This book is an adequate introduction to the country of Israel for the youngest of children. But older students may be put off by the illustration and more discerning students may be confused by this politically correct presentation. 
 The information is simply presented in the alphabetical format (a strange thing when discussing a different language), but there is a definite pro-Palestinian bent to the presentation that seeks to put both parties on equal footing while glossing over the history of the conflict. I get it, it's a book for youngsters. But too many unsupported assertions allow for youngsters to get an impression of the conflict that favors the Arab minority over the Jewish majority. 
 I found the illustrations to be beautiful and enchanting, but my modern students were frustrated by them. They wanted to see the REAL Jerusalem, the REAL Dome of the Rock, the REAL Elat reef, a REAL Jewish person wearing a kippah or blowing a shofar, which lead to a lot of Google searching to satisfy them. I remember most of the non-fiction books of my childhood being illustrated, but my students seem less satisfied with drawings and more desirous of photographs. Their impression is that illustration is for fiction or younger children. That was an interesting revelation to me. 
 In the end, this book isn't BAD, it's just not outstandingly good. And, to my surprise, the presentation does not seem as appealing to older elementary children as it is to adults and younger elementary children. 
 Although written for an older student, I think Israel: It's people by Debbie Smith a better introduction to the country. My full review here: 
 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...