This entry in the Children like Us series examines how people in different cultures dress. It starts with national costumes and festival clothes, but then proceeds in an interesting manner with categories such as "Clothes in the Snow," "Working Clothes," and "Clothes in the Rain Forest." Each topic occupies a two-page spread of smiling, contemporary children from all over the globe. Through the playful, interactive layout, readers will learn that there is a reason for everything. Buddhist monks' robes are yellow and orange because those were the cheapest dyes and symbolize humility. The high wooden platforms of Japanese geta (slippers) keep kimonos off the ground. Maps are conspicuously absent, and mindful teachers might choose to supplement the text with pictures of children from foreign locales in everyday attire.

BUTTERFIELD, Moira . Food Around the World . ISBN 9781502608406 ; ISBN 9781502608383 ; ISBN 9781502608413 . BUTTERFIELD, Moira . Homes Around the World . ISBN 9781502608444 ; ISBN 9781502608420 ; ISBN 9781502608451 . BUTTERFIELD, Moira . Schools Around the World . ISBN 9781502608482 ; ISBN 9781502608468 ; ISBN 9781502608499 . BUTTERFIELD, Moira . Toys and Games Around the World . ISBN 9781502608529 ; ISBN 9781502608505 ; ISBN 9781502608536 . BUTTERFIELD, Moira . Transportation Around the World . ISBN 9781502608567 ; ISBN 9781502608543 ; ISBN 9781502608574 . ea vol: 32p. (Children Like Us). further reading. glossary. index. photos. Cavendish Square . 2016. lib. ed. $28.50. pap. $10.58. ebk. $28.50. K-Gr 3 These beautifully illustrated books take primary students on a visual journey into the meals, schools, home lives, transportation, and cultural entertainment of their peers in all corners of the world. Each book opens with boxed photos superimposed on a world map that show readers where they will be going, followed by 12 spreads that offer several examples within each category, such as unique housing, clothing worn for everyday and special occasions, traditional and makeshift schools, and innovative pastimes and games. The three to four paragraphs of text in each spread are enough to provide basic information while leaving room for the captioned full-page photo on one side and several smaller photos on the other. The mixture of the familiar and exotic and the inclusion of disabled children in Schools Around the World strengthens this series. VERDICT Interesting text and visual appeal make this set an attractive addition for beginning readers and to read aloud.