A is for Asia - Cynthia Chin-Lee

Illustrated by Umi Heo
Orchard Books, 1997
Rating: 3
Endpapers: Goldish paper bag color

Asia seems too diverse to include enough about it in one picture book, but Ms. Lee tries. She includes as many of the countries as she can by introducing a product, activity, animal, holiday, or activity from that country. There is a noticeable absence of some countries, however. It also gets confusing if you're looking for specific information about a particular Asian country, or if you're trying to figure out any of the different languages which are included on every page - or even where a country is located. But it is also an excellent introduction to teaching about the seven continents of the world - and zillions of lessons can be included for each letter.

I like the illustrations a lot. They cover much of the page within a single-line outline, are colorful, fun, and informative.

Asia (map) (Language: Tibetan)
Batik-Indonesia
Camels-Saudi Arabia (Language: Arabic)
Dragonboats-China
Elephants-India (Language: Hindi)
Fish (symbol) (Language: Vietnamese)
Gamelan-Malaysia & Indonesia
Holi (a holiday)-India
Id al-Noruz (Persia-no explanation) (Language: Persian)
Jade (Language: Burmese)
Kites (Language: Korean)
Lotus (Language: Hindi)
Monsoon (Language: Urdu, with no explanation of who speaks this)
New Year-China
Origami-Japan
Panda-China
Qur'an-Muslim (Language: Arabic)
Rice (Language: Chinese)
Sled-Siberia (Language: Russian)
Turkish Delight
Umbrella-China
Villages-Korea
Water Buffalo-Philippines (Language: Tagalong)
Xiang Qi (Chinese Chess)
Yurt-Mongolia
Zen (Language: Japanese)