Costa Rica

Enchantment of the World

by Marion Morrison

Discusses the geography, climate, history, wildlife, economy, government, people, religion, and culture of Costa Rica.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel

144 pages, Library Binding

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to Costa Rica for someone who knows nothing about Central America. First step in preparing for July trip.

Most surprising fact . . . Costa Rica has evidence of past glaciers on its highest (12,000 feet) mountains.

It was Central America’s poorest country until it started growing coffee in the 1800s.

Enjoyed the photos and especially the section about food. I know there are much more up to date websites but I still prefer learning from a well organized and edited book. This one was middle grade level which suited me perfectly.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I've begun this project in which I read about the various countries of the world: one nonfiction book, one fiction book, and one book written by a person from that country. I started it when I figured out that I had no earthly idea where Myanmar was, at least in comparison to other countries.

Anyway, I've found the Enchantment of the World series to be extremely useful. It's a series of children's nonfiction books that covers various countries of the world in pretty good detail (for children's books, anyway). They're all structured the same way. Ten chapters, starting with a short introductory one, moving through geography, flora and fauna, history (often the longest one), government, economy, population, religion/culture, arts, and daily life.

They're educational, pretty light reads with plenty of pictures, but informative nonetheless. They're also, despite being undeniably US-focused, pretty nonjudgmental regarding religion and/or current world relations. The only one I read that was openly judgmental was the North Korea one, and, uh. It's North Korea. They do talk about various atrocities, but briefly, in children-focused language, and usually only the historical ones.

They can also be, by virtue of the publishing cycle, somewhat dated. I think the latest any of them go is 2015. Still, that's pretty damn recent for a published book, and I'm searching out the second editions where I can, since they're the most up-to-date. I'd definitely recommend these for kids, and also for people who have no earthly idea where, for example, Myanmar is.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for a book on Costa Rica to prepare for an upcoming vacation. Surprisingly difficult to find, until I ventured into the youth section of my library. This book was just what I needed: short enough to quickly digest some history, culture, and such, yet not too simplistic. I now have a much clearer sense of Costa Rica and look forward to exploring!

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures. Info so one-sided, though, history elevated the communists into hero status. And the history of the world time line at the back of the book was laughable. Bill Clinton's re-election appeared, the birth of Christ did not.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for the purpose of learning about Costa Rica for vacation and retirement. Very informative, great pictures, and a quick read.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like these books because they are a good source of information about the subject. It was well written.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is what it touts to be. A middle school research tool complete with all basic information about Costa Rica complete with photos.