Description:
Imagine being born in a different country - What would you see? Who would make you smile? How would your dreams be shaped by a new culture? 'If I Was Born in...' transports young readers on a journey through poem-style storytelling to six captivating destinations: Lyon, Ulaanbaatar, Tahiti, Warsaw, Toronto, and Juba. From the bustling city streets of Canada to the tranquil beaches of Polynesia, each page is a vibrant watercolour invitation into a world different from their own. This book encourages children to appreciate the beauty of diversity and sparks enriching conversations about cultures and places far and wide. It is a perfect multicultural bedtime story for younger children, and a lifelong, valuable gift for the little ones and the people who read to them.
'From any place on this planet, the sky, the moon, and the sun are the same. But beauty is always different; beauty is always our own.' - If I Was Born In...
Proud recipient of the "Finalist in the 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Awards (NGIBA)", 'If I Was Born In...' continues to charm and inspire readers across the world. To continue the journey of global discovery, explore Sachiko's other award-winning multicultural children's books, including 'World Languages for Kids.'
Brief description: Born in Japan and refined through global adventures, Sachiko Otohata infuses her writing with a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. Her journeys, from walking alongside monks from Washington D.C. to Philadelphia, to weekly picnics on Parisian bridges, have left indelible marks on her storytelling. Today, she resides in Canada with her family, channeling her worldly wisdom into her books to promote love and understanding across cultures. Sachiko's captivating tales, perfect for bedtime, storytime, or anytime, encourage readers to embark on their own narrative adventures. Immerse your little ones in her writing and join her celebration of our wonderfully diverse world.
Review Quotes:
Diversity allows children to accept their differences and motivates them to live together with respect and harmony. We are all unique, and it doesn't matter where we come from as long as we recognize the beauty of life and our surroundings. If I Was Born In... is a beautiful story about this topic. The narrative talks about what it would be like to have been born in different countries. The book describes what it would be like to walk the streets of Lyon, France. It shows how exciting it would be to ride a wild horse in Mongolia. And it demonstrates a variety of scenarios and situations inspired by various countries. Therefore, young readers will become more interested in other cultures and lifestyles. Whether you live near the beach or in a big city, there will always be something to observe. Sachiko Otohata shares these ideas through her melodious words in a fun read that children will enjoy.
I loved Sachiko Otohata's narrative style. Her sentences are short and cheerful, perfect for children learning to read. She conveys valuable ideas that help children become interested in the characteristics of life in other countries. I like the variety of examples because they stimulate our imaginations. It is not only about the countryside and the city. There are warm and cold places with characters doing different activities. The illustrations are colorful. In addition, the characters wear clothes representing their country. I highly recommend If I Was Born In... to share reading moments with children and teach them about cultural diversity. (by Diana Lopez - Reader's Favorite)