Tag Archives: Non-Fiction

The Story of Islam

AGES 8 - 12, BOOK REVIEW, Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Title: The Story of Islam

Author: Rob Lloyd Jones

Publisher: Usborne Publishing (Young Reading Series 3)

Number of pages: 61

Type of Book: Non-Fiction; History; Educational

Age: 8+

Buy it here: http://product.chelisbookazine.com/product-tag/young-reading-series-3/page/6/?orderby=date; https://www.amazon.com/Story-Islam-Usborne-Young-Reading/dp/0794518656

Price: N690; $5.86

MY SUMMARY

The story of Islam began with an ordinary man, an Arabian called Muhammad. In year 610, on a mountain close to Mecca, Muhammad sat alone in a cave when, out of nowhere, a voice spoke to him. The voice told him he was a messenger of God, an angel. Through that angel and some visions, he received revelations directing him to start a new religion, Islam. Muhammad spread the doctrines of this religion by word of mouth and with the use of animal skins but it wasn’t well received by Meccans. Muslims were persecuted for about 20 years until they took over Mecca after a war in year 630. Muhammad died two years later in year 632 but that was only the beginning of the religion. Over the next ten centuries, Muhammad’s Muslim army grew under the care of several successors (caliphs) and conquered several nations around Arabia, Christian and pagan alike, converting many to Islam. However, there was trouble in paradise. The Muslims had split into two groups, the Sunni Muslims and the Shi’ites.

Read this book to learn about these groups, the Abbasids, a group of Shi’ite Muslims who brought a period of great wealth, knowledge of the arts and sciences and culture to the world and the magnificent city of Baghdad; the Ottomans, arguably the greatest Muslims that ever lived; the Taj Mahal, the resting place of the Mughal empress, Shah Jahan, and the Crusades, the centuries-long war between Christians and Muslims over the holy city of Jerusalem.

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: This book gives a brief but information-packed history of Islam with pictures, maps and illustrations and the most vivid words, I have read in a book in a very long time.  I have read it twice already. It’s a little slice of world history. I recommend for parents and children alike especially for lovers of history.

DOWN: None.

RATING

5 Stars

TRIVIA

  1. Islam: Submission to God’s will; Muslims: those who submit to God’s will
  2. The Five Pillars of Islam: Shahadah: a declaration that there is only one true God, Allah and Muhammad is his messenger; 2. Salah: prayers said 5 times a day facing in the direction of Mecca; 3. Charity, giving Zakah – a percentage of savings- to the poor; 4. Fasting (Sawm) in the month of Ramadan and 5. Hajj: a pilgrimage to Mecca
  3. صلى الله عليه وسلم (salla alllah ealayh wasallam) is said every time the Prophet Muhammad’s name is mentioned. It means ‘Peace be upon him’.
  4. Muhammad was buried in a tomb which was placed in: The Mosque of the Prophet, in Medina, ‘The City of the Prophet’.
  5. Some achievements of the Golden Age of Islam: Literature: One thousand and one nights (Tales from Arabian nights) one of the best collections of stories and poems from the Arabian empire (read a review of one of the stories, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves here); Baghdad, the most spectacular city in the world at the time, the House of Wisdom, an enormous library filled with books from which many of their ideas were birthed, Astrolabes and Magnetic compasses: helped people travel the world and used later by Europeans to discover America!

VIEW SAMPLE PAGES HERE: https://usborne.com/browse-books/catalogue/product/1/2338/the-story-of-islam/#&gid=1&pid=1

CHALLENGE: The Story of Islam

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Write a 300-word essay on the story of Islam in Nigeria. (8 – 9 year olds)

OR

  1. Draw a picture using only the details in the first four lines of the last sample page. See the link above for sample pages

 

  1. Write a 500-word essay on the story of Christianity (10-12 year olds)

OR

  1. Draw a picture using only the details in the first four lines of the last sample page. See the link above for sample pages

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 8-12 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book. Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Sunday, February 5th 2017. 

Next Book of the Week:

THE LAST DAYS AT FORCADOS HIGH SCHOOL by A. H. Mohammed

 

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photo credit: usborne.com

 

ABC of Financial Intelligence for Kids

AGES 8 - 12, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Title: ABC of Financial Intelligence for Kids

Author: Gbonjubola Sanni and Adeolu Akinyemi

Publisher: WOW Publishing

Number of pages: 49

Type of Book: Non-Fiction

Age: 8+

Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/ABC-Financial-Intelligence-Kids-Book-ebook/dp/B01BNLXC22 ; Laterna Bookstore, 13 Oke Awo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos; http://www.iqrabooks.com.ng/details.php?code=1463750715

Price: $8.00; N1000

MY SUMMARY

This book introduces readers to the joys, dos and don’ts of financial freedom. First off, it defines terms like currency and money and gives a short expo on the history of money. Then it moves on to the concept of financial freedom and how to make and manage money as well as the creation of goals/visions for the future. It also introduces kids to different formulae for distributing income. The method given here involves dividing up income into six jars. The God Jar (10%), The Play Jar (10%), The Project Jar (10%), The Education Jar (10%), the Freedom Jar (10%) and the Necessity Jar (50%). Does your child know that having a single source of income is dated? According to the authors, to maintain a good standard of living and eventually gain financial freedom, one needs to have at least 2-3 sources of income. Does your child know that he/she can start earning income NOW? Today? In today’s Nigeria, this book is a must-read for every child and some adults. tongue in cheek

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: This book is a treasury of tips on financial management for kids. Replete with information on making and managing money, it also teaches readers how to set SMART goals, discover their gifts, strengths, weaknesses and passions. One of the highlights for me is the Vision Board, here described as a board containing images (photos, newspaper and magazine cut-outs, etc.), tokens, and all things related to a person’s vision, goals, dream (who you want to become, what you want to do or what you want to have). Every child needs a Vision Board and a map leading to the Board. I recommend this book for every child.

DOWN: There are quite a few typos, some grammatical errors as well as the use of ‘Nigerian’ English.

RATING

4 Stars

TRIVIA

  1. When was the Naira created? 1 January 1973.
  2. These were used as money ‘legal tender’ in ancient times: Cowries, Cattle, Whale’s teeth, etc.
  3. Investing is? Putting money into a project with the expectation of getting some more money back within an expected period.
  4. What is a Vision Board? A Vision Board is a poster board with images and little objects related to your vision (what you want to become, what you want to have, what you want to do, etc.)
  5. Financial Freedom = PI > E: We achieve financial freedom when our Passive Income is greater than our Expenses.
  6. Passive Income is? Income earned as a result of work done in the past/investment. Examples of Passive Income are rent, royalties, dividends.

Visit the book here: https://web.facebook.com/FinancialIntelligenceForKids/?_rdr and here: http://thefinanciallyintelligentkid.com

CHALLENGE: ABC of Financial Intelligence for Kids

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Write 300 words on the following: a. What do I want to achieve/be in the future? b. What gifts/talents do I have? c. How will I achieve my dream/goal? (8 – 9 year olds)

OR

  1. Create a Vision Board (10-12 year olds)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 8-12 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Sunday, July 3rd 2016.

I hope you enjoyed reading today’s post.

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How to Build Your Own Country

AGES 8 - 12, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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Title: How to Build Your Own Country

Author: Valerie Wyatt

Publisher: Cassava Republic Press/Kids Can Press

Number of pages: 40

Type of Book: Contemporary, Fiction

Age: 8+

Available here: http://www.cassavarepublic.biz/products/how-to-build-your-own-country; http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-Your-Country-CitizenKid/dp/1554533104

Price: N800; $13.85

MY SUMMARY

Imagine having your own country! Better still, imagine having your own country and having it named after yourself! The Federal Republic of Ugochinyelu J Impossible right? Think again!!

Valerie Wyatt says building your own country is easy-peasy, as easy as 1 -2 – 3! All you have to do: 1. Stake your identity by creating your country’s flag, money and national anthem; 2. Run your country by holding elections, forming governments and making laws, etc., and 3. meet your neighbours and join organizations.

But is it really that easy? How will you find a population for your country, hold elections, make laws, create your own money and national anthem, write a constitution, etc.?

Read the book to find out!

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: Humour. This is edutainment at its best. It is truly an excellent ‘How To’ guide for building a country especially for kids. It is packed with information on how to make laws, write a constitution, create passports, money, flags, etc. It also has a template for creating a national anthem. It is also filled with fun facts such as funny laws made in the world, the largest, smallest, poorest and richest countries in the world, etc.  A valuable reference tool for teachers and parents on the subject of civic education.

Replete with fun filled projects, it is the perfect book to keep your kids (boys and girls alike) busy for an entire weekend at the very least.

The illustrations are fantastic! They add to the general quirkiness of the book.

DOWN:  None. Warning! There is an image of a decapitated head of state.

RATING

5 Stars 

TRIVIA

  1. How old was the youngest person who started a micronation? 5 years old! Eric Lis started a micronation called the Aerican Empire in 1987. It boasts over 400 citizens!
  2. In 2006, Duncan MacDonald cast his vote in an election. The problem? Duncan is a dog!
  3. A funny law made in Thailand: It is illegal to leave your house if you’re not wearing underwear!
  4. How to name your country after yourself? Chop off he last bit of your name (first or last) and add ‘a’ or ‘ia’ OR tack on ‘land’ or ‘stan’.
  5. How to create your own national anthem? Use words like “glory, freedom, victory, honour” and pick a catchy tune like ‘Old MacDonald’s Has a Farm’ or ‘Walking on Sunshine’

Read an excerpt here: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0103/7312/files/Excerpts_for_website_Pages_from_HowToBuildYourOwnCountry_2029_Text_17022013_5_10.pdf?3662

Watch the book trailer here:

CHALLENGE: How to Build Your Own Country

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. Write short 75-word paragraphs on the following forms of government. Plus: countries that have these forms of government. a. Oligarchy b. Democracy c. Theocracy d. Autocracy e. Single Party

OR

  1. Build your own country.

Create samples of your Passport, Money, Flag and National Anthem (plus tune)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 8-12 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Sunday, March 6th 2016.

Next Book of the Week: 

ADAEZE THE TRUE PRINCESS by Nnenna Ochiche

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Disgusting and We ate it!

AGES 4 - 8, AGES 8 - 12, BOOK REVIEW, , , , , , , , , ,

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Title: It’s Disgusting and We ate it!

Author: James Solheim

Publisher: Aladdin

Number of pages: 48

Type of Book: Non- Fiction

Age: 6-12

Available here: http://www.amazon.com/Disgusting-Facts-Around-Throughout-History/dp/0689843933

Price: $9.99

MY SUMMARY

What would you rather eat for lunch? A steaming piece of pizza, a bowl of bugs, a live oyster or a fish’s head? You might be surprised to learn that many people in the world will not answer ‘PIZZA”.

This book features the silliest, strangest, sickest meals the world has ever known from frog legs in China, to roasted giant spiders, raw long white earthworms dug from rotten logs in Australia, raw fish, raw squid and seaweed sushi in Japan to minced rattle snake meat made in the US. Divided into three parts, it looks at exotic foods around the world today (like earthworm soup eaten by the Chinese); exotic dishes in history (rat stew eaten by sailors) and a rather scary behind the scenes look at the contents of the food items in our fridge today! (Like the bacteria and fungi that make up cheese and mushrooms).

I distinctly remember eating roasted crickets (abuzu) and fried termites (aku) as a child. While I thought they were delicious, the average American kid would probably throw up while watching me eat them, esp. during the rather noisy sucking of the delicious, soft, white, juicy liquid in the aku’s stomach.

The ‘delicacies’ in this book give a whole new meaning to the line “One man’s meat is another man’s poison”!

THUMBS UP AND DOWN

UP: Everything!! It’s a well-researched, beautifully illustrated book that entertains while educating. It has lots of facts delivered in the most interesting way possible!

For example, did you know that roasted giant spiders are a greater source of protein than beef? One ton of beef has 394 pounds of protein whereas one ton of spiders has 1268 pounds of protein! Did you also know that the world’s costliest spice comes from flowers? A pound of this spice, Saffron, used to make rice, etc., costs up to $4,000 (Over N1m!)

The dishes made of reptiles like snakes, insects like termites, crickets and grasshoppers and other animals like fishes, spiders, earthworms, even flowers will keep you either horrifically horrified or smacking your lips!

The book also features a bibliography at the end for kids who want to do some more digging on true food facts around the world! A must have in any curious mind’s library!

DOWN: None

RATING

5 Stars

TRIVIA

  1. What is cheese? Milk curdled by bacteria.
  2. The world’s costliest spice is made from? Saffron
  3. One of the world’s most edible fungi? Mushrooms!
  4. Process of milk production? Cows chew grass and weed, swallow them into the first two stomachs, burp the grass up, chew more grass, mush them all up and send the mush up through the last two stomachs. Then the milk comes out through the udder, a giant sweat gland! Anyone for a glass of fresh milk?
  5. Some delicacies eaten in Africa mentioned in the book? Fried termites, roasted crickets and grasshoppers.
  6. What is sushi? A Japanese rice dish made up of raw fish, raw squid, seaweeds and rice.

For some truly disgusting recipes from around the world: http://www.jamessolheim.com/worlds-weirdest-recipes.html#.VoKIkbT6La4

CHALLENGE: It’s Disgusting and We ate it!

CREATE (WRITE a Story/Poem OR DRAW)

  1. List 2 truly disgusting animals/insects/plants eaten in the Northern, Eastern, Western and Southern Parts of Nigeria? (6-8 year olds)

OR

  1. Write a recipe for the most disgusting meal you have ever eaten. Include a picture of the meal. (9-12 year olds)

OR

  1. Write a poem on ‘One man’s meat is another man’s poison’. (9-12 year olds)

Send your answers to ugochinyelu.anidi@gmail.com

Entry requirements: Entrants must be within the 6-12 age range. The first correct entry will be announced on this page and will win a copy of this book.  

Answers must be submitted before 12:00am on Sunday, January 2nd 2016

Next Book of the Week:

DIDI KANU AND THE SINGING DWARVES OF THE NORTH by Jude Idada