Welcome to Our World
A celebration of children everywhere!

Welcome to our World

"Welcome to Our World: A Celebration of Children Everywhere," written by Moira Butterfield and illustrated by Harriet Lynas, is a beautifully illustrated children's book published by Nosy Crow on June 7, 2018. Spanning 64 pages, the book aims to introduce young readers to the diverse cultures of children around the globe.

Overview

The book emphasizes both the differences and similarities among children worldwide. It covers various aspects of life, including:

  • Food: Different meals from various countries, such as miso soup in Japan and rice porridge in China.
  • Clothing: Traditional attire and school uniforms from different cultures.
  • Celebrations: Unique customs and traditions, highlighting how children celebrate birthdays and other significant events.

Themes

At its core, "Welcome to Our World" promotes understanding and empathy among young readers. It illustrates that despite cultural differences, children share universal experiences such as family, friends, food, and fun. The narrative encourages curiosity about other cultures and fosters a sense of global citizenship.

Educational Value

The book serves as an excellent resource for educators. It can be used to spark discussions about cultural diversity in the classroom and is suitable for various educational activities. Teachers have noted its potential for engaging students in conversations about global traditions and practices, making it a valuable addition to any primary school library.

Overall, "Welcome to Our World" is celebrated for its engaging content and visually appealing illustrations, making it a delightful read for children and a tool for promoting cultural awareness.

Author: Moira Butterfield

Moira lived and travelled in lots of different locations as a child, and still thinks our world is an endlessly exciting place to explore. She went on to study literature and become an author of children’s non-fiction and fiction. She believes there are no limits to the imagination or to the wonder of our planet and so she has written about many different subjects, from ancient treasures to future worlds via pirates, kings, jungles and sea monsters. Moira lives in Bath, Somerset, with her family. She loves to cycle, sew and sing.

Illustrator: Harriet Lynas

Harriet is an award-winning children’s book illustrator who lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and their son. She has always loved doodling since she was able to hold a pencil and decided to become an illustrator at the age of ten. After studying Visual Communication Design at University, Harriet worked as a graphic designer in the fashion industry before becoming a children’s book illustrator. When she is not drawing, she enjoys cooking exotic foods and country walking.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Nosy Crow
  • Format: Hardback
  • Print length: 64 pages
  • Dimensions: 290 x 252 mm
  • Reading age: 6-9 years old
  • Publication date: 14 Jan 2021
  • ISBN: 9781788007122

Read alongside these topics:

How can teachers and parents promote understanding and empathy among young readers?

Author: Moira Butterfield

Utilizing Children's Literature to Promote Empathy

Teachers and parents can effectively promote understanding and empathy among young readers by incorporating carefully selected children's books into their teaching and reading routines. Books that expose children to diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences can help them develop empathy by fostering curiosity, broadening their understanding of the world, and encouraging them to see things from different viewpoints.

Strategies for Using Books to Teach Empathy

  1. Choose books that feature diverse characters and explore complex emotions and themes. Stories that deal with friendship, acceptance, kindness, and compassion are particularly effective in promoting empathy.
  2. Read books with children and discuss the emotions and experiences of the characters. Ask questions that encourage them to consider different perspectives and share their own experiences.
  3. Engage children in role-playing scenarios based on the stories. This allows them to explore emotions in a safe environment and practice responding with empathy.
  4. Incorporate empathy-themed books into classroom discussions and activities. Analyze how characters deal with challenges and how their actions impact others.
  5. Encourage children to write or draw their own stories that demonstrate empathy and compassion. This helps them internalize the concepts and apply them creatively.

The Importance of Representation

Seeing themselves reflected in the books they read is crucial for children's self-esteem and imagination. Providing a diverse range of books ensures that all children can find characters they identify with and stories that resonate with their experiences.

Conclusion

By incorporating empathy-promoting books into their teaching and reading routines, teachers and parents can help children develop essential social-emotional skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Fostering understanding and compassion in young readers is a powerful way to build a more inclusive and caring society.

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