Blog Posts

music for tigers

1/24/2021

By Kadarusman, Michelle.
Pajama Press
(Canada/set in Australia)

Louisa is a musician, not a biologist like her nature-obsessed family. Weeks at Uncle Ruff's remote Tasmanian camp changes everything. Colin, a boy who has autism spectrum disorder, and an elusive Tasmanian tiger awaken Louisa to history and conservation, and rekindle her love of music.

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maurice and his dictionary

1/24/2021

By Fagan, Cary.
illus. by Enzo Lord Mariano.
Owlkids Books
(Canada)

As Maurice and his family flee Nazi Germany, he finds hope in a dictionary he acquires as a refugee. This engaging graphic narrative, based on Fagan’s own family history, invites original discussions of universal themes, such as courage and resilience.

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catherine's war

1/24/2021

By Billet, Julia.
tr. from French by Ivanka Hahnenberger.
illus. by Claire Fauvel.
HarperCollins/HarperAlley
(France)

This graphic novel, based on the author’s mother’s story, depicts her hidden childhood in WWII France. Subtle shifts in palette as Catherine moves from place to place are punctuated by red-and-black darkroom scenes, contrasting beautifully with the black-and-white photos Catherine makes to document her journey.

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crossing the farak river

1/24/2021

By Aung Thin, Michelle.
Annick Press
(Australia/set in Myanmar)

Through Hasina’s eyes, readers learn about the Rohingya humanitarian crisis. When soldiers attack, she escapes into the forest with her younger brother and cousin. They return to a devastated village, missing parents, and limited resources. This fast-paced novel includes an author’s note, timeline, and glossary.

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the magic doll

1/24/2021

A CHILDREN’S BOOK INSPIRED BY AFRICAN ART
By Yabouza, Adrienne.
tr. from French by Paul Kelly.
illus. by Élodie Nouhen.
Prestel
(France/set in Central African Republic)

In this engaging story of family, fertility, and faith, young Adjoa shares how “Dolly,” an Akua’ba statuette of fertility and protection used in Ashanti communities, continues to help her family grow. Not-to-miss back matter offers cultural insights and authorial connections to the Akua’ba doll.

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gamayun tales I

1/24/2021

By Utkin, Alexander.
tr. from Russian by Lada Morozova.
illus. by author.
Nobrow
(UK/Russia)

Adventure and intrigue come to life in this visually arresting anthology of modernized Russian folklore in graphic narrative format. With the witty, human-faced bird Gamayun as narrator, these three interrelated stories of greed, deceit, courage, love, and wisdom evoke delightful, immersive storytime sensibilities.

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everybody counts

1/24/2021

A COUNTING STORY FROM 0 TO 7.5 BILLION
By Roskifte, Kristin.
tr. from Norwegian by Siân Mackie.
illus. by author.
The Quarto Group/Wide Eyed Editions
(Norway)
Each page of this intriguing counting book compels readers to carefully study the colorful illustrations to find characters identified within the text. With repeated characters depicted throughout, the abstract concept of numbers is grounded in reality. Additional secrets in the back invite repeated readings.

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sound: SHHH…BANG…POP…BOOM!

1/24/2021

By Romanyshyn, Romana & Lesiv, Andriy.
tr. from Ukrainian by Vitaly Chernetsky.
illus. by authors.
Chronicle/Handprint
(Ukraine)

Have you ever wondered about sound? This outstanding nonfiction book provides fascinating facts about sounds, sound frequencies, people of sound, and instruments. It draws readers attention to hearing, deafness, and silence. The oversized format includes dynamic neon-color illustrations with bold graphics and engaging text features.

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all the dear little animals

1/24/2021

By Nilsson, Ulf.
tr. from Swedish by Julia Marshall.
illus. by Eva Eriksson.
Gecko Press
(Sweden)

A dead bumblebee transforms one boring summer day into an entrepreneurial adventure as three young children create a funeral business for animals in their community. Witty, first-person narration, rhyming poetry, and warm illustrations accentuate this child-centered, compassionate exploration of death (and thus life).

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planet omar

1/24/2021

ACCIDENTAL TROUBLE MAGNET
By Mian, Zanib.
illus. by Nasaya Mafaridik.
Penguin/G. P. Putnam's Sons
(UK)
Omar feels miserable. He's starting a new school, a Big Mean Bully threatens he'll be kicked out of the country because he's Muslim, and his neighbor is suspicious of the whole family. Lively text and spirited art reveal an imaginative kid whose family and friends alleviate his worries.

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