All About Vietnam

Take a trip to Vietnam without a passport in this latest addition to the globe-hopping All About series.

Author Phuoc Thi Minh Tran and illustrators Thi Hop Nguyen and Dong Nguyen open a window onto a nation they know intimately in this lavish exploration of Vietnam. The nation's rich history, colorful culture and diverse ethnic groups spring to life thanks to the charming full-color drawings and striking photographs.

This book starts with a brief look at the nation's history, from the ancient kings to the tumultuous war years. From there, present-day Vietnam comes vibrantly alive, as young readers:

• Tour the teeming streets of Hanoi to the red and white sand dunes of Mui Ne. Cross the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang at night, illuminated with 2,500 red lights, and visit the early morning fish markets of the central coast
• Use the recipes to make authentic dishes, for a taste of Vietnam: Mung Bean Sticky Rice and Three-Colored Salad
• Hear popular folk tales and legends told to Vietnamese children—"The Legend of the Areca Nut and the Betel Leaves" and "The Carp That Wanted to Become a Dragon"—and sing the beloved folk song "The Rice Drum"
• Learn how to ring in the new year with Tet, as well as the Cold Food Festival, the Double Feast Festival, Feast of the Wandering Souls, the Moon Festival, the Kitchen God Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival
• Learn the language, including greetings, nonverbal forms of communication and the proper way to say good-bye
• Join the Trong Com dancers in their vibrant four-color dresses as they clap each end of the cylindrical wooden drums slung over their backs