From the time she awakens to fetch water from the well until she goes to bed, young Habiba relates the daily events of her life in or near Bamyan, Afghanistan. A major change in her life occurs when cousins who have lost their home in the war move in with the family. A paraplegic neighbor is also a reminder of the war, but for the most part, Habiba leads a cheerful life. Told in English and Dari, the narrative is more cultural introduction than story. Habiba's brother is named Muhammed, and clothing would also suggest that the family is Muslim, but religious practice is totally absent in Habiba's day curious omission, especially in a book for cultural studies. Still, its sturdy, often attractive, collage-like art is serviceable, and its helpful backmatter includes information about Habiba's tribe, a glossary, and more detail on this part of Afghanistan. A welcome offering on a culture not often portrayed in children's books.

A low-key picture of a child's life in Bamiyan, at the moment one of the war-torn country's quieter areas. Though present in a wistful, ex-soldier uncle who has lost his legs and the arrival of a family of cousins who have lost their home, the war seems far away to young Habiba as she describes a day's routines. She rises before dawn to fetch water, enjoys a breakfast of khojur before helping to get the sheep to pasture and then continues on to an outdoor school. She introduces Aaba (mother), Aata (father) and other members of her family, shares an evening meal, then beds down with her cousins and reflects on how warm and safe she feels. "I am happy to be right here," she concludes. Her narrative, in English and Dari (the local dialect, written in script), accompanies staid collages constructed from painted papers and fuzzed-out color photos and highlighted by the brightly patterned robes and head scarves worn by girls and women. Along with providing background information on setting and local culture, bilingual closing notes identify Habiba and her family as members of the ethnic Hazara minority, but, like other titles in the I See The Sun In... series, this is more about commonalities of feeling and experience than cultural differences. Informative, if earnest and overtly purposeful. (glossary) (Picture book. 6-8)

K-Gr 2 This simple story follows a young Afghani girl from sunrise to sunset. Living in Bamiyan, a relatively safe city, Habiba fetches water, attends school, and anticipates the arrival of her cousins, who have lost their home because of the war. The story captures the flavor of the culture, and the love and support of this close family is evident. The story is written in both English and Dari (Afghan Farsi), and an author's note provides supplemental information. Inglese's watercolor and collage illustrations are well composed, and color and pattern add richness and texture. This interesting glimpse into the day-to-day life in this turbulent country will allow children to appreciate the similarities and differences that exist between the two cultures. Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ