Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Wizard Of Oz

Wizard of OzThis picture book adaptation of the classic Oz story tells about Dorothy and her little dog Toto after they get swept away by a powerful cyclone to the Land of Oz on the other side of the rainbow. Elements from the original that may not be familiar, such as the bear-tiger Kalidahs, are included. Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman whose limbs are made of cans of salmon, corn, and chile con carne, and the Cowardly Lion. Together they search for the great Wizard and a way back home, a brain, a heart, and courage. This beautifully illustrated edition is a perfect introduction to L. Frank Baum’s story and a fresh take on the classic made famous by the 1939 movie musical. mjw
Title: The Wizard Of Oz
Author: Anouk Filippini, adapted from the novel by L. Frank Baum (1856-1919)
Illustrator
: Elodie Coudray
Publisher
: Anzou Publishing.  Paris, France
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: French
Translator
: Susan Allen Maurin
Original Title
: Le Magicien d’Oz
Original Publisher
: Anzou Publishing.  Paris, France
Original Copyright
: 2016
ISBN
: 978-2-7338-3942-9
Hardcover pages
: 40
Age range
: 8 up
Genre
: Picture Book, Fantasy
Author’s ethnicity
: French
Author’s residence
: France
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: French
Illustrator’s residence
: France
Subjects
: Fairytales, Fantasy, Folktales, Magic, Witches, Wizards

As Time Went By

51mcujm-halThrough a beautiful story of renewal, told in three parts, this picture book teaches us to find hope even in the darkest times. Starting with bright painted scenes, readers are introduced to a steamboat that is new and full of fancy, important people. As the story continues the colors become muted until the steamboat is abandoned. Part two follows a family from luxury to homelessness as the pages transition from colorful to bland. Finally, in the dreariest moments the abandoned ship and homeless people are united to rebuild the ship into a community home that is radiant with color. amo
Title: As Time Went By
Author: José Sanabria
Illustrator
: José Sanabria
Publisher
: NorthSouth Books
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: French
Original Title
: Wie die Zeit verghet
Original Publisher
: NordSud
Original Copyright
: 2016
ISBN
: 987-0-7358-4248-9 
Paperback pages
: 48
Age range
: 4-8 
Genre
: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Colombian
Author’s residence
: Argentina
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Colombian
Illustrator’s residence
: Argentina
Subjects
: Boats, Family, Homes

French Toast

french-toastPhoebe, who is half Jamaican and half French-Canadian, hates when her classmates call her “French Toast.” Her grandmother, who is blind, asks Phoebe to explain her nickname. She uses descriptions of favorite foods to portray skin colors. Her white mother is like stirred peach yogurt and her Jamaican father is like warm banana bread. Her grandmother Nan-ma is like maple syrup poured over French toast. Phoebe describes herself as tea, after you’ve added the milk. The imaginative artwork blends traditional drawing and painting with digital imagery using collage, acrylic, watercolor, and computer manipulation. mjw
Title: French Toast
Author: Kari-Lynn Winters
Illustrator
: Francois Thisdale
Publisher
: Pajama Press, Toronto
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1-77278-006-2
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range
: 4-7
Genre
: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Author’s residence
: Ontario
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Illustrator’s residence
: Quebec
Subjects
: Blind, Grandmothers, Identity, Multigenerational, Racially mixed people, Self-esteem and self-reliance

Macanudo #2

eb63e8320d1b2714fe56137c205007ccThis comic book is sure to delight lovers of witty, intellectual humor. With many different worlds throughout the book, readers will turn pages hoping to find their favorite characters such as Oliverio the Olive or Henrietta. Every strip was originally published in La Nación during 2003 and 2004 yet their themes still resonate with today’s audience. Pen and watercolor illustrations guide the reader through the clever adventures with multitudes of characters to love. amo
Title: Macanudo #2
Author: Liniers
Illustrator
: Liniers
Publisher
: Enchanted Lion Books
Copyright
: 2014
Original Language
: Spanish
Translator
: Mara Faye Lethem
Original Title
: Macanudo #2
Original Publisher
: Ediciones de la Flor S.R.L. 
Original Copyright
: 2004
ISBN
978-1-59270-169-8
Hardcover pages
: 104
Age range
: 12-18
Genre
: Comic Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Argentine
Author’s residence
: Argentina
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Argentine
Illustrator’s residence
: Argentina 
Subjects
: Adventures, Animals, Children, Emotions, Gnomes, Homes, Imagination,  Penguins, Seasons

The World Belongs To You

41R+vDw9rQL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpgIn this digitally illustrated book, readers will learn about freedom, love, happiness, sadness and pain. With a bright color scheme of yellow, green, red, pink, and white the illustrations show a simple reflection of life. The words reassure readers that their emotions and actions belong to them and they are free to feel they way they do. The freedom to play, grow, and learn is important to the theme and shown through ice cream cones and bicycles. The message is ideal for readers young and old who are looking for affirmation of their freedoms in this world. amo
Title: The World Belongs To You
Author: Riccardo Bozzi
Illustrator
: Olimpia Zagnoli
Publisher
: Templar Books 
Copyright
: 2013
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-0-7636-6488-6
Hardcover pages
: 40
Age range
: 6-10
Genre
: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Italian
Author’s residence
: Milan, Italy
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Italian
Illustrator’s residence
: Milan, Italy
Subjects
: Freedom, Happiness, Love, Pain, Sadness

 

La Madre Goose: Nursery Rhymes For Los Niños

la-madre-gooseClassic nursery rhymes are creatively reimagined in this bilingual picture book. The softly colored illustrations are absolutely adorable. Rhymes in this book include: “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, “Baa Baa Black Sheep”, “This Little Piggy Went to Market”, and other classics. This is perfect for teaching both English and Spanish. English Language Learners whose primary language is Spanish will be familiar with Spanish words while learners whose primary language is English will benefit from learning a second language. The book has a helpful glossary with definitions of Spanish words translated into English. It also includes explanations of how to pronounce the words. A great resource for teachers teaching the English or Spanish language to young students. ema


Title: La Madre Goose: Nursery Rhymes For Los Niños
Author: Susan Middleton Elya
Illustrator
: Juana Martinez-Neal 
Publisher
: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: English and Spanish
Original Copyright: 2016
ISBN: 978-0399251573
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range: 5-8
Genre
: Picture Book and Nursery Rhymes
Authors’ ethnicity: American
Authors’ residence
: California
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Peruvian
Illustrator’s residence
: Arizona
Subjects: Bilingual, Nursery Rhymes

Ticket To India

ticket-to-indiaAfter their grandmother’s death, twelve-year-old Maya and her older sister Zara set off on a mission from Delhi to their grandmother’s childhood home in Aminpur in northern India. They are looking for valuable heirlooms that are buried in a trunk on the property. The family left them decades earlier when they fled to Pakistan during Partition in 1947. Along the way, Maya is kidnapped, makes some very bad decisions, but ultimately finds the treasure and her inner bravery. Maya’s journal fills readers in on the backstory of India and Pakistan. A Map, a Glossary, an Author’s Note, and a Reading Group Guide are also included in this action novel packed with fascinating information about the history and culture of India and Pakistan. mjw
Title: Ticket To India
Author: N.H. Senzai
Publisher
: Simon and Schuster Books.  New York
Copyright
: 2015
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1-4814-2259-8
Paperback pages
: 304
Age range
: 8-12
Genre
: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Book setting
: Pakistan and India
Author’s ethnicity
: Indian
Author’s residence
: U.S.
Subjects
: Asia; Historical, Asia; Multigenerational; Partition, 1947

Lucy & Company

th_1771386622In this picture book, composed of three stories, Lucy adventures around town with her animal friends. They eat lunch, search for treasure, and help eggs hatch all while enjoying each other’s company. The muted water-color and pencil illustrations capture the youthful spirit of Lucy and her companions. Young readers will love the adorable narrative and enjoy the fun surprises throughout the book! amo
Title: Lucy & Company
Author: Marianne Dubuc
Illustrator
: Marianne Dubuc
Publisher
: Kids Can Press Ltd.
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: French
Original Title
: Lucie et cie
Original Publisher
: Comme des geants inc. 
Original Copyright
: 2015
ISBN
: 978-1-77138-662-3
Hardcover pages
: 56
Age range
: 3-6
Genre
: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Author’s residence
: Quebec, Canada
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Illustrator’s residence
: Quebec, Canada
Subjects
: Eggs, Picnics, Treasure

Metropolis

28120891Using both traditional and digital techniques, Benoit Tardif highlights the amazing differences that we see in many of the metropolises around the world. With 34 different cities in this non-fiction picture book, readers will take a trip around the world exploring sights, smells, and sounds as they flip through the pages. The cities are from every continent except Antarctica and show a fantastic variety of cultures. Beautiful world-map end papers show the location of all of the cities. With a table of contents and legend in the front of the book, as well as a glossary of foreign words at the end, readers will be highly informed after completing this book. amo
Title: Metropolis
Author: Benoit Tardif
Illustrator
: Benoit Tardif
Publisher
: Kids Can Press
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: French
Translator

Original Title
: Metropolis
Original Publisher
: Comme des geants inc. 
Original Copyright
: 2015
ISBN
: 978-1-7713-8721-7
Hardcover pages
: 72
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Non-Fiction, Picture Book
Book setting
: Around the World
Author’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Author’s residence
: Montreal, Canada
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Illustrator’s residence
: Montreal, Canada
Subjects
: Food, Landmarks, Metropolises, Sports

Hidden

HiddenAlix, 14, lives on quiet Hayling Island off the coast of England. One day at the beach, she and her friend Samir pull a drowning man out of the incoming tide. He is Mohammed, an asylum seeker, who was tortured by rebels in Iraq for helping the allied forces. Alix and Samir decide to hide Mohammed and, consequently, have to make choices that will determine whether Mohammed will live or die. Alix is a likeable and brave character who has problems of her own – Dad has left, Mom has a broken leg, and Grandfather just died. Samir is an Iraqi refugee who is bullied at their school. This thought-provoking book deals with important themes, like racism, immigration, diversity, and human rights.  mjw
Title: Hidden
Author: Miriam Halahmy
Publisher
: Holiday House
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: English
Original Publisher
: Albury Books
Original Copyright
: 2011
ISBN
: 978–0-8234-3694-1
Paperback pages
: 224
Age range
: 12 up
Genre
: Fiction
Book setting
: Hayling Island, England
Author’s residence
: London, England
Awards
: Nominated for the Carnegie Medal
Subjects
: Asylum seekers, Gangs, Human rights, Immigrants-England, Iraqi, Political refugees, Racism, Terrorism

The Only Road

51brebjihl-_sx329_bo1204203200_A timely novel gives a face to the immigrants that struggle to get from Central America into the United States. Jamie’s cousin, and best friend, Miguel is murdered by the local gang in Guatemala: the Alphas. They will come for Jamie and his cousin Ángela next unless they find a way to escape. Together the two frightened teens take the only road available to them; they ride a truck out of Guatemala into Mexico. From there they head on a long and arduous journey full of dangerous gangs, violence, and a few kind allies to find their way to the safety of the United States. The teens team up with others, including a dog named Vida, to find Jamie’s older brother in the United States. Throughout their journey Jamie draws the landscapes and people and even earns money for his pencil illustrations. Alexandra Diaz seamlessly intertwines Spanish phrases into the book including resources such as a glossary, an author’s note, further reading suggestions, and a bibliography at the end of the novel.  amo
Title: The Only Road
Author: Alexandra Diaz
Publisher
: Simon & Schuster Books
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: English (Spanish edition available)
ISBN
:978-1-4814-5750-7
Hardcover pages
: 320
Age range
: 8-12
Genre
: Fiction based on current events
Book setting
: Guatemala, Mexico, United States
Author’s ethnicity
: Cuban
Author’s residence
: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Awards; 2017 Pura Belpre Author Honor
Subjects
: Artwork, Dogs, Drawing, Family, Gangs, Immigration, Travel, Violence

The Tin Snail

The tin snailThis fun, fast-paced World War II adventure, told through the eyes of a teenage boy, is based on the true story of the Citroen 2CV car. In 1938, thirteen-year-old Angelo wants to help his father, who is a well-known auto designer, invent a car for everyday working people. After many failures and crashes, they, with the help of Angelo’s friend Camille and other villagers, build a prototype that will carry “a farmer, his wife, two chickens, a flagon of wine, and a dozen eggs safely across a bumpy fields.” War breaks out and testing the prototype, the Tin Snail, becomes difficult because the Nazis want to steal the design. Black-and–white chapter-heading drawings are a delightful addition. An epilogue, set at the Paris Motor Show of 1948, tells about the post-war development of the car and brings readers up to date with Angelo and Camille. A final chapter, The True Story Behind The Tin Snail, gives the events that inspired the story. mjw
Title: The Tin Snail
Author: Cameron McAllister
Illustrator
: Sam Usher
Publisher
: Delacorte Press
Copyright
: 2014
Original Language
: English
Original Publisher
: Random House Children’s Publishers UK, London
Original Copyright
: 2014
ISBN
: 978-0-553-53638-6
Hardcover pages
: 275
Age range
: 9-12
Genre
: Historical Fiction
Book setting
: France
Author’s ethnicity
: English
Author’s residence
: Brighton, England
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: English
Illustrator’s residence
: North London, England
Subjects
: Automobiles – design and construction, Cars, Europe, Fathers and sons, France, German occupation, Italians, Military and wars, Underground movements, World War II