"An infant narrator explains what she sees during a week's travel in China.("On Monday, I fell asleep on a velvet cusshion. When I woke up, I saw a red fringe. Where was I?")
On alternate spreads, small color photos depict the identifiable objects that are mentioned, which become part of a larger, family scene when the page is turned. Astute observers will also notice the baby doll hiding in each large picture...the book's interactive style may engage youngsters and offer a simple introduction to another culture."
-Be Astengo, Alachua County Library, Gainesville, FL, The Book Review, Preschool to Grade 4, School Library Journal, April 2004
"A delightful picture book by Dia L. Michels showcases the grand culture and sights of China from a baby's point of view. A close-up cut-out of a scene, followed by a more expansive photograph by Michael J. N. Bowles of the full scene (such as a close up of "animal parade" roof decorations and the question "Where was I?", followed by the full photograph of a happy family visiting the Forbidden City) mark each page turn of this enjoyable and colorful book meant to be shared with the very young. Also very highly recommended are the other books in this outstanding "Look What I See!" series."
-Jim Cox, Midwest Review of Books
"America is touted as a melting pot, but we really are a casserole where people from different cultures and backgrounds come together -- blending a multitude of flavors and textures into a wonderful whole. Look What I See! Where Can I Be? Visiting China does a marvelous job of showing American children visiting a place where some of those flavors and textures began. It is fascinating to watch this family become so excited exploring an ancient culture, bringing home new knowledge and making new friends along the way. This book celebrates the kind of differences that make America special!"
-Honorable Ruby G. Moy, Former Director, US Commission on Civil Rights
"Those familiar with the Look What I See! series will find this latest installment a special treat. Visiting China follows the same guessing game format using bright photographs of the familiar family exploring an exciting new country. This newest book will enhance the knowledge base of its young readers/listeners. The detail descriptions at the end of the book complete the experience. Educators will find the Activity Guide supportive of their curriculum goals. This is a wonderful addition to any collection -- home, school or library."
-Denise M. Edlowitz, Library Media Specialist, Adams County School District 50, Denver, CO
"This book is a perfect fit into a primary school's ancient cultures curriculum. The photographs are rich with details vibrant and the guessing game format is fun. The children love seeing a familiar family exploring an unfamiliar environment. From the velvet seat of a trishaw to high atop the Great Wall, this book gives children a glimpse into this important and fascinating culture. A great book to have and to share!"
-George Wang, Ph.D., Asia Language Professor, George Washington University
"Asian Americans spend a lot of time learning American culture. It is a pleasure to see materials that help American children learn about our culture. Look What I See! Where Can I Be? Visiting China opens a window to the richness of Asian culture. China may be on the other side of the world, but that doesn't mean it should be a mystery. This book shows how much enjoyment we can get from learning what each other has to offer!"
-Ronald Hsu, Former PresidentAsian American Chamber of Commerce
"Join Baby in a unique guessing game as she engages in typical family outings. During the course of a week and through varying means of transportation, Baby keeps waking up in different locations wondering, "Where Can I Be?". Quality photographs isolate objects in Baby's environment and become keys to unlock larger viewpoints. Baby's narrative leads the reader on a quest for answers. Responses range from the market and the park to the aquarium and the post office. Rich visual appeal and repetitive dialogue entertain infants. Some cleverly hidden objects, picture associations, and verbal participation in Baby's dialogue with the reader intrigue and challenge toddlers, too. This book appeals to the 0-3 year-olds. Concepts of part to whole, days of the week, and the security of a family are evident throughout. Set in a Washington, D.C. neighborhood, this first in a series of five realistic fiction books affirms family values, while highlighting the author, known for her advocacy in women's health issues, and her own family as the subjects of the book. An additional bonus of a teacher's guide is available through a given website."
-Michal Callaghan, University of Virginia Center for Children's Books
