Author Archives: omnilibros

The World In A Second

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Inspired by the question – “What are they doing on the other side of the world right now?” – this wondrous, work-of-art picture book focuses on the natural and cultural events happening at the same moment in time in twenty-three different locations. A volcano rumbles in Papua-New Guinea, at 10:32 pm. A girl hurries home from school in Seydisfjordur, Iceland, at 12:32 pm. A ripe orange falls in an orchard in Mertola, Portugal, at 1:32 pm. The art is bold and graphic, with varying perspectives. A world map at the back of the book indicates where and when each moment took place and will get readers to think globally. mjw

Title: The World In A Second Author: Isabel Minhos Martins Illustrator: Bernardo P. Carvalho Publisher: Enchanted Lion Book, New York Copyright: 2015 Original Language: Portuguese Translator: Lyn Miller-Lachmann Original Title: O mundo num segundo Original Publisher: Planeta Tangerina, Portugal Original Copyright: 2008 ISBN: 978-1-59270-157-5 Hardcover pages: 56 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Pictire Book Book setting: 23 locations, including Angola, Argentina, Australia, Azores, Baltic Sea, Brazil, Hungary, Iceland, Indian Ocean, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Papua-New Guinea, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, Venezuela,and USA Author’s ethnicity: Portuguese Author’s residence: Portugal Illustrator’s ethnicity: Portuguese Illustrator’s residence: Portugal Awards: 2011 Banco del Libro de Venezuela Best of the Year Subjects: Culture, Diveristy, Geography, Time World

Bartolome: The Infanta’s Pet

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Bartolome is a ten-year-old disabled dwarf living in a small village in rural 17th century Spain. His family has to keep him hidden in a back room. His dream is to be able to read and write. When his father lands a job in the court of King Philip IV, the family moves to Madrid. The royal princess gets whatever she wants and she wants Bartolome as her “human dog.” He is dressed in a brown furry suit and is very scared, unhappy, and humiliated until he discovers the painter’s studio. One of the apprentices to Spanish artist Diego Velasquez lets Bartolome mix paints and paint a picture. The book shows how dwarfs were thought of and discriminated against in the 17th century. This heart-wrenching story was inspired by the painting Las Meninas, which was painted by Velasquez in 1656. Velasquez was employed as a court painter by Philip IV, where he frequently painted the royal family, especially the King’s daughter, the Infanta. mjw

Title: Bartolome: The Infanta’s Pet Author: Rachel Van Kooij Publisher: Little Island.  Dublin, Ireland Copyright: 2012 Original Language: German Translator: Sioban Parkinson Original Title: Kein Hundeleben fur Bartolome Original Publisher: Jungbrunnen Verlag.  Vienna Original Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 978-1-908195-26-5 Paperback pages: 208 Age range: 12 up Genre: Historical Fiction Book setting: Spain Author’s ethnicity: Dutch Author’s residence: Vienna, Austria Translator’s ethnicity: Irish Translator’s residence: Dublin, Ireland Awards: Translator was Ireland’s first Children’s Laureate from 2010-2012. Subjects: Dwarfs; Europe; Madrid, Spain; Pets, Special needs: Velasquez

The Wolves Of Currumpaw

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This beautifully illustrated tale follows the 19th century true story of Ernest Thompson Seton and Lobo, king wolf of the Currumpaw Valley in New Mexico. Seton set out to hunt and trap Lobo, but was torn between his love of nature and his hunting ability. The death of Lobo was a turning point for Seton. He then devoted his life to protecting the wolf species and to the conservation of American wildlife. Grill’s stunning colored pencil drawings enhance and extend his modern retelling of Seton’s drama, Lobo, the King of Currumpaw, originally published in 1898. Seton went on to found the Boy Scouts of America. Back matter includes an illustrated glossary and an appendix, which includes an author’s note and lists of books, websites, and places where readers can learn more. mjw

Title: The Wolves Of Currumpaw Author: William Grill Illustrator: William Grill Publisher: Flying Eye Books, an imprint of Nobrow Ltd.  London Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-909263-83-3 Hardcover pages: 80 Age range: 7-14 Genre: Picture book, Information book, Nonfiction Book setting: New Mexico, U.S. Author’s ethnicity: English Author’s residence: London Illustrator’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s residence: London Awards: Author/illustrator has won the 2015 CLIP Kate Greenaway Medal Subjects: Foxes and wolves, Exploration and discoveries, Old West, Wildlife conservation

Somewhere Among

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Set in 2001, eleven-year-old American-Japanese Ema has moved in with her grandparents in Tokyo because of her mother’s difficult pregnancy. Fitting in is difficult – she is a “foreigner.” In free verse, Ema describes her life and concerns. Her Papa is away at work too much. Obaachan (her grandmother) is stern and domineering. Jiichan (her grandfather) is sweet, but fragile. Japanese school is a challenge. And she worries about her soon-to-be Little Sister. The story is about connectedness, as Ema is stuck between two worlds and two cultures. Viewing the September 11, 2001 attacks on the Twin Towers from Japan is especially intriguing. The author’s very extensive website gives information about the history, holidays, anniversaries, and tragedies Japan and America share that are woven throughout the story. Also included are the author’s inspiration, photos, a story playlist, and peace education opportunities and programs. mjw

Title: Somewhere Among Author: Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English   ISBN: 978-1-4814-3786-8 Hardcover pages: 448 Age range: 9-12 Genre: Historical Fiction, Verse Book setting: Tokyo, Japan Author’s ethnicity: Japan Author’s residence: U.S. Subjects: Asia, Asian-Americans, Belonging, Japan, Grandmothers, New baby, Novels in verse, Peace ,Pregnancy, Racially mixed people, September 11 Terrorist Attacks – 2001

Night Guard

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Various family members, particularly a young child, explore friendship, fear, love, loneliness, and the world around them in this sensitive poetry collection. The surrealistic illustrations are striking and haunting. They interact with the words, but do not say the same thing. Readers will ponder, be soothed, and smile, when they peruse this book. mjw

Title: Night Guard Author: Synne Lea Illustrator: Stian Hole Publisher: Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI Copyright: 2016 Original Language: Norwegian Translator: John Irons Original Title: Nattevakt Original Publisher: Cappelen Damm. Oslo, Norway Original Copyright: 2013 ISBN: 978-0-8028-5458-2 Hardcover pages: 82 Age range: 9 up Genre: Illustrated poetry Author’s ethnicity: Norwegian Author’s residence: Norway Illustrator’s ethnicity: Norwegian Illustrator’s residence: Norway Subjects: Bedtime, Dreams, Emotions, Families, Fear, Feelings, Friendship. Loneliness, Social issues

Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey Of A Mouse To The Moon

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In the mid 1950s, a dreamer/inventor mouse has his sights set on the moon. His mouse friends insist the moon is made of cheese, but he knows better. He experiments unsuccessfully with a catapult, a space capsule made from a clock, and a vessel with a firecracker attached to a roller skate. Eventually, he creates a space suit with an ink bottle helmet and constructs a multi-stage tin can craft that carries him into space and on to a lunar landing. He gathers a moon rock and plants a tiny flag. He returns and is acclaimed by his mouse peers. Precisely rendered, lavish illustrations in watercolor and pencil make the book a work of art. The book ends with a brief nonfiction history of space travel from Galileo’s observations about the moon to the July 1969 Apollo moon landing. Our hero gets encouragement from an elderly mouse at the Smithsonian, who is Charles Lindbergh from Kuhlmann’s companion book, Lindbergh: The Tale of A Flying Mouse.  mjw

Title: Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey Of A Mouse To The Moon Author: Torben Kuhlmann Illustrator: Torben Kuhlmann Publisher: NorthSouth Books, Inc.  New York Copyright: 2016 Original Language: German Translator: David Henry Wilson Original Title: Armstrong: Die Abenteueliche Reise einer Maus zum Mond Original Publisher: NordSud Verlag AG Original Copyright: 2016 ISBN: 978-0-7358-4262-5 Hardcover pages: 128 Age range: 4-12 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: New York, Washington DC Author’s ethnicity: German Author’s residence: Germany Illustrator’s ethnicity: German Illustrator’s residence: Germany Subjects: Armstrong, Neil: Mice; Moon; Space flight

Mabrook!: A World Of Muslim Weddings

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Congratulations – Mabrook! This colorful picture book looks at Muslim wedding ceremonies all over the world. In Pakistan, there is a henna party and the groom rides in on a great white horse. In Morocco, guests feast for days and days and days. In Great Britain, the party wears hijabs, kilts, and kurtas. Although Muslims celebrate in different ways all around the world, they all share the same ceremonies and religious rites. They join two hearts and begin a new journey. The acrylic and collage illustrations bring the weddings and the different communities to life. A note about Muslim weddings and a glossary complete the celebration. mjw

Title: Mabrook!: A World Of Muslim Weddings Author: Na’ima B. Robert Illustrator: Shirin Adl Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books. London Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-84780-588-1 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 5-8 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Great Britain, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia Author’s ethnicity: Scottish/Zulu Author’s residence: London and Cairo Illustrator’s ethnicity: Born in U.K., brought up in Iran Illustrator’s residence: Oxford, England Subjects: Holidays and celebrations, Islam. Marriage, Religion. Weddings

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child: Parts One And Two, Special Rehearsal Edition Script

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Based on a story by J.K. Rowling, this play is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series. The play received its world premier in London’s West End on July 30, 2016. It is nineteen years after Voldemort’s death in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows and Harry is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic and the father of three school-age children. The story follows his younger son Albus Severus Potter as he struggles with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. The book sold over 2 million copies in the first two days of release. mjw

Title: Harry Potter And The Cursed Child: Parts One and Two, Special Rehearsal Edition Script Author: J.K.Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc. Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-338-09913-3 Hardcover pages: 320 Age range: 8 up Genre: Fiction, Fantasy Book setting: England Author’s ethnicity: British (Rowling) Author’s residence: Scotland (Rowling) Awards: OBE Order of the British Empire Subjects: Fantasy, Good and evil, Harry Potter, Magic, Wizardry

It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel

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It’s 1978, and sixth grader Zomorod (Cindy) Yousefzadeh, who was born in Abadan, Iran, has just moved to Newport Beach, California. Her fitting in is very difficult because of the protests, revolution, and the taking of the U.S. hostages in Iran. Her father loses his job as an engineer at an oil refinery and Cindy has to face hostile prejudice at school and in her neighborhood. Humorous asides will keep readers engaged as Cindy finds new friends after moving, deals with family issues, and discovers her middle school self. Each short chapter has a clever title and the final author’s note suggests documentaries and websites with more information about the historical and cultural facts of this semi-autobiographical novel. mjw

Title: It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel Author: Firoozeh Dumas Publisher: Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-544-61231-0 Hardcover pages: 384 Age range: 10-12 Genre: Fiction Book setting:  Southern California, U.S. Author’s ethnicity: Iranian Author’s residence: Munich, Germany Subjects: Emigration and immigration, Friendship, Humorous stories, Iran, Iran Hostage Crisis (1979-1981), Iranian-Americans, Middle East, Muslim-Americans. Prejudice and racism, Social issues – adolescence, United States history – 20th century

Bronze and Sunflower

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Set during the Chinese Cultural Revolution (late 1960s and early 1970s), Sunflower, a young girl and her artist father are banished to do hard labor in the countryside at a cadre school. It’s a difficult life for her and she is lonely. She meets Bronze, the mute son of poor villagers, who is bullied by the other village boys. After Sunflower’s father dies, Bronze’s family takes her in despite facing extreme hardship, and Sunflower finally finds happiness. This engrossing, beautifully written novel, with luminous imagery, will broaden readers’ horizons. Notes in the back of the book provide historical background and information about Cao’s inspiration for the book. mjw

Title: Bronze and Sunflower Author: Cao Wenxuan Illustrator: Meilo So Publisher: Walker Books Ltd. London Copyright: 2015 Original Language: Chinese Translator: Helen Wang Original Copyright: 2005 ISBN: 978-1-4063-4846-0 Paperback pages: 400 Age range: 9 up Genre: Fiction Book setting: Damaidi, China Author’s ethnicity: Chinese Author’s residence: China Illustrator’s ethnicity: Chinese Illustrator’s residence: England Awards: 2016 Hans Christian Andersen Author Medal, 2019 Global Literature in Libraries Initiative Shortlist Subjects: China, Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), Friendship, Poverty, Survival

The Little Hippo: A Children’s Book Inspired By Egyptian Art

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Little Hippo is one of many blue hippos living in the Nile River in Ancient Egypt. When his friend Antef dies, Little Hippo rests beside him in his tomb. Centuries later, when archeologists open the tomb, Little Hippo becomes frightened, and he escapes to find his family. His search leads him to the Louvre in Paris, where he is reunited with his family and friends. Bold and vibrant illustrations, inspired by Egyptian-style art, and hieroglyphs make the book a work of art. A large photo of an Egyptian earthenware blue hippo (circa 2040-1640 b.c.) housed in the Louvre brings Little Hippo to life and the endpages provide information about the story of the hippopotamuses, archeologists, pyramids, and where these ancient relics can be found today. mjw

Title: The Little Hippo: A Children’s Book Inspired By Egyptian Art Author: Geraldine Elschner Illustrator: Anja Klauss Publisher: Prestel Verlag, Munich Copyright: 2014 Original Language: French Translator: Agathe Joly Original Title: Petit Noun, L’hippopotame bleu de bords du Nil Original Publisher: L’Elan Vert Original Copyright: 2012 ISBN: 978-3-7913-7167-2 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 6-10 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Ancient Egypt.  Paris France Author’s ethnicity: French/German Author’s residence: Heidelberg, Germany Illustrator’s ethnicity: German Illustrator’s residence: Strasbourg, Germany Subjects: Egypt, Hippopotamus, Mummies, Musee du Louvre, Nile River, Paris, Pyramids, Statuettes, Tombs

Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still

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Feisty and fearless, Nadia Comaneci joined a gymnastics school at the age of six, and began training with Bela and Marta Karolyi in her native Romania. She worked hard, channeled her boundless energy, and overcame early defeats to become a world-class athlete. In 1976, at the age of fourteen, she received five medals and seven perfect scores at the Olympic games in Montreal. Exuberant ink, watercolor, and colored pencil illustrations, an afterword, a timeline, notes, and a bibliography make this well-researched picture book biography a perfect 10. mjw

Title: Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still Author: Karlin Gray Illustrator: Christine Davenier Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, New York Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-544-31960-8 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 6-9 Genre: Picture book biography Book setting: Romania.  Montreal, Canada Author’s ethnicity: U.S. Author’s residence: U.S. Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Illustrator’s residence: Paris, France Subjects: Biography, Gymnastics, Olympics, Romania, Sports and recreation