Rating: *** 4 stars

Shazia Razzak, photographs by Prodeepta Das ,
P is for Pakistan
Frances Lincoln.

Ages 5-8

This is a beautifully produced book about Pakistan that gives factual but brief details about the country as it is at the present time. The book encompasses Pakistan's history, geography, tradition, culture and religion. Using the alphabet as a format for presentation is an excellent idea as it links the diverse information into a natural and readable order. The book shows how people live their lives in the bustling towns as well as the remote villages of Pakistan.

Each page of the book has a well-chosen photograph linked to a letter of the alphabet with appropriate annotation providing relevant information regarding it. There is also a summary note and a map of Pakistan at the beginning of the book.

There is a substantial amount of information regarding the country as a whole in this book. This allows it to be used for KS1 and 2 (5-11 year olds) of the National Curriculum and also serves to provide points for general discussion. In summary, the attractive layout with its excellent and authentic photographs makes the book a good addition to any school library.

Khalida Alvi
July 2007, No. 165

Guide to the rating system:
***** 5 stars, unmissable
**** 4 stars, very good
*** 3 stars, good
** 2 stars, fair
* 1 star, poor