Aruba is a tiny Dutch Caribbean island that sits off the coast of Venezuela; and Oranjestad, a Dutch name, translated, means "Orange Town" . . . although it should be noted that our author and photographer didn't actually see any oranges growing on orange trees there. Oranjestad is the capital and largest city on the small Island of Aruba, and is actually named after King William I of the Netherlands, the crown Prince of Orange-Nassau. So the name of the city probably, and more than likely, has nothing to do with either oranges or orange trees, and is a subject into which a discerning, learning kid may be curious, and into which subject he or she may want to delve.
However, this book isn't about that, because this fun, . 'learn to read' book, filled with word recognition, word repetition and rhyme, is meant to increase reading skills and vocabulary and show this place the way a kid will see it. Its extra-large print and carry along size (perfect for a kid-sized backpack) makes this book a perfect travel carry-on. Written by award winning author, attorney and former teacher, Penelope Dyan, with photography by John D. Weigand, this is a book with a purpose; and there is a free, fun music video that goes along with this book on Bellissimavideo's YouTube channel!
