#365PictureBooks 63. Children of the Pacific : Billy's Weekend - A Story from the Islands of Fiji by Jill MacGregor

MacGregor, J. (2013). Children of the Pacific : Billy's Weekend - A Story from the Islands of Fiji. Wellington, New Zealand: Puriri Paddocks.

ISBN: 9780473257392
Pages: 24
Age Level: Early Childhood 0-6
Genre: Picture Book / NZ Non-Fiction
Rating: 5 stars

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Join Viliame, known as Billy, as he tells us about his weekend in his village of Arovudi, on the island of Ovalau in Fiji.

This is another book from Jill's Children of the Pacific series.  Along with the photographic snap-shot into the children's lives, these books also include a map on the inside-front cover with some basic facts about their country.  Whilst there is no contents or index page, there is a glossary at the back with some of the words that are not translated.  Throughout the story, these words are denoted with an asterix * so you know to check the glossary.

It is aimed at younger children.  The language used is clearly understood and describes Billy's weekend in the first person.  It makes for a very good non-fiction read-aloud.

Scott's photographs provide a snap-shot into Billy and his families life.  There are some amazing photos of the wildlife found around Billy's house and on the reef.  They have been laid out with a mixture of inserts within a full page image (as shown here), or in a 'photo album' style.  They enhance the text by providing additional information or close-up images of specific comments in the text.

This series is a fantastic addition to your collection.  Both from a non-fiction narrative perspective, and by providing an insight into how other children and families around the world live.  They have been produced four-at-a-time, and I have been purchasing these directly from Jill or her son whenever they are visiting Napier with each new selection.

Books in the series so far:

Tareima's String - Kiribati

Wrapping It Up - Samoa

Kelea's Clothes - Tonga

A Nest of Pigs - Cook Islands

The Uga Hunt - Niue

Billy's Weekend - Fiji

The Rat and the Octopus - Niue

Market Day - Samoa

I got my copy of Children of the Pacific : Billy's Weekend - A Story from the Islands of Fiji from the Taradale Primary School library where I work. 

You can find a copy at Napier Libraries.