My son’s kindergarten class started their weekly visits to the school library a couple weeks ago. Of all the books in the library, he brought home “The Silk & Spice Routes: Cultures & Civilizations” by Struan Reid. He’s five and thought this book would make for a good bedtime story.

As we drove home from school, I asked him what made him choose that book? He said that it was about indians and that there was a picture of a guy playing a horn. Fascinated by all things cowboys & indians, I’m sure he assumed, from his perusal of the pictures in this book, that he was sure to learn more about the Native Americans that he finds so captivating.

When we got home, I took a look at the book and quickly realized it’s content was way over his head and almost mine. In an attempt to connect with something that grabbed his attention, I skimmed through it and came across some interesting little tidbits.

I just *know* these little factoids are sure to enlighten you.

• The silk and spice routes stretched across the continent of Asia and into Europe starting in 2000 B.C.
• The silk routes were by land and the spice route were by sea
• Cultural influences also traveled along these trade routes
• Trade influenced significant things like religions, artwork, architecture, and currency to goods like China settings, silk, carpet weaving, clothes, and jewelry
• Silk was first produced in China in 3000 B.C.
• Tea was introduced in the 8th century AD by Buddhist monks in Japan
• The first form of alcohol was made from “koumiss,” the fermented milk of mares
• Marco Polo brought pasta to Italy in 1295 after visiting China
• Black pepper came mostly from India until the 18th century
• Decorations and statues in Islamic mosques do not contain people

Stay tuned for more of my book reports from my kiddo’s library selections!