Blastoff! Readers: Exploring Countries

Costa Rica, which means “Rich Coast,” is aptly named. Its long coastlines, bordering the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, have some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Young listeners will learn about Costa Rica’s booming ecotourism, the daily life and cuisine, and the peaceful, laid-back nature of its people.

Travel to Kenya and see if you can spot giraffes, elephants, lions and other African animals! Dinosaur bones and giant crocodile fossils discovered in Kenya reveal that the country has been home to a variety of wildlife for millions of years. Learn more about Kenya’s wildlife, and explore Kenyan culture and the diversity of people that call this beautiful place home.

Moscow’s Red Square is a center of Russian history and culture. This book explores the physical and cultural geography of Russia, showing the listener what daily life is like in Russia and how Russians keep their cultural traditions alive in the modern world.

This ancient country is considered the birthplace of Western civilization. Tourists can walk on the grounds of the first Olympic Games, see the mythical Mount Olympus, and visit the Acropolis of Athens, where people gathered thousands of years ago. Hear all about Greece and its traditions, from old to new, in this informative title.

Haiti is a country that has experienced many hardships—most recently, a devastating earthquake in January of 2010. It is also a country with a rich history and a culture that is famous for its unique, colorful painting and sculpture styles. Listeners will learn about Haiti’s landscape, its vibrant culture, and the work being done to rebuild Haiti today.

The second-largest country in South America, Argentina is known for its fertile plains, the rugged Andes Mountains, and the beautiful land of the Argentine Patagonia. The people of Argentina work on the land and in cities, enjoying music, dancing, and sports in their free time. Learn all about Argentine food, culture, and daily life in this informative title!

Guatemala, a hotspot of unique wildlife, boasts 100 rivers, over 250 wetland areas, and many famous volcanoes. Hear about this beautiful Central American country and experience the daily life of the Guatemalan people, from work and school to fun and play.

Chile is a long, narrow country that stretches along the Pacific Ocean on the west coast of South America. It has many different landscapes, including the Atacama, the driest desert in the world! Young listeners will explore Chile’s landscapes, discovering the famous Easter Island statues, the diverse wildlife, and the people that call the country home.

Many different civilizations have lived on the land that is now Peru. Today, tourists travel to this South American country to see Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca site. Learn more about Peru, its people, the Amazon Rain Forest, and much more in this exciting title!

After decades of war, South Sudan became an independent country in 2011. Though its people face struggles as they build their new nation, they do have reason for national pride. Their country contains Bandingilo National Park, which hosts one of the largest annual animal migrations. This title describes the birth of South Sudan and its efforts to create a national identity.