Praise for To Be A Kid

ISBN: 0-88106-841-1, Full-color photographs, 11 x 8.5", 32 pages, $15.95 SHAKTI for Children and Charlesbridge Publishing

"To Be A Kid is to be on the most amazing adventure of all--life!" -- Chris Kratt and Martin Kratt, Kratts' Creatures and Zoboomafoo

"This earnest, engaging, and enriching photo essay, introduced by Chris and Martin Kratt of PBS fame, celebrates the universality of childhood around the world. Children from Botswana to Canada to Ecuador share the commonality of families, school, play, creativity, animals, and friends. The well-chosen photos unite these themes through clever use of similarities in color and composition. The photo spread on street play shows one big game, with children from India, Cuba, Mexico, and Antigua. Whether in Mongolia or Haiti, kids beam with tender pride as they care for animals. Also special are the scenes that include a sense of place: white-peaked Alps looming over an Austrian playground or a tall palm tree being climbed by boys in Belize. The beautiful, simple, and resonant words and pictures are full of heart and spirit." -- Kathleen Squires, Booklist, 2/1/99

"Harking directly back to Edward Steichen's classic Family of Man (1955, 1983) in design and tone, this portfolio of full-color photographs captures children around the world joyfully engaging in common pursuits. The photos, captioned only by their countries of origin, are grouped thematically, linked by a few words of text--"To be a kid means playing ball...running races...or playing a board game"--and depict clean, well-kept young people busy, for the most part, with shared activities. A follow-up essay reinforces the message that the lives, needs, and goals of children the world over are very similar, though the details may differ."
-- Kirkus Reviews, 12/21/98

"To Be A Kid goes straight to the heart of who we are. Its joyful text and clear, colorful photographs celebrate universal children's activities from playing ball with friends to being carried on a parent's shoulders. As a teacher, I search for books that can convey the dignity of humankind's diversity. To Be A Kid will become a valued part of every world cultures unit I teach." -- Elaine Griffin, 1995 National Teacher of the Year, Chiniak School on Kodiak Island, Alaska