B Is for Bangladesh (World Alphabets)
As the title suggests, this alphabetical visit to Bangladesh begins with “Ankhee” or eyes and concludes with “Zhinuk” or seashells. The vivid, clearly reproduced photographs speak volumes, but the brief narrative does not always explain the pictures fully. In the first photograph, for instance, the author explains the black kohl spot on the baby, but not the red spot on the mother’s face. Terms such as “kohl,” “Mughal,” and “Hindu” appear without definition. A very simple map shows only Bangladesh’s position in Asia and the location of Dhaka. Like a collection of postcards, this is an attractive visual invitation to Bangladesh, but students will need more substantial sources to explain some of the terms and customs introduced here. Grades 1-3. --Linda Perkins