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A Reading Field Trip- Destination: Brazil

August 28, 2016 Claire Annette Noland 5 Comments

One of the main purposes of A Field Trip Life blog is to highlight children’s books set in locations around the world. One of the best ways to learn and understand other cultures is by traveling. The other is by reading diverse books.

diversekidlit-logo-1000px (1)

Although the Rio Olympics are over, I continue to think about Brazil. The suggested theme for #Diverse Children’s Books link up is Favorite International Book(s) for Children so I went to the library to find children’s books from Brazil.

Living in Brazil by Chloe Perkins (author) and Tom Woolley (Illustrator)
Ready to Read Level 2
Simon Spotlight 2016

This leveled reader presents a wonderful introduction to Brazil. Readers meet Marco who  lives in Brazil. The book shows a map with Brazil’s location within South America and then gives details about the natural wonders of the country. The rain forest is described including the tribes and animals that live there and the problems created by urbanization. The importance of rules to protect the rain forest is emphasized.

The book also covers the coasts, cities, and people that make up Brazil. One aspect that children will enjoy is that Marco explains much about Brazil’s food, history, sports, and culture through a typical day at school and home.  The country’s history is handled with great sensitivity regarding native Brazilians and the issue of slavery in a way that children in primary grades will understand. Living in Brazil concludes with important facts about the country.

This  is a well written book with bright illustrations and lively text showcasing the diversity of the country. It will be a great addition to libraries and primary classrooms.

I also discovered three books by photographer Maria de Fatima Campos that I am excited to share.

Brazil Cassio's day

Cássio’s Day: From Dawn to Dusk in a Brazilian Village by Maria de Fatima Campos (author and photographer)
A Child’s Day Series
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books 2010
kindergarten – 3rd grade

Cassio is a six year old boy who lives with his family in Brazil. This book is a photographic diary of a typical day in his life. We learn about his family, their religious traditions, home life, school, friends, transportation, meals and so much more. I shared this book with kindergartners who enjoyed comparing their lives with the lives of Cassio, his family, and friends. The  children realized that although they live in a different place and speak a English rather than Portuguese, there is much that they have in common with Brazilian children.

While researching Cassio’s Day, I read about the author/photographer, Maria de Fatima Campos, who was born in Brazil and currently lives in London. She traveled to Brazil with  her daughter, Victoria, and wrote a book about their experiences.

Brazil Victoria goes

Victoria Goes to Brazil by Maria de Fatima Campos
Children Return to Their Roots Series
Francis Lincoln Children’s Books (2009)
Kindergarten – 4th grade

This charming book was written as a first person photo journal about Victoria’s time in Brazil. Readers learn about the food, clothing, language, and customs of Brazil through Victoria’s experiences. The book includes a visit to a coffee plantation, a religious procession, and even a children’s shelter which opens the door to many discussions. One of the most important aspects of this book is that, except for an explanatory author’s note in the back, the text does not mention that Victoria has Downs Syndrome. She is shown as a typical girl who is excited about traveling and learning new things.

B is for Brazil  by Maria de Fatima Campos (author and photographer)
World Alphabet Series
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books 2004
Kindergarten – 3rd grade

brazil b is for

This book takes readers on an alphabetical trip through Brazil from the Amazon Rain Forest to Zebu cattle. The author covers a wide range of topics in a very child friendly way. She shares the environment, cultural and ethnic diversity, food, traditions, and much more. Her author’s notes cover a number of the problems facing Brazil as well as the things that make Brazil such a fascinating county.

Each of these books celebrate the diversity of the people and places of Brazil. Unfortunately, it seems these books are now out-of- print so you will need to find them in your library.

To read more about photographer Maria de Fatima Campos and her daughter, Victoria, click here.

How do you share the diversity of people and places with your children?

Will you be watching the 2016 Paralympics in Rio? The games will be held from September 7 – 18 and will provide a great opportunity for the world to be inspired by courageous athletes who challenge stereotypes.

#Diverse Children’s Books is a book-sharing meme designed to promote the reading and writing of children’s books that feature diverse characters. This community embraces all kinds of diversity including (and certainly not limited to) diverse, inclusive, multicultural, and global books for children of all backgrounds.

Everyone who shares is encouraged to support this blogging community by visiting and leaving comments for at least three others. Please also consider following the hosts on at least one of their social media outlets. Spread the word using #diversekidlit and/or adding button to your site and your diverse posts.

#DiverseKidLit is Hosted by:

Katie @ The Logonauts
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / PinterestBeth @ Pages and Margins
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / PinterestCarolina @ La Clase de Sra. DuFault
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Google+Gayle Swift, Author of ABC, Adoption & Me
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Google+Jane @ Rain City Librarian
Blog / Twitter / Instagram

Marjorie @ Mirrors Windows Doors
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest

Mia @ Pragmatic Mom
Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram

Myra @ Gathering Books
Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Guest Host for August

Shoumi Sen, Author of Toddler Diaries
Blog / Twitter / Facebook

You might also like:
                                                                     B is for Brazil
brazil Iara book

Filed Under: Books, Multicultural Children's Books, Places Tagged With: B is For Brazil, Cassio's Day, Children's Books about Brazil, Diverse Children's Books, Living in Brazil, Maria de Fatima Campos, Victoria Goes to Brazil

Previous Post: « Notes from the Field – The Olympic Edition
Next Post: Understanding Asperger’s Syndrome »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Trine Grillo says

    August 28, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    I am familiar with all three of these books. My husband spent some time in Brazil, so we have always been interested in the people there.

    Reply
  2. Jane @ Raincity Librarian says

    August 28, 2016 at 9:25 pm

    Such perfect timing, I know the Olympics have got a lot of kids curious to learn more about Rio and about Brazil.

    Reply
  3. Katie Logonauts says

    August 28, 2016 at 9:35 pm

    What an incredible series of books! These are all new to me, and I can’t wait to check them out. Thanks so much for putting this together for #diversekidlit, and we look forward to more of your posts!

    Reply
  4. Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor says

    August 29, 2016 at 1:34 pm

    I completely agree that reading is a great way to explore the world, if you can’t go out and physically travel. I’ve seen a few photo journal books of children in other countries and think they’re such a great way to introduce children to ways of life that other kids experience in different countries. Victoria in Brazil looks like a great photo journal book for kids of all ages to enjoy.

    Reply
    • Claire Annette Noland says

      September 12, 2016 at 6:40 pm

      Hi Ellen, from one traveler to another, books certainly do take us places.

      Reply

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