  | What makes us human Author: Santos, Victor D. O. | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
This illustrated riddle introduces children to language's impact on human culture and history.
| Illustrator: | Forlati, Anna |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (-) (02/15/24)
School Library Journal (+) (02/01/24)
Booklist (01/17/24)
The Hornbook (00/03/24)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 02/01/2024 Gr 2–6—What separates humans from all other species is the ability to speak, read, write, and hear language. With close to half of the world's languages threatened by extinction by the year 2100, this book offers some information and purpose. Done in riddle format, the story gives readers clues as to what makes language unique. Written from the unusual perspective of language's point of view, it will make readers wonder more with every turn of a page. Simple yet effective text features one or two sentences that provide clues or riddles for readers to try and guess. "I am everywhere. In every country, every city, every school, and every house." Illustrations are beautifully rendered in earthy tones that are colorful, yet calming. People featured in the book are of many different cultures and countries shown in traditional dress. Additional information at the end of the book details the importance of different languages. VERDICT Despite being brief, the profundity of the topic of language itself hits its mark. A beautiful addition to all libraries.—Tracy Cronce - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 01/17/2024 This lovely picture book is a UNESCO publication, and the text consists of simple statements that serve as clues to help readers figure out what the subject might be. Sample entries such as, I have been around for a very long time. Longer than toys, dogs, or anyone you know, spark curiosity and speculation. The illustrations, rendered in rich palettes of hazy, muted colors that evoke mysterious, wide-open vistas, offer visual clues through a series of busy two-page spreads, populated by characters representing an array of ethnicities and cultures. The ultimate answer, I am language, is quite satisfying, and almost every clue offers opportunities to explore different aspects of verbal communication (Some people only have one of me. Others, two. Others, more. More of me means a more colorful and diverse world. A world with more doors you can open. And more people you can ask to help open those doors). The detailed digital collages and varied approaches warrant multiple explorations, and the cross-curricular applications make this an appealing choice for most libraries. - Copyright 2024 Booklist.
