How to Build Your Own Country

November 1, 2009
Gr 3-5-Wyatt takes a lighthearted approach to her subject, which is interspersed with real facts, dates, and occurrences. She outlines three main steps: "Stake Out Your Identity," "Run the Country," and "Meet the Neighbors." Fifteen small sections under the main headings discuss naming the country, choosing a motto, setting up a government, elections, constitution, laws, money, holidays, and more. Youngsters will enjoy the color illustrations and humor throughout. A matching activity, U-Name-It, will undoubtedly cause lots of laughter. Kids can make up passports for their imaginary country, and a labeled illustration shows all parts of the document. Creating a flag (in three steps) is another project to tap readers' artistic abilities. There's even a "Fill-in-the-blanks National Anthem" sung to the tune of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm." Various forms of government are explaineddemocracy, oligarchy, theocracy, single-party rulealong with a color cartoon of a beheaded monarch. The role of the United Nations is briefly touched upon, including the Blue Berets. A brief glossary defines globalization, political party, taxes, and more."Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
This unique, odd, and informative book offers a guide for readers to create their own personal countries. Everything from finding unclaimed land and coming up with a name (how does Bathmatia sound?) to holding elections and serving one's citizens is covered. Despite the silliness, useful information is given, teaching readers about the value of diplomacy and how actual governments function. Glos., ind.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)