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A great man once said, “Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.” That individual was our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. That being said, it is never too early for children to start learning about the past, present and future of the country in which they live, America. Not only is the history of the U.S. educational, it’s also a great story. One of courage, unity, hope and, above all, faith that dreams come true. ‘1 2 3 California: A Cool Counting Book’ [ages 0-3]By Puck; illustrated by Kevin Somers (Duo Press; $7.95; 22 pages) The Golden Gate Bridge. The Hollywood sign. Surfboards. These iconic California landmarks and images are among the 10 pictured within the pages of this board book. The bright, lively illustrations coupled with the big numbers offer an easy counting lesson for kids. If your kids enjoy “1 2 3 California,” be sure to check out “1 2 3 USA” and “1 2 3 New York,” for more American-themed fun. ‘You Never Heard of Sandy Koufax?!’ [ages 4-9]By Jonah Winter; illustrated by André Carrilho (Schwartz & Wade Books; $17.99; 40 pages) This book tells the tale of a classic American figure – Sandy Koufax, a left-handed pitcher with a lot of heart and a love for his game. The biography is written in the spirited voice of an older baseball fan, and it follows Koufax as he’s drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers, which later move to L.A. The amusing yet educational book appeals to all baseball lovers, and it’s an eye-opening glimpse into the life and times of a legend. ‘If America Were a Village’ [ages 8-12]By David Smith; illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong (Kids Can Press; $18.95; 32 pages) Written by the best-selling author of “If the World Were a Village,” this book presents a picture of the people, cultures and lifestyles that make up the U.S. The author boils the entire population of the country down to a village of 100, where one person represents more than 3 million Americans. It’s a story that puts a person’s life into perspective. Kristen Schott is OC Family magazine’s children’s book editor. |
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