A Is For Asia

by Cynthia Chin-Lee, Yumi Heo (Illustrations)

A is for Asia, one-third of the earth. This innovative alphabet book chronicles the events, foods, animals, crafts, and traditions that make Asia as a continent special and each Asian country unique. Native languages are included.

Genres: Picture Books, Asia, Asian American, Childrens, Geography, Cultural

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1991

Reviews

[Kaitlin]

A is for Asia is an alphabet book about the culture of Asia. The book ties all the different countries of Asia together. This includes using each language, acknowledging each religion, and celebrating the different holidays. I enjoyed reading this book. As simple as this book is, I have learned more about Asia while reading this book then I ever have from other sources. When the book introduced a new term, I was able to use more than just the words to help me to understand. I was able to use the pictures to help me figure out what the words were referring to. I loved the detailed images that helped to represent and expand on the story itself. I think this is a great story to share with students if you have students from Asia in my class or not. It never hurts to learn more about another culture and it would give my students from Asia a way to connect with the class.

[Lynn Davidson]

Learning the alphabet and geography and interesting facts all at the same time! That's what this book offers the reader. Although advanced for the youngest child, seeing the alphabet presented this way is educational and fun to read. A is for Asia, B is for batik ... and the way through to Y is for yert, Z is for Zen, different languages and cultures of Asia are brought to the reader. Wonderful illustrations.

[Sarah]

I really like the overall design of this book. I like the artwork and the font. The information is all interesting and easy to grasp. My only complaint is that I wish it included more countries. Thailand didn't make an appearance, but India, China, and South Korea appeared multiple times. Too bad for Thailand.

[Haley Hoenke]

Social Studies, Geography, Asia

[Katie Spencer]

"A is for Asia" is a fun and interesting alphabetic factual book on the continent that is home to more than half the people in the world. This lively text with beautiful stylish illustrations would be a great book to incorporate in a classroom when focusing on different cultures. From C is for camels with one hump or two, to O is for Origami, to R is for rice, fried, steamed or curried, every letter is represented with an object or subject that makes Asia so unique. After reading this book, I have a better understanding of certain cultures in Asia. My favorite letter was Z. "Z is for Zen, which teaches that the world is one. Zen culture, practiced throughout Asia, emphasizes peace and simplicity and a thoughtful, disciplined way of life." Such a simple though with a powering message. This book makes me appreciate my culture, while always considering and respecting other cultures.

[Elizabeth]

I don't love the illustrations, but I like the alphabet frame as a way to introduce (probably slightly older) children to a sampling of the variety of what "Asia" entails. (The book's 1997 publication date does show a little bit with "[Asia includes] a large part of the former Soviet Union" -- 6 years gone at that point, but 15 years gone now.)

[Miranda Gaboury]

A is for Asia is a great book that is full of informational text. This would be a great book to use in a geography lesson as well as a review for the alphabet. Children will enjoy this book and learn many new things from it.

[Sarah Threlkeld]

This book is jam-packed with interesting tidbits about different cultures and countries. I learned some new information and love the fact that key words are translated into different languages in the corner of each page. This book would make a wonderful classroom resource.

[GlenGG]

Yumi Heo's illustrations are awesome! Check out the page for "W" for water buffalo. It says KALABAW!

[Jane]

One of my most delightful finds. A book that that covers all of Asia, even if only for one page, and a wonderful introduction to Asian culture and language.

[Hannah]

Really lovely, with a diverse array of cultures represented.

[Naomi]

PBC