Hello Kitty, Hello World!

Over the past 25 years, Hello Kitty's popularity has skyrocketed throughout North America. Girls, teens, and adults alike avidly collect everything from purses and pencils to T-shirts and toasters bearing Hello Kitty's distinctive image. Part of the Sanrio family of characters, Hello Kitty has been featured in articles and advertising in all major media.

Here, join Hello Kitty as she says "hello" to 13 countries around the world, greeting each nation in its native language. Filled with fun facts, the book also includes four ready-to-mail postcards, three luggage tags, a glossary, and a bookmark.

HIGASHI GLASER DESIGN, INC., has created many creativity-inspiring products for children, including ZoloJ and BonzJ. 32 pages of illustrations in full color, 4 postcards, 3 luggage tags, bookmark, 9 x 10"

Kindergarten-Grade 2-The "Hello Kitty" character is a registered trademark that adorns a bevy of merchandise ranging from pencils to children's luggage. She appears here as an international tour guide. As the kitten explains in an introductory postcard to "Mama & Papa," she is "off to see the world," globe-trotting across 13 countries. A double-page spread is devoted to each of her stops and all include labeled drawings of highlights from a particular nation. For example, Mexico is represented by pictures of a bull, the Day of the Dead, a burrito, etc., and Hello Kitty takes center stage wearing a sombrero. All labeling is in English, and a concluding "International Guidebook" provides translations and pronunciations. The overly adorable illustrations have a peel-and-stick look to them with lots of bright color but little substance. "Hello Kitty" fans will be attracted to this candy-coated travel guide, more for its featured character than the casually selected bits of information hidden within. However, readers deserve more than what this poorly organized and superficial treatment has to offer. Be aware that two pages of postcards and name tags, perforated for easy removal, are also included.
Alicia Eames, New York City Public Schools
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