If You Were Me and Lived In.... a Look at Cultures Around the World

Disclosure: Carole P. Roman sent me these books for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Do you like to read books about different cultures? Since we don't travel very often, I love to teach Hazel about different cultures and I have found books to be a wonderful way to do this. Today I get to share three books from a wonderful series by Carole P. Roman. The series is If You Were Me and Lived In...A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World. Unlike the books in the Ancient Culture series I shared last week, these books focus on current cultures in the countries. The series of books that include a map of the country as well as a picture of a globe showing where the country is and a pronunciation guide with meanings as well. We will go in alphabetical order with our three countries and start with If You Were Me and Lived in...Australia. 

Do you know why Australia is the Land Down Under? Or where the name Australia comes from? What do kids call their parents in Australia? These questions and more are answered in this book. There is also information about what people do, eat, and more. This book is a great introduction to Australia. The suggested ages are 7-9, however I think even younger for being read by an adult. Hazel found it a bit young, but that also could be because we did so much reading about countries and especially Australia when she was younger. 

Next we will look at If You Were Me and Lived in...Cuba. This one is illustrated by Kelsea Wierenga. We have looked a bit at Cuba in the past, but not a whole lot. This book goes into different details than I have read previously. It includes things about Havana having three major harbors and its history. It gives the names for each parent as well as the Spanish words for things like school and more. There is information about food, festivals, tourist sites, sports and more. This book gives so much about the culture of Cuba and is an amazing introduction to this fascinating country.

Our final country for tonight is Italy. Now Italy is always a favorite among ours since Steve's family is from Italy, so we have looked at it a few times as well. So now we are looking at If You Were Me and Lived in...Italy. This one is also illustrated by Kelsea Wierenga. This book gives a bit of history of Italy and the Roman Empire as well as how Rome is the only city with another country in its borders and how that is possible. Italian words are integrated throughout the book as well as various culture things from watching football (soccer) to the tourist sites and more.

These books are such a great introduction to the cultures of the world. I hope you will check them out as well as the others in the series!