I See the Sun in Nepal

By: Dedie King
Illustrator: Judith Inglese
Publisher: Satya House Publications
Publication Date: November 2010
ISBN: 978-0-9818720-9-4 
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: January 2011

This interesting and educational book is the second title in the I See the Sun series. Each wonderfully illustrated page walks the reader through a day in the life of a child living in a specific country.

In Nepal we learn a great deal about the customs, culture, and language of the stunning location. Spending the day in the Nepalese village, readers get to tag along to the breakfast that the young girl has with her Ama.

From the lovely table that was laid with tea and chiura, the young girl then begins her variety of chores before going to her local school and playing with her friends. When her day has ended and she heads to her bed, the sincerity of the pages regarding the child’s contemplation of her life, family, and the world around her is truly beautiful.

These books are especially informative because they’re written in two languages, offering the standard American English but also providing a look at the Nepalese words. The addition of a glossary in the back of the book which provides a list of the foreign words with their definitions is also a real treat. This presentation is an extremely excellent way of opening up the world to our children, and teaching them the importance of other cultures that exist on Earth.

The illustrations are beautiful collages incorporating photographs and drawings that are extremely engaging to the eye. This series has already garnered a Teacher’s Choice Award, as well as a Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child magazine – and they were both well-deserved. The loveliest part about this book, however, is the fact that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this title are being donated to The Learning Centers in Bandipur, Nepal. So…not only are the author and illustrator extremely good at their respective crafts, but the publisher is giving a wonderful gift to children in other nations – the priceless gift of education.

Quill says: A very intriguing series that will – and should – continue for quite a long time. Seeing different cultures through the eyes of a child is a fantastic way for all of us to better understand our neighbors.