If You Were Me And Lived In... South Korea...

If You Were Me And Lived In... South Korea... by Carole P. Roman

This is a fantastic immersion into a completely different world. From the author who took us on a whirlwind adventure to Mexico, comes an entirely new experience: If You Were Me And Lived In... South Korea... by Carole P. Roman.

There is a sense of expectation and excitement when viewing the cover of an If You Were Me book. Even before delving into the pages, the reader will know that they are in for a spectacular treat.

The book is filled with a rich and diverse introduction to a people who have "lived there for over two thousand years". It is a lesser known place that is deeply routed in tradition and formality. The little boy and girl will take the reader into Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. From there, visitors are given a peek into the wonders of Min Sok Chon (the Korean Folk Village) and taken to a restaurant to eat bulgogi (Korean barbeque) with kimchee (spicy fermented cabbage).

Roman fills the reader with a sense of culture by showing them crucial differences in currency: "...won, which is like a dollar bill..." and language: "When you call your mommy, you would say Omma. When you address your father, his name would be Appa."

It is important for every child to gain exposure to various cultures. This book provides a creative learning aid that is developed specially for children Pre-K to 8-years old, but has proven insightful for people of all ages. If You Were Me And Lived In... South Korea... educates the mind and dispels certain biases that stem from ignorance. It teaches children that there is an entire world out there, unknown to a vast degree, but, thanks to Roman, a bit easier to understand.

Case in point, my son, who loved every bit of the South Korean culture, especially Seol-nal (the Lunar New Year).

Roman has created an enticing tale that provides a delightful learning tool presented under the charming guise of a simple story. She has also provided a Pronunciation page at the end of the book.

This book will enlighten the mind and cultivate the imagination.

Carole P. Roman is also the author of the Captain No Beard series that deals with issues such as dyslexia, compromise, and leadership. Her new series explores the small world we live in as well as the different, complex cultures of the people around us.

If You Were Me And Lived In... South Korea... by Carole P. Roman, 2013 ISBN 978-1481062343

If You Were Me And Lived In... Mexico...

If You Were Me And Lived In... Mexico... by Carole P. Roman

A delightful adventure from the author who brought us Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life. This time Carole P. Roman takes the reader outside of the fantasy realm into a land of factual sight, language and food in If You Were Me and Lived in... Mexico...

The cover itself is a promising illustration of the fantastic journey ahead. A young boy and girl, who remain nameless throughout the book, introduce a brightly colored, fun filled sampling of Mexican culture. From the ingenious description of Chichen Itza (Mayan temple) to the Descubrimiento de America (discovery of America), Roman weaves history and language into a new and unknown world.

"If you were me and lived in Mexico, your home would be somewhere here, in the southern part of North America."

Identifying Mexico on a map gives the reader a basis. Children learn about counting pesos, exploring tamales, and playing futbol. The book is essentially a developed lesson plan for children Pre-K to 8-years old, triumphantly disguised in a creation of simple discovery.

"When you talk to your Mommy you would call her Mama, and when you speak with your Daddy, you would call him Papa."

There is a bewitching allure to Roman's narration. As I often tend to do with children's books, I used my own small version of a litmus test... My three-year-old son. He enjoyed it immensely, as he has done with other books by this author in the past.

Not only has Roman successfully presented an informative and entertaining book, but always the consummate educator, she includes a Pronunciation page at the end of the story. I highly recommend this charming immersion into Mexico, it is certainly an appealing read for children and parents of all ages.

Carole P. Roman is an award winning author and former Social Studies teacher. Her debut book Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life was named to Kirkus Reviews Best of 2012.

If You Were Me And Lived In... Mexico... by Carole P. Roman, 2013 ISBN 1480209627

Stuck In The Doldrums

Stuck In The Doldrums: A Lesson In Sharing by Carole P. Roman

This is the third Captain No Beard Story in the highly imaginative series by Carole P. Roman. The first story was Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life. The second one was Pepper Parrot's Problem With Patience.

Each book revolves around a difficult and well learned lesson by the pirate crew. In Stuck In The Doldrums, Captain No Beard has a problem with sharing. He forgets that his crew member's feelings and resorts to selfish behavior. First Mate Hallie, Mongo the Monkey, Linus the Lion, Polly the Parrot and Fribbet the Frog, decide to go off and play without him.

As the story progresses, Captain No Beard is placed in a very scary predicament and is forced to rely on the help of the very individuals that he alienated.

It is an entirely engrossing tale of friendship, loyalty and forgiveness. My son, who is my greatest point of reference with children's books, was spellbound. He loved talking about each character and going over the confrontation and what resulted from selfish behavior and bullying.

Carole P. Roman has an incredible grasp of a child's perception. She is able to create an entertaining story, full of swashbuckling adventure, while still teaching a life lesson.

Captain No Beard

Let your imagination run wild...

Captain No Beard: An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life by Carole P. Roman

"Shiver me timbers!"

Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience by Carole P. Roman

Each Captain No Beard story is a tale centered around a young boy, Alexander (aka Captain No Beard), and his imaginary pirate ship, The Flying Dragon. His crew is comprised of three stalwart stuffed animals, Mongo the monkey, Linus the lion, and Fribbet the frog. His cousin, Hallie, is the First Mate and together they sail the ocean searching for adventure. 

In Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience, the author delves deeper into teaching critical stress management and teamwork. Though each crew member on board The Flying Dragon has different personalities, they must learn to manage and accept change with patience. The author incorporates certain real-world scenarios, such as dyslexia, to the mix; displaying ways to recognize and handle such issues with kindness and encouragement. 


The delightful tales of Captain No Beard and his First Mate, Hallie, is superb for all ages. The stories are well formulated and the illustrations will keep a young audience intrigued. I speak from experience. I read both books to my three year old son and he was absolutely enchanted. 

Even as an adult I will admit that it's been a long time since I've read stories that have captivated me, with a tone and story-telling that is reminiscent in the ways of Jim Henson's muppets. The result is a marvelous, swashbuckling tale of danger and excitement! Carole P. Roman's adept story telling skills turn these books into magical creations.