I guess you could say that my philosophical bent when it comes to exposing my kids to books is that I like continuity. In other words, I like the continuity that comes from reading different books by the same author and the continuity of reading different books within a series. So you’ll find both of these in the books that follow.
{Devotional}
Amazon Adventures by Horace Banner
This book is a collection of devotional stories written by missionary Horace Banner describing exotic animals and the customs of the Kapayo people living in the Amazon Rain Forest. Each story teaches interesting facts about animals and customs practiced by the Kapayo people, all leading to a meaningful and intentional message about the character of Christ. We used these devotional books to supplement our study of Latin America.
Rain Forest Adventures by Horace Banner
This is another collection of devotional stories by Horace Banner. More fascinating creatures living in the Amazon Rain Forest are used to teach us something about life and the love of God. Join in the adventures!
{Children’s Books}
One Small Square – Rain Forest Adventures by Donald M. Silver, Illustrated by Patricia J. Wynne
One of my favorite series of books for kids is the One Small Square series. The premise of the books is – what can you find in one small square of…. rainforest, desert, backyard, swamp, seashore, etc. So many different ecosystems covered in this series of books. Illustrations are so detailed and vivid. We have this entire set of books. In this particular book, journey into the rain forest and discover what is found in one small square of rain forest floor, understory, canopy and emergent layer. At the end of the book, kids can enjoy a matching game of identifying things found in each layer, as well as seeing the information found throughout the book classified and organized. So much packed in to this one small square of book!
The Rainforest Grew All Around by Susan K. Mitchell, Illustrated by Connie McLennan
From the publisher: “Imaginations will soar from the forest floor, up through the canopy and back down again, following the circle of life in this clever adaptation of the song The Green Grass Grew All Around. The jungle comes alive as children learn about a wide variety of the animals (jaguars, emerald tree boas, leafcutter ants, sloths, poison dart frogs, toucans, and bats) and plants (kapok trees, liana vines, and bromeliads) living in the lush Amazon rainforest. Search each page to find rainforest bugs and butterflies hiding in the illustrations.” Treat at the end: a recipe for Rainforest Cookies – which we made, of course! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
We love Jan Brett books. In similar fashion to The Mitten and The Hat, this cheerful little story is packed full of illustrative details. The Costa Rican rain forest is a wonderful setting for this fun book. “When Carlos drops his umbrella to climb a tree for a better view of the animals, they all cram into the banana-leaf umbrella as it floats by–from the little tree frog to the baby tapir to the big jaguar and more. It gets so crowded in the umbrella that there isn’t even enough room for a little hummingbird! So over the umbrella tumbles, everyone falls out, and poor Carlos comes back wondering why he didn’t see any animals all day!” (publisher’s wonderful description!)
Over in the Jungle by Marianne Berkes, Illustrated by Jeanette Canyon
An easy and entertaining way to teach about this important habitat. The publisher states: “Kids will sing, clap, and count their way among monkeys that hoot, ocelots that pounce, parrots that squawk, and boas that squeeze! It will not take much to have your child joyfully hooting and squawking too. And the illustrations are painstakingly all done in polymer clay and then photographed, giving a 3-D effect. They are truly remarkable, vividly conveying the abundant energy of a rainforest, and will inspire many an art project. Plus there are several pages of extension ideas for curriculum and art projects as well as resources on the web and elsewhere.” Our kind of book!
Who Grows Up in the Rain Forest? by Theresa Longenecker, Illustrated by Melissa Carpenter
This book describes many rainforest animals and how their offspring grow up. Filled with a variety of fun facts. The beautiful chalk pastel drawings add to the sweet nature of the book.
This book is from the Eye Wonder series (precursor to the Eye Witness series). This means it is written for ages 5+. I include myself in this age group! Ha! It has just the amount of information that I (and probably most people) want to know about this topic. And I love the way the book is organized! Here are some of the categories: jeepers creepers (about creeping vines), tree houses, canopy creatures, forest acrobats, happy families (animals that live together in organized social groups), camouflage, and more. So much can be learned from JUST looking at all of the amazing photos!
The Journey of a Butterfly by Carolyn Scrace
This is a beautifully illustrated book introducing young readers to the amazing migration journey Monarch Butterflies make to Mexico every year. Book also includes a migration map and butterfly vocab.
Up and Down the Andes by Laurie Krebs, Illustrated by Aurélia Fronty
Publisher’s description: “This rhyming text takes readers from Lake Titicaca all the way to the city of Cusco for the marvelous Inti Raymi festival. They’ll meet children from many areas of southern Peru who are traveling to the festival, each using a different mode of transportation. Includes useful notes on the history and culture of Peru.”
On the Pampas by María Cristina Brusca
I love books that transport you and give you a slice of life in another part of the world. This one does just that. Spend a summer with Maria and Susanita on the pampas of Argentina and learn how a gauchita spends her summer. Parents’ Choice Picture Book Award.
The Legend of the Poinsetta retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola
This legend is beautifully retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola. It describes how any gift to Jesus is precious simply because it is given.
{Missionary Biographies}
Missionary Stories with the Millers by Mildred A. Martin
My children cut their missionary teeth on the stories in these books. Included are stories of well-known missionaries as well as stories of men and women known mostly to God. They highlight the varied gifts and talents God can use in His Kingdom. They are just the right sort of stories to educate and captivate an elementary aged child.
The following set of books is my favorite missionary biography series for youth. The descriptions below, from YWAM Publishing, tell the when and where of each missionary.
Cameron Townsend: Good News in Every Language by Janet and Geoff Benge
During WWI, Cameron Townsend was told, “You’ll do more good selling Bibles in Central America than you would shooting Germans in France.” Cameron began by translating the Bible into the language of his Guatemalan friends. Then he started Wycliffe Bible Translators with the dream of making the Good News available in every language. Since 1942, Wycliffe has translated Scripture into hundreds of languages, spreading God’s Word to people everywhere. (1896-1982)
Clarence Jones: Mr. Radio by Janet and Geoff Benge
Although born into a devout Christian family, Clarence Jones wasn’t interested in religion. It was this Midwesterner’s ear for music that led him to play trombone at Chicago’s Moody Church, where he gave his life to Christ and volunteered for mission work.
Clarence’s work began in Chicago, where he helped pioneer something unheard of-Christian radio broadcasts. Soon God called Clarence to “go south with radio.” Led to Ecuador, Clarence worked unswervingly to cofound Radio HCJB and the World Radio Missionary Fellowship. His legacy of broadcasting the gospel to the ends of the earth soars on the airwaves today. (1900-1986)
Elisabeth Elliot: Joyful Surrender by Janet and Geoff Benge
Since she was young, Elisabeth Elliot had been intrigued by missionaries who gave up so much to tell others about God’s love. With a passion to translate the Bible into new languages, she followed God’s call to work among tribes in Ecuador, including the Waorani (Auca), who had killed her husband and four others.
Elisabeth kept a detailed journal of her life and missionary service. She returned to the United States after many years in South America, becoming one of the most influential Christian women of our time. A prolific author, speaker, and radio host, she passes on a message of joyful surrender to the world. (1926-)
Jim Elliot: One Great Purpose by Janet and Geoff Benge
Jim Elliot and his coworkers surrendered their lives in Ecuador’s jungle, trusting that their sacrifice would not be in vain. Decades later, this dramatic event has challenged countless Christians to live with one great purpose: to bring the gospel to those who have never heard. (1927-1956)
Nate Saint: On a Wing and a Prayer by Janet and Geoff Benge
Flying captured Nate’s heart. His air-service ministry to isolated missionaries put him on a path of destiny that would ultimately end with a final airplane flight with four missionary friends to the “Palm Beach” landing strip in the jungles of Ecuador.
The men’s lives given that day not only opened a door to the gospel for the unreached “Aucas”; it has been said that possibly no single event of the twentieth century awakened more hearts to God’s call to serve in missions. (1923-1956)
Rachel Saint: A Star in the Jungle by Janet and Geoff Benge
When young Rachel Saint surrendered her life to God, she began an unimaginable journey that would span decades and radically transform a dying culture steeped in revenge. Against all odds, God would lead her to Ecuador’s Waorani Indians – known as Aucas, or savages, and infamous for murder.
Despite the martyrdom of five missionaries by Waorani spears, Rachel boldly persisted in following God. In one of the greatest testimonies to God’s grace and power in our time, this pioneering Bible translator would live for two decades with her own brother’s killers, for the joy of seeing them become brothers and sisters in Christ. (1914-1994)
{Art}
Draw Rainforest Animals by Doug Dubosque
Looking for a how-to-draw book of rainforest animals? This is a good one. It contains do-able drawing instructions on many of the iconic rain forest animals (ie. toucan, sloth, several kinds of frogs, jaguar, emerald tree boa to name a few).
Hands-On Latin America by Yvonne Y. Merrill
I have been so inspired by this book! So many great ideas with a good dose of cultural background. Excellently researched. The projects are authentic, affordable and (most of them) very do-able.
{Animals}
The following is a wonderful set of children’s book about animals and how they are uniquely created by God. Written from a Biblical worldview and published by Answers in Genesis.
Marvels of Creation: Magnificent Animals by Buddy and Kay Davis
Did you know that leopards can jump the highest of all the land animals – 18 feet! Did you know that 25,000 sharp-pointed quills cover the porcupine? Did you know that a hippopotamus’ skin is 5 inches thick? This book is filled with fascinating facts on 30 “magnificent mammals” and full color photos of each.
Marvels of Creation: Breathtaking Birds by Buddy and Kay Davis
Did you know that the knees of the flamingo are really the ankles and bend backwards when the bird sits down? Many more fascinating facts about “breathtaking birds” that cause you to marvel at God’s creation indeed! Another winner from the folks at AIG!
Marvels of Creation: Sensational Sea Creatures by Buddy and Kay Davis
Did you know that a giant squid’s eye can measure up to nine inches across? Did you know that salmon can live in fresh-water or saltwater? Fascinating facts on 30 “sensational sea creatures” found here. Again, full color photos of each and information written from a Biblical world view.
{Natural Resources}
I have used this set of books over and over again. They are a great tool for gaining an understanding about the history, geography and uses of these various natural resources. Great for kids’ research projects as well because they have enough information, but not too much. The thorough descriptions below are from the publisher, Crabtree Publishing Company.
The Biography of Sugar by Rachel Eagen
What was the world like before sugar? Find out how the human desire for sweets made a tropical grass into a valuable commodity around the world. With the use of colorful images and maps, The Biography of Sugar details how sugar grows, which countries produce it, and the sour history of slavery and exploitation that surrounded its early production.
The Biography of Chocolate by Adrianna Morganelli
Children will love learning how the ancient Aztecs created a special drink from the bitter beans of the cacao tree and how those beans later became the delectable treat known as chocolate. Mouth watering pictures illustrate this examination of one of the world’s favorite commodities.
The Biography of Cotton by Carrie Gleason
From plant to T-shirt, this intriguing new book follows the history of this natural fiber from its earliest beginnings in Pakistan and Peru to its world-wide use today. Color photos and maps describe the plant itself as well as where and how it is produced. Historic black and white images help tell the real story of the early cotton trade highlighting slavery, child labor, and the manufacturing process.
The Biography of Vanilla by Julie Karner
While chocolate steals all the glory, vanilla is the scent and flavor that people cannot seem to live without. Discover the rich history of this orchid bean used in such products as candy, ice cream, soft drinks, medicines, and yes, even chocolate! Maps, illustrations, and full-color photos follow the vanilla bean’s journey from its discovery by the ancient civilizations of Mexico, to Europe where its flavorful secrets remained a mystery to Europeans even 300 years after they first encountered it.
The Biography of Wool by Carrie Gleason
The history of wool is not simply the history of a product that people wear, but a history of farming, human migration, and manufacturing. This intriguing new book tells the story of one of the world’s first fibers, shorn from sheep, carded into wool, and spun into cloth since as early as 1500 B.C. From early sailors to today’s astronauts, woolen clothing remains a popular choice for protection from the elements.
The Biography of Coffee by Adrianna Morganelli
Next to petroleum, coffee beans are the second most valuable commodity traded in the world. Young readers will be fascinated to learn how this popular product is grown, harvested, processed, and sold. Find out where coffee plants originated from and how coffee was spread around the world.
The Biography of Bananas by Rachel Eagen
The Biography of Bananas reveals the murky past and uncertain future of the tasty banana. Almost unknown in North America before the 1870s, bananas quickly became a popular fruit with a rocky history. Colorful photographs and maps help explain who grows your bananas, how they are harvested, and why the banana may soon become extinct.
{Teens+} Rated PG for Realistic Depictions of Life Situations
Authentic. Powerful. Challenging. These are just a few words that describe this series of missionary biographies. Most of these books have been nail biters, or at the very least, a fascinating look into a completely different slice of Kingdom service. Great for teens or adults. Note: Preread if you have any doubt as to whether the content is something you want your student to read. Some adult themes include street life, rape, capture and torture, etc. My kids read various books of this series from a perspective that we can at least read the suffering and challenges that others have actually lived for the sake of the Gospel. The following descriptions for each book are from YWAM Publishing.
A Cry from the Streets by Jeannette Lukasse
In the dark world of the Brazilian streets, children, toddlers and teenagers search trash cans for food, steal knives to protect themselves at night, and live in fear of being beaten or even killed by the police. For these desperately needy children, nothing was free – until they encountered the love of Jesus through the compassion of Jeannette and Johan Lukasse.
When this young Dutch couple asked God if He could use them to do something about the immense suffering they saw in the world, He led them on a winding path from their home in the Netherlands to the coast of Greece and eventually to the streets of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Their calling was clear: millions of orphaned and abandoned children were living and dying on the streets, caught in the deadly grip of drugs, violence, prostitution, and abuse.
What followed the Lukasses’ step of faith is a stunning example of how God miraculously uses the surrendered lives of believers to transform the lives of others with His hope and healing.
A Way Beyond Death by Jemimah Wright
The chief had ordered that I stay in the hut where they bury rejected children alive, those with any kind of disability, not important enough to be buried in the cemetery. The tribe believed the hut was full of evil spirits that would kill me. As I slept over the bodies of rejected babies that night, something extraordinary began. The Lord commenced to break the power of fear, suffering, and injustice that infanticide so darkly represented.
When Marcia dos Santos came to faith as a teenage girl, she heard a clear call to commit her life to serving indigenous peoples. The call also came to Marcia’s future husband, Edson Suzuki, who likewise realized the importance of helping Indians with health care in order to combat the Amazonian tribal practices of infanticide and suicide.
What began as a simple walk of obedience has led to years of ministry and international and governmental efforts creating new laws protecting at-risk indigenous children. The Suzuki’s powerful story, as told to Jemimah Wright, is a picture of God’s redemptive hand that offers compassion and healing to the outcast and rejected.
Deeply wounded in his childhood and struggling to come to terms with failed relationships, Jim Stier wondered if God could ever use a life as fractured as his.
Indeed God would use him — in ways that Jim could never have imagined. Confronted with the opportunity to deny his Savior, Jim surrendered his life, with all of its pain, to God. So began an inspiring journey of struggle, faith, and victory that ultimately led to the lost, hurting people of Brazil and beyond.
Against All Odds is a compelling reminder that God restores broken lives and broken dreams. This story of one man’s passion to see a nation transformed is a stunning testimony that Christ’s grace and mercy can redeem any life surrendered to Him.
What happens when a nineteen-year-old boy leaves home and heads into the jungles to evangelize a murderous tribe of South American Indians? For Bruce Olson it meant capture, disease, terror, loneliness and torture. But what he discovered by trial and error has revolutionized the world of missions.
Living with the Motilone Indians since 1961, Olson’s efforts have also won him the friendship of four presidents of Columbia and appearances before the United Nations. His story will amaze you and remind you that simple faith in Christ can make anything possible.
Dayuma: Life Under Waorani Spears by Ethel Emily Wallis
Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Roger Youderian, and Ed McCully chose to lay down their lives on a sandy beach in Ecuador. Their lives and sacrifice come full circle in the breathtaking true story of Dayuma.
Violent, unexpected death was a way of life for the mysterious Waorani tribe living deep in the Ecuadorian jungle. When her father is brutally speared, young Dayuma is faced with a clear yet frightening choice: flee to the outside world to those thought to be cannibals or stay in the jungle to face certain death from the spears of the tribal killers.
Dayuma: Life Under Waorani Spears is the unforgettable story of one girl’s odyssey into the unknown. Her eventual encounter with Christ ultimately changed her life and forever altered the destiny of her people. Dayuma is a vivid, lasting testimony to the power of the love of God and the cross to reach beyond any barrier.
Taking the High Places by Terry Snow with Jemimah Wright
Facing death, enduring false accusations, and becoming a prisoner himself, missionary Terry Snow moved out in faith and boldness to share the gospel with the town of St. Marc in Haiti.
Amidst the tumult of civil war, gang-fighting, and terrorism, Terry’s powerful ministry to the people of St. Marc took him from having a gun pointed to his head to being invited to pray in the presidential palace. His inspiring story shows how one man’s obedience to God brought miraculous healing to gang leaders, prisoners, government officials, and the transformed town of St. Marc.
Do you have any great books suggestions about Latin America? Leave them in the comments section for the rest of us to enjoy!
