Book Review: Fifo "50 States"

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Fifo "50 States" is a whimsical picture book that introduces children to each state in the United States. The book was written by Hayley Rose and illustrated by Jessie B. Orlet. This book was published by Inkwell Productions in 2010. (ISBN: 9780981464824)

Are you looking for an enjoyable way to introduce the 50 states to your child? This book is written in rhyme and illustrated with delightful color pictures. Your child will love learning about the United States with Fifo.

About the Author
Hayley Rose grew up in the beach side town of Pacific Palisades, California, to a family of visual artists. In the early 1990's she traveled the U.S. with her band Crush Violet. Along with writing children's books, Hayley has been working in entertainment business management for the past 15 years, specializing in concert touring. She is currently a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and resides dually in Los Angeles, CA and Scottsdale, AZ.
Her first book, Fifo "When I Grow Up" was published in 2002.

50 States and a Ton of Fun!
Fifo "Fifty States" is a charming picture book in rhyme. It is also a wonderful learning tool for children. Each state is featured with a rhyme and a delightful color picture. There is an amazing amount of information presented in the text and the illustrations complement and add more interesting details to the text. 

The book presents the following information about each of the 50 states;

• The geographic section of the country that the state is located in ( North, South, East, West, Midwest).
• The chronological order that the state entered the Union. (Ex. The 26th state)
• The name of the state capitol.
• The name of the state flower.
• The name of the state tree.
• The name of the state bird.
• The state motto.

The illustrations add even more details about the states;

• A small state map with a star to spotlight the capitol city.
• The state flag.
• A glimpse of the landscape and tourist attractions.
• Some of the main products and occupations (corn, cherries, mining, farming, livestock, etc.)
• Famous state events (Ex. Hot Air Balloons in New Mexico, Rodeos in Oklahoma, etc.)
• Famous events in the state's history.

The best thing about the illustrations is that Fifo is featured right in the middle of the page wearing a costume that is appropriate for the state that he is visiting!
I would like to share one page from the book so that you can feel the rhythm of the text and view one of the illustrations;

"Down in the south

lies the 28th state.

It is called Texas

and I hear it's just great.

Austin is the capitol

and there are many things to see,

like the Bluebonnet flower

and the yummy Pecan tree.

The crazy little Mockingbird

lives in Texas too.

It's a wonderful place to visit,

I'd like to go there, wouldn't you?"

Children will love to travel the country with Fifo the Bear. This book will make learning fun and kids will be eager to read it over and over again.

My Thoughts

Fifo "50 States" is fun, fantastic and full of facts! Kids will love the rhythm and repetition of the text. This book offers many opportunities for parents and teachers to share the joy of traveling with Fifo. I was overwhelmed by the detail in the illustrations. Children will spend hours exploring and investigating the fact-filled pictures.

The beautiful thing about this book is that it is appropriate for children of all ages. Young children will delight in hearing their parent/teacher reading the text and looking at the colorful pictures of Fifo. Older children will find this book educational and intriguing. I think this book will give students just enough information to make them go searching for more. I highly recommend this book to children, parents and teachers. This book rocks!

Fifo "50 States" was recently selected from over 1000 entries to be included on the K.A.R.T Kids Book List for the 2011/2012 school year. The book has also won a "Mom's Choice Award", a "2011 Readers Favorite Book Award" and many other honors.

You can download Fifo coloring sheets and word games from Fifo's Web Page. These resources will be very popular with young and old alike. Great fun for Fifo fans!


Fifo The Bear Books [Book Trailer]
If you would like to learn more about the Fifo the Bear books, please click HERE to view the book trailer.


Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from the author.

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