ip" is one of eleven volumes in the "Sophia and Alex" series, written by Author Denise Bourgeois-Vance and illustrated by Artist Damon Danielson. Sophia, Alex and all their school friends are excited to go to the zoo on a field trip with their teacher and parents. They love seeing all the animals they've only seen in books and TV. The diversity of the zoo makes the children assess their own unique circumstances and how wonderful it is to live in a world made up of so many different animals and people.

The 32-page illustrated book highlights that even though things may be different, we can still find commonalities by understanding and making connections with those who may differ from us. Children learn that when we celebrate these differences, we find common ground.

Each book in the "Sophia and Alex" series draws on storylines based on common events found in the life of an early learner. Children relate to the multi-cultural characters and learn the art of acceptance and inclusion in school and home settings. Through the use of dual text, the child can simultaneously learn to read in Japanese or English while better expressing themselves in each. Studies prove that bilingual children are more apt to excel in writing and reading in subsequent grades when given the tools at an early age.

At the time of this printing, over two dozen languages have been added to the series by the Children Bilingual Books' pool of translators. Parents and grandparents alike cherish the opportunity to connect with their child through reading in their native tongue.

Why is reading important to your child? Reading sparks imagination, stimulates cognitive development, boosts social skills, and increases communication proficiencies. At Children Bilingual Books, we endeavor to connect children of all ethnicities, races, cultures, and languages with the wondrous world that surrounds them. The Sophia and Alex series provides a pathway to a child's understanding of language and social interaction. Moreover, they're fun to read!