Sleeping Bear Discover the World series

The Discover the World series introduces the reader to countries of the world. An interactive website for kids at www.discovertheworldbooks.com supports each book. Free downloadable Teachers Guides are also available to accompany each book.

E is for Eiffel Tower: A France Alphabet. Helen L. Wilbur. Illustrated by Yan Nascimbene.
France is one of the most visited countries in the world. The French language is widely studied by students worldwide. This book celebrates the history and culture of France by an author who visits the country frequently. Readers are introduced to landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the palace at Versailles, and Notre Dame Cathedral; historic figures such as Louis XIV, Victor Hugo, and Charles de Gaulle; and elements of culture such as fashion, food, and winemaking.

B is for Bagpipes: A Scotland Alphabet. Eve Begley Kiehm. Illustrated by Alexa Rutherford.
You will find the kilts, the bagpipes, the haggis, and Robert the Bruce, but this book is filled with much, much more. The author and the illustrator, both of whom grew up in Scotland, share their love of their homeland in this extremely beautiful book about history and culture. Both Kiehm and Rutherford are new to the Sleeping Bear stable of artists and writers, but both acquit themselves well and show fine promise.

D is for Down Under: An Australia Alphabet. Devin Scillian. Illustrated by Geoff Cook.
Australia is the world’s smallest continent and the biggest island. Inhabited first by the Aboriginal peoples, it was not until the late 1700s that Australia was colonized by Europeans when England sent unwanted criminals to settle there. The last shipment of convicts arrived in Australia in 1868. From these beginnings grew a nation which is dedicated to its individuality, friendliness, and sport.

D is for Dala Horse: A Nordic Countries Alphabet. Kathy-jo Wargin. Illustrated by Renee Graef.
The term Nordic Countries identifies the Nordic region of Northern Europe and North America. It includes the countries Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and their associated territories of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Svalbard, and Aland. The countries cooperate in a Nordic Council and have a population of approximately 25 million people. Little known facts such as these make this book a fascinating read. It is illustrated by Renee Graef, known for her work in the American Girl books and picture books on Laura Ingalls Wilder, in Nordic folk-art style—Wilma Snyder.