Blog Posts

THE BIG BAD WOLF IN MY HOUSE

2/14/2022

by Valérie Fontaine
tr. from French by Shelley Tanaka
illus. by Nathalie Dion
Groundwood
(Canada)

Motifs of huffing and puffing conjure up the three little pigs to play off some well-known tropes as a viscous interloper invades. Spartan images, sometimes cropped, heighten the menace and the rushed departure in this important presentation of domestic violence for the youngest readers.

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SEASONS: A YEAR IN NATURE

2/14/2022

by Hannah Pang
illus. by Clover Robin
Tiger Tales/360 Degrees
(UK)
Using split pages, interesting facts, and poetry, Pang describes the impact various seasons have on the flora and fauna of six geographic locations (Alaska, the Arctic Circle, Australia, China, Europe, and Kenya). Robin’s rich, intricate, cut-paper collages bring the changing environments to life.

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SAKAMOTO’S SWIM CLUB: HOW A TEACHER LED AN UNLIKELY TEAM TO VICTORY

2/14/2022

by Julie Abery
illus. by Chris Sasaki
Kids Can Press
(Canada)

Soichi Sakamoto, a science teacher (and novice swimmer), uses scientific processes to help children of sugar plantation workers evolve from novice swimmers to national champions and Olympic contenders. This inspiring biography is told in rhyming couplets. Sasaki’s spirited, imaginative illustrations capture the arduous, but joy-filled journey to the Olympic podium.

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PETER LEE'S NOTES FROM THE FIELD

2/14/2022

by Angela Ahn
illus. by Julie Kwon
Tundra
(Canada)

Peter pursues his dream of becoming a paleontologist! Upon the realization that he may not be cut out for digging (asthma and dust do not get along), Peter shifts his careful observations to his Hammy’s (grandmother) health. Can he use his skills differently?

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COFFEE, RABBIT, SNOWDROP, LOST

2/14/2022

by Betina Birkjær
tr. from Danish by Sinéad Quirke Køngerskov
illus. by Anna Margrethe Kjærgaard
Enchanted Lion
(Denmark)

Although Stump can’t stop his Grandpa from losing his words, lapsing into silence, and sliding into dementia, Stump sees how to help. Cozy pastel interiors turned gray and the tenderly told story describe a reality many children witness. An afterward for adults provides practical suggestions.

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ANITA AND THE DRAGONS

2/14/2022

by Hannah Carmona
illus. by Anna Cunha
Lantana
(Dominican Republic)

Transforming into a princesa, Anita prepares to say goodbye to her beloved subjects and island home before the dragon (airplane) whisks her family away to a faraway land. Drawing from her mother’s experiences, Carmona captures the emotions, tenderly illustrated in pastel hues, of a young child emigrating.

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ALMOST NOTHING, YET EVERYTHING: A BOOK ABOUT WATER

2/14/2022

by Hiroshi Osada
tr. from Japanese by David Boyd
illus. by Ryōji Arai
Enchanted Lion
(Japan)

The water cycle is celebrated in a series of paintings paired with lyrical, probing text concerned with this necessary resource. Arai’s expressionistic art plays on changeable shapes and colors that characterize this fundamental component of life on earth.

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AFRICA, AMAZING AFRICA: COUNTRY BY COUNTRY

2/14/2022

by Atinuke
illus. by Mouni Feddag
Candlewick
(African continent)

Award-winning Nigerian writer, Atinuke, creates a celebration of all 55 countries on the continent of Africa, offering lively and comprehensive information (science, food, sports, music, wildlife, landscape features, even snippets of local languages). Vivid, patterned illustrations and valuable back matter accompany this highly browsable book.

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189 CANARIES

2/14/2022

by Dieter Böge
tr. from German by Laura Watkinson
illus. by Elsa Klever
Eerdmans
(Germany)

Böge’s engaging and evocative history of canaries highlights the songbird’s adventurous journey from the Harz Mountains in Germany to Poughkeepsie, NY. Enveloped by Klever’s lush illustrations, this detailed exploration of the world’s beloved songbird is enhanced by intriguing endpages and illustrated back matter.

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WE ALL PLAY / KIMÊTAWÂNAW

2/14/2022

by Julie Flett
tr. by the Cree Literacy Network
illus. by author
Greystone Kids
(Canada)

This bilingual book (English and Cree) depicts animals and children mirroring each other in play. The simple, rhythmic text and bold illustrations create a delightful and playful read aloud for young children. Back matter includes an author’s note and a comprehensive glossary of Cree terms.

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