Blog Posts

HOW WAR CHANGED RONDO

2/14/2022

by Romana Romanyshyn and Andriy Lesiv
tr. from Ukrainian by Oksana Lushchevska
illus. by authors
Enchanted Lion
(Ukraine)

Startling illustrations of a trio of unconventional characters combine found media and playful visual grammar to punctuate this saga of an uncommon town suffering as war blots out the sun. A sweeping tale of individual injuries, a common cause, and war's role in cultural memory.

Support USBBY! Buy this book from:

BURYING THE MOON

2/14/2022

by Andrée Poulin
illus. by Sonali Zohra
Groundwood
(India)

In this powerful novel in verse, Latika wishes for moonless nights ... and toilets. Beautifully illustrated, the story reveals the challenges females in Latika's village face due to lack of sanitation facilities, as well as one girl's commitment to make a change.

Support USBBY! Buy this book from:

WOUNDED FALCONS

2/14/2022

by Jairo Buitrago
tr. from Spanish by Elisa Amado
illus. by Rafael Yockteng
Groundwood
(Mexico)

Set in an unnamed country in Latin America, two seemingly different friends come together to rescue a wounded falcon. Buitrago’s (Mexico) sparse, yet impactful text, complemented by Yockteng’s (Columbia) digitally enhanced drawings, reveal a parallel journey of pain but also hope and healing.

Support USBBY! Buy this book from:

WE DREAM MEDICINE DREAMS

2/14/2022

by Lisa Boivin
illus. by author
Highwater Press
(Canada: Northwest Territories)

Boivin shares the wisdom of her Dene ancestors through a grandparent-grandchild story that resonates universally. Bold collage illustrations show a young girl who learns about the teachings of Bear, Hawk, Caribou, and Wolf. Sent through dreams, these animals offer guidance when her grandfather dies.

Support USBBY! Buy this book from:

TIME IS A FLOWER

2/14/2022

by Julie Morstad
illus. by author
Tundra
(Canada)

Acclaimed Canadian author/illustrator, Morstad explores the idea of time through life-focused metaphors (e.g., baking bread, washing socks). Lyrical language invites readers to extend their understanding and appreciation of time. Lush illustrations, brushed with magenta, pop with movement, emotion, and energy. This intriguing picturebook invites multiple readings.

Support USBBY! Buy this book from:

TIGER, TIGER, BURNING BRIGHT! AN ANIMAL POEM FOR EACH DAY OF THE YEAR

2/14/2022

by Fiona Waters
illus. by Britta Teckentrup
Candlewick Press/ Nosy Crow
(UK)

Teckentrup, an award-winning German artist, delights readers with a captivating visual menagerie to accompany 366 animal poems, one for every day of the year (including Feb. 29), selected by Waters. Poems about intriguing animals introduce readers to classic and contemporary poets from around the world.

Support USBBY! Buy this book from:

THE STORY OF BODRI

2/14/2022

by Hédi Fried
tr. from Swedish by Linda Schenck
illus. by Stina Wirsén
Eerdmans
(Sweden)

Reuniting with the family dog was what Holocaust survivor Fried dreamed of while she endured the camps. Smudges of watercolor and ink, sometimes resembling bruises, perfectly compliment the direct, child-centered text. Despite the painful subject, the book adds an important perspective to children’s WWII literature.

Support USBBY! Buy this book from:

THE STAR OUTSIDE MY WINDOW

2/14/2022

by Onjali Q. Raúf
illus. by Pippa Curnick
Delacorte Press
(UK: England)

A newly discovered star can only be one thing – Aniyah and Noah’s mom trying to come back for them. Helped by two boys in their foster home, the children embark on a wild adventure, learning about hope, grief, and love in the process.

Support USBBY! Buy this book from:

THE SOUR CHERRY TREE

2/14/2022

by Naseem Hrab
illus. by Nahid Kazemi
Owlkids
(Canada)

A young girl narrates the physical and emotional journey she and her mother take while processing the recent death of her beloved Baba-joon (grandfather). Cherished memories of special familial routines, beloved household objects, and favorite foods and drinks offer intimate snapshots of intergenerational, transnational love and loss.

Support USBBY! Buy this book from:

THE CAIMAN

2/14/2022

by María Eugenia Manrique
tr. from Spanish by Amy Brill
illus. by Ramón París
Amazon Crossing Kids
(Venezuela)

When Faoro, a Venezuelan clockmaker, adopts a baby caiman (Night), he renovates his home to accommodate his new pet. París’s whimsical illustrations portray the joy Night brings to Faoro, neighborhood children, and all who met him. This seemingly incredulous story is confirmed in the back matter.

Support USBBY! Buy this book from:

<<Previous

Forward>>