Tag Archives: Animals

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

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

Lemon Butterfly

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This abstract and artsy picture book is an amazing picture book because both the author and the illustrator have won the Hans Christian Andersen Award. A lemon butterfly searches for a field of flowers. To a butterfly, a field of flowers is the most beautiful thing in the world. The butterfly searches through real and imagined landscapes until it finally finds the water where it becomes a lemon butterfly fish.  There are many lessons along the way. Most of the illustrations are rendered in vivid colors, with a few being only black and white graphic forms. mjw

Title: Lemon Butterfly Author: Cao Wenxuan Illustrator: Roger Mello Publisher: Reycraft Books. New York Copyright: 2020 Original Language: Chinese Original Publisher: China Children’s Press and Publication Group. China Original Copyright: 2020 ISBN: 978-1-4788-6975-7 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-7 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Chinese Author’s residence: China Illustrator’s ethnicity: Brazilian Illustrator’s residence: Brazil Awards: Both author and illustrator have won the Hans Christian Andersen Award Subjects: Butterflies, Fish, Flowers, Horses, Insects, Mountains, Rivers

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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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

Festivals And Traditions In Switzerland

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This fascinating book takes you on a journey through a year in Switzerland. Starting with the New Year’s Mummers Procession in Appenzel Ausserrhoden with the Uglies, Pretties, and Pretty-Uglies costumes, which are made only of material from nature and ending with Christmas traditions like Yule log cakes,  bell-ringing, giant top hats, frankincense, and Christmas decorations. This amazing book thoroughly describes the many celebrations that occur throughout the year. On the journey, you’ll encounter brass bands, terrifying masks, shepherds, men dressed as trees, fast pigs, bareback riders, and much, much more. The illustrations are colorful, detailed, and entertaining. An Afterword explains even more. A section of Information and Tips provides dates and even times for travelers going to Switzerland. Also included is a list of customs and celebrations according to cantons, or states. mjw

Title: Festivals And Traditions In Switzerland Author: Barbara Piatti Illustrator: Yvonne Rogenmoser Publisher: NorthSouth Copyright: 2020 Original Language: German Translator: Mary Carozza Original Title: Feste & Brauche in der Schweiz Original Publisher: Nordsud Verlag Original Copyright: 2019 ISBN: 978-0-7358-4416-2 Hardcover pages: 96 Age range: 4-12 Genre: Information book, Nonfiction, Picture book Book setting: Switzerland Author’s residence: Basel, Switzerland Illustrator’s residence: Zurich, Switzerland Subjects: Celebrations, Holidays, Switzerland

The Little Wolves

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Four little wolves venture out of their cave alone, while their mother is off hunting. They sniff the forest-scented darkness and see the towering pine trees. They come to a lake and are puzzled by their reflection in the water. They befriend a hedgehog and they even escape a hunter. The wolf babies finally hear their mother’s howl and find the opening to their cave. Mother Wolf is worried sick about her babies. The four little wolves lower their heads and put their tails between their legs and soon all is forgiven. The watercolor illustrations are truly magical. mjw

Title: The Little Wolves Author: Svenja Herrmann Illustrator: Jozef Wilkon Publisher: NorthSouth Books, Inc. New York Copyright: 2020 Original Language: German Translator: David Henry Wilson Original Title: Wolfskinder Original Publisher: NordSud Verlag AG. Zurich, Switzerland Original Copyright: 2020 ISBN: 978-0-7358-4397-4 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture book Author’s ethnicity: German Author’s residence: Zurich, Switzerland Illustrator’s ethnicity: Polish Illustrator’s residence: Warsaw, Poland Subjects: Baby animals, Wolf, Wolves

The Suitcase

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A strange, tired, sad, and frightened animal arrives one day pulling a big suitcase. When a bird asks what’s in the suitcase, the animal replies that there is a teacup, a chair, and a kitchen in a wooden cabin. The animal takes a rest and the other animals, who don’t believe him, break open the suitcase and find a broken teacup and an old photograph. When the animal wakes up, he can’t believe what the other animals have done.  They then fix his suitcase the best they can. The strange animal exclaims that it is perfect, but that they don’t have enough teacups for everyone. This powerful story about migration, hope, kindness, and trust, with a lovely ending, is illustrated in pen, ink, pencil, and watercolor. mjw

Title: The Suitcase Author: Chris Naylor-Ballesteros Illustrator: Chris Naylor-Ballesteros Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Copyright: 2020 Original Language: English Original Publisher: Nosy Crow. Great Britain Original Copyright: 2019 ISBN: 978-0-358-32960-2 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-7 Genre: Picture book Author’s ethnicity: French Author’s residence: France Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Illustrator’s residence: France Subjects: Emotions, Friendship, Kindness, Suitcase, Teacups, Trust

Everest: The Remarkable Story Of Edmund Hilary And Tenzing Norgay

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After a brief introduction, a section called Why Climb Everest? describes why Hillary and Tenzing’s achievement was so remarkable. Two very different, yet equally determined, men battled frost-biting temperatures, icefalls, snow, wind, and death-defying crevasses to climb to the top of the world’s highest mountain, Everest. The narrative is captivating and the digitally created, breathtaking illustrations are very detailed and loaded with fascinating information. A Table of Contents lists the four parts of the book: The Story of Two Very Different Childhoods, The Race for Everest, Hillary and Tenzing Climb Everest, and Their Stories Continue after Everest. The book is exciting and engaging. mjw

Title: Everest: The Remarkable Story Of Edmund Hilary And Tenzing Norgay Author: Alexandra Stewart Illustrator: Joe Todd-Stanton Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books. New York Copyright: 2020 Original Language: English Original Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. Great Britain Original Copyright: 2019 ISBN: 978-1-5476-0159-2 Hardcover pages: 64 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Information book, Nonfiction, Picture book, Biography Book setting: New Zealand, Tibet, Nepal Author’s ethnicity: British Author’s residence: London Illustrator’s ethnicity: British Illustrator’s residence: England Subjects: Asian history, Mountain climbing, Sherpas, Yaks, Yetis

Under My Tree

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When Susanne, who lives in the city, visits her grandmother, she discovers a special tree in the forest. She observes unique things about her tree, such as a family of owls, the rough bark of the tree, the fruit growing on the tree, hundreds of insects, and more. She brings her friend Max to visit her tree. She won’t see her tree much in the winter, but she knows that her tree hibernates and that it will be there when she visits next year.  Integrated into the text are facts about trees and activities that will encourage readers to learn more about trees. The warm illustrations will teach children to appreciate and respect nature. mjw

Title: Under My Tree Author: Muriel Tallandier Illustrator: Mizuho Fujisawa Publisher: Blue Dot Kids Press, San Francisco, CA Copyright: 2020 Original Language: French Translator: Sarah Klinger Original Title: Sous Mon Arbre Original Publisher: Editions Grund Original Copyright: 2018 ISBN: 978-1-7331212-3-1 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 3-8 Genre: Picture Book, Information book Author’s ethnicity: French Author’s residence: France Illustrator’s ethnicity: Japanese Illustrator’s residence: France Subjects: Biodiversity, Country life, Environment, Forests, Multigenerational, Trees

The Christmas Feast

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The wolf, the fox, and the weasel decide to treat themselves to a Christmas feast. Fox steals the turkey, but the turkey has other ideas. First, she wants the animals to clean their messy den. Turkey supervises the work. Next, Turkey asks what is for dinner and she scolds them when they say they have no intention of cooking. So Turkey prepares the meal.  The friends have a great evening enjoying the meal and playing cards. The next day, Turkey is very demanding about all the decorating for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Turkey asks how they plan to cook her. They have no idea. Turkey’s solution is to wait until next year so that they will have time to fatten her up. Everyone agrees and Turkey cooks the Christmas feast herself. The playful illustrations enhance this fun holiday story. mjw

Title: The Christmas Feast Author: Nathalie Dargent Illustrator: Magali Le Huche Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers Copyright: 2020 Original Language: French Original Title: Le Festin de Noel Original Publisher: Editions Glenat Original Copyright: 2008 ISBN: 978-0-8028-5537-4 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: French Author’s residence: Paris, France Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Illustrator’s residence: Paris, France Subjects: Christmas, Fox, Humorous stories, Meals, Turkeys, Weasels, Wolves