Dedie King

I See the Sun in Botswana is the 10th book in the award-winning series of bi-lingual picture books, each focused on one country and one day in the life of one child. This book provides a unique introduction to the culture, family life, and language of Botswana in a way that is age-appropriate and sensitive to the true environment. Professionally translated by a native of Botswana and illustrated with intricate collages, I See the Sun in Botswana also includes a glossary of unfamiliar words, an overview of the country, and suggested activities.

I See the Sun in India is the ninth book in the award-winning I See the Sun series. Mila is a bright, happy young girl who shares a day in her life in Jaipur, India. She wakes to the sounds of peacocks outside the window of her home, a palace that has been in her family since the time of the rajas (kings). The story depicts the common activities of life that children will recognize, while simultaneously introducing the culture, language and colors of India. Bilingual in English and Hindi, with glossary and country overview. Suggested activities for classroom and/or home are also included. For ages 5 and up.

The United States of America is one of the most diverse countries in the world. More than 323 million people of different faiths, cultural, and ethnic groups live here. I See the Sun in the USA follows Stella, a young girl from Los Angeles, who is helping her mother make a video about diversity and families living in the United States. They visit Mount Rushmore, a National Park in South Dakota, where Stella meets several children from different parts of the country. They each tell her about their lives and Stella imagines what their days are like. Readers will learn about similarities and differences with each family depicted in the book. Rosa lives in Alabama; Jamal lives in Massachusetts; Kristin lives in Iowa; Martha is a Lakota Indian and lives on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. Each child describes a typical day in their life to Stella and is supported by colorful collage illustrations. An illustrated family tree is also provided that offers some insight into where these families each originated.

I See the Sun in Mexico, the fifth book in the award-winning I See the Sun series, takes place on the Sea of Cortez. Luis's working-class family lives in La Paz. His father is a cook on an excursion boat. His mother makes the best tortillas in the city. With Mama's guidance, Luis shops for the vegetables Papa needs to prepare meals on the boat. Once on the water, Luis hands out masks and snorkels to the tourists who will swim in the beautiful sea. The clear blue water is a magical world filled with hundreds of colorful fish and playful sea lions. Later in the day, the boat is anchored again and everyone goes for a hike. The sandy trail, high above the shore, reveals snakes, lizards, cactus flowers and ancient rock drawings. At night, the black star-filled sky sparkles and the water is filled with thousands of herring swimming around the boat. Lush illustrations and a bilingual story in English and Spanish offer Luis's view of his beautiful country. Honorable Mention 2012 Foreword Book of the Year Awards - Picture Books/Early Reader Category.

The first in the I See the Sun Series, readers follow a young girl as she travels from a small town in China to the city of Shanghai to spend time with her aunt. The unspoken message of this book is the movement from the old to the new, while still maintaining some connections with the past. It depicts some of the many choices available in China today, and the drive to be successful in a modern world. The story provides a unique introduction to the culture, family life and language of China in a way that is age-appropriate and sensitive to the true environment. Children will be able to recognize the similarities as well as the differences between their own culture and the culture of modern China. Written in both English and Mandarin Chinese, I See the Sun in China is beautifully illustrated with warm, engaging collages made from photographs, colorful paper cut-outs, and drawings. Includes country overview and glossary of unfamiliar terms. For ages 5 and up.

Through the eyes of a child, I See the Sun in Afghanistan portrays a culture that emphasizes patriarchal family, love of country and fierce loyalty to family and tribe. Although the story takes place against the backdrop of war, it is not political, but a simple story about one day in the life of a young girl. After waking before dawn, Habiba and her sister go out to fetch water. Following a breakfast of khojur, she tags along with her brother and father as they bring the sheep to pasture. She goes to school outside with other girls; the boys attend school later in the day. Her family is preparing for cousins and an aunt and uncle to move in with them and Habiba wonders how everyone will fit into their small home. A country overview and glossary is included for parents and teachers who want to go beyond the story and talk more about Afghanistan and why it is important. In English and Afghan Farsi. For ages 5 and up.

I See the Sun in Nepal, one of the I See the Sun series, takes place in a rural village in Nepal. The young girl in the story lives a traditional life with a familiar daily routine: chores, going to school, playing with friends, and spending time with her family. Readers will recognize the similarities as well as the differences between their own daily life and the culture of Nepal. The ordinary activities of life, to which we all relate, are described in simple prose and vivid collages of colorful paper, drawings and photography of Nepal. Bilingual in English and Nepalese (Devanagari). Includes country overview and glossary of unfamiliar terms. A portion of sales are donated to The Learning Centers in Bandipur, Nepal. For ages 5 and up.

The first in the I See the Sun Series, readers follow a young girl as she travels from a small town in China to the city of Shanghai to spend time with her aunt. The unspoken message of this book is the movement from the old to the new, while still maintaining some connections with the past. It depicts some of the many choices available in China today, and the drive to be successful in a modern world. The story provides a unique introduction to the culture, family life and language of China in a way that is age-appropriate and sensitive to the true environment. Children will be able to recognize the similarities as well as the differences between their own culture and the culture of modern China. Written in both English and Mandarin Chinese, I See the Sun in China is beautifully illustrated with warm, engaging collages made from photographs, colorful paper cut-outs, and drawings. Includes country overview and glossary of unfamiliar terms. For ages 5 and up.