The Barefoot Book of Children

Mixing reader-directed questions with statements of fact, Strickland and DePalma seek to get children thinking, both about their own lives and the lives of their peers across the globe. In pages devoted to families, food, bodies, language, and more, Dean's vivid acrylic paintings highlight the similarities and differences among the lives of children far and wide--those with adoptive or gay parents, multiracial families, and engaged in work, play, and creative exploration. The authors don't delve too far into specifics in the main narrative ("Some people worship. Some people pray. Some people meditate"), but a closing section goes into substantial detail regarding the languages, religious celebrations, activities, and foods from the preceding pages. It's a lyrical exploration of humankind that strikes a lovely balance between celebrating individuality while recognizing the rewards of community. Ages 3-8. (Oct.)

PreS-Gr 2--Strickland's latest selection about children around the world begins as an easy picture book and ends as a nonfiction title with explanatory back matter for elementary schoolchildren. As the acyclic illustrations zoom in on a variety of global locales, details about where and how children live come into focus. After the interiors of five different homes are shown, a variety of families are depicted eating, playing, and spending time together. They include individuals in wheelchairs and LGBTQ families. The book is interactive and broad in scope, with each page containing questions ("Which languages do you speak?") and illustrations of children of all ages. VERDICT An excellent introduction to cultural diversity for public and school libraries and elementary classrooms. Perfect for geography and social studies lessons.--Tanya Boudreau, Cold Lake Public Library, Alta.