If You Were Me and Lived In...Israel: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World by Carole P. Roman is another great book that teaches children about other cultures. The book covers what the child's name might be, what they would eat, wear, visit (school, shopping), family, and more. It is a great introduction to another culture. All of these books need to be in schools, kids would learn and pay attention to these books instead of the boring textbooks! ( )

I learned a lot while reading this book about Israel. Some things I knew, of course, like about the city of Jerusalem being a mecca of religions. But, others, like the fact that they read from right to left in Israel, I had no idea. I would love to experience the Dead Sea some day and see if all that salt really does make you float.

As like the other books in this series, Roman takes the reader through the basics of living in the country including family and food description that will make you salivate. The illustrations are fitting for the country including clothing and skin color. The glossary at the back defines the unknown terms and offers pronunciations. ( )

Israel is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is divided into four neighborhoods; the Christian, Armenian, Muslim and Jewish sections. People buy things in the open market. They visit the Dead Sea where nothing can live. Some common foods are salads in pita bread, and for dessert baklava which is a honey drenched pastry. This is another wonderful cultural trip to a country few will get to visit in person. These books are a great way for kids to learn about other cultures.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

Award-winning Carole P Roman's series If You Were Me and Lived in...is a wonderful way to introduce children, ages pre-K to 8 years, to cultures of people around the world. Israel, a new addition to the series, beautifully illustrated by Kelsea Wierenga and simply written, is sure to capture a child's interest and imagination. A pronunciation guide at the back and embedded within the book enables children to learn simple words and names of places in Israel. From swimming in the Dead Sea, a well known spa area, to visiting Tel Aviv, an important city in Israel, from eating falalfel, a flavorful ball of fried chickpeas, and baklava, to playing football (or soccer as Americans call it) with friends and from celebrating in early spring Purim, a day to remember when Queen Esther saved her people from an evil king to going to biet safer (house of books), the Hebrew word for school, kids will learn about both ancient and modern Israel. It is well known that books can take an armchair reader (or one sitting on a lap) anywhere and Roman does a fantastic job of taking her readers to Israel, a country on the southwestern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Highly recommended for a child's library.
I received a copy of the book from the author. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. ( )