T Is for Taj Mahal is an Indian alphabet book. It is written in a two-tiered format to make it interesting to both children and adults. There is a short, simple, rhyming paragraph for each letter of the alphabet, and then in the sidebar is a longer, more informative paragraph that gives much more detail for the older reader. For example, for the letter T we read that "T is for Taj Mahal. The "Taj" is a monument to the king's beloved queen. Its marbled majesty and splendor is a sight to be seen." In the sidebar we learn a brief history of which emperor had it built, why he built it, and what it is made of. The book is also filled with beautiful pictures that draw you into the story. There is a website listed on the back of the book that has a teacher's guide which can be downloaded for free. The guide includes things such as recipes, crafts, word scrambles and more.

This is a very well written and unique book. It is filled with information in a way that is interesting to the young child, holding their attention while at the same time giving them an introduction to India. The sidebars make it interesting to the adults, and they provide information that can be used for the child that wants to know more.

Product review by Nicole Teichroeb, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, August 2011