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Hello World!
by Manya Stojic
(Check Catalog)

Each page of this adorable book includes a greeting translated in a different language with easy-to-pronounce phonetic spellings and paintings of children of diverse cultures, with 42 languages in all represented. Children from around the world say "hello" in forty-two languages, from Amharic to Zulu.

SLJ Reviews 2002 December (SL2L)

K-Gr 2-The purpose of this picture book is to encourage children to learn how to greet one another in a variety of languages, including Dinka, Hiri Motu, Yucateco, and Bambara. Greetings appear with a bold, nearly full-page acrylic painting of a child. Stojic starts with a Hawaiian "Aloha," and ends her world travels with a Maori "Kia Ora"; the phonetic spelling appears beneath each greeting. However, there is no map or country identification, and many readers won't know where the languages are spoken or by whom.

The artwork focuses on children's faces, depicting them with simple features: two dots or curved lines for eyes; two small arched lines, one for the nose, and one for the mouth. These round-headed youngsters are appealing, and the uniformity in facial features serves as a visual metaphor for their universal humanity; skin tone, hair color, and accessories provide for personal uniqueness. This deceivingly simple book encourages interest in and awareness of other languages. Children can easily memorize the words and share them with family, friends, and people in their community who may not speak English as their first language. While best suited for those who have reading ability, the volume may be read aloud to younger children, who also want to learn how to be friendly globally.-Carol L. MacKay, Camrose Public Library, Alberta, Canada Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.