lighthearted approach to her subject, which is interspersed with real facts, dates, and occurrences. She outlines three main steps: "Stake Out Your Identity," "Run the Country," and "Meet the Neighbors." Fifteen small sections under the main headings discuss naming the country, choosing a motto, setting up a government, elections, constitution, laws, money, holidays, and more. Youngsters will enjoy the color illustrations and humor throughout. A matching activity, U-Name-It, will undoubtedly cause lots of laughter. Kids can make up passports for their imaginary country, and a labeled illustration shows all parts of the document. Creating a flag (in three steps) is another project to tap readers' artistic abilities. There's even a "Fill-in-the-blanks National Anthem" sung to the tune of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." Various forms of government are explained -- democracy, oligarchy, theocracy, single-party rule -- along with a color cartoon of a beheaded monarch. The role of the United Nations is briefly touched upon, including the Blue Berets. A brief glossary defines globalization, political party, taxes, and more."Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY"
Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Karen Fredericks' illustrations have appeared in many publications, including The New York Times and Scientific American. She works from her home in the Hamptons.