Iraq

by April Fast

Published 1 October 2004
Know the culture of Iraq—from Mesopotamian to modern—as this war-torn country returns to its traditional ways, emerging from years of strife, oppression, and devastation. Read about the Babylonians and Sumerians, witness the birth of Islam, and then explore present-day Iraq with its diverse ethnic groups, languages, festivals, and customs.

Iran, the People

by April Fast

Published 1 March 2005
This book is intended for ages 9-14. Iran has been home to a diverse mix of conquering peoples over thousands of years. This colourful book shows how the people of Iran have retained their traditions since the Cultural Revolution of 1979, despite pressures of modernisation from the rest of the world. Full-colour images and fascinating information help depict the vibrant people who live in this ancient land. Other topics include: early settlement by Aryan invaders; rule by Alexander the Great of Greece; the rise of Twelver Shi'i Islam; Perisans, Azerbaijanis, and Kurds; family and the changing roles of women; education, pastimes, and celebrations; and Iranian foods.

Sweden, the People

by April Fast and Keltie Thomas

Published 1 October 2003
This book is suitable for ages 9-14. From early Viking explorers, to reindeer herders and busy city-dwellers, find out more about the daily life and traditions in the Land of the Midnight Sun. The topics include: Early history and Viking invaders; The Sami and other ethnic groups; Arrival of Christianity; Birth of a kingdom; City and country living; Family celebrations; The smorgasbord and other food; and, Going to school.

Sweden, the Culture

by April Fast and Keltie Thomas

Published 1 October 2003
This book is suitable for children of ages 9-14. In addition to Pippi Longstocking and ABBA, explore Sweden's other contributions to literature and music, as well as the country's rich cultural traditions in architecture, art, and film. The topics include: Viking traditions; St. Lucia Day and other holidays; Religion and worship; The Kiruna Snow Festival; The zipper, seat belt, and other inventions; Swedish film, music, and dance; Art and architecture; and, The Swedish language.

Iraq - The Land (Revised, Ed. 2)

by April Fast

Published 20 November 2004


Iraq, the Culture

by April Fast

Published 20 November 2004
This book is suitable for children of ages 9-14. The contributions of Iraq to world culture are numerous. This book traces the influence of early civilisations through the construction of ancient temples, the development of cuneiform writing, and the invention of the wheel. This book also explores the influence of Arabic and the religion of Islam on the traditions and celebrations of the people of Iraq. The topics include: the traditional and modern art and music of Iraq; temples built in Mesopotamia for the worship of gods and goddesses such as Enlil, Shamash, Sin, and Ishtar; how Muslims use their lunar calendar, and their activities during Ramadan; Iraqi handicrafts such as ornate pottery, carpets, and textiles from Neneveh, Kirkuk, and Arbil; and, how the people of Iraq celebrate the holidays Nawruz and Eid ul-Fitar.


Sweden, the Land

by April Fast and Keltie Thomas

Published 1 October 2003
This book is suitable for ages 9-14. You can learn more about the dramatic landscape of Sweden, from the hundreds of wooded islands along the coast, to the cold north where snow falls for eight months of the year. The topics include: Rivers and lakes; The Northern Lights; The people of Sweden; Stockholm and other cities; Farming and fishing; Industry and telecommunications; Transportation; and, Wildlife.

Cuba

by Susan Hughes and April Fast

Published 1 March 2004

Iran: The People

by April Fast

Published 1 March 2005

Cuba, the Culture

by Susan Hughes and April Fast

Published 20 March 2004
This work is intended for children aged 9-14 years. The Spanish had an enormous impact on Cuba's history and culture. They introduced the Spanish language to the island, and Roman Catholicism, which is the country's main religion. Other cultures have also contributed their own influence particularly in the area of the arts and food. "Cuba The Culture" features the traditions and celebrations of the country's many different cultural influences. Topics include: the influence of African music in Cuban styles of music and dance such as the conga; traditional dishes from Spain; Santeria, a religion influenced by West African traditions that blends Roman Catholic traditions with the belief in many gods and goddesses; Haitian Creole, Cuba's second official language; traditional Chinese foods and celebrating Chinese New Year in El Barrio Chino, or China Town of Zafra, or the sugar cane harvest.

Cuba, the People

by Susan Hughes and April Fast

Published 20 March 2004
This work is intended for children aged 9-14 years. A majority of Cubans claim Taino, one of the islands' first peoples, West African, or Spanish ancestry, or a mixture of these. Many other groups also immigrated to Cuba over the centuries including Haitians and French-speaking people from many countries. This book features the history of the country's people and their daily lives today. Candid photographs help portray bustling life in the country's many cities as well as the poverty which exists for many of Cuba's people. Topics include: life in the city; life in the village; life on a plantation; life and work under communism and current reforms; children and the education system; the tourism industry; and Cubans in the United States.

Cuba, the Land

by Susan Hughes and April Fast

Published 20 March 2004
This book is suitable for ages 9-14. When Christopher Columbus arrived on Cuba's shores in 1492, he nicknamed it "the Pearl of the Antilles". He was amazed by the beauty of the island's sandy beaches, its forests thick with palm trees, and its fragrant tropical flowers. "Cuba: The Land" highlights the natural beauty of this country with breathtaking photographs and fascinating information. The topics include: Varadero Beach, Zapata Swamp, and Caburni waterfall; the western Cordillera de Guaniguanico mountains; deforestation; temperate island weather all year round; major cities such as Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey, and Trinidad; hurricanes; sugar cane and tobacco; Cuba's economy and the U.S. trade embargo; mining, manufacturing, and tourism industries; endangered Hutia, or cane rats, almiqui, or Cuban solenodons, sea turtles; and, coral reefs and their colourful inhabitants.