Tag Archives: Animals

The Adventures Of Shola

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Shola is a small white, highly cultivated and opinionated dog with a huge imagination. She lives with her long-suffering owner, Senor Grogo. Four short stories are included in this one volume, with comic pen and ink and watercolor illustrations on practically every double page spread. In the first story, Shola discovers her inner lioness. In the second, she leads the pack on a wild sheepboar hunt. Third, she helps another dog, Angelino, who is plagued by a mouse. And finally, Shola is visited by her eccentric Aunt Clementine from America, who can never remember the pronunciation of Shola’s name, but completely understands Sholas’ independence. Feisty Shola is used to doing and eating exactly what she wants and walking in the park without a collar and lead. The use of language is delightful, especially the use of rarely used words, like “discombobulated” and “rara avis” (Latin for strange creature). Shola doesn’t always understand the words and this results in some very funny consequences. mjw

Title: The Adventures Of Shola Author: Bernardo Atxaga Illustrator: Mikel Valverde Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books, London Copyright: 2013 Original Language: Euskera (Basque) Translator: Translated into Spanish by the author.  Translated in English by Margaret Jull Costa. Original Spanish Title: Shola y los leones, Sholas y los jabalies, Shola y Angelino, Shola y la tia de America Original Spanish Publisher: Ediciones SM Original Spanish Copyright: 1995, 1997, 2006, forthcoming ISBN: 978-1-782690-09-2 Hardcover pages: 220 Age range: 9-12 Genre: Fiction Book setting: Spain Author’s ethnicity: Basque Author’s residence: Spain Illustrator’s ethnicity: Basque Illustrator’s residence: Spain Awards: 2015 Marsh Award for Literature in Translation Subjects: Aunts, Dogs, Food, Lions, Human-animal interactions, Short stories, Wild boar

The Cat Who Came in Off the Roof

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Minou is a cat that is transformed into a young woman who befriends Tibble, a shy and bumbling reporter for the Killenthorn Courier. Tibble loves cats and all of his stories involve cats, but his editor wants real news. Minou is still recognized as a cat by the neighborhood cats despite her new human appearance. She still purrs, enjoys a saucer of milk, climbs trees, and delights in other catlike pursuits. Minou organizes her feline friends into a news gathering service and turns Tibble into the best, bravest journalist in town. A super array of loveable cat characters includes the hilarious School Cat whose “news” is from a textbook and a hundred years out-of-date, the stray Tatter Cat who has children and grandchildren all over town, and the Council Cat who always sits in on the closed council meetings in the Town Hall. This is a humorous and charming translation of Schmidt’s 1970 cattish classic. The magical cat story, written by the Queen of Dutch Children’s Literature, can be enjoyed by cat-lovers of any age. mjw

Title: The Cat Who Came in Off the Roof Author: Annie M.G. Schmidt (1911-1995) Illustrator: Nathan Burton Publisher: Pushkin Children’s Books. London Copyright: 2014 Original Language: Dutch Translator: David Colmer Original Title: Minoes Original Publisher: Estate of Annie M.G. Schmidt.  Amsterdam, Em. Querido’s Uitgevrij B.V. Original Copyright: 1970 ISBN: 978-178269-036-8 Paperback pages: 158 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Fiction, Fantasy Author’s ethnicity: Dutch Author’s residence: Author lived in the Netherlands Illustrator’s residence: England Awards: 1988 Hans Christian Andersen Award Subjects: Cats, Humor, Reporters, Reporting

Lindbergh: The Tale Of A Flying Mouse

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“One small step for a mouse; one giant leap for aviation.” A courageous and intelligent little German mouse, terrified of mechanical mousetraps in his homeland, decides to flee to safety in America. He is inspired by bats (mice with wings), and after several failed attempts, he eventually builds a tiny airplane for his solo transatlantic flight to freedom. His designs are fascinating and reminiscent of Leonardo da Vinci. The realistic-looking little daredevil rodent becomes a mini-celebrity in New York and all of America and inspires a young boy named Charles Lindbergh. Minute details in the natural-toned, watercolor and pencil illustrations of facial expressions, machinery, and architecture are evocative and gorgeous. Aerial views and close-ups of old Hamburg are stunning. Back matter includes A Short History of Aviation with notes about Otto Lilienthal, the Wright brothers, and Charles Lindbergh. mjw

Title: Lindbergh: The Tale Of A Flying Mouse Author: Torben Kuhlmann Illustrator: Torben Kuhlmann Publisher: North South Books, New York Copyright: 2014 Original Language: German Translator: Suzanne Levesque Original Title: Lindbergh: Die abenteuerliche Geschichte einer fliegenden Maus Original Publisher: Nord Sud Verlag. Zurich, Switzerland Original Copyright: 2014 ISBN: 978-0-7358-4167-3 Hardcover pages: 96 Age range: 4 up Genre: Picture book Book setting: Hamburg and New York Author’s ethnicity: German Author’s residence: Germany Illustrator’s ethnicity: German Illustrator’s residence: Germany Awards: 2015 USBBY Outstanding International Books Grades 3-5, 2015 Golden Island Award Subjects: Airplanes; Flight; Germany; Hamburg; Lindbergh, Charles A; Mice

In The Forbidden City

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Accompanied by a mischievous cat, readers will tour the Forbidden City, which was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty. Intricately detailed, delicate line drawings of buildings, gardens, courtyards, emperors, empresses, and even modern-day tourists illustrate exciting tales of architecture, history, and art. Engaging text, fun cartoons, and dialog bubbles present 600 years of Chinese rulers, including Empress Dowager Cixi, the powerful and charismatic woman who controlled the Manchu Qing dynasty for 47 years. Relevant information about events in the world at large is included to provide historical context. For example, the Garden of the Palace of Tranquil Longevity was completed in 1776, the same year as another big event – the creation of the United States of America. Several grand foldout spreads emphasize the size of the 178 acre complex, and a plastic magnifying glass is wisely provided for spending hours scrutinizing the wealth of visual detail. mjw

Title: In the Forbidden City Author: Chiu Kwong-Chiu Illustrator: Design and Cultural Studies Workshop Publisher: China Institute in America, New York Copyright: 2014 Original Language: Chinese Translator: Ben Wang ISBN: 978-0-9893776-0-7 Hardcover pages: 52 Age range: 9 up Genre: Nonfiction picture book Book setting: Beijing, China Author’s ethnicity: Chinese Author’s residence: Hong Kong Subjects: Architecture, Art, Emperors, Empresses, Forbidden City, History, Palaces

The Dinner That Cooked Itself

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Long ago in ancient China, respectful and hardworking Tuan longed for a wife. However, the matchmaker’s suggestions were all unsuitable, either because of clashing zodiac symbols or unsimilar backgrounds. One evening, Tuan discovered a large snail. He took pity on it and took it home. The next night, when he returned home from working in his field, a delicious dinner was waiting for him. This happened night after night. Tuan learned that the mystery cook was White Wave, who was sent by the Lord of Heaven to look after him until he married. The mixed media, textured illustrations in an earthy muted palette are enchanting. Chinese calligraphy appears above certain animals and objects in the story. A note on Chinese calligraphy completes this picture book, which is based on a Chinese folktale that proposes that hard work will result in good fortune. mjw

Title: The Dinner That Cooked Itself Author: J.C. Hsyu Illustrator: Kenard Pak Publisher: Flying Eye Books, an imprint of Nobrow Ltd., London Copyright: 2104 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-909263-41-3 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 5-7 Genre: Picture book Book setting: Ancient China Author’s ethnicity: Taiwan born Author’s residence: San Francisco, California Illustrator’s residence: San Francisco, California Subjects: Calligraphy, China, Chinese characters, Chinese zodiac, Folklore, Kindness, Snails, Tales

A Good Home for Max

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At night, Tabi, a kind-hearted little mouse, tidies the little toyshop where he lives. He worries about his best friend, Max the Dog, who never gets taken by a customer to a new home. Barnaby the Elephant, Gemma the Giraffe, Clarence the Bear, and the other toys all find good homes with a child to play with and a family to love. Since Max is always kept behind, Tabi decides to help Max find a good home. He tries every trick he knows. Finally, he notices something different. Max is gone. He sneaks on to the toyshop’s delivery truck and discovers that Max has a new home – across the street from the toyshop. And they remain best friends. The patterned, muted-color, paper-craft illustrations have many French words in signs and labels that add to this charming story about friendship. mjw

Title: A Good Home for Max Author: Junzo Terada Illustrator: Junzo Terada Publisher: Chronicle Books, San Francisco, California Copyright: 2014 Original Language: Japanese Original Title: Tabi no zakkaya (Tabi’s General Store) Original Publisher: Gakushu Kenkyusha Original Copyright: 2005 ISBN: 978-1-4521-2702-6 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 3-5 Genre: Picture book Author’s ethnicity: Japanese Author’s residence: Osaka, Japan Illustrator’s ethnicity: Japanese Illustrator’s residence: Osaka, Japan Subjects: Dogs, Friendship, Mice, Soft toys, Retail stores, Toys

Cowgirl

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Gemma is a young teenager, who lives in a sad, run-down Welsh community named Bryn Mawr, where burglaries and muggings are common. Her dad is in prison and her mum has lost hope. Kate, the legendary Cowgirl, who lives out-of-town on her father’s dairy farm, is the school outcast. Gemma and Kate are thrown into an odd friendship. When Gemma learns that Kate’s beloved cows are due to be slaughtered, she concocts an unexpected plan, with the help of her no-nonsense grandmother, that changes the whole community. This refreshing and uplifting story is about everyone peacefully working together toward a common goal. mjw

Title: Cowgirl Author: G.R Gemin Publisher: Nosy Crow Ltd., London, England Copyright: 2014 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-85763-281-4 Paperback pages: 261 Age range: 9 up Genre: Fiction Book setting: South Wales Author’s ethnicity: Welsh and Italian Author’s residence: London and Italy Awards: 2015 Carnegie Medal Nomination, 2015 UKLA Book Awards long list, 2015 Tir na n-Og Award (Welsh Book Council) Subjects: Community, Cows, Dairy farming, Flute, Grandmothers, Hinduism, School, South Wales

To The Top End: Our Trip Across Australia

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Explore some of the most spectacular landscapes of Australia in this exciting adventure, told in the voice of the traveling kids. Start on the island of Tasmania with Tassie Devils and wombats. Travel on the ferry across Bass Strait to the Mainland, and then romp through the High Plains to the winding Murray River of the Riverland. Bike into the Flinders Ranges and fly in a homemade aeroplane over the Great Sandy Desert. Next, see dolphins, clownfish, and turtles in the cooling waters of the Great Barrier Reef and watch Uncle Kev eat green ants in the Daintree Rainforest Wilderness. And finally, sit down to a campfire feast on the coastal marshes of the Top End. Curly text that follows the landforms and funny detailed watercolor and ink drawings are packed with Aussie flora and fauna and hilarious visual and verbal jokes. Look for a soccer ball on each page and a map that highlights the trip on the endpapers. mjw

Title: To The Top End: Our Trip Across Australia Author: Roland Harvey Illustrator: Roland Harvey Publisher: Allen and Unwin, Australia Copyright: 2009 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-74175-884-9 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 6-9 Genre: Picture book Book setting: Australia Author’s ethnicity: Australian Author’s residence: Melbourne, Australia Illustrator’s ethnicity: Australian Illustrator’s residence: Melbourne, Australia Awards: 2010 Children’s Book Council of Australia Short List Subjects: Australia, Birds, Culture, Families, Geography, Maps, Oceania, Sea life, Travel, Vacation

My Father’s Arms Are A Boat

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A young boy, grieving and unable to sleep, crawls up into his father’s arms on a cold night. They talk about cutting down the spruce tree, if the red birds will get the bread he left for them, and why his mother will never wake up again. The boy finds truth in nature, his father’s love, and a warm fire. The writing in this tender story is expressive and poetic and the 3-D paper sculpture and ink illustrations are striking. Most of the images are black, white, and gray, with red birds and an orange fox. mjw

Title: My Father’s Arms Are A Boat Author: Stein Erik Lunde Illustrator: Oyvind Torseter Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books, Brooklyn, New York Copyright: 2012 Original Language: Norwegian Translator: Kari Dickson Original Title: Eg Kan Ikkje Sove No Original Publisher: Det Norske Samlaget Original Copyright: 2008 ISBN: 978-1-59270-124-7 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 6 up Genre: Picture book Book setting: Scandinavia Author’s ethnicity: Norwegian Author’s residence: Norway Illustrator’s ethnicity: Norwegian Illustrator’s residence: Norway Awards: 2014 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor, 2009 Norwegian Ministry’s Culture Prize for the Best Book for Children and Youth Subjects: Death and dying, Fathers, Emotions and feelings, Sons

The Memory of an Elephant: An Unforgettable Journey

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An elephant never forgets! This quirky, oversized, content-rich cabinet of curiosities is the story of Marcel, a very cool elephant. Narrative text describes Marcel. He is a connoisseur of good food, a clotheshorse, a skyscraper expert, and he is compiling an encyclopedia. Illustrations, sidebars, and full-page compendiums give facts about his many interests, including elephants, buildings, ships, geography, and plants. For example, we see Marcel playing a tuba and the opposite page offers facts on instruments, such as the sitar, balalaika, glockenspiel, and electric guitar. The brilliant, detailed spreads are captivating. In the end, his friends arrive to celebrate his birthday. They dance the night away beneath the stars. Marcel’s story concludes with a recipe for La Crepe Marcelette (with banana), his gourmand glossary, a key to the modern furniture in his apartment, and a list of his rare and amazing animal friends. mjw

Title: The Memory of an Elephant: An Unforgettable Journey Author: Sophie Strady Illustrator: Jean-Francoise Martin Publisher: Chronicle Books, San Francisco Copyright: 2014 Original Language: French Translator: Kate Willsky Original Title: La memoire de l’elephant Original Publisher: Helium, Paris Original Copyright: 2012 ISBN: 978-1-4521-2903-7 Hardcover pages: 38 Age range: 8 up Genre: Picture book Book setting: Asia, Panama, Paris, Vietnam Author’s ethnicity: French Author’s residence: France Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Illustrator’s residence: France Subjects: Animals, Birthdays, Buildings, Elephants, Encyclopedia, Fashion, Food, France, French history, Furniture, Memory, Music, Paris, Ships

My Dog Thinks I’m A Genius

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An eight-year-old budding artist finds out he is not the only one in the family with talent. When the boy thinks he is finished painting his daily masterpiece, he asks his dog if his work is done. His dog, Louie, barks suggesting his master include him in the picture to perfectly complete the painting. Unfortunately, the boy must leave to go to school as his pouting pooch watches from the window. Louie spends the day in the art studio creating a rendition of Cezanne’s “Still Life with Fruit Basket,” proving he and his master are both creative geniuses. Barroux’s warm and charming illustrations bring life to the loving relationship between a dog and his master. cc

Title: My Dog Thinks I’m A Genius Author: Harriet Ziefert Illustrator: Barroux Publisher: Blue Apple Books, New Jersey Copyright: 2011 Original language: English ISBN: 978-1-60905-059-7 Hardcover pages: 40 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture book Author’s residence: United States Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Illustrator’s residence: France Subjects: Animals, Art, Creativity, Dogs, Painting, Pets

Elsa and the Night

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Elsa, a badger, finds something neither animal nor a ghost underneath her sofa. It is the Night. She shuts the trembling thing in an old cake tin with some raisins and puts it in the basement. Without Night, Elsa’s town never gets dark. The asphalt roads melt and the people are dizzy and quarrelsome for lack of sleep. Elsa gives in and lets Night out. Night comforts her as she tells of her traveling the globe, her career as a lighthouse keeper, and her beloved elephant companion Olaf. Night passes back through the town and tucks everyone into bed. Blocky silkscreen illustrations in plum, sienna, umber, and olive accompany this strange melancholy story. mjw

Title: Elsa and the Night Author: Jons Mellgren Illustrator: Jons Mellgren Publisher: Little Gestalten, an imprint of Die Gestalten Verlag GmbH and Co KG, Berlin Copyright: 2014 Original Language: Swedish Translator: Anita Shenoi Original Title: Sigrid och Natten Original Publisher: Natur & Kultur, Stockholm Original Copyright: 2013 ISBN: 978-3-89955-716-9 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 3-8 Genre: Picture book Author’s ethnicity: Swedish Author’s residence: Sweden Illustrator’s ethnicity: Swedish Illustrator’s residence: Sweden Subjects: Animals, Badgers, Bedtime, Night