Category Archives: Uncategorized

Anita And The Dragons

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Young Anita lives in a village in the Dominican Republic where she is a valiant princesa. She worries about boarding dragons (airplanes) that will take her to a new life in a new country. The vivid text describes her anxiety about what she will miss and what she will encounter in a new land. She becomes a brave princesa when she meets the dragon. “With one step I move away from the familiar. With another step, I walk into the unknown.” She becomes a “fearless dragon” of her own. The textured artwork was created using mixed media and finished digitally. mjw

Title: Anita And The Dragons Author: Hannah Carmona Illustrator: Anna Cunha Publisher: Lantana Publishing Ltd. Copyright: 2021 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-911373-63-6 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 7-10 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Dominican Republic Author’s ethnicity: U.S. Author’s residence: Tennessee Illustrator’s ethnicity: Brazilian Illustrator’s residence: Brazil Subjects: Airplanes, Central America, Social situations

From My Window

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A boy looks out the window and sees in his favela (his district in Rio de Janeiro), patched roofs, rainbows, and people everywhere. He talks to his friends and starts a telephone game. He sees children playing soccer and going to school and he hears Brazilian funk, also called favela funk. He sees his favela and asks, “What do you see from your window?” Colorful, extremely detailed illustrations prepared in acrylics and finished digitally celebrate the boy’s diverse urban community. Back matter explains favelas in Brazil. mjw

Title: From My Window Author: Otavio Junior Illustrator: Vanina Starkoff Publisher: Barefoot Books. Cambridge, MA Copyright: 2020 Original Language: Portuguese Translator: Beatriz C. Dias Original Publisher: Companhia das Letras. Sao Paulo Original Copyright: 2018 ISBN: 978-1-78285-977-2 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Brazil Author’s ethnicity: Brazilian Author’s residence: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Illustrator’s ethnicity: Brazilian Illustrator’s residence: Brazil Subjects: Brazil, Cities, Favela, Soccer, South America, Urban community living

The Last Tiger

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Deep in the jungle, no other animal is as strong and powerful as the tiger. Hunters come to the jungle, overpower the tiger, and capture him. He is taken to the zoo in the city so that everyone can see him. He longs for his freedom and grows smaller every day until he squeezes through the bars of his cage. He returns to the jungle where he becomes big and strong again. He never forgets that his most treasured possession is his freedom. The boldly colored illustrations in this fable are rendered in mixed media. mjw

Title: The Last Tiger Author: Petr Horacek Illustrator: Petr Horacek Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. Grand Rapids, Michigan Copyright: 2020 Original Language: English Original publisher: Otter-Barry Books, Great Britain Original Copyright: 2019 ISBN: 978-0-8028-5552-7 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 5-7 Genre: Picture book Author’s ethnicity: Czech Author’s residence: England Illustrator’s ethnicity: Czech Illustrator’s residence: England Subjects: Fables, freedom, Hunters, Jungle, Zoos

The World’s Poorest President Speaks Out

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This unusual picture book is based on Uruguay President Jose Mujica’s 2012 speech to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. He asks the world to question the dogma of consumption that has forced us into environmental and economic crisis. Mujica is known as “the world’s poorest president” because, as Uruguay’s 40th President, he donated 90% of his salary to charity. He was a simple and much-loved leader. In his speech he asks us to appreciate the beauty of nature and life itself and to care for our world. Bold digitally-created illustrations complement the powerful and thought-provoking text from the beginning of the speech where his audience looks bored to the final words where he has earned a standing ovation. mjw

Title: The World’s Poorest President Speaks Out Author: Jose Mujica Editor:  Yoshimi Kusaba Illustrator: Gaku Nakagawa Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books. New York Copyright: 2020 Original Language: Japanese Translator: Andrew Wong Original Title: Sek ai De Ichiban Mazushi Daitoryo No Supichi Original Publisher: Choubunsha Publishing Co., Ltd. Tokyo Original Copyright: 2014 ISBN: 978-1-59270-289-3 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Uruguay Author’s ethnicity: Uruguayan Author’s residence: Uruguayan Illustrator’s ethnicity: Japanese Illustrator’s residence: Japan Subjects: Biographies, Homelessness, Poverty. Presidents, South America, Speeches

Plasticus Maritimus: An Invasive Species

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This imaginative guide to ocean plastics pollution was inspired by biologist Ana Pego’s life’s work. She collected and studied plastics along rivers, lakes, and oceans since she was a young girl.  She even gave it a Latin name – Plasticus Maritimus – to warn people of the dangers to the earth.  Today she is a marine biologist and award- winning artist who leads environmental education projects that combine science and art.  This field guide helps readers identify and understand this new invasive species. A Table of Contents starts with the Importance of the Oceans, covers Common Plastics and Exotic Ocean Plastics, and concludes with What We Can Do and Recycling. Helpful Resources are also provided. Colorful photographs and drawings enhance this important book.  mjw

Title: Plasticus Maritimus: An Invasive Species Author: Ana Pego and Isabel Minhos Martins Illustrator: Bernardo P. Carvalho Publisher: Greystone Books Ltd. Copyright: 2020 Original Language: Portuguese Translator: Jane Springer Original Title: Plasticus Maritimus: Uma expecie invasora Original Copyright: 2018 ISBN: 978-1-77164-643-7 Board book pages: 176 Age range: 10-16 Genre: Nonfiction, Information Book Author’s ethnicity: Pego – Portuguese, Martins – Portuguese Author’s residence: Lisbon, Portugal Illustrator’s ethnicity: Portuguese Illustrator’s residence: Lisbon, Portugal Subjects: Ecology, Environment, Oceanography, Oceans, Plastics, Pollution, Water

Doctor Mouse

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Every morning in the forest, Doctor Mouse opens the old barn door and hangs up his sign: Consultations from Sunrise to Sunset. He straightens up the six chairs in his office and puts on his white coat backwards.  First to arrive is Ms. Chicken who needs to keep calm, but consultations cannot begin until all six chairs are occupied. The second patient is Mr. Dog, followed by Mr. Bear, a rabbit, and Ms. Owl.  The sixth chair remains empty. It is eventually filled by Mr. Fox. The patients charmingly help each other. It becomes a kind of group therapy session and all the patients leave Doctor Mouse’s office happy. The hand-crafted illustrations in this sweet story are filled with fun details. mjw

Title: Doctor Mouse Author: Christa Kempter Illustrator: Amelie Jackowski Publisher: North South Books, Inc. Copyright: 2020 Original Language: German Translator: David Henry Wilson Original Title: Doktor Maus Original Publisher: NordSud Verlag AG Original Copyright: 2020 ISBN: 978-0-7358-4410-0 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: German Author’s residence: Germany Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Illustrator’s residence: France Subjects: Bears, Chickens, Cooperation, Doctors, Dogs, Fox, Humor. Mice, Owls, Rabbits

The Bear And The Duck

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It’s the end of winter, and when Duck plans to fly off, he crashes into a jumble of branches. The noise wakes Bear, who grumbles and emerges from his den. Duck is not afraid of Bear because Bear is old and he doesn’t have many teeth left. Bear takes care of Duck and they become friends. They swim and explore, and Duck tells stories. Duck is finally well enough to fly away and Bear misses him. Winter comes and Bear goes back to his den, thinking that he may never see Duck again. After the long winter, it’s spring and Bear wakes up to find that Duck has returned.  Woodcut engravings enhance this sweet story of friendship and the seasons. mjw

Title: The Bear And The Duck Author: May Angeli Illustrator: May Angeli Publisher: Eerdmans Books For Young Readers Copyright: 2020 Original Language: French Original Publisher: Les Editions des Elephants, France Original Copyright: 2019 ISBN: 978-0-8028-5555-8 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: French Author’s residence: Paris Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Illustrator’s residence: Paris Subjects: Bears, Birds, Ducks, Seasons

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Mexique: A Refugee Story From The Spanish Civil War

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On May 27,1937, 456 children sailed on the Mexique from Spain to Morelia, Mexico, to escape the violence of the Spanish Civil War. It was supposed to be a short trip, but they stayed for a long time and many never returned to Spain because of Francisco Franco’s dangerous dictatorship after the war. The haunting, dark, images in the book are based on photographs of the “Children of Morelia” and the ship that brought them to Mexico. mjw

Title: Mexique: A Refugee Story From The Spanish Civil War Author: Maria Jose Ferrada Illustrator: Ana Penyas Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Copyright: 2020 Original Language: Spanish Translator: Elisa Amado Original Title: Mexique: El nombre del barco Original Publisher: Alboroto Ediciones, Mexico Original Copyright: 2018 ISBN: 978-0-8028-5545-9 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 7-10 Genre: Historical Fiction, Information Book, Nonfiction Book setting: Spain, Mexico Author’s ethnicity: Chilean Author’s residence: Chile Illustrator’s ethnicity: Spanish Illustrator’s residence: Madrid Subjects: Displaced people, Francisco Franco, Mexico, Refugees, Ships, Spain, Spanish Civil War 1936-1939

Ritu Weds Chandni

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Young Ayesha can’t wait for her cousin Ritu’s wedding. She is excited about dressing up and dancing in the baraat – the wedding procession. Ayesha’s mother thinks that not everyone will be pleased seeing Ritu leading the lively procession that the groom usually leads. Ritu is marrying her girlfriend Chandni and some people do not understand that kind of love. The vivid illustrations are filled with details, like the lovely red lehengas of the brides and their henna-decorated hands. A helpful glossary explains Hindi words used in the text and an author’s note tells that same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in India. mjw

Title: Ritu Weds Chandni Author: Ameya Narvankar Illustrator: Ameya Narvankar Publisher: Yali Books. New York Copyright: 2020 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-949528-94-7 Hardcover pages: 36 Age range: 5-7 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: India Author’s ethnicity: Indian Illustrator’s ethnicity: Indian Subjects: Bigotry, Gay weddings, Hindi, Hinduism, Intolerance, Prejudice, Weddings

Sandcastle

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A young girl builds a fantastic sandcastle with domes and turrets and a crocodile moat. It has large windows with an ocean view. It is fit for hosting diverse royalty from all over the world and the dining hall serves ice cream  24/7 – all flavors.  But at breakfast, the troubles begin.  Sand gets in the royal strudel, in the Triathlon of Knights’ suits of armor, and even in the King’s daily fig milk bath. Everyone is so angry. The illustrations in this fun book were created digitally and are very detailed and whimsical. Medieval knights play Twister, a Rapunzel-like character wears unicorn slippers, and a tiny swimsuit-clad mouse is hidden throughout. The book jacket even has a sandy tactile feel to it.  This absurd book will certainly engage young readers. mjw

Title: Sandcastle Author: Einat Tsarfati Illustrator: Einat Tsarfati Publisher: Candlewick Press Copyright: 2020 Original Language: Hebrew Original Copyright: 2018 ISBN: 978-1-5362-1143-6 Hardcover pages: 48 Age range: 4-6 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Israeli Author’s residence: Israel Illustrator’s ethnicity: Israeli Illustrator’s residence: Israel Subjects: Beach, Beachgoers, Imagination, Royalty, Sandcastle

Bear And Fred: A World War II Story

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This is a touching true story of a Jewish boy hiding during World War II, as told by his teddy bear. He is Fred’s bear and he is very happy. He and Fred do everything together. But one night there is a soft knock at the door.  It is a warning that they would be forced to leave their home. They flee to Amsterdam where Fred goes into hiding, apart from the rest of his family. After the war, Fred and his family are reunited and they move to the United States. An author’s note tells how the bear ended up in the Yad Vashem Museum – the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel. A photo of the real bear is included. This endearing story is illustrated digitally with beautiful drawings. mjw

Title: Bear And Fred Author: Iris Argaman Illustrator: Avi Ofer Publisher: Amazon Crossing Kids, New York Copyright: 2020 Original Language: Hebrew Translator: Annette Appel Original Title: Ha Doobi Shel Fred Original Publisher: Hakibbutz Hameucchad. Israel Original Copyright: 2016 ISBN: 978-1-542018234 Hardcover pages: 48 Age range: 6-9 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Holland and U.S. Author’s ethnicity: Israeli Author’s residence: Israel Illustrator’s ethnicity: Israeli Illustrator’s residence: Spain Awards: Vad Vashem Prize in Israel, Giovanni Arpino Proze for Children’s Literature in Italy. Subjects: Holocaust, Jewish people, Nazi party, Prejudice and racism, Teddy bear

Piglettes

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This laugh-aloud coming-of-age story tells of the bicycle road trip across France to Paris of three teenage girls, Mirielle, Astrid, and Hakima. The girls were voted by their classmates on Facebook to be the ugliest girls in their school. They take off on their bikes, accompanied by Kader, Hakima’s wheelchair-bound older brother. Their goal is a garden party with the French president. They pull a trailer along with them and sell sausages to make money for the trip. The girls, known as the Piglettes, become stars of social media and television. The story is told through the eyes of funny, philosophical, and awkward Mirielle. This is a powerful book for self-conscious teens. mjw

Title: Piglettes Author: Clementine Beauvais Publisher: Pushkin Press Copyright: 2017 Original Language: French Translator: Clementine Beauvais Original Title: Les Petites Reines Original Publisher: Editions Sarbacane. Paris Original Copyright: 2014 ISBN: 978-1782691204 Paperback pages: 287 Age range: 12 up Genre: Fiction Book setting: France Author’s ethnicity: French Author’s residence: U.K. Awards: Prix Sorcieres in France Subjects: Bicycles, Bullying, Coming of age, Cyber-bullying, Feminism, Girls and women, Paris, Racism, Roadtrip, Sausages, Teens and young adult fiction, Ugly girls, Wheelchair