Costa Rica ABCs

Coffee and brightly painted oxcarts. Quetzals, coastlines, and the Montverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Learn the ABCs of Costa Rica in this exotic, colorful tour of the small but treasure-filled Central American country.

“"These titles contain well-chosen details that go beyond what might be found in encyclopedia entries or typical country books ... the many unique facts will make these titles useful tools for independent research projects."”

These well-researched, alphabetical introductions offer something meaningful and informative for every letter. A brief introduction places the country on the map, clearly stating its continent and showing its neighbors. Each page includes one letter, a few explanatory sentences, and, often, a related one-sentence fast fact. The terms applied to the alphabet do not feel contrived, and they highlight a significant part of the country's culture. For example, Q in Venezuela is for queso blanco (phonetic pronunciation included), a cheese that does not melt when heated. The always-challenging letter X in Vietnam stands for xich lo, a carriage ride by bike. The most captivating illustrations are seen in the expressive folk-art style of Venezuela's acrylic paintings. The art in Costa Rica also features acrylics, but in a less-engaging, realistic style. The pictures in Brazil are a bit cartoonlike and digital. The watercolor and gouache, realistic art makes Vietnam visually appealing. Back matter includes a list of encyclopedic facts (major industries, holidays, population, etc.), a useful glossary, a handful of basic words and their translations, and the FactHound link. Useful purchases with genuinely interesting facts in clear prose and colorful illustrations.-- "School Library Journal"

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