My Book for June is described as a 'Unique celebration of children around the world', Children Just Like Me by Barnabas and Anabel Kindersley. Although this is not strictly a religious book, I felt it well worth including for the connotations underlined the world wide Church family.
The authors travelled for almost two years to more than thirty Countries to photograph, meet and talk with the children featured in this book. Their journeys took them to many remote regions of the world, as well as to some of the largest and busiest cities.
Through the medium of photography, an account of each child's life is presented. Details like where the children live (flat, hut, apartment), their family and friends, food, school and their place of worship are included and illustrated.
Children from very different corners of the world, for example: - Celina Tembé, aged nine, who lives in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil. Celina is a Tembé Indian and her Father is head of the village. Celina has only been going to school for a month because there was no teacher at the school before then. "I love school. I have been practising writing in my exercise book."
Nine year old Rachel lives in a Château in the region of Bordelais. Her family produce Château Peybonhomme and Rachel helps by pouring out samples of the wines for guests to taste.
Six year old Yannis (short for Ioannis) lives in Haniá on the Island of Crete. "I am named after one of Christ's apostles - Ioannis is Greek for 'John'." Yannis attends a Greek Orthodox Church called 'Saint Constantinos'.
Thi Liên is nine and belongs to a tribe of hill people called the Dao in the mountains of Northern Vietnam. Liên means "Lotus flower". Thi Liên is pictured wearing her traditional Dao outfit called a lamchu. The skirt, which forms part of the costume, is made from beautiful batik cloth, handmade by Thi Liên's mother.
Amongst the many delightful quotes: - "I would like to go to London in England. It is cold there and it snows. I have never seen snow." Aseye aged seven, from Accra, Ghana.
"I love singing hymns at Church. I call them 'Sunday Songs'." Bakang, aged eight, Botswana, Southern Africa.
"If I could wish for anything, it would be for peace - and to be slightly rich." Carlos, aged nine, New Mexico.
"The naughtiest thing I ever did was to climb on to the roof at home to pick papaya fruit." Suchart, aged twelve, Ayuthaya, Thailand.
"I think that all the animals of the world are precious, even flies. Every animal has its part to play in nature." Bosna, aged ten, Poland.
An incredible and informative book about children for children. There is even space at the front for a photo of the book owner under the heading 'This Book Belongs to Me'... 'My Name Is.....' and an invitation to join a Penpal Club in aid of The United Nations Children's Fund.
Adults can learn equally as much from its pages. I certainly did and was both amused and moved by the contents. My heart went out to little Aseye, Yena and Sesi from Ghana as their pictures brought back many happy memories of my recent visit.
It has been said to me that I sometimes include too much detail in my reviews. Happily, there is no chance of that happening this time as there is so much in this book.
What is particularly striking is the fact that no matter where in the world children originate from, no matter how different their lifestyles, their cultures, deep down they have the same worries, fears, hopes and dreams, they are, in fact, "Children Just Like Me."
Children Just Like Me. Dorling Kindersley, £9.99.
Book Corner written by Lynn Winter
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page last updated 8 JUNE 1997