Author Archives: omnilibros

Nine Open Arms

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A family of nine – three sisters, four brothers, their ever-optimistic father, and their strong-tongued grandmother Oma Mei – move into a run-down, mysterious brick house outside a small village in the province of Limburg, the Netherlands, in 1937. The house stands as long as nine open arms. The first and third parts of the story are narrated by eleven-year-old Fing, who tells of their new school, her father’s money-making schemes, family relationships, “tragical tragedy”, and the mysterious button-chewer, Oompah Hatsi. The middle part, narrated by Oma Mei, is set in the 1860s, and tells the story of the lovers Charley Bottletop and Nienevee, the traveler girl. By the end of this unique Dutch import, all the secrets are revealed and they neatly and believably click into place. Some Dutch words have been left untranslated and are defined in a Slang Words and Character List. A Map and Translator’s Note are also included in this well-crafted, challenging, and quirky story about storytelling. mjw

Title: Nine Open Arms Author: Benny Lindelauf Illustrator: Dasha Tolstikova Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books, New York Copyright: 2014 Original Language: Dutch Translator: John Nieuwenhuizen Original Title: Negen Open Armen Original Publisher: Em. Querido’s Uitgeverij B.V. Original Copyright: 2004 ISBN: 978-1-59270-146-9 Hardcover pages: 264 Age range: 9 up Genre: Historical fiction, Mystery Book setting: Limburg, The Netherlands Author’s ethnicity: Dutch Author’s residence: Rotterdam, The Netherlands Translator’s ethnicity: Dutch Translator’s residence: Australia Awards: 2015 Mildred L. Batchelder Award Subjects: Dwellings, Family life, Grandmothers, Mystery, Romanies, Single-parent families, Sisters

The Gruffalo’s Child and The Gruffalo, Gift Slipcase

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This new, deluxe slip-cased edition of The Gruffalo’s Child and The Gruffalo is covered in shiny blue foil and features silhouette artwork by Axel Scheffler. The award-winning stories about a clever little mouse outwitting a hungry fox, a not-so-wise owl, and a sinister snake in the deep, dark wood have been delighting children and adults since 1999. The books have been translated into over fifty languages and made into Oscar-nominated films. Repetitious, rhyming text and cartoonlike watercolor, colored-pencil, and ink illustrations bring the lovable creatures to life in these favorite, humorous tales. mjw

Title: The Gruffalo’s Child and The Gruffalo, Gift Slipcase Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Axel Scheffler Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English Original Copyright: 1999 The Gruffalo, 2004 The Gruffalo’s Child ISBN: 978-1-4472-8089-7 The Gruffalo, 978-1-4472-8090-3 The Gruffalo’s Child Hardcover pages: 32, 32 Age range: 3 up Genre: Picture book Author’s ethnicity: English Author’s residence: England and Scotland Illustrator’s ethnicity: German Illustrator’s residence: England Awards: 1999 Nestle Smarties Prize, 2000 Blue Peter Award, 2005 Children’s Book of the Year (G.C), 2011-2013 British Children’s Laureate (Julia Donaldson) Subjects: Foxes, Mice, Nuts, Owls, Rhyme, Snakes

The Adventures Of Shola

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Shola is a small white, highly cultivated and opinionated dog with a huge imagination. She lives with her long-suffering owner, Senor Grogo. Four short stories are included in this one volume, with comic pen and ink and watercolor illustrations on practically every double page spread. In the first story, Shola discovers her inner lioness. In the second, she leads the pack on a wild sheepboar hunt. Third, she helps another dog, Angelino, who is plagued by a mouse. And finally, Shola is visited by her eccentric Aunt Clementine from America, who can never remember the pronunciation of Shola’s name, but completely understands Sholas’ independence. Feisty Shola is used to doing and eating exactly what she wants and walking in the park without a collar and lead. The use of language is delightful, especially the use of rarely used words, like “discombobulated” and “rara avis” (Latin for strange creature). Shola doesn’t always understand the words and this results in some very funny consequences. mjw

Title: The Adventures Of Shola Author: Bernardo Atxaga Illustrator: Mikel Valverde Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books, London Copyright: 2013 Original Language: Euskera (Basque) Translator: Translated into Spanish by the author.  Translated in English by Margaret Jull Costa. Original Spanish Title: Shola y los leones, Sholas y los jabalies, Shola y Angelino, Shola y la tia de America Original Spanish Publisher: Ediciones SM Original Spanish Copyright: 1995, 1997, 2006, forthcoming ISBN: 978-1-782690-09-2 Hardcover pages: 220 Age range: 9-12 Genre: Fiction Book setting: Spain Author’s ethnicity: Basque Author’s residence: Spain Illustrator’s ethnicity: Basque Illustrator’s residence: Spain Awards: 2015 Marsh Award for Literature in Translation Subjects: Aunts, Dogs, Food, Lions, Human-animal interactions, Short stories, Wild boar

Soccer Star

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In an impoverished favela in Brazil, young Felino’s enthusiasm for soccer is infectious. He works on a fishing boat and visits his friends, who also cannot attend school because they must work to support their families. His little sister Maria longs to play soccer with Felino’s team, but their rule is no girls. But when the team’s goalie injures his wrist, they call Maria from the sidelines. No “useless old rule” will keep his team of hopeful soccer stars from a win. Digitally colored drawings dramatically portray the Brazilian setting in this uplifting story. Portuguese words are smoothly integrated and are easy to translate through context. This is a timely picture book, since the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. mjw

Title: Soccer Star Author: Mina Javaherbin Illustrator: Renato Alarcao Publisher: Candlewick Press,  Somerville, Massachusetts Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-7636-6056-7 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 5-8 Genre: Picture book Book setting: Brazil Author’s ethnicity: Iranian Author’s residence: California, U.S. Illustrator’s ethnicity: Brazilian Illustrator’s residence: Brazil Subjects: Brazil, Brothers and sisters, Poverty, School, Sexism, Soccer, Sports

So Much for Democracy

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Twelve-year-old Astrid has moved from Canada to Ghana with her parents and two younger siblings so that her father can help organize the 1979 national election. Difficulties at school, the oppressive heat, the threat of disease, soldiers on the roads, and her mother’s overprotectiveness are some of the many challenges Astrid faces. She is a strong, kind, and courageous character with good sense. The beauty of the land and the relationships the Ghanaians have with each other and with Astrid’s family are honestly presented. A brief historical note on Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings’ coup provides background information about an event relatively unknown in the United States.mjw

Title: So Much for Democracy Author: Kari Jones Publisher: Orca Book Publishers. Canada Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-4598-0481-4 Paperback pages: 175 Age range: 9-12 Genre: Historical fiction Book setting: Accra, Ghana Author’s ethnicity: Australian Author’s residence: British Columbia, Canada Subjects: Conflict, Coups, Elections, Ghana

The Cat Who Came in Off the Roof

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Minou is a cat that is transformed into a young woman who befriends Tibble, a shy and bumbling reporter for the Killenthorn Courier. Tibble loves cats and all of his stories involve cats, but his editor wants real news. Minou is still recognized as a cat by the neighborhood cats despite her new human appearance. She still purrs, enjoys a saucer of milk, climbs trees, and delights in other catlike pursuits. Minou organizes her feline friends into a news gathering service and turns Tibble into the best, bravest journalist in town. A super array of loveable cat characters includes the hilarious School Cat whose “news” is from a textbook and a hundred years out-of-date, the stray Tatter Cat who has children and grandchildren all over town, and the Council Cat who always sits in on the closed council meetings in the Town Hall. This is a humorous and charming translation of Schmidt’s 1970 cattish classic. The magical cat story, written by the Queen of Dutch Children’s Literature, can be enjoyed by cat-lovers of any age. mjw

Title: The Cat Who Came in Off the Roof Author: Annie M.G. Schmidt (1911-1995) Illustrator: Nathan Burton Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books. London Copyright: 2014 Original Language: Dutch Translator: David Colmer Original Title: Minoes Original Publisher: Estate of Annie M.G. Schmidt.  Amsterdam, Em. Querido’s Uitgevrij B.V. Original Copyright: 1970 ISBN: 978-178269-036-8 Paperback pages: 158 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Fiction, Fantasy Author’s ethnicity: Dutch Author’s residence: Author lived in the Netherlands Illustrator’s residence: England Awards: 1988 Hans Christian Andersen Award Subjects: Cats, Humor, Reporters, Reporting

Lindbergh: The Tale Of A Flying Mouse

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“One small step for a mouse; one giant leap for aviation.” A courageous and intelligent little German mouse, terrified of mechanical mousetraps in his homeland, decides to flee to safety in America. He is inspired by bats (mice with wings), and after several failed attempts, he eventually builds a tiny airplane for his solo transatlantic flight to freedom. His designs are fascinating and reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci. The realistic-looking little daredevil rodent becomes a mini-celebrity in New York and all of America and inspires a young boy named Charles Lindbergh. Minute details in the natural-toned, watercolor and pencil illustrations of facial expressions, machinery, and architecture are evocative and gorgeous. Aerial views and close-ups of old Hamburg are stunning. Back matter includes A Short History of Aviation with notes about Otto Lilienthal, the Wright brothers, and Charles Lindbergh. mjw

Title: Lindbergh: The Tale Of A Flying Mouse Author: Torben Kuhlmann Illustrator: Torben Kuhlmann Publisher: North South Books, New York Copyright: 2014 Original Language: German Translator: Suzanne Levesque Original Title: Lindbergh: Die abenteuerliche Geschichte einer fliegenden Maus Original Publisher: Nord Sud Verlag. Zurich, Switzerland Original Copyright: 2014 ISBN: 978-0-7358-4167-3 Hardcover pages: 96 Age range: 4 up Genre: Picture book Book setting: Hamburg and New York Author’s ethnicity: German Author’s residence: Germany Illustrator’s ethnicity: German Illustrator’s residence: Germany Awards: 2015 USBBY Outstanding International Books Grades 3-5, 2015 Golden Island Award Subjects: Airplanes; Flight; Germany; Hamburg; Lindbergh, Charles A; Mice

In The Forbidden City

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Accompanied by a mischievous cat, readers will tour the Forbidden City, which was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty. Intricately detailed, delicate line drawings of buildings, gardens, courtyards, emperors, empresses, and even modern-day tourists illustrate exciting tales of architecture, history, and art. Engaging text, fun cartoons, and dialog bubbles present 600 years of Chinese rulers, including Empress Dowager Cixi, the powerful and charismatic woman who controlled the Manchu Qing dynasty for 47 years. Relevant information about events in the world at large is included to provide historical context. For example, the Garden of the Palace of Tranquil Longevity was completed in 1776, the same year as another big event – the creation of the United States of America. Several grand foldout spreads emphasize the size of the 178 acre complex, and a plastic magnifying glass is wisely provided for spending hours scrutinizing the wealth of visual detail. mjw

Title: In the Forbidden City Author: Chiu Kwong-Chiu Illustrator: Design and Cultural Studies Workshop Publisher: China Institute in America, New York Copyright: 2014 Original Language: Chinese Translator: Ben Wang ISBN: 978-0-9893776-0-7 Hardcover pages: 52 Age range: 9 up Genre: Nonfiction picture book Book setting: Beijing, China Author’s ethnicity: Chinese Author’s residence: Hong Kong Subjects: Architecture, Art, Emperors, Empresses, Forbidden City, History, Palaces

The Dinner That Cooked Itself

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Long ago in ancient China, respectful and hardworking Tuan longed for a wife. However, the matchmaker’s suggestions were all unsuitable, either because of clashing zodiac symbols or unsimilar backgrounds. One evening, Tuan discovered a large snail. He took pity on it and took it home. The next night, when he returned home from working in his field, a delicious dinner was waiting for him. This happened night after night. Tuan learned that the mystery cook was White Wave, who was sent by the Lord of Heaven to look after him until he married. The mixed media, textured illustrations in an earthy muted palette are enchanting. Chinese calligraphy appears above certain animals and objects in the story. A note on Chinese calligraphy completes this picture book, which is based on a Chinese folktale that proposes that hard work will result in good fortune. mjw

Title: The Dinner That Cooked Itself Author: J.C. Hsyu Illustrator: Kenard Pak Publisher: Flying Eye Books, an imprint of Nobrow Ltd., London Copyright: 2104 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-909263-41-3 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 5-7 Genre: Picture book Book setting: Ancient China Author’s ethnicity: Taiwan born Author’s residence: San Francisco, California Illustrator’s residence: San Francisco, California Subjects: Calligraphy, China, Chinese characters, Chinese zodiac, Folklore, Kindness, Snails, Tales

Branded By The Pink Triangle

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Ten well-researched chapters describe how early 20th century tolerant attitudes toward homosexuals changed with the rise of Nazism in the 1930s. The pink triangle was used by the Nazis to identify homosexual prisoners in concentration camps. It has since been adopted by the gay movement as a symbol of strength and pride. First-person accounts from concentration camp survivors of the treatment and persecution of homosexuals by the Nazi regime, period photographs, a lengthy timeline, maps, and an extensive bibliography contribute to this well-documented history. The story of this little-known aspect of the holocaust is brought up to date with a final chapter titled, “It Gets Better.” mjw

Title: Branded By The Pink Triangle Author: Ken Setterington Publisher: Second Story Press. Ontario, Canada Copyright: 2013 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-926920-96-2 Paperback pages: 157 Age range: 12-16 Genre: Information book, Nonfiction Book setting: Germany Author’s ethnicity: Canadian Author’s residence: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Awards: 2014 Stonewall Honor Book – ALA, 2014 USBBY Outstanding International Books, 2014 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award finalist. Subjects: Atrocities, Berlin, Concentration camps, Gays, Homosexuals, Nazis, Persecution, World War II

Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust

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In this touching and powerful graphic novel told in flashbacks, Dounia tells her story to her granddaughter Elsa. At about age six, in Paris, Dounia found herself shunned by her teachers and classmates when she attended school wearing the yellow star, which identified her as Jewish. After police took her parents away in a scary nighttime raid, neighbors hid her from the Nazis in their apartment for as long as they could. She eventually was taken by Resistance workers to a farm in the French countryside, where she was protected by a loving family, and after the war ended, was reunited with her mother. Honest and direct words and full-color graphics mingle seamlessly to make this heart-breaking subject accessible to children. An Afterword explains that 84% of Jewish children living in France survived because of people who were willing to risk their own lives to hide and protect children from the Nazis and collaborating French police. mjw

Title: Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust Author: Loic Dauvillier Illustrator: Marc Lizano, Color: Greg Salsedo Publisher: First Second/Roaring Brook, New York Copyright: 2014 Original Language: French Translator: Alexis Siegel Original Title: L’Enfant Cachee Original Publisher: Le Lombard Original Copyright: 2012 ISBN: 978-1-59643-873-6 Hardcover pages: 76 Age range: 10 up Genre: Graphic novel, Historical fiction Book setting: Paris Author’s ethnicity: French Author’s residence: France Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Illustrator’s residence: France Awards: 2015 Mildred L. Batchelder Award = Older reader category, 2015 Sydney Taylor Award, 2015 NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Subjects: Comics, Grandmothers, Graphic novels, Hidden children, Holocaust, Jewish, Multigenerational, Nazis, Paris

Where I Belong

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Teenager Carrie, adopted as an infant, looks completely different from her parents and is the only black-haired, dark-skinned girl in McDonalds Corners, Ontario. She feels like she is out-of-place. At a hockey game, she meets Tommy, who is from a nearby Mohawk reserve. This leads to the discovery that her biological father is Mohawk. She journeys to Kahnawake, Ontario, to meet him and there realizes that she can love two families. This story of self-discovery takes place during the Oka Crisis in the summer of 1990, which was a 78-day standoff between Mohawk protestors, police, and army over the proposed expansion of a golf course on disputed land that included a Mohawk burial ground. mjw

Title: Where I Belong Author: Tara White Publisher: Tradewinds Books.  Vancouver, Canada Copyright: 2015 Original Language: English  ISBN: 978-1-896580-77-7 Paperback pages: 112 Age range: 12-15 Genre: Fiction Book setting: Canada Author’s ethnicity: Mohawk Author’s residence: Ontario, Canada Subjects: Canada, Hockey, Indian reservations, Mohawk, Oka Uprising 1990, Quebec history, Self-discovery