Blog Posts

little fox

1/23/2021

By van de Vendel, Edward.
tr. from Dutch by David Colmer.
illus. by Marije Tolman.
Levine Querido/Em Querido
(Netherlands)

An adventurous little fox takes a fall, drifting into a familiar dream. Will he awaken? Colorful mixed-media illustrations of forest animals superimposed on risograph-printed photos of Dutch dunes and woods lend this gently suspenseful book whimsy, as well as a very real sense of place.

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the lady with the books

1/23/2021

A STORY INSPIRED BY THE REMARKABLE WORK OF JELLA LEPMAN
By Stinson, Kathy.
illus. by Marie Lafrance.
Kids Can Press
(Canada)

Anneliese and Pete, brother and sister in war-ravaged Munich, are out searching for food when they happen upon Jella Lepman’s 1946 international children’s book exhibit. Lepman’s groundbreaking collection, including perennial touchstones of children’s literature, gives them the imaginative and intellectual impetus to rebuild.

story boat

1/23/2021

By Maclear, Kyo.
illus. by Rashin Kheiriyeh.
Tundra.(Canada)

As a family flees through strange terrain and inhospitable seas, two children use familiar objects, such as a cup and blanket, to spin their reality into a hopeful future. This creative story provides readers with a glimpse of the inner life of young refugee children.

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from my window

1/23/2021

By Júnior, Otávio.
tr. from Portuguese by Beatriz C. Dias.
illus. by Vanina Starkoff.
Barefoot Books
(Brazil)

Drawing from his own childhood, Júnior celebrates the life of the Brazilian favela, without dismissing its complexities. Joyful, vibrant illustrations and a hopeful narrative counteract stereotypes, provoke discussion, and immerse the reader in a unique place.

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weekend dad

1/23/2021

By Hrab, Naseem.
illus. by Frank Viva.
Groundwood
(Canada)

Weekend Dad tells the story of a boy whose parents separate and his process of adapting to this new opaque reality. Here, the underrepresented topic of parental separation is handled with sensitivity and grace -- sophisticated illustrations and simple, poignant text make for an insightful read.

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the elevator

1/23/2021

By Frankel, Yael.
tr. from Spanish by Kit Maude.
Tapioca Stories
(Argentina)

Heading out to walk her dog, a girl and her neighbors -- a woman scared of dogs, an older man, a mother with young twins -- crowd into an elevator. When they are stuck between floors for over forty minutes, imaginative storytelling distracts them from their predicament.

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LETTERS FROM BEAR

1/23/2021

By David, Gauthier.
tr. from French by Sarah Ardizzone.
illus. by Marie Caudry.
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
(Belgium)

Bird flies south for the winter, leaving Bear to hibernate. Before long, Bear decides to reunite with Bird, writing a series of letters documenting the journey. The warm palette and whimsical illustrations celebrate the beauty of nature and the universal message of friendship and love.

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cannonball

1/23/2021

By Cotter, Sacha.
illus. by Josh Morgan.
Sourcebooks/Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
(New Zealand)

A young boy’s desire to perform a perfect cannonball generates a plethora of advice that almost drowns out his own voice. Guided by the gentle encouragement of his Nan, he hears his inner voice and makes quite a splash transforming his dream into reality!

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A STORY ABOUT AFIYA

1/23/2021

By Berry, James.
illus. by Anna Cunha.
Lantana
(UK)
Jamaican poet James Berry's joyful celebration of childhood is captured in the awe and wonder of Afiya's white frock. She is amazed by how memories from all occasions are imprinted on her dress -- pigeons in flight, butterflies, sunflowers, tigers at the zoo, the windswept leaves of October.

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CATCH THAT CHICKEN!

1/23/2021

By Atinuke.
illus. by Angela Brooksbank.
Candlewick
(UK/set in West Africa)

Lami is the fastest, bravest chicken-catcher in her entire West African compound. She loves, loves, loves to catch chickens and does it well until she scrambles, snatches, slips, falls.... and sprains her ankle. With Nana's wisdom, Lami's tears turn into clever (and calmer) chicken catching.

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