Category Archives: Hans Christian Andersen

Three Little Monkeys

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Tim, Sam, and Lulu are naughty, lively little monkeys that belong to Hilda Snibbs.  Each day when she returns home from doing her errands, she finds that the monkeys have made a bigger mess than they did the day before.  This delightful story is illustrated with detailed, mixed media and collage. mjw

Title: Three Little Monkeys Author: Quentin Blake Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark Publisher: Harper Collins Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-06-267067-0 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: English Author’s residence: England Illustrator’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s residence: England Awards: Blake has won the Hans Christian Andersen Illustrator Award, 2002 Subjects: Animal behavior, Manners, Monkeys, Pets

You Can’t Be Too Careful

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Follow the white rose and the gardener along alternative space-time paths in this study of causality, consequence, and the interconnectedness of life. More than a dozen eccentric characters are introduced – a circus monkey, a fake doctor who wants to play the bagpipes, Rajah the Malodorous, and more. The book expresses serious questions about the dangers of greed and the importance of kindness. Complex colored pencil drawings and torn paper illustrations will make you want to look again at this paradoxical story. mjw

Title: You Can’t Be Too Careful Author: Roger Mello Illustrator: Roger Mello Publisher: Elsewhere Editions.   Brooklyn, NY Copyright: 2017 Original Language: Portuguese Translator: Daniel Hahn Original Title: Todo Cuidado e pouco! Original Publisher: Companhia das Letras, Sao Paolo Original Copyright: 1999 ISBN: 978-0-914671-64-0 Hardcover pages: 36 Age range: 5-8 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Brazilian Author’s residence: Brazil Illustrator’s ethnicity: Brazilian Illustrator’s residence: Brazil Awards: 2014 Hans Christian Andersen Award, 2018 Batchelder Honor Award Subjects: Action, Avarice, Kindness, Greed, Roses

Daytime Visions : An Alphabet

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This surrealistic alphabet book consists of letters, written in upper and lower case, manuscript, and cursive and a series of unconnected phrases. Some make sense (D shows a downpour and K is a kiwi), but many are obscure (X is for “XX chromosome and I am expanding” and R shows two birds – “never meant to be rude.”) This is not a book for teaching the alphabet, but one that tells stories for each letter. Square pages with mixed media collage illustrations of cut paper, charcoal sketches, and broad brushstrokes on thick paper provide the interpretations for the letters. The author/illustrator is also a well-known cartoonist, graphic artist, singer, and composer in Argentina. mjw

Title: Daytime Visions: An Alphabet Author: Isol (Marisol Misenta) Illustrator: Isol (Marisol Misenta) Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books, New York Copyright: 2016 Original Language: Spanish Translator: Isol and Elisa Amado Original Title: Abecedario a mano (Libros Para Ninos series) Original Publisher: Fondo de Cultura Economica Original Copyright: 2015 ISBN: 978-1-59270-195-7 Hardcover pages: 56 Age range: 2-7 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Argentine Author’s residence: Buenos Aires Illustrator’s ethnicity: Argentine Illustrator’s residence: Buenos Aires Awards: 2013 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, twice a finalist for the Hans Christian Andersen Award – 2006 and 2008 Subjects: Alphabets, Animals

Bicycling To The Moon

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Purdy the cat and Barker the dog live in a sky blue house on top of a hill. Purdy dreams big. He wants to bicycle to the moon, win the singing contest, fly south with the migrating birds, be Supercat, and search for treasure. Barker is Purdy’s good friend, who likes to garden and take care of the house. The twenty short stories take place over a year and are accompanied by clever, quirky cartoon-style illustrations rendered in oil pastels, crayon, and watercolor. This laugh out-loud chapter book about two very opposite friends was written by Finland’s top children’s writer. mjw

Title: Bicycling To The Moon Author: Timo Parvela Illustrator: Virpi Talvite Publisher: Gecko Press.  Wellington, New Zealand Copyright: 2016 Original Language: Finnish Translator: Rith Urbom Original Title: Maukka ja Vaykka Original Publisher: Werner Soderstrom Ltd.  Finland Original Copyright: 2009 ISBN: 978-1-776570=32-4 Paperback pages: 128 Age range: 7-9 Genre: Fiction Author’s ethnicity: Finnish Author’s residence: Finland Illustrator’s ethnicity: Finnish Illustrator’s residence: Finland Awards: Author has been shortlisted for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.  Illustrator has been nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award and was awarded the Finlandia Junior Prize in 2006 Subjects: Cats, Dogs, Fishing, Gardening, Honesty, Loyalty, Short stories, Weather

Alive Again

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A boy wonders if the blossoms that fall from trees will ever return. When there is no rain, will it rain again? If no wheat grows, will it grow again? And if no one goes on a journey, will there be new journeys? When spring comes, the boy’s father points out new blossoms, fresh rain, and born-again wheat. And tomorrow will be a day for a new journey. Striking collage artwork enhances this simple story about trust and understanding that will leave readers asking similar questions. mjw

Title: Alive Again Author: Ahmadreza Ahmadi Illustrator: Nahid Kazemi Publisher: Tiny Owl Publishing Ltd.  England Copyright: 2015 Original Language: Persian Translator: Azita Rassi Original Publisher: Salis Publisher. Tehran, Iran Original Copyright: 2013 ISBN: 978-1-910328-05-7 Hardcover pages: 24 Age range: 4-9 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Iranian Author’s residence: Iran Illustrator’s ethnicity: Iranian Illustrator’s residence: Montreal, Canada Awards: Author was shortlisted for the 2010 Hans Christian Andersen Award Subjects: Blossoms, Flowers, Journeys, Questions, Rain, Trust, Understanding, Wheat

The Life And Times Of Martin Luther

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This informative biography begins with Luther’s birth, and moves through his youth, his decision to enter the priesthood, and his disenchantment with the church. The book focuses on the impact that Luther had on his times, including his translation of the Bible into German. Some of his 95 theses are explained. The detailed, historically accurate illustrations have a key at the end of the book providing more information. This book commemorates the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. mjw

Title: The Life And Times Of Martin Luther Author: Meike Roth-Beck Illustrator: Klaus Ensikat Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Copyright: 2017 Original Language: German Translator: Laura Watkinson Original Title: Von Martins Luthers Wittenberger Thesen Original Publisher: Kindermann Verlag. Berlin Original Copyright: 2015 ISBN: 978-0-8028-5495-7 Hardcover pages: 44 Age range: 7 up Genre: Information Book, Biography, Picture Book, Nonfiction Book setting: Europe Author’s ethnicity: German Author’s residence: Germany Illustrator’s ethnicity: German Illustrator’s residence: Germany Awards: Illustrator has won the Hans Christian Andersen Award 1996 Subjects: Christian Europe, History, Religion, Religious

The Little Black Fish

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An old fish tells the story of Little Black Fish to her 12,000 children and grandchildren. Little Black Fish leaves the safety of his small stream to venture out and see the world. He meets many different creatures along the way, including the dreaded pelican and the helpful lizard. Little Black Fish has big questions and is determined to find answers. He makes it to the edge of the sea and finds his answers, though he does not survive. He learns about life, dangers, enemies, and friends. This famous Iranian children’s story is considered to be a political allegory and was banned in pre-revolutionary (1978) Iran. mjw

Title: The Little Black Fish Author: Samad Behrangi (1939-1967) Illustrator: Farshid Mesghali Publisher: Tiny Owl Publishing Ltd.  London, England Copyright: 2015 Original Language: Persian Translator: Azita Rassi Original Publisher: Kanoun Par Varesh Fekri.  Tehran, Iran Original Copyright: 1968 ISBN: 978-1-910328-00-2 Hardcover pages: 48 Age range: 9 up Genre: Fiction, Allegory Author’s ethnicity: Iranian Author’s residence: Author lived in Iran Illustrator’s ethnicity: Iranian Illustrator’s residence: U.S. Awards: Illustrator has won 1974 Hans Christian Andersen Award for illustration Subjects: Coming of age, Fishes, Freedom, Independence

Canada Year By Year

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This amazing history book features one milestone per year of Canada’s 150-year history. Ten chapters are filled with sidebars, biographies, quotations, trivia, and fascinating illustrations. In 1910, the first chocolate bar in North America was developed in New Brunswick as a quick snack for fishermen. In 1922, Joseph-Armand Bombardier attached a car motor and an airplane propeller to a sleigh to create a snowmobile. In 1932, 17-year-old Joe Shuster sketched the first Superman. And in 2009, more than one-fifth of all smartphones used around the world were made by a Canadian company called Blackberry. This is the story of the people, places, and events that have shaped Canada. Back matter includes an index and an illustrated list of great Canadians – artists, athletes, politicians, and more.mjw

Title: Canada Year By Year Author: Elizabeth MacLeod Illustrator: Sydney Smith Publisher: Kids Can Press. Toronto, Canada Copyright: 22016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-77138-397-4 Hardcover pages: 96 Age range: 9-12 Genre: Picture book, Information, Nonfiction Book setting: Canada Author’s ethnicity: Canadian Author’s residence: Toronto Illustrator’s ethnicity: Canadian Illustrator’s residence: Toronto Awards: Smith has won the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award Subjects: Canada, History, Reference

The White Cat And The Monk

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A monk seeks knowledge in his manuscripts. His white cat, Pangur, seeks a mouse. As the night turns to dawn, the cat leads the monk to the truth he has been seeking. Beautiful, medieval-like watercolor and ink artwork illuminates this story about human-animal companionship and the pursuit of joy. The White Cat and the Monk is a retelling of the classic Old Irish poem “Pangur Ban.” An author’s note explains more about the poem. This book is perfect for kids and adults. mjw

Title: The White Cat And The Monk Author: Jo Ellen Bogart Illustrator: Sydney Smith Publisher: Groundwork Books/House of Anansi Press.  Toronto Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-555498-781-8 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book, Poetry Author’s ethnicity: U.S. Author’s residence: Ontario, Canada Illustrator’s ethnicity: Born in Nova Scotia, Canadian Illustrator’s residence: Toronto, Canada Awards:  2016 New York Times Best Illustrated Books List. Smith has won the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award Subjects: Books, Cats, Europe, Monks, Stories in verse, Truth

What A Party!

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Be careful when your mother says you can invite anyone you like to your birthday party, or you may have the craziest party ever. Children, pets, parents, salsa dancers, and a reggae band all join together in this celebration of diversity. Jack brings Larry, a soccer ball, and coconut cookies. Jack tells Beto and Antonieta, who bring their parrot, pineapples, mangoes, and passion fruit. The buffet grows in this chain reaction to include pizza, couscous, sushi, and much more. This is a great introduction to different countries, and everyone relates to food! Friends, family, and food from around the world are illustrated in acrylic and oil pastels. mjw

Title: What A Party! Author: Ana Maria Machado Illustrator: Helene Moreau Publisher: Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press. Toronto Copyright: 2013 Original Language: Portuguese Translator: Elisa Amado Original Title: Mas que festa! Original Publisher: Nova Fronteira.  Rio de Janeiro Original Copyright: 1999 text, 2005 illustrations ISBN: 978-1-55498-168-7 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-7 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Brazilian Author’s residence: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Illustrator’s residence: Paris, France Awards: Author has won the 2000 Hans Christian Andersen Award Subjects: Birthdays, Cautionary tales, Celebrations, Diversity, Holidays, Invitations, Multigenerational, Parties

Peter And The Wolf

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Peter goes into the meadow with his friend the bird, when a duck waddles in and argues with the bird. Next, a fierce cat tries to catch the bird. Grandfather warns Peter about the wolf that may be in the meadow and Peter watches the wolf appear and eat the duck. Quick-witted Peter devises a plan to capture the wolf and help the hunters take the wolf to the zoo. This favorite Russian tale that children know because of Prokofiev’s music is stunningly illustrated with eccentric geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and innovative die cuts. mjw

Title: Peter And The Wolf Author: Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953), Martin West (English text) Illustrator: Kveta Pacovska Publisher: Mineditions, Michael Neugebauer Publishing, Ltd. Copyright: 2013 Original Language: German Original Title: Peter und der Wolf Original Publisher: Michael Neugebauer Publishing, Ltd. Original Copyright: 2013 ISBN: 978-988-15955-6-0 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 5-8 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Russian – Prokofiev Illustrator’s ethnicity: Czech Illustrator’s residence: Prague, Czech Republic (Czechia) Awards: 1992 Hans Christian Andersen Medal Subjects: Grandfathers, Music, Wolves

The Bear Who Wasn’t There: And The Fabulous Forest

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A very positive bear, who is nice and handsome, too, sets out on a journey to find himself. With the help of Turtle Taxi, he travels through the Fabulous Forest that has eight directions – north, south, east, west, breakfast, lunch, right, and wrong. He meets Convenience Cow, Lazy Lizard, and Penultimate Penguin. In the end, he finds that he himself is just what he has been looking for all along. The musical wordplay and unusual illustrations in this absurd, clever, and philosophical story will remind readers of Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, and The Wizard of Oz. mjw

Title: The Bear Who Wasn’t There: And The Fabulous Forest Author: Oren Lavie Illustrator: Wolf Erlbruch Publisher: Black Sheep/Akashic Books Copyright: 2016 Original Language: German Original Title: Der Bar Der Nicht da War Original Publisher: Verlag Antje Kunstmann GmbH Original Copyright: 2014 ISBN: 978-1-61775-490-6 Hardcover pages: 48 Age range: 4-10 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Born in Tel Aviv Author’s residence: Tel Aviv Illustrator’s ethnicity: German Illustrator’s residence: Germany Awards: Illustrator has won the German Children’s Book Prize,  the Hans Christian Andersen Medal, and the 2017 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Subjects: Bears, Identity, Nature