Tag Archives: Adventure

Rose Under Fire

Leave a reply

 

American Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) pilot, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and is sent to the women’s concentration camp, Ravenshrück. She finds solace in her “camp family” that encourages her  to write about medically experimented upon Polish women. Even in bleak circumstances, Rose finds beauty, bravery, and the hope she will tell the world what she has seen. This heart-wrenching companion  to Code Name Verity by the same author has stunning writing, fascinating characters, and gorgeous imagery. ema

Title: Rose Under Fire Author:  Elizabeth Wein Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Copyright: 2013 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-4231-8309-9 Hardcover pages: 368 Age range: Young Adult Genre: Historical Fiction Book setting: England, Scotland, France, and Germany in WWII Author’s ethnicity: English; born in New York City Author’s residence: Scotland Awards: 2014 Schneider Family Book Award Winner, 2014 Josette Frank Award Winner, 2014 Boston Globe/Horn Book Award Honor Book, 2014 Golden Kite Award Honor Book Subjects: Adventure, Air Pilots, Concentration Camps, Death, Families, Flying, Female Friendships, Friends, Historical Fiction, Hope, Language, Nazis, Planes, Poetry,  Relationships,  War, Women Air Pilots, World War II

Code Name Verity

Leave a reply

A British pilot’s plane crashes down in Nazi occupied France. “Kittyhawk” has a chance of survival, but her friend “Verity” is unlikely to survive. Verity is captured by the Gestapo and can either reveal her mission or be gruesomely tortured. Careful attention to historical detail makes Verity and Kittyhawk’s story believable. This riveting tale told in journal entries with literary references and plot twists is about a beautiful friendship forged in a dark time in history. ema

Title: Code Name Verity Author: Elizabeth Wein Publisher:  Disney-Hyperion Copyright: 2012 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1423152194 Hardcover pages: 352 Age range: 14 up Genre: Historical Fiction Book setting: England, France, and Scotland  Author’s ethnicity: American; grew up abroad Author’s residence: Scotland Awards:UK Literary Association Award Winner, 2013 Edgar Award Winner, 2013 Printz Honor Book, 2012 Boston Globe/Horn Book Award Honor Book, Shortlisted for the 2013 CILIP Carnegie Award, Golden Kite Award Honor Book, Shortlisted for the 2012 Scottish Children’s Book Award Subjects: Adventure, Air Pilots, Espionage, Families, Flying, Female Friendships, Friends, Historical Fiction, Language, Nazis, Planes, Spies, War, Women Air Pilots, World War Two

The Blue Whale

Leave a reply

Readers will feel like they are on a fantastic journey with the little boy who is also reading The Blue Whale. Illustrations are helpful in conveying  the size of a whale, and the use of images and comparisons gives the perfect visualization of the enormousness of a blue whale in relation to everyday objects. The rich and playful illustrations are well woven with fascinating facts about the “largest living creature on our planet”. ema

Title: The Blue Whale Author: Jenni Desmond Illustrator: Jenni Desmond Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books Copyright: 2015 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-59270-165-0 Hardcover pages: 48 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: English Author’s residence: London Illustrator’s ethnicity: English  Illustrator’s residence: London Subjects: Animals, Blue Whales, Ecology, Endangered Species, Facts, Nonfiction, Ocean, Pollution, Protected Species, Science, Water, Whales, Wildlife

Once Upon An Alphabet: Short Stories For All The Letters

Leave a reply

There is a unique story for every letter of the alphabet in this clever large-format book. A is about an astronaut named Edmund who has a fear of heights. B’s story is about battling Bernard and Bob who burned the bridge between them and learned an important lesson. E’s enigma asks how many elephants can you fit inside an envelope? A nun reveals the answer in N – nearly nine thousand, but it depends on the size of the envelope. Edmund the astronaut appears again in Z for zeppelin, where he drives a steady four feet from the ground. Offbeat wordplay and quirky drawings created with ink and spots of color added digitally enrich this sophisticated alphabet book. mjw

Title: Once Upon An Alphabet: Short Stories For All The Letters Author: Oliver Jeffers Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers Publisher: Philomel Books Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English  Original Publisher: Harper Collins, U.K. Original Copyright: 2014 ISBN: 978-0-399-16791-1 Hardcover pages: 112 Age range: 5-12 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Born in Australia.  Bred in Belfast, Ireland Author’s residence: Brooklyn, U.S. Illustrator’s ethnicity: Born In Australia.  Bred in Belfast, Ireland Illustrator’s residence: Brooklyn, U.S. Awards: 2015 CBI Book of the Year Award and Children’s Choice Award (Ireland), 2015 ALA Notable Books for Children Subjects: Alliteration, Alphabet, Letters, Short stories

Moribito: Guardian Of The Spirit

Leave a reply

Balsa is a formidable warrior. After she saves the Second Prince of New Yogo, Chagum, from an attempt on his life, the Second Queen hires Balsa to protect her son. The eleven year old second prince is the guardian of the water spirit, the Moribito. The Moribito is chosen every hundred years to deliver the egg of the water spirit to its home. Although Balsa realises taking the assignment puts herself in danger, Balsa’s heart empathizes with the innocent Chagum, and she vows to protect his life. This thrilling fantasy story based on Japan during the Middle Ages told in third person narrative from multiple viewpoints will captivate readers. Uehashi’s writing demonstrates that characters’  motives, desires, and actions do not always align. Moreover, this book illustrates  how differences in politics, traditions, histories, ethnicities and beliefs can impact people’s thoughts and actions.This English translated edition also features black and white action packed illustrations at the beginning of each part of the book, a glossary of character names, a list of places and terms, and a note from the author. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit is the first book in a ten book fantasy series. There is also a manga series, and a subtitled and dubbed anime series in English based on the book series.      ema

Title: Moribito: Guardian Of The Spirit Author: Nahoko Uehashi Illustrator: Yuko Shimizu Publisher: Scholastic Copyright: 2009 Original Language: Japanese Translator: Cathy Hirano Original Title: Seirei no Moribito Original Publisher: Kaisei-sha Original Copyright: 1996 ISBN: 978-0545005432 Paperback pages:  288 Age range: 12 up Genre: Fantasy Book setting: Middle Ages Japan Author’s ethnicity: Japanese Author’s residence: Japan Illustrator’s ethnicity: Japanese Illustrator’s residence: New York Awards: 1997 Sankei Children’s Book Award, 2009 Batchelder Award, 2009 Beacon Award, 2014 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing  Subjects: Displaced indigenous people, Family, Fantasy, Fathers, Fiction, Friends, Japan,  Middle Ages, Monsters, Mothers, Princes, Religious tolerance, Spirits,Traditions, Water Spirits

Shackleton’s Journey

Leave a reply

This large-format picture book tells of the rewards and trials of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 landmark expedition across Antarctica on the “Endurance.” The very detailed story includes the names of the dogs and all the crew, and quotations from crew members. Inventories of supplies, maps, and plans of the anatomy of the ship help to communicate this extraordinary journey. The unique, meticulous colored-pencil drawings in mostly blacks, blues, and browns evoke the adventure and excitement of the expedition. The ample use of white captures the snow and ice of the polar region. Included are a Table of Contents, and a Glossary of bolded words that appear in the text, such as crow’s nest, glacier, and sledge. mjw

Title: Shackleton’s Journey Author: William Grill Illustrator: William Grill Publisher: Flying Eye Books, an imprint of Nobrow Ltd., London, New York Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-909263-10-9 Hardcover pages: 80 Age range: 7-11 Genre: Picture Book, Nonfiction, Information Book setting: Antarctica Author’s ethnicity: English Author’s residence: London Illustrator’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s residence: London Awards: 2015 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, AOI Illustration New Talent Award Winner, 2014 NY Times Best illustrated Children’s Book Award, 2015 USBBY Outstanding International Book,  Wall Street Journal Best Children’s Book of 2014. Subjects: Antarctica; Biography; Exploration and discovery; Explorers; Polar regions; Shackleton, Ernest Henry, Sir (1874-1922); Ships

Anything Is Possible

Leave a reply

When Sheep sees birds flying overhead, she wants to build a flying machine so that she can fly, too. She runs to Wolf to ask for his help, but he is skeptical. Together they build their first design. Its fabric wings rip mid-flight. They try balloons, but the birds pop them. Their final winning idea involves a dragon’s head and tail. And they are off – soaring. The dragon has scared away the birds. The paper cutout, ink, and pencil collage illustrations are intriguing, with architectural drawings, mathematical scribbles, and interesting perspectives. mjw

Title: Anything Is Possible Author: Giulia Belloni Illustrator: Marco Trevisan Publisher: Owlkids Books, Inc.  Toronto Copyright: 2011 Original Language: Italian Translator: William Anselmi Original Title: Tutte e possibile Original Publisher: Kite Edizioni, Padova, Italy Original Copyright: 2011 ISBN: 978-1-926973-91-3 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-7 Genre: Picture book Author’s ethnicity: Italian Author’s residence: Italy Illustrator’s ethnicity: Italian Illustrator’s residence: Italy Subjects: Dreams, Flying machines, Perseverance, Persistence, Sheep, Teamwork, Wolves

Walking Home

Leave a reply

Thirteen-year-old Muchoki and his seven-year-old sister Jata lived, attended school, and played in their bustling Kenyan village until political violence broke out in 2007. Their father was killed, their village was destroyed, and they were forced to move into an overcrowded refugee camp with their ailing mother. When their mother died, they set off on what seemed like an impossible journey over 150 kilometers of Kenyan wilderness and slums to find their grandparents they had never met. It was a dangerous journey for the loveable and brave siblings. Tribal fighting, wild animals, and finding food and shelter were some of the obstacles they faced. The interesting overview of the cultural, political, and geographical landscape of Kenya in this story is filled with determination, charity, and faith. The author walked the same route himself from Mara, up the Rift Valley, down to Nairobi, through Kibera, along the Mombasa highway, to the mountains of Kikima. The author’s website www.ericwalterswalkinghome.com brings Jata and Muchoki’s trek alive. There are symbols throughout the book indicating when readers might want to access the site’s special features, such as pictures, maps, videos, songs, and readings. Proceeds from the book go to the Creation of Hope, an organization that helps provide for orphans in Kenya. mjw

Title: Walking Home Author: Eric Walters Publisher: Doubleday Canada Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0385-68157-5 Paperback pages: 304 Age range: 10 up Genre: Fiction Book setting: Kenya Author’s ethnicity: Canadian Author’s residence: Ontario, Canada Awards: 2013 Children’s Africana Book Award Subjects: Brothers and sisters, Kenya, Nairobi, Orphans, Political violence, Refugees, Survival

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition

Leave a reply

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the story of “crackpot” Commander Caractacus Pot, his wife Mimsie, their twins Jeremy and Jemima, and their magical flying car. A first drive in their new car, with license plates Gen II (genii), takes them to Dover Beach for a picnic, Goodwin Sands in the English Channel, and eventually Calais on the French coast. There, they explore a deep cave, which turns out to be an ammunition dump used by Joe the Monster and his criminal gang. Jeremy and Jemima get kidnapped and a famous Paris chocolate shop is almost robbed, but all turns out well. And a recipe for Monsieur Bon Bon’s Secret Fooj (fudge) is included. Filled with humor, hi-jinks, and even some scientific information, the action-packed fantasy is complete with the original Burningham artwork, which is a beautiful combination of photography and illustration. This timeless story has been reinvented as a musical (2002), a film with a screenplay co-written by Roald Dahl (1968), and has inspired three sequels written by Frank Cottrell Boyce. This is the 50th anniversary full-color gift edition.mjw

Title: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition Author: Ian Fleming (1908-1964) Illustrator: John Burningham Publisher: Candlewick Press, Somerville, Massachusetts Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English Original Copyright: 1964 ISBN: 978-0-7636-6678-1 Hardcover pages: 176 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Fiction, Fantasy Book setting: England, France Author’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s residence: North London Awards: Illustrator has won the Kate Greenaway Medal, 1963,1970: UK Nominee for Hans Christian Andersen Award, 1980,1986 Subjects: Action. Adventure, Gangsters, Humor, Magic, Transportation

Waffle Hearts: Lena and Me in Mathildewick Cove

Leave a reply

Nine-year-olds Trille and Lena live in the wonderful fjord-side village of Mathildewick Cove in Norway. They have crazy adventures and learn about love, friendship, loss, and loyalty. Lena is feisty and fearless and lives with her mum. Trille, the narrator, is sensitive and sensible and lives with his parents, three siblings, and Grandpa. One delightful escapade is when Lena and Trille create Noah’s “shark” on Uncle Tor’s fishing boat with a load of village animals. Another involves placing an ad for a dad for Lena in the local General Store window and getting a puppy instead. And of course, Auntie Granny makes the best waffles in the world! Silhouette illustrations grace the cover and the start of each of twenty short chapters. There is a smattering of Norwegian culture, which is interesting and lovely. Written in true Scandinavian style, this book is perfect for fans of Pippi Longstocking. It has also been made into a popular television series in Norway.  A U.S. edition, Adventures With Waffles, was published in 2015, by Candlewick.  mjw

Title: Waffle Hearts: Lena and Me in Mathildewick Cove Author: Maria Parr Illustrator: Kate Forrester Publisher: Walker Books Ltd, London Copyright: 2013 Original Language: Norwegian Translator: Guy Puzey Original Title: Vaffelhjarte Original Publisher: Det Norske Samlaget, Oslo Original Copyright: 2005 ISBN: 978-1-4063-4136-2 Hardcover pages: 240 Age range: 9-11 Genre: Fiction Book setting: Norway Author’s ethnicity: Norwegian Author’s residence: Norway Illustrator’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s residence: Brighton, England Translator’s ethnicity: Scotch Translator’s residence: Scotland Awards: 2015 Marsh Translation Award shortlist, 2010 Prix Sorcieres (French), 2009 Brage Prize (Norwegian), 2008 Zilveren Griffel (Dutch) Subjects: Best friends, Grandparents, Single parents, Waffles

Alice In Wonderland

Leave a reply

Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice and enter her dream world of Wonderland, where fantasy reigns and the rules of reality disappear. The unforgettable cast of characters – the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and the Caterpillar – are gloriously brought to life. Originally released in 1865, Alice has become a timeless classic. This oversized edition features bold text and explosive illustrations that dramatically capture Lewis Carroll’s magic and poetry. The artist, Manuela Adreani, has also illustrated Snow White, The Wizard of Oz, and Pinocchio. mjw

Title: Alice In Wonderland Author: Lewis Carroll ( 1832-1898)  Text adapted by Giada Francia. Illustrator: Manuela Adreani Publisher: White Star Publishers Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English Original Copyright: 1865 ISBN: 978-88-544-0820-3 Hardcover pages: 80 Age range: 6 up Genre: Fantasy, Illustrated book Author’s ethnicity: English Illustrator’s ethnicity: Italian Illustrator’s residence: Italy Subjects: Adventure, Fantasy, Nonsense

The Gruffalo’s Child and The Gruffalo, Gift Slipcase

Leave a reply

This new, deluxe slip-cased edition of The Gruffalo’s Child and The Gruffalo is covered in shiny blue foil and features silhouette artwork by Axel Scheffler. The award-winning stories about a clever little mouse outwitting a hungry fox, a not-so-wise owl, and a sinister snake in the deep, dark wood have been delighting children and adults since 1999. The books have been translated into over fifty languages and made into Oscar-nominated films. Repetitious, rhyming text and cartoonlike watercolor, colored-pencil, and ink illustrations bring the lovable creatures to life in these favorite, humorous tales. mjw

Title: The Gruffalo’s Child and The Gruffalo, Gift Slipcase Author: Julia Donaldson Illustrator: Axel Scheffler Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English Original Copyright: 1999 The Gruffalo, 2004 The Gruffalo’s Child ISBN: 978-1-4472-8089-7 The Gruffalo, 978-1-4472-8090-3 The Gruffalo’s Child Hardcover pages: 32, 32 Age range: 3 up Genre: Picture book Author’s ethnicity: English Author’s residence: England and Scotland Illustrator’s ethnicity: German Illustrator’s residence: England Awards: 1999 Nestle Smarties Prize, 2000 Blue Peter Award, 2005 Children’s Book of the Year (G.C), 2011-2013 British Children’s Laureate (Julia Donaldson) Subjects: Foxes, Mice, Nuts, Owls, Rhyme, Snakes