Booktalking Around the World

Cole is the host of bookwink.com, a video booktalk website. In this authoritative and highly readable text, she presents booktalks and reading lists of interest to children. The titles chosen are set in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands, and the Arctic and Antaractic. Each booktalk contains an enticing description of the book, bibliographic information, interest and reading levels, and awards. Those that have videos available are noted. Many books published in countries other than the United States are featured. Most selections were published between 2000 and 2010. Cole maintains a nice balance between fiction and nonfiction. Historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, action and adventure, and humorous stories are all represented, while nonfiction choices include science, biography, poetry, and history in high-interest topics. The author's knowledge and enthusiasm are evident in this excellent offering.—Rebecca Sheridan, Easttown Library & Information Center, Berwyn, PA