World Cup 2014: Books from Brazil

Product Description: From the wilds of the Amazon rain forest to Zebu cattle. B Is for Brazil shows this lively South American country in all its colorful diversity. Maria de Fatima Campos's striking full-color photographs capture the essence of Brazilian life alongside a simple, informative text. The book illustrates the contrasts between city and rain forest, different customs and peoples, and the vibrant world of Brazilian children whether at home, at school, fishing on the river, and painting in the air.

Product Description: Which is the only country to have competed in every World Cup tournament? Where would you go to check out the Mongolian Cow Yogurt Super Girl Contest? Put the countries of the world at readers' fingertips with these books for young globe-trotters.

Product Description: A rich brew of more than 40 traditional Brazilian tales — from creation stories and stories of enchantment to animal and trickster tales — draws on the varied cultural traditions of indigenous peoples, people of African descent, those of European (and particularly Portuguese) descent, and mixtures of these groups. The stories are retold by today's accomplished Brazilian storytellers. Also includes background information on the country and the tales, color photographs, traditional recipes, and children's games.

A trip to Brazil inspired this look at a unique sport called "capoeira." The result is a compelling journey into capoeira's history and its popularity around the world. The book begins with students at an academy in Oakland, California. Well-placed and -paced, full-color photographs chronicle this amazing activity.

Product Description: Turtle loves to dance and play the flute. But her exuberance puts her at risk when her music attracts the attention of a hunter who brings her home for turtle stew. After she is caught, her only hope for escape is the hunter's children — and her own wit. This folktale, first told by the indigenous people of Brazil, is now told throughout Latin America.

"Naturalist Sy Montgomery traveled to South America to satisfy her curiosity about the mysterious pink dolphins called encantado, or 'enchanted.' She met with locals and experts to gather information, and she made several valiant efforts to locate the encantado herself. In the end, however, the creatures remained elusive.

"In first-person narration, Pelé describes his lifetime passion for the game, which began in childhood…Morrison's vibrant, energetic illustrations depict a dual story. Each two-page spread features vignettes from Pelé's career on one page (subtly aging their subject over the course of the book), while the facing page reveals a parallel story line of a modern-day child learning to love the game. The vivid pictures, featuring slightly elongated figures and tilted perspectives, convey all the energy of this universal sport." — Kirkus Reviews

Product Description: In celebration of the exuberant sounds of Brazil, Putumayo Kids has collected 11 child-friendly songs from many of the country's most talented musicians. Samba, bossa nova and forró are among Brazil's most popular and accessible musical styles for adults and children alike. The album features these and other engaging rhythms that reflect the country's diverse culture and easy-going way of life.

Product Description: This World Cup companion introduces readers to the official championship mascot Fuleco, a friendly armadillo, who tells children all about his home and the host country, Brazil. Highlights include everything a fan needs to know about the stadiums, top players, and statistics. Adding to the fun are quizzes, games, stickers, a tricky double-page search-and-find puzzle, and a foldout back jacket with a fill-in progress chart — so soccer-crazy kids can record match results as the games progress.

Victoria's mother was born in Brazil, but she and her daughter live in London. Now it's time for a visit to the country where Mom grew up. Visiting a coffee farm, a parade, a street children's shelter, and a huge family barbeque, Victoria learns about her mother's country and enjoys getting to know her extended Brazilian family.

If it is just a few days until your birthday, and your mother says you can invite anyone you like to come over to play, be careful! In a celebration of festive neighbors, an open-ended party invitation results in a raucous gathering of children, pets, and parents (plus salsa dancers and a reggae band!), all feasting on food from all over the world. This is a humorous and irresistibly joyful cautionary tale.