A IS FOR THE AMERICAS

PLB 0-531-33194-6 This alphabet guide to North, Central, and South America gives a good indication of the land’s cultural and geographic sweep, from the Arctic to Tierra del Fuego, including its 48 countries and dependencies and 11 large language groups. The territory is vast, comfortably accommodating J for “jalape§o” (Mexican) and K is for “kayak” (Inuit), plus ocelots, llamas, empanadas, and igloos. As Spanish is the predominant language in the Americas, there is a strong Latin texture to the book, with Native American and African influences also fairly conspicuous. Each entry is sensibly explained and set in its context as much as possible. The authors don’t attempt encyclopedic coverage, but rather peek into some cultural byways; there is information served up as simple nuggets of insight, as well as facts that are provocative, which may well send readers off on further exploration. Sanchez’s artwork is highly descriptive, with lots of color and an emphasis on clothing and architecture, and infusing dry portions of the text with life. (Picture book. 5-9)