Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Letter For The King

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As he waits in a chapel on the eve of his knighting ceremony, sixteen-year-old Tiuri is asked to deliver a secret letter to the king of the neighboring kingdom, Unauwen. Though leaving the chapel could cost him his knighthood, he goes on a lengthy journey to deliver a message which could change the destiny of the kingdoms of Unauwen and Dragonaut. This epic tale of heroism, bravery, and true friendship will intrigue readers who are fans of fantasy, mystery, and medieval literature. Dragt’s sequel, The Secrets Of The Wildwood, has also been translated into English. ema

Title: The Letter For The King Author: Tonke Dragt Illustrator: Tonke Dragt Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Copyright: 2014 Original Language: Dutch Translator: Laura Watkinson Original Title: De brief voor de koning Original Publisher: Uitgeverij Leopold Original Copyright: 1962 ISBN: 978-1-782690-10-8 Hardcover pages: 460 Age range: 12 up Genre: Fiction, Novel Author’s ethnicity: Born in Indonesia Author’s residence: The Netherlands Illustrator’s ethnicity: Born in Indonesia Illustrator’s residence: The Netherlands Awards: 2004 Gouden Griffel Winner, 1976 State Prize for Youth Literature, 1963 Children’s Book of the Year Award for the Netherlands Subjects: Action, Kings, Knights, Journeys, Medieval setting, Quests

Aladdin

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When Aladdin is tricked by his greedy magician uncle, he becomes trapped in a cave with a lighted lamp. As Aladdin plans what to do next, he accidentally rubs the lamp and a genie appears who promises to serve any of his requests! His wishes come true, but he has to learn how to fix things when his uncle acquires the lamp. This marvelous abbreviated retelling of Aladdin was created using gorgeous brown, blue, and black cut paper illustrations laid on lavishly gem colored background paper. ema

Title: Aladdin Author: from the Arabian Nights; retold by Sheri Safran Illustrator: Agnese Baruzzi Publisher: Tango Books Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English  ISBN:978-1857078732 Hardcover pages: 14 Age range: 5-7 Genre: Cut Paper Picture Book Illustrator’s ethnicity: Italian Illustrator’s residence: Bologna Subjects: Arabian Nights, Arabian, Fairytales, Folklore

Brother Hugo And The Bear

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Brother Hugo is unable to return his library book because it was consumed by a bear. The Abbot of Hugo’s monastery was very disappointed because he lost their only copy of St. Augustine’s letters. It is now Hugo’s responsibility to travel to a neighboring monastery to retrieve a copy of the cherished text, craft a new book, and return his library book on time without it becoming bear food again. These beautifully detailed illustrations resembling monks’ manuscripts were created using ink and watercolor. Brother Hugo And The Bear is loosely based on a true twelfth-century story  where the monk, Abbot Peter the Venerable, asked the neighboring monastery to send him St. Augustine’s letters because their volume was eaten by a bear. The book also features a historical note, a glossary of terms and people, an author’s note, and an illustrator’s note. ema

Title: Brother Hugo And The Bear Author: Katy Beebe Illustrator: S.D. Schindler Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-8028-5407-0 Hardcover pages: 34 Age range: 5-9 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Middle Ages France Author’s ethnicity: American Author’s residence: Texas Illustrator’s ethnicity: American Illustrator’s residence: Pennsylvania Awards: 2014 American Booksellers Association Best Books for Children Catalog, 2014 Society of Illustrators “The Original Art” annual exhibition, 2014  Kirkus Best of the Year, 2014 School Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 2014 Huffington Post Best Picture Books of the Year: Honorable Mention, A 2015 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, A 2015 Bank Street College Best Children’s Books of the Year Subjects:  Bears, Books, Manuscripts, Middle Ages, Monks, Reading

Peter Pan

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James Matthew Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan, a mischievous boy who can fly, and his adventures in Neverland with Wendy, Michael, and Peter Darling, is reimagined in this stunning unabridged volume. All new full-color illustrations and interactive 3-D inserts, such as a foldout map of Neverland, Peter’s shadow, Tinkerbell’s fairy wing, and a crocodile clock that tells time, bring to life the story of the boy who never grows up. The artwork is astounding. MinaLima is the London-based, award-winning graphic design studio best known for its involvement in the Harry Potter film franchise. mjw

Title: Peter Pan  Author: J. M. Barrie (1860-1937) Illustrator: Mina Lima Design – Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima Publisher: Harper Design, New York Copyright: 2015 Original Language: English Original Title: Peter Pan, Or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up Original Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton Original Copyright: 1904 ISBN: 978-0-06-236222-3 Hardcover pages: 256 Age range: 12-18 Genre: Fiction, Fantasy Book setting: London, England Author’s ethnicity: Scottish Illustrator’s residence: London, England Subjects: Brothers and sisters, Captain Hook, Coming of age, Dogs, Imaginary places, Motherhood, Pirates

In Search Of The Little Prince: The Story Of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

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In 1942,  Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wrote the beloved classic, The Little Prince. This picture book biography follows “Tonio” (what Saint-Exupéry is called in the book)  as he grows up to be a man who is fascinated by flying. Tonio becomes interested in writing when he is incapable of flying a plane any longer. He finds a new way to journey to far away places through his writing. The book features photographs of  Antoine at the beginning of the book, text explaining the inspiration for The Little Prince, and full-page illustrations with a lush palette of colors showcasing the vivid dreams and imagination of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s world. ema

Title: In Search Of The Little Prince: The Story Of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Author: Bimba Landmann Illustrator: Bimba Landmann Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Copyright: 2014 Original Language: Italian Translator: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Original Title: Antoine de Saint-Expéry in cerca del piccolo principe Original Publisher: Edizioni ARKA S.r.l., Via Raffaello Sanzio Original Copyright: 2013 ISBN: 978-0-8028-5435-3 Hardcover pages: 34 Age range: 6 up Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book  Book setting: France, Africa, and  New York Author’s ethnicity: Italian Author’s residence: Milan Illustrator’s ethnicity: Italian Illustrator’s residence: Milan Awards: A 2015 Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year Subjects: Air Pilots, Arts, Biography, French Authors, Writers

Halfway Home: Drawing My Way Through Japan

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At 15, the cartoonist-author traveled solo to Japan to stay with her grandparents who live in Kashiwa, a small city outside of Tokyo, to rediscover her roots. She was born in 1997 in Japan and lived there until 2003, when her American father and Japanese mother moved the family to the U.S. She explores Japan with her Baba (grandmother), but also ventures out alone. She visits the trendy Harajuku neighborhood of Tokyo, where she enjoys a Japanese crepe. She rides the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto to see the ancient Zen Temple of the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-Ji. Later, her family joins her and they travel to Tsukiji for sushi “worth waking up at 5 a.m.” for and to Shibuya to see the statue of the legendary dog, Hachiko. She is a smart observer. The book is a combination of expressive comics, illustrations, photos, and thoughtful and humorous prose. The title refers to her “somewhat feeling half at home in both Japan and America.” mjw

Title: Halfway Home: Drawing My Way Through Japan Author: Christine Mari Inzer Illustrator: Christine Mari Inzer Publisher: Naruhodo Press Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-9907014-8 Paperback pages: 102 Age range: 12 up Genre: Graphic Novel, Fiction Book setting: Japan Author’s ethnicity: Japanese-American, born in Tokyo Author’s residence: Connecticut, U.S. Illustrator’s ethnicity: Japanese-American, born in Tokyo Illustrator’s residence: Connecticut, U.S. Awards: 2015 Benjamin Franklin Silver Award – Best New Voice: Children’s and YA (Independent Book Publishers Association) Subjects: Coming of age, Cultural exploration, Grandparents, Identity, Memoir, Mixed-race issues, Travelogue

Slovenly Peter: Freely Translated Into English By Mark Twain

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Struwwelpeter (translated as “slovenly” or “shock-headed” Peter) is one of the most popular and influential children’s books ever written. It is the most widely published German book.  It has been translated into over 35 languages. Rhyming couplets and grotesque pictures portray the often gruesome consequences that befall children who misbehave. A boy who doesn’t groom himself is unpopular. A girl plays with matches and burns to death. A child, who won’t stop sucking his thumb, has both thumbs cut off. A boy, who refuses to eat his soup, wastes away and dies. Today’s children will distinguish these tales from reality and will probably even giggle. Also included are a Foreword by Mark Twain’s daughter (1934), an Introduction with information on how the book came to be written, and a note by Mark Twain (1891). Maurice Sendak said that Struwwelpeter is “graphically one of the most beautiful books in the world.” And Slovenly Peter’s influence is evident in Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands. mjw

Title: Slovenly Peter: Freely Translated Into English By Mark Twain Author: Heinrich Hoffmann (1809-1894) Illustrator: Fritz Kredel (1900-1973) Publisher: Calla Editions, an imprint of Dover Publications, Inc.   Mineola, New York Copyright: 2013 Original Language: German Translator: Mark Twain (1835-1910) Original Title: Der Struwwelpeter (or Shockheaded Peter) Original Publisher: Marchbanks Press, New York Original Copyright: 1935, 1845 ISBN: 978-1-60660-048-1 Hardcover pages: 34 Age range: 8-14 Genre: Poetry, Rhymed stories Author’s ethnicity: German Translator’s ethnicity: U.S. Illustrator’s ethnicity: German Subjects: Boys, Conduct of life, Exaggeration, Girls, Misbehavior, Morality tales, Morals, Nursery rhymes

Imelda and the Goblin King

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This entertaining story about fairies and goblins tells of adventurous Imelda, who helps her fairy friends devise a plan to turn the toothy, grumpy, mean, and greedy Goblin King into a worm. After he imprisons their Fairy Queen, he is given a chance to be generous, but he remains a bully, and so deserves what he gets. Vivid illustrations of the fairies, who come in all shapes, sizes, colors, genders, and hairstyles and the straightforward, crisp storytelling enrich this brand new fairytale. mjw

Title: Imelda And The Goblin King Author: Briony May Smith Illustrator: Briony May Smith Publisher: Flying Eye Books, an imprint of Nobrow Ltd., London Copyright: 2105 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-909263-65-9 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 5-7 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: English Author’s residence: Sandhurst, U.K. Illustrator’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s residence: Sandhurst, U.K. Subjects: Fairies, Fairytales and folklore, Goblins, Pie, Royalty

Dog Loves Books

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A small, expressive white dog loves books so much, he decides to open up his own bookstore in order to share this passion with others. At first, Dog feels melancholy when business is slow, so he occupies his time engaging in his favorite activity: reading. While engrossed in his imaginary adventures, Dog’s first customer enters the store and he recommends the perfect book. Charming soft pencil and watercolor drawings feature friendly dinosaurs and aliens Dog encounters while reading. This picture book is a treat for dog lovers and bibliophiles young and old. cc

Title: Dog Loves Books Author: Louise Yates Illustrator: Louise Yates Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Copyright: 2010 Original Language: English Original Publisher: Jonathan Cape Original Copyright: 2010 ISBN: 978-0-375-96449-7 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 3-7 Genre: Picture book Author’s ethnicity: British Author’s residence: United Kingdom Illustrator’s ethnicity: British Illustrator’s residence: United Kingdom Subjects: Books, Bookstores, Dogs, Imagination, Reading

 

The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story Of One Ordinary Bicycle

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In this amazing story about a red bike’s journey, Leo outgrows his bike and donates it to a charity which sends bikes to people in countries who cannot afford them. The bike touches all of the lives it encounters. The story invites readers to think about all of the ways a bicycle can help people.  The digitally-inspired illustrations incorporate elements of real acrylic and silkscreen textures. The book also includes excellent resources and activities for educators. ema

Title: The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story Of One Ordinary Bicycle Author: Jude Isabella Illustrator: Simone Shin Publisher:  CitizenKid, a trademark of Kids Can Press Ltd. Copyright:  2015 Original Language: English Original Publisher: Kids Can Press Ltd. Original Copyright: 2015 ISBN: 978-1-77138-023-2 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: North America, Ghana, and Burkina Faso Author’s ethnicity: Canadian Author’s residence: British Columbia Illustrator’s ethnicity: American Illustrator’s residence: San Francisco Bay Area Subjects: Africa, Altruism, Burkina Faso, Bicycles, Caring, Charities, Helping others, Working

Climbing The Stairs

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Fifteen year-old Vidya has aspirations of attending college, but this is rare for a girl living in British-occupied India during World War II. When misfortune falls upon Vidya’s family, they are forced to live with her father’s family which is a traditional Indian household where women are expected to be married and not educated. Vidya feels suffocated by the lifestyle, but she feels like she can breathe a bit easier when she discovers her grandfather’s library. In the library, Vidya gains a new friend who encourages her to pursue her education. Unfortunately, it is when Vidya finally feels that she finds some comfort in the house that her brother unexpectedly leaves. This  moving story about a young woman overcoming political and her own inner turmoils will effectively enlighten readers about Hindi words, traditions, religious festivals, and historical events that occurred during a critical time in Indian history. ema

Title: Climbing The Stairs Author: Padma Venkatraman Publisher: Speak, an imprint of Puffin Books Copyright: 2010 Original Language: English  ISBN: 978-0142414903 Paperback pages: 254 Age range: 12 up Genre: Historical Fiction Book setting: India during WWII Author’s ethnicity: Indian Author’s residence: America Awards: A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year, An ALA/YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, An 2009 ALA/Amelia Bloomer Book, A Book Sense Notable, A Publishers Weekly Flying Start Selection, A Booklist Editor’s Choice Subjects: Brain damage, British occupation of India, Gender roles, Prejudices, World War II

A Persistent Vine

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A retired Japanese magistrate’s family works together to make their new house’s garden their own. The magistrate and his wife are appalled when they learn from their daughter Morning Glory that morning glories are growing in their garden. The morning glories continue to grow despite their efforts to rid the plant. When Morning Glory’s parents pass away, she is left in charge of the house. Her uncle and servants become worried when they cannot find Morning Glory anywhere on the propriety. Morning Glory’s uncle and servants flee the propriety when they see that the morning glories have taken over the garden. Morning Glory’s identity has become a part of the morning glories in her garden. Illustrations are beautifully done in a mix of styles including acrylics, watercolors, and mixed media. There is a page explaining morning glories and other similar plants at the end of the book.  This is the first book in the Botanical Tales series, which is inspired by the Montessori material known as the Botany Cabinet. ema

Title: A Persistent Vine Author: Han Tran and Christinia Cheung Illustrator: Hsiao- Yen Chi Publisher: Hands-on-Prints Copyright: 2013 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0989014007 Hardcover pages: 36 Age range: 7 up Genre: Picture Book Book setting: Japan in the Heian Period Author’s residence: Both live in California Illustrator’s ethnicity: Taiwanese, born in Hong Kong Illustrator’s residence: California Awards: 2013 Winner of the Silver Moonbeam Children’s Book Award For Picture Book (‘All Ages’ Category) Subjects: Environment, Family, Female Protagonist, Flowers, Heian Period, Japan, Morning Glories, Nature, Teenage Girl