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Mouse’s First Night At Moonlight School
 Owl, Cat, Bat, and Mouse all attend the one-room Moonlight School, but Mouse hides behind a curtain and is too shy to even say hello. Her wee nocturnal classmates are impressed with Mouse’s hiding skills and suggest a game of hide-and-seek. Owl, Cat, and Bat are easy to find, but it takes some time before Mouse is discovered hiding in her teacher’s hat. Mouse is praised for being the best at hiding and she decides that she likes school after all. This sweet story about first-day jitters and making new friends is brightened by colorful digitally created illustrations. mjw |
| Title: Mouse’s First Night At Moonlight School Author: Simon Puttock Illustrator: Ali Pye Publisher: Nosy Crow, and imprint of Candlewick Copyright: 2015 Original Language: English Original Publisher: Nosy Crow, London Original Copyright: 2014 ISBN: 978-0-7636-7607 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 3-7 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Scottish Author’s residence: Edinburgh, Scotland Illustrator’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s residence: London, England Awards: 2106 Scottish Children’s Book Award Subjects: Bashfulness, Mice, Schools |
How Love Was Born
 Myths are “fanciful explanations of the mysteries of the universe and nature, as told by native people all over the world”. This picture book is adapted from a myth about how love was born. After the day is done and ready for bed, the night comes out dressed with stars. When the night sees the moon, she always welcomes her out to dance. The moon shows her love for life through her various dances. As people gaze at the moon, they feel like they are falling in love. The simplistically beautiful text and illustrations will have readers falling in love with this Puerto Rican tale. ema |
| Title: How Love Was Born Author: Mrinali Álvarez Astacio Illustrator: Mrinali Álvarez Astacio Publisher: University of Puerto Rico Press Copyright: 2010 Original Language: Spanish Translator: Raquel S. Arato Original Title: De como nacio el amor Original Publisher: University of Puerto Rico Press Original Copyright: 2009 ISBN: 978-0-8477-1612-8 Hardcover pages: 23 Age range: 4 up Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Puerto Rican Author’s residence: Puerto Rico Illustrator’s ethnicity: Puerto Rican Illustrator’s residence: Puerto Rico Subjects: Ancient times, Love, Moon, Myths, Night, Sun |
Heidi: The Years Of Learning And Travel
 Young, orphaned Heidi lives with her Aunt Dete, but is taken to live with her good-hearted, but grumpy, grandfather in the mountains. Grandfather mistrusts everyone and hopes to protect Heidi from the evils of the world. Heidi makes friends with Peter, the goatherd, and they live in their idyllic mountain world until Dete appears again to take Heidi to Frankfurt (Germany) to live with Fraulein Rottenmeier and work as a companion to her granddaughter Clara, who cannot walk. Heidi suffers from homesickness and eventually returns to her grandfather. Heidi and Clara keep in touch and Clara visits to experience the joy and healing power of the mountains. Gorgeous watercolor paintings take readers to the Swiss Alps and reflect the beauty of the region as described by Spyri in this classic story. An Afterword by Verena Rutschmann, head of research at the Swiss Institute of Media for Children and Young Adults, provides more information about the novel, which is the most popular piece of Swiss literature ever written. A condensed, illustrated young readers’ edition (2009, paperback 2015) is also available. mjw |
| Title: Heidi: The Years Of Learning And Travel Author: Johanna Spyri (1827-1901) Illustrator: Maja Dusikova Publisher: North South Books, Inc, an imprint of NordSud Verlag AG, Zurich Switzerland Copyright: 21105 Original Language: German Original Title: Originally published in two parts. Heidi’s Lehr und Wonderjahre and Heidi Kann brauchen, was es gallant hat Original Copyright: 1881 ISBN: 978-0-7358-4250-2 Hardcover pages: 162 Age range: 5 up Genre: Fiction Book setting: Switzerland, Germany Author’s ethnicity: Swiss Author’s residence: Lived in Zurich, Switzerland Illustrator’s ethnicity: Born in Czechoslovakia Illustrator’s residence: Florence, Italy Subjects: Alps, Swiss; Grandfather; Grandparent and child; Mountain life; Orphans |
Alone In The Forest
 Young Musa sets off alone from his village to gather firewood. He hears a loud noise and becomes terrified. He hides in the hollow of a tree, feeling lost and alone. A tiny squirrel and a peaceful cow help Musa return home, courageous and enriched by his experience. Bold, outlined forms in muted natural colors by talented Gond folk artist, Bhajju Shyam, contribute to the expressive storytelling. mjw |
| Title: Alone In The Forest Author: Gita Wolf and Andrea Anastasio Illustrator: Bhajju Shyam Publisher: Tara Books. Chennai, India Copyright: 2012 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-81-923171-5-1 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 4 up Genre: Picture Book Book setting: India Author’s ethnicity: Gita Wolf – Indian Author’s residence: Gita Wolf – India Illustrator’s ethnicity: Indian – Gond tribe Illustrator’s residence: Bhopal, India Subjects: Asia, Fear, Forests and forestry, India, Self-esteem, Self respect |
Little Night Cat
When the local animal shelter is in need of donations for their fundraiser, Tony rises to the occasion and donates his stuffed animals. He also gives away his favorite toy cat to help raise money for the needy dogs and cats. Later, Tony’s mother sees that Tony has a difficult time falling asleep without his cat. She gives her son her old stuffed cat. Tony adores the stuffed cat Paul and misses him while he is at school. One day when Tony returns home, he is visited by an old friend. This tender and warming story has beautiful realistic styled illustrations. The author, who has received a Batchelder Honor, also includes the sheet music for the song that Tony hums at the end. This book about giving and friendship is truly unforgettable. ema
Title: Little Night Cat
Author: Sonja Danowski
Illustrator: Sonja Danowski
Publisher: North South
Copyright: 2016
Original Language: German
Translator: David Henry Wilson
ISBN: 978-0-7358-4216-8
Hardcover pages: 48
Age range: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Authors’ ethnicity: German
Authors’ residence: Berlin
Illustrator’s ethnicity: German
Illustrator’s residence: Berlin
Subjects: Animal Shelter, Cats, Donating, Making A Difference, Stuffed Animals, Volunteering
When Mischief Came To Town
 It’s 1911 Denmark, and ten-year-old Inge Maria Jensen has been sent to the sleepy island of Bornholm to live with her grandmother on her farm. It is nothing like Copenhagen, where Inge Maria lived in an apartment with servants. Her grandmother is stern and serious and has Inge Maria working in the stables and the kitchen. At school, spirited Inge Maria defies her dull teacher, befriends some rowdy children, and can’t help doing the unexpected. Over time, she and her grandmother love and support each other and create a new life together. Inge Maria is a charming and exuberant girl whose happy mischief and zest for life awaken the whole town. This quick-paced, easy read captures early twentieth century rural Danish culture and includes references to the fairytales of Hans Christian Andersen. mjw |
| Title: When Mischief Came To Town Author: Katrina Nannestad Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Copyright: 2015 Original Language: English Original Title: The Girl Who Brought Mischief Original Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers, Australia Original Copyright: 2013 ISBN: 978-0-544-53432-2 Hardcover pages: 192 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Historical Fiction Book setting: Bornholm, Denmark, 1911 Author’s ethnicity: Grew up in New South Wales. Australia Author’s residence: Australia Awards: 2014 Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature, CBCA Notable Book Subjects: Death and dying, Grandmothers, Grief, History, Imagination, Multigenerational, Music, Orphans |
Hound And Hare
 Hounds and hares don’t get along in the town of Great Bone because of an old feud. Teens Hugo Hound and Harley Hare both want to participate in the Big Race, but their parents don’t approve. They do enter the race and are both in the lead when a terrible thunderstorm breaks out. Hugo is terrified of the storm and Harley panics when he discovers that they are lost. By working together, they find their way home, share the first prize, and become the heroes of the day. Funny, colored pencil and ink cartoon style drawings complement the lively text in this picture book/early chapter book. The endpapers feature a map of the town. mjw |
| Title: Hound And Hare Author: Rotraut Susanne Berner Illustrator: Rotraut Susanne Berner Publisher: Groundwood Books, House of Anansi Press Copyright: 2011 Original Language: German Translator: Shelley Tanaka Original Title: Hund & Hase Original Publisher: Jacoby and Stuart Original Copyright: 22009 ISBN: 978-0-88899-987-0 Hardcover pages: 80 Age range: 6-9 Genre: Picture Book/ Early Chapter Book Author’s ethnicity: German Author’s residence: Germany Illustrator’s ethnicity: German Illustrator’s residence: Germany Awards: 2016 Hans Christian Andersen Award, 2006 German Youth Literature Prize for her work as a whole Subjects: Community, Conflict resolution, Cooperation, Dogs, Hares, Hounds, Rabbits, Running races, Racing, Thunderstorms |
Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions Of Trees
 Wangari Maathai received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 for starting the Green Belt Movement, dedicated to planting trees, protecting the environment, and promoting women’s rights. This beautiful picture book biography describes her early life when she went to school at a time when very few African women even learned to read. She eventually studied in the United States and earned her Ph.D. from the University of Nairobi in 1971. Besides planting trees all over Kenya, she organized the environmental party to defeat the corrupt Kenyan government in 2002. Dramatic and vibrant stylized art, with African textile patterns, helps celebrate Maathai’s life and accomplishments. Extensive back matter includes a timeline of her life with photographs, a map of Africa, information on Kenya today and deforestation, quotations from her autobiography and Nobel lecture, and helpful websites. mjw |
| Title: Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions Of Trees Author: Franck Prevot Illustrator: Aurelia Fronty Publisher: Charlesbridge. Watertown, Massachusetts Copyright: 2015 Original Language: French Translator: Dominique Clement Original Title: Wangari Maathai: la femme qui plantait des millions d’arbres Original Publisher: Editions Rue du Monde Original Copyright: 2012 ISBN: 978-1-58089-626-9 Hardcover pages: 48 Age range: 6-9 Genre: Picture Book Biography Book setting: Kenya Author’s ethnicity: French Author’s residence: France Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Illustrator’s residence: France Awards: 2016 Children’s Africana Book Award Subjects: Environmentalists, Green Belt Movement, Kenya, Multicultural, Novel Peace Prize, Trees, Women |
Life Without Nico
Maia and Nico are the best of pals. Then the unimaginable happens, Nico’s family has to move away temporarily. A huge hole grows in Maia’s heart after he leaves. She cannot imagine her heartache going away. Time passes and the hole in Maia’s heart slowly shrinks. As Nico’s return approaches, Maia worries that she will not have the room for Nico in her life anymore.The cool greens, blues, and earth-toned illustrations set the perfect stage for this heartwarming story about how friendships can evolve and remain unchanged. ema
Title: Life Without Nico
Author: Andrea Maturana
Illustrator: Francisco Javier Olea
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Copyright: 2016
Original Language: Spanish
Translator: Kids Can Press translation
Original Title: La vida sin Santi
Original Publisher: Fondo de Cultura Económica
Original Copyright: 2016
ISBN: 978-1-77138-611-1
Hardcover pages: 36
Age range: 4 up
Genre: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity: Chilean
Author’s residence: Chile
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Chilean
Illustrator’s residence: Chile
Subjects: Best Friends, Missing Someone, Moving
Tua And The Elephant
 While looking around the Night Market in her hometown of Chiang Mai, Thailand, ten-year-old Tua (Thai for “peanut”) sees an elephant being mistreated and knows she must rescue her from the abusive mahouts (elephant trainers) who own her. Tua is a clever, courageous, and big-hearted girl who bonds with the elephant she names Pohn-Pohn. The villains are evil, but also inept and Tua repeatedly outsmarts them. Other characters include her loving and hard-working single mother, the funny Auntie Orchid (the finest actress in Thailand –at least in her eyes), and many lively and colorful family members, farmers, and Buddhist monks who help Tua on her adventure. All ends well as Tua finally gets Pohn-Pohn to the sanctuary of an elephant refuge. Charcoal, linoleum block print, and photo- shopped illustrations in golds and purples reveal much about the culture and people of Thailand. mjw |
| Title: Tua And The Elephant Author: R.P. Harris Illustrator: Taeeun Yoo Publisher: Chronicle Books. San Francisco, California Copyright: 2012 Original Language: English ISBN: 978- 0-8118-7781-7 Hardcover pages: 208 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Fiction Book setting: Chiang Mai, Thailand Author’s residence: Shanghai, China Illustrator’s ethnicity: Korean Illustrator’s residence: New York Subjects: Adventure, Animal rescue, Animal sanctuaries, Animal welfare, Asia, Asiatic elephants, Elephants, Thailand |
Beatrix Potter And The Unfortunate Tale Of A Borrowed Guinea Pig
 This “picture letter” introduces Beatrix Potter and her menagerie of pets. Young Beatrix borrows her neighbor’s guinea pig, Queen Elizabeth, for a model to draw, but she gets distracted from her artwork, and the guinea pig eats most of her art supplies and dies. Beatrix then confesses her mistake and gives her neighbor a little watercolor painting of a guinea pig. Potter’s books and journal entries inspired both the story and the delightful pen and watercolor illustrations. An author’s note includes photographs, more information about Beatrix Potter’s life and work, and the story behind a painting of a guinea pig by Potter that sold for more than $85,000 in 2011. mjw |
| Title: Beatrix Potter And The Unfortunate Tale Of A Borrowed Guinea Pig Author: Deborah Hopkinson Illustrator: Charlotte Voake Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books, New York Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-385-37325-8 Hardcover pages: 44 Age range: 8-10 Genre: Picture Book Biography Book setting: London Author’s ethnicity: American Author’s residence: U.S. Illustrator’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s residence: U.K. Subjects: Authors, Biography, Humor, Guinea pigs |
