ALL ABOUT THAILAND

Detailed cultural information about a country that most people in the U.S. may only know about through its food.

Thailand is a country rich in tradition, folklore, visual arts, music, and dance as well as culinary treats, and this volume provides access to a wealth of background material, stories, and hands-on projects and activities. One of a series of books on Asian cultures, this includes recipes for such dishes as sticky rice with mangoes and Thai chicken noodle soup (made with rice noodles), which follow a description of the importance of rice in the Thai diet. A description of Loi Krathong, the floating-lantern festival, is presented after a double-page spread on religion. Sheet music for a song and the instructions for making a special floating lantern are included, along with information on the flying-lantern festival, Yi-Peng, celebrated in northern Thailand at the same time, during the full moon of November. A spectacular photo displays the golden flying lanterns sent up to carry wishes to the Buddha. Other photos are used occasionally throughout the book, but most of the illustrations have an attractive, brightly colored, cartoonish look. Although other resources will be needed to give a picture of Thai history and the current social, political, and economic situations, this compendium will serve children, educators (formal and informal), librarians, and parents well.

Appreciation for Thailand’s heritage will quickly follow the reading of this book.