Russia ABCs: A Book About the People and Places of Russia by, Ann Berge 1. Brief Summary: Privyet! Welcome to Russia! Come along on this ABC adventure through the biggest country on Earth. Read about diamond studded eggs, the deepest lake in the world, and other fascinating facts. 2. Potential Audience (Genre, Topic and Reading Level): Age ranges from 4-8; or early reader Topic is learning about Russian events and topics through our alphabet. Genre is nonfiction, factual events and words from Russia. 3. Specific Curricular Uses(Guided reading, independent reading, shared reading, read aloud) : Read Aloud because of the new words and meanings may be unclear at a young age Independent reading for older children who may be studying this culture
4. Social Issues the book addresses: Cultural differences 5. Specific Literary Elements the book demonstrates: The subject of the book is learning facts about Russia. The setting is definitely important, because these facts are pulled from another culture. 6. Interactions and Counteractions of text and image; How does the illustration help tell the story? Even though the text is reliable, the illustrations are heavily used for the younger reader.
1. Summary: Privyet! Welcome to Russia! Come along on this ABC adventure through the biggest country on Earth. Read about diamond studded eggs, the deepest lake in the world, and other fascinating facts. 2. Reading Level:Age ranges from 4-8; or early reader
3. Topic is learning about Russian events and topics through our alphabet.
4. Genre is nonfiction, factual events and words from Russia.
5. Specific Curricular Uses: Read Aloud because of the new words and meanings may be unclear at a young age. Independent reading for older children who may be studying this culture
6. Social Issues the book addresses: Cultural differences
7. Specific Literary Elements the book demonstrates: The subject of the book is learning facts about Russia. The setting is definitely important, because these facts are pulled from another culture.
8. Interactions and Counteractions of text and image; How does the illustration help tell the story? Even though the text is reliable, the illustrations are heavily used for the younger reader.
Summary: Written in alphabet format, various elements of Russian culture, geography, climate, landmarks, and history are introduced. Also included: Basic facts on Russia, some Russian phrases with pronunciation guide, glossary, and suggested books for further research (connected to Fact Hound).
From the Publisher: Privyet! Welcome to Russia! Come along on this ABC adventure through the biggest country on the earth. Read about diamond-studded eggs, the deepest lake in the world, and other fascinating facts.
Comments: The selection of words allow exploration of parts of Russian culture and history as well as its broad geography. The content is strong, though the pale watercolor illustrations depict the words without adding cultural depth. I liked the inclusion of geographic/climate elements like the deepest lake in the world (Lake Baikal), taiga, white nights, and time zones; giving a sense of "place" gives context for understanding the culture and customs of the peoples that live there.