I think Poland is one of those countries rarely talked about in school unless you are studying WWII. Most of what I know about Poland, I've learned from stories I've read during WWII and nothing current. So, I found much to learn in this book that is part of Roman's wonderful series that teaches children about the culture and language of countries all over the world.

I was fascinated by the salt mine that you could tour if visiting Krakow. I likely wouldn't be able to handle it as I am claustrophobic, but it sounds like it is quite a site to see. I also had no idea that Poland was the place for birdIs to migrate and breed during the summers in Europe. It would be fun to "spot the gnomes" while visiting Poland as well.

Wonderful illustrations, a bit of history, and current facts will give both children and parents plenty to learn about Poland. ( )

This is another wonderful cultural book from Carole P. Roman. There are a lot of things I learn from reading her books. The Polish Constitution is the second oldest in the entire world. There is a legend connected to the capital of Warsaw. That is why you will find mermaids everywhere, including the city seal. There are salt mines outside Krakow. It has become a tourist attraction. Playing outdoors is important for children. Poland is one of the most important bird breeding grounds in the world. They are known for famous people such as Fryderyk Chopin. As usual, there is a dictionary of important words in the back of the book.
I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

If You Were Me and Lived in...Poland: A Child's Introduction to Culture Around the World by Carole P. Roman is a great way to start kids off learning about the world. These wonderful books of hers show the kids a different land, their way of life, what they eat, how they say things, how they dress, their celebrations, and what they do for fun. This is different from her history books which are awesome also but these take the kids to different parts of the world to introduce children to new and exciting cultures. It is important to let kids know we are all one world but we all have different special things we do. These are fun books and kids will learn while enjoying themselves. ( )

Award-winning Carole P Roman's series If You Were Me and Lived in...is a wonderful way to introduce children, ages pre-K to 8 years, to cultures of people around the world. Poland, a new addition to the series, beautifully illustrated by Kelsea Wierenga and simply written, is sure to capture a child's interest and imagination. A pronunciation guide at the back and embedded within the book enables children to learn simple words and names of places in Poland. From going to see the ancient Wielicza Salt Mine, to skiing and playing ice hockey, from eating potato filled pockets of dough called pierogis and chrusciki, a yummy pastry, to playing football (or pilka nozna as the Polanie call it) with friends and from celebrating Children's Day with chocolates and gifts to telling about your adventures at szola (school), young readers will learn about Polish traditions, foods, and geography. It is well known that books can take an armchair reader (or one sitting on a lap) anywhere and Roman does a fantastic job of taking her readers to Poland, one of the first nations on earth to have a constitution. Highly recommended for a child's library. ( )