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The popular Hello Kitty is off on a journey around the world in this vocabulary-building book for soon-to-be-well-traveled early readers. As Hello Kitty travels from country to country, she not only changes clothes to fit right in, she also learns how to say "hello" in each new language and identify cultural highlights, foods, and landmarks. In Italy ("Buon giorno Italy!"), Hello Kitty sees a gondola, lots of different kinds of pasta, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, art, and some fancy leather shoes. In Australia ("G'day Australia!") she discovers emus, barbecue, the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmanian devils, Ayers Rock, and the Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht Race.
Each of 13 nations is represented by a colorful two-page spread, with each tourist destination or cultural artifact clearly labeled with its proper name. Children are free to use their imaginations and ask questions to learn more about Brazil, Kenya, Japan, the USA, and more. A glossary is included, translating words into each country's language, accompanied by a pronunciation guide. Hola Mexico and Namaste India! Hello Kitty fans may want to take this book (complete with four postcards, three luggage tags, and a bookmark) along on their next adventure. (Ages 4 to 7) --Emilie Coulter
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2-The "Hello Kitty" character is a registered trademark that adorns a bevy of merchandise ranging from pencils to children's luggage. She appears here as an international tour guide. As the kitten explains in an introductory postcard to "Mama & Papa," she is "off to see the world," globe-trotting across 13 countries. A double-page spread is devoted to each of her stops and all include labeled drawings of highlights from a particular nation. For example, Mexico is represented by pictures of a bull, the Day of the Dead, a burrito, etc., and Hello Kitty takes center stage wearing a sombrero. All labeling is in English, and a concluding "International Guidebook" provides translations and pronunciations. The overly adorable illustrations have a peel-and-stick look to them with lots of bright color but little substance. "Hello Kitty" fans will be attracted to this candy-coated travel guide, more for its featured character than the casually selected bits of information hidden within. However, readers deserve more than what this poorly organized and superficial treatment has to offer. Be aware that two pages of postcards and name tags, perforated for easy removal, are also included.Alicia Eames, New York City Public Schools Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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