Author Archives: omnilibros

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About omnilibros

Professor of Education Carthage College Kenosha, WI PhD. Children's Literature

Crossing The Finish Line

Sri Lankan Ranatunge was the first runner to represent his country in the Olympics. He was a soldier who trained to be an elite athlete. On the day of the 10,000-meter race at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, “Karu” had a bad cold, but he ran his best for his family and his country. He believed that “participating is more important than winning.” He didn’t win the race, but when he finally crossed the finish line, he imagined what being first would feel like. This inspiring nonfiction picture book about courage and perseverance is illustrated with colorful, spirited art. Back matter includes more information about Ranatumge Karungnanda and an Author’s Note. mjw
Title: Crossing The Finish Line
Author: Thushanthi Ponweera
Illustrator
: Maithili Joshi
Publisher
: Union Square Kids
Copyright
: 2025
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-14549-5018-9
Hardcover pages
: 40
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Picture Book
Book setting
: Tokyo, Japan
Author’s ethnicity
: from Sri Lanka
Author’s residence
: Qatar
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: South Asian
Illustrator’s residence
: New York City
Subjects
: Athletes, Biography, Ceylon, Competition, Nonfiction, Olympics, Running, Sports and recreations, Sri Lanka, Victory

Milloo’s Mind: The Story Of Maryam Faruqi, Trailblazer For Women’s Education

MilloosThis impressive picture book biography tells of Maryam Faruqi, the founder of the Happy Home Schools, which provided education to thousands of girls in Pakistan beginning in the 1930s when girls didn’t go to school. Her schools are still thriving today. The story is told by her granddaughter, the author of the book. As a young girl in India, Maryam dreams of becoming a teacher, but her parents believe that school is not necessary for girls. She is heartbroken but not discouraged. She finds a way to attend high school and college, graduating with honors. She marries, opens a school in her house, and eventually moves to Pakistan (after Partition in 1947) to open more schools. Urdu words are smoothly integrated into the text, and they are defined in a glossary at the end of the book. An author’s note offers fascinating and comprehensive information and a cool photo of Maryam on graduation day. Detailed, colorful paper collage art depicts fabric patterns in clothing and other aspects of Indian culture. An interesting, hour-long interview with Reem Faruqi, put together by Charis Circle in 2023, is available on YouTube. mjw
Title: Milloo’s Mind: The Story Of Maryam Faruqi, Trailblazer For Women’s Education
Author: Reem Faruqi
Illustrator
: Hoda Hadadi
Publisher
: Harper Collins
Copyright
: 2023
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-0-06-305661-9
Hardcover pages
: 40
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Picture Book, Biography, Information Book, Nonfiction
Book setting
: Poona, India and Karachi, Pakistan
Author’s ethnicity
: Pakistani
Author’s residence
: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Iranian
Illustrator’s residence
: Tehran, Iran
Subjects
: Biographies, Education, Gender equality, Multicultural issues, Teachers, Urdu language, Women

Picking Tea With Baba

A Chinese family of four rises before dawn to climb up the hills to the tea garden, where they pick tea leaves and carry them in wicker baskets on their backs. Their trek is hard, but beautiful. They see the gorgeous landscape, animals, and interesting insects. They sing folk songs, have a picnic, and get cooled by the rain. At the end of the day, they climb back down the mountain to sell their tea harvest at the village in front of the tea factory. Readers will learn about the origins of tea, discover Chinese culture and environment, and experience the close-knit family working together to make a living. The rich, vibrant artwork in bold strokes and strong colors further distinguishes the joyful story.
Title: Picking Tea With Baba
Author: Xu Bin
Illustrator
: Yu Yin
Publisher
: Charlesbridge. Watertown, MA
Copyright
: 2025
Original Language
: Chinese
Translator
: Shan Chen
Original Title
: Father’s Tea Garden On Hilltop
Original Publisher
: Magic Elephant Books
ISBN
: 978-162354-623-6
Hardcover pages
: 48
Age range
: 5-9
Genre
: Picture Book
Book setting
: China
Author’s ethnicity
: Chinese
Author’s residence
: Chinq
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Chinese
Illustrator’s residence
: China
Subjects
: Agriculture, Asia, Chinese culture, Family life, Gardens, Insects, Mountains, Tea, Traditions, Weather

The Tree That Was A World

“The Tree That Was a World” by Yorick Goldewijk is a middle-grade book that weaves together the interconnected stories of seventeen creatures who all live beneath an ancient tree as old as the world itself. Each animal character grapples with existential questions and dreams that go beyond their expected lives—a sloth yearns to somersault, a moon moth caterpillar chooses her own path, a barn swallow searches for something she’s forgotten, and a red squirrel suspects he might actually be human. Through these surreal and thought-provoking narratives, the book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the nature of existence, all while maintaining a hilarious and imaginative tone. The creatures’ philosophical musings and quirky personalities create an unforgettable cast that challenges readers to think deeply about consciousness and what it means to be alive. The spectacular, magical mixed media illustrations by New York Times/NYPL Best Illustrated awardee Jeska Verstegen bring this extraordinary world to life, complementing the book’s whimsical and contemplative storytelling with visual artistry that captures both the wonder and strangeness of the tree’s diverse inhabitants. mjw
Title: The Tree That Was A World
Author: Yorick Goldewijk
Illustrator
: Jessica Verstegen
Publisher
: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Copyright
: 2025
Original Language
: Dutch
Translator
: Laura Watkinson
Original Title
: De boom die een wereld was
Original Publisher
: Uitgeverij Ploegsma. Netherlands
Original Copyright
: 2025
ISBN
: 978-0-8028-5650-0
Hardcover pages
: 88
Age range
: 8-14
Genre
: Short Stories
Author’s ethnicity
: Dutch
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Dutch
Illustrator’s residence
: Amsterdam
Awards
: Translator has won three Batchelder awards
Subjects
: Creatures, Trees

Once Upon A Diwali

once upon a diwalidownloadRiya loves Diwali for the tasty treats called ladoos, but not for the dark night and the very loud fireworks. Mama says that Diwali is more than treats. She goes on to explain that it’s about the celebration of light over darkness and good over evil. Riya’s Papa decorates the house with lights and candles. Her sister makes rangoli, which are decorations of patterns made with powdered rice and colorful sand or flowers. Riya helps her. But she still is afraid of the darkness and the spooky, loud fireworks. So Mama tells the legend of why lights are used on Diwali. Riya listens and learns about Ram, the crown prince, who, with his wife and brother, was banished from his kingdom. There was a terrible battle. Ram won and returned to his kingdom on a path with glittering diyas (oil lamps) and glowing lights. Riya understands, becomes a bit braver, and asks to bring her own lantern to the celebration, just in case. Brightly colored cartoon-style artwork further distinguishes the storytelling. An author’s note, an illustrated glossary, a recipe for ladoos, and instructions for a Diwali paper diya craft are included as back matter. mjw
Title: Once Upon A Diwali
Author: Anita Mishra
Illustrator
: Diah Chakraborty
Publisher
: Soaring Kite Books, LLC. Washington D.C.
Copyright
: 2024
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-958372-44-9
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Picture Book
Book setting
: India
Author’s ethnicity
: Indian
Author’s residence
: El Paso, Texas
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Indian
Illustrator’s residence
: Assam, India
Subjects
: Celebrations, Differences, Diversity, Fireworks, Folktales, Holidays. Religions, Sweets

Azizi And The Little Blue Bird

This contemporary fairy tale is set in the Land of the Crescent Moon, where oppressive rulers have captured all the blue birds and imprisoned the population in fear and suffering. Young Azizi lives with his parents under this iron-fisted regime, watching as the leaders grow fat and indulgent while the people shrink from hunger and oppression until they are nearly invisible. When a small blue bird escapes from the palace cage, it inspires Azizi—now no bigger than a pine nut—to take action against tyranny. Together, Azizi and the brave little bird embark on a courageous journey to liberate their people from the cruel and greedy rulers and restore peace to their land. The colorful brush and acrylic illustrations bring this allegorical tale to life with vivid imagery that contrasts the darkness of oppression with the hope symbolized by the little blue bird, as the story draws inspiration from Tunisia’s Jasmine Revolution. The book is a powerful narrative about freedom and resistance for young readers. mjw

Title: Azizi And The Little Blue Bird
Author: Laila Koubaa
Illustrator
: Mattias De Leeuw
Publisher
: Lantana Publishing Ltd.
Copyright
: 2025
Original Language
: Flemish
Translator
: David Colmer
Original Title
: Azizi en de lkeine blauwe vogel
Original Publisher
: Book Island. New Zealand
Original Copyright
: 2013
ISBN
: 978-1-83629-009-4
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range
: 5-10
Genre
: Picture Book, Fairy Tale
Book setting
: Tunisia
Author’s ethnicity
: Tunisian and Flemish
Author’s residence
: Flanders, Belgium
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Belgian
Illustrator’s residence
: Belgium
Subjects
: Activism, Fairy Tales, Freedom, Jasmine Revolution, Oppression, Politics and government, Social justice

Papa’s Butter Chicken: A Celebration Of Family And Community

Papa's BMonica loves the butter chicken that her father makes. It’s been a family favorite since her father ate it as a young boy in a wonderful restaurant in Delhi. The two have fun preparing the meal, and they set the table for two. But then the doorbell rings and Grandma, Uncle Jai, Uncle Arjun, Cousin Anya, and so many more appear with food for everyone – fresh mangoes, channa masala, palak paneer, naan, dumplings, and cupcakes. They all share the feast that was made with love. Brightly colored artwork in reds, oranges, and blues features South Asian arches and arabesque designs. This celebration of family, food, and Indian heritage includes a foreword by renowned chef José Andrés and the author’s own recipe for butter chicken. mjw
Title: Papa’s Butter Chicken: A Celebration Of Family And Community
Author: Monica Saigal
Illustrator
: Abeeha Tariq
Publisher
: Tiger Tales
Copyright
: 2024
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1-6643-0044-6
Hardcover pages
: 36
Age range
: 3-7
Genre
: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Indian
Author’s residence
: Washington, DC
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Pakistani-Irish
Illustrator’s residence
: UK
Subjects
: Celebrations, Communities, Cooking, Father-daughter relationships, Indian heritage, Recipes

The House On The Canal: The Story Of The House That Hid Anne Frank

This moving and beautiful picture book tells the history of the house where Anne Frank and family hid for more than 2 years in German-occupied Netherlands during World War II. Built 400 years ago, it has served as a home, stable, warehouse, and hiding place. People travel from all over the world to visit the home where Anne wrote her famous diary. The building is now a museum, a symbol of hope and resistance, and the seat of the Anne Frank Foundation. The illustrations are detailed sepia-toned mixed-media collages. A map, a photograph taken in 1954, and additional information on the house throughout history are included as back matter in this story of the extraordinary building that Anne Frank called “the old house on the canal.” mjw
Title: The House On The Canal: The Story Of The House That Hid Anne Frank
Author: Thomas Harding
Illustrator
: Britta Teckentrup
Publisher
: Candlewick Studio
Copyright
: 2025
Original Language
: German
Original Title
: Das late Haus an der Gracht
Original Publisher
: Jacoby & Stuart
Original Copyright
: 2023
ISBN
: 978-1-5362-4070-2
Hardcover pages
: 56
Age range
: 7-10
Genre
: Picture Book, Nonfiction, Information Book
Book setting
: Amsterdam
Author’s ethnicity
: English
Author’s residence
: U.K.
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: English
Illustrator’s residence
: Berlin
Subjects
: Biography, Hiding, Historical context, Holocaust, Prejudice and racism, World War II

Einstein The Penguin

When siblings Imogen (age 9) and Arthur (age 6) Stewart and their parents visit the London Zoo, they are so enchanted by one small penguin that  Mrs. Stewart insists that he must come and stay with them whenever he likes. Later that evening, they are surprised when the penguin shows up at their door wearing a backpack labeled “Einstein.” Einstein moves in, and the adventure begins as Imogen becomes a detective to try to figure out why Einstein came to them and to help him achieve his goal. The lively, humorous text makes the book ideal for reading aloud. Quirky pen and ink drawings highlight this funny story, which supports the values of family cooperation and concern for others. Two other books in the Einstein the Penguin series are The Case of the Fishy Detective and The Case of the Polar Poachers.
Title: Einstein The Penguin
Author: Iona Rangeley
Illustrator
: David Tazzyman
Publisher
: Kane Miller. EDC Publishing
Copyright
: 2021
Original Language
: English
Original Publisher
: Harper Collins Publishers Ltd.
ISBN
: 978-1-68464-857-3
Hardcover pages
: 224
Age range
: 6-9
Genre
: Fiction
Book setting
: London
Author’s ethnicity
: English
Author’s residence
: England
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: English
Illustrator’s residence
: England
Subjects
: Detectives, Humorous stories, Mystery, Penguins, Zoos

Jack And The Beanstalk

 A young boy named Jack trades his cow for magical beans, leading him to a giant beanstalk that reaches the clouds. As Jack climbs the beanstalk, he discovers a giant’s castle filled with treasures and challenges. Rosen’s engaging and rhythmic writing style brings a fresh energy to this classic tale, making it accessible and entertaining for young readers. The vibrant illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, capturing the whimsy and adventure of Jack’s journey with bold colors and dynamic scenes.
Title: Jack And The Beanstalk
Author: Michael Rosen
Illustrator
: Talleen Hacikyan
Publisher
: Tradewind Books, Vancouver
Copyright
: 2025
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1926890425
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range
: 3-5
Genre
: Picture Book, Fairy Tale
Author’s ethnicity
: British
Author’s residence
: London
Illustrator’s residence
: Montreal, Quebec
Awards
: The Author was the 2007 – 2009 British Poet Laureate
Subjects
: Beanstalks, Castle, Cow, Fables, Folktales, Giant, Magic beans, Opportunity, Poverty

The Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea Mystery

This engaging mystery follows Sona, a 12-year-old Nepali girl, who seeks to uncover the truth behind the missing family inheritance of her friend, Tara. Tara is promised to the greedy tea plantation manager who wants the precious gold jewelry. Sona has to prove her brother’s innocence, worry about her sickly mother, who is a tea plucker, and fret about her exams that will allow her to attend the Darjeeling International School. The story deftly intertwines the themes of friendship, bravery, and the rich tapestry of Indian heritage. The digitally rendered back-and-white illustrations add to the drama of this delightful blend of adventure and cultural exploration. The mystery is both entertaining and enlightening.
Title: The Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea Mystery
Author: Mitali Perkins
Illustrator
: Maithili Joshi
Publisher
: Charlesbridge
Copyright
: 2025
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1-62354-373-0
Hardcover pages
: 128
Age range
: 7-10
Genre
: Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary
Book setting
: Darjeeling, India
Author’s ethnicity
: Indian
Author’s residence
: San Francisco
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Indian
Illustrator’s residence
: New York City
Awards
: The Author was nominated for the National Book Award
Subjects
: Arranged marriages, Darjeeling, Examinations, Gold, Inheritance, Jewelry, School issues, Tea plantations

The Paper Bridge

Anya, a young girl who has a special talent for kirigami, the Japanese art of cutting and folding paper, lives in the village of Paperlee. All of the village houses are made of paper. The trees are made of delicate paper, and even the happy villagers are paper-thin and paper-light. They carry stones in their pockets when the summer winds blow. The villagers can see the lights of another village on a neighboring mountain across a deep chasm. It is called Forestlee, and no one knows anything about it. The winds in Paperlee become more frequent and stronger, and the worrisome villagers think that maybe Forestlee can help, but they don’t know how to get there. Anya consults with the clever crane, and they come up with a plan to build a paper bridge to Forestlee. Brave Anya is the first to walk across the bridge. She meets a girl named Hazel and learns that the villagers of Forestlee build their homes in branches of thick, solid trees and that their Elephant Brothers blow their windmills. As their windmills turn, they grind wheat into flour for baking breads, cakes, buns, and cookies. In doing so, they have changed the weather! Anya pleads for the Elephant Brothers to blow in a different direction to save Paperlee. They finally agree. People from both villages now cross the bridge and share the kirigami craft and cookie baking. They all become friends, and there are no more dangerous winds in Paperlee. The light, exquisite illustrations in The Paper Bridge were created using the Japanese art of kirigami. The artwork was hand-crafted with pencil and watercolor on paper and cardboard, which was hand-cut, arranged into scenes, and then photographed to capture the stunning details in this delightful story about friendship, bravery, and climate change. The art really makes this book!

Title: The Paper Bridge
Author: Joelle Veyrenc
Illustrator
: Seng Soun Ratanavanh
Publisher
: Floris Books
Copyright
: 2022
Original Language
: French
Translator
: Katy Lockwood-Holmes
Original Title
: Hana et le vent
Original Publisher
: La Martmiere Jeunesse, Paris
Original Copyright
: 2022
ISBN
: 978-178250-9007-3
Hardcover pages
: 28
Age range
: 4-7
Genre
: Picture Book, Fairytale
Author’s ethnicity
: French
Author’s residence
: France
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: French, born in Laos
Illustrator’s residence
: Paris
Subjects
: Bridges, Climate change, Kirigami, Paper cutting, Paper folding, Parable