Richard Scarry's Busy, Busy World by Richard Scarry
Not long ago I got to visit with one of the dear kiddos in my life. He requested I read him books and I happily obliged. One of the books his parents had gotten for him from the library was Richard Scarry's Busy, Busy World by Richard Scarry.
It was initially a daunting ask as Richard Scarry's Busy, Busy World is not one story, it is 33. However, the kiddo was rapt and loved all of the places the book took us to. I was impressed with the variety of countries, cultures, and adventures that were represented in this one book. I will add though, that since it was published in 1965, the book could use a bit of a refresher in terms of both what countries exist today as well as some perhaps borderline problematic representations of different cultures. That said though, it was not nearly as uncomfortable to read aloud as I'd feared for a book about international locations first published in 1965.
The illustrations are wonderfully busy and packed with detail that not only allows kids' eyes to roam the pages as they're read to, but also allows the one reading aloud to ask the kids questions about what they see (whether this be, can you find a flag or how do you think this character is feeling?).
I can easily see these stories and illustrations sparking curiosity in young readers about cultures and places that they are unfamiliar with, and that is a wonderful thing.
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