The fun guide to Cyprus
Our Travels through Cyprus – by Valerie Michaels, illustrated by Jasmin Christoforou Salacuri
How many of us can actually say we’ve explored everything on this historical and story-packed island?
This was the question Valerie Michaels decided to tackle when she had the idea of a travel guide for kids called Our Travels through Cyprus. The first edition of the book, published in 2003, was so well received by children as well as adults, a second one is now available, packed with more fun activities and information on Cyprus’ history and natural beauties.
Our Travels through Cyprus is the first activity and guidebook about Cyprus written especially for children. “There are word games, math teasers and ideas for places to visit, including a detailed timeline summarising the island’s long and fascinating history and kids can even colour and draw in it,” says Valerie, an American who has lived in Cyprus since 1991. “You can use it to read about places first and then choose a few you would like to visit, so it’s not just for kids.”
The overall appearance of the book is exactly that of an activity book with spaces for drawing, crossword puzzles, word searches and so on. “There are tips in grey boxes throughout the guide with interesting titbits such as what to look for in museums or where to find more information on a certain subject,” explains Valerie. There is also a glossary where certain words used throughout the book are explained.
The idea for this little guide began when as a mother of a young son, she explored the island with other family members and friends and realised there was a need for a fun but informative book about Cyprus.
“From the first edition, I received feedback by mail, phone and e-mail, from children and parents, giving the guide a thumbs-up,” says Valerie. “In the spring of 2005, a teacher at the American International School in Nicosia called me asking if I would be interested in going to the school and meeting the children to talk about the book, which I was happy to do.”
When she arrived, she was pleasantly surprised to see that pupils there had creatively covered their bulletin boards in several rooms with themes from the book. As copies dwindled, Valerie was prompted to go back to press and update the book with even more sites and events of interest and more delightful illustrations by Jasmin Christoforou Salacuri.
Our Travels through Cyprus is available at bookshops and kiosks islandwide, priced £6.41 (10.95).
