Jamila Gavin,
The Wheel of Surya.
The Eye of the Horse.
The Track of the Wind.
The Surya Trilogy, Mammoth, 1994, 1997.

Whitbread-award winning author Jamila Gavin tells the moving story of the interlinked lives of two families living in India and England between 1947 and 1951 The books provide a compelling account of life in India around the time of partition, thoughtfully contrasted with British life in the aftermath of the Second World War. In the context of a strong and very readable story, they give readers insight into the political situation in India today through their examination of the past.

Rachel Anderson,
The War Orphan.
Oxford University Press, 2000.

This dramatic account of the life of a Vietnamese war orphan, as seen through the eyes of his adoptive English brother, is based on the author’s personal experience of adopting a Vietnamese child into her own family. Thoughtful, compassionate and, at times, provocative, this moving book combines strong story with profound insight into a difficult political and social situation.

Elizabeth Lutzeier,
Lost for Words.
Oxford University Press, 1997.

A thought-provoking account of a girl’s arrival in Britain from Bangladesh. The new country, which should provide a much dreamt of escape from poverty and hardship, is in reality cold, grey and unwelcoming. A sensitive book which encourages children to think about complex issues of immigration and social integration.

Jessica Souhami,
Rama and the Demon King.
FrancesLincoln, 1998.

Before she became a children’s author, Jessica Souhami was a puppeteer, specializing in the retelling of traditional tales. Here, an episode from the Ramayana is distilled into a brief but eloquent text accompanied by vivid, translucent illustrations which use Ms Souhami’s authentic shadow puppets. The book has been a favourite with British teachers for use in the Literacy Hour: its bold, stylish illustrations give it instant appeal to adults and children alike.

Jamila Gavin,
Grandpa’s Indian Summer.
Mammoth, 1996.

The sequel to Grandpa Chatterji sees Neetu and Sanjay travelling to India to visit their grandfather and cousins. Contrasts are drawn, and similarities noted, between the lives of the two cousins in Calcutta and their British-bred relatives, while Grandpa introduces the children not just to the day to day patterns of life in Calcutta, but to the city’s religious and cultural background.

Saviour Pirotta, illustrated by Nilesh Mistry,
Turtle Bay.
FrancesLincoln, 1997.

Jiro-San is old and wise and full of secrets. He teaches Taro the secrets of the sea, and when the turtles come he shows Taro how to make the beach safe for them to lay their eggs. This is a gentle and thoughtful book, one which cleverly combines information text with story to teach young readers about the lives of the marine turtles while conveying the magic of knowledge handed down from one generation of people to the next.

So Sungwan,
C is for China.
FrancesLincoln, 1997.

A beautifully photographed alphabet book depicting everyday life in China. One of a series of related titles which portray life around the world, this is much more than just an alphabet book. A great starting point for classroom discussions and comparisons of family life around the world, the photographs depict Chinese life in easily accessible details, with examples of customs both ancient and modern; festivals, food, everyday activities and special occasions. The text is clear, readable and perfectly pitched for the infant school classroom.

Cherry Gilchrist,
Stories from the Silk Road.
Barefoot Books, 1999.

An unusual collection of traditional tales from the silk and trade route which ran, four thousand years ago, from Xi’an, across China and Tibet, towards eastern Europe. The intriguing tales of magic and mystery are taken from a wide variety of sources, including oral narrative, and together form an enticing picture of some of the customs and traditions of this part of the world. The bold illustrations have a traditional feel which well complements the text. Read a review from BooksForKeeps

Julie McCulloch,
A World of Recipes: China, Japan, India.
Heinemann Library, 2001.

An invaluable resource for any teacher doing a topic on life around the world, whether studying food specifically or the country in general, these are also useful as non-fiction texts the British Literacy Hour since they contain practical recipes with clear step by step instructions. There is also an index, a glossary and lots of background information about each country, its geography, mealtime customs and the key ingredients of its national dishes. Illustrated throughout with strong clear photographs, these are useful across a wide age range: younger children will be able to look at the pictures and talk about the different foods, while, with a little adult help, older reader should be able to follow the instructions and cook the dishes for themselves.

Peter and Connie Roop,
A Visit to China, Japan, India, Vietnam.
Heinemann, 1999.

Clear texts, with photographic illustrations, provide simple introductions to the life and customs of the countries. The books open with a basic map and a brief account of the human and physical geography of the country. Topic headings include Homes, Food, Clothes, School and Celebrations and the books provide a clear, concise and accessible account of life in each country.