All 13 titles in this series
D is for Dancing Dragon: A China Alphabet
D is for Down Under: An Australia Alphabet
A is for America: An American Alphabet
C is for Canada
P is for Pinata: A Mexico Alphabet
B is for Big Ben: An England Alphabet
C is for Ciao: An Italy Alphabet
B is for Bagpipes: A Scotland Alphabet
T is for Taj Mahal: An India Alphabet
E is for Eiffel Tower: A France Alphabet
D is for Dala Horse: A Nordic Countries
S is for Shamrock: An Ireland Alphabet
P is for Passport: A World Alphabet

From its unparalleled achievements in art and architecture (the Sistine Chapel), science and exploration (Galileo Galilei), music and literature (Stradivarius and Dante), the country of Italy has had a lasting and profound impact on the world. In C is for Ciao: An Italy Alphabet, young readers are invited to explore Italy's rich history, diverse geography, and many traditions. Sumptuous artwork magnifies each letter topic's poem expository text. R is for the city, Rome, whose beauty will astound you. Modern life is bustling while antiquities surround you. Renowned Italians such as Augustus Caesar (first Roman emperor), Amerigo Vespucci (Florentine explorer), and Leonardo da Vinci (Renaissance artist and scientist) come to life alongside stunning monuments, breathtaking scenery, and history-in-the-making moments that have shaped and the world at large. Governor Mario Cuomo adds a personal message reflecting on his Italian heritage.To find recipes, games, interactives maps and much more for this title visit www.discovertheworldbooks.com! Elissa D. Grodin's Sleeping Bear Press books include D is for Democracy: A Citizen's Alphabet and the recent retelling of Oscar Wilde's classic story The Happy Prince. She lives in Wilton, Connecticut. The son of Italian immigrants, Mario Cuomo has spent many years in the public service sector, serving as New York's Secretary of State, Lieutenant Governor, and Governor. Today he practices law in New York. Marco Ventura's work has been featured in many publications and his clients include Chronicle Books, The Atlantic Monthly, and the New York Times Book Review. His 2003 picture book, The Amazing Air Balloon, was a Junior Library Guild selection. He has twice won the Society of Illustrators Silver Medal award. He lives in Milan, Italy.

Author: Elissa D. Grodin
Elissa D. Grodin grew up in a large family in Kansas City, Missouri, and was 15 years old when she started to write short stories. While living in London in the late '70s, she wrote for the Times Literary Supplement and New Statesman. After moving to New York, she studied at the School of Visual Arts and met her husband, actor Charles Grodin, while interviewing him for American Film magazine. Elissa lives with her family in Wilton, Connecticut.

Author: Mario Cuomo
The son of immigrants from rural Italy, Mario Cuomo could barely speak English when he began first grade in the New York City public schools. He went on to become a lawyer, was appointed secretary of state for New York, and eventually was elected its governor. He served as governor for 12 years, after which he returned to private law practice.

Illustrator: Marco Ventura
At the age of fourteen, Marco Ventura, son of Milan artist/designer Piero Ventura, was assisting his father in his illustration work. After attending Brera State Fine Arts Academy in Milan for two years, Marco came to New York City to study at the School of Visual Arts. He began his freelance illustration career in 1988 and his artwork has been featured in many publications in the United States and internationally. His clients include Rizzoli, Chronicle Books, The Atlantic Monthly, Time, The New York Times Book Review, and Esquire. Marco has twice won the Society of Illustrators Silver Medal award and his second children's picture book, the 2003 The Amazing Air Balloon, was a Junior Library Guild selection.