 Four clever siblings attempt to distract Death to keep him from taking their ailing grandmother away. He inevitably arrives and tells the children a story about how he is natural and necessary. He pairs day with night, grief with delight, and joy with sorrow in this contemplative picture book. His beautiful story helps children realize the value of life and the importance of saying goodbye. Expressive and peaceful pencil and watercolor paintings handle the subject well. mjw |
| Title: Cry Heart, But Never Break Author: Glenn Ringtved Illustrator: Charlotte Pardi Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books. New York Copyright: 2016 Original Language: Danish Translator: Robert Moulthrop Original Title: Graed blot hjerte Original Copyright: 2001 ISBN: 978-1-59270-187-2 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-8 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Danish Author’s residence: Denmark Illustrator’s ethnicity: Danish Illustrator’s residence: Denmark Awards: 2017 Batchelder Award Subjects: Children and death, Death and dying, Grief, Multigenerational |
Cry Heart, But Never Break
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Through a beautiful story of renewal, told in three parts, this picture book teaches us to find hope even in the darkest times. Starting with bright painted scenes, readers are introduced to a steamboat that is new and full of fancy, important people. As the story continues the colors become muted until the steamboat is abandoned. Part two follows a family from luxury to homelessness as the pages transition from colorful to bland. Finally, in the dreariest moments the abandoned ship and homeless people are united to rebuild the ship into a community home that is radiant with color. amo
This comic book is sure to delight lovers of witty, intellectual humor. With many different worlds throughout the book, readers will turn pages hoping to find their favorite characters such as Oliverio the Olive or Henrietta. Every strip was originally published in La Nación during 2003 and 2004 yet their themes still resonate with today’s audience. Pen and watercolor illustrations guide the reader through the clever adventures with multitudes of characters to love. amo
Classic nursery rhymes are creatively reimagined in this bilingual picture book. The softly colored illustrations are 
A timely novel gives a face to the immigrants that struggle to get from Central America into the United States. Jamie’s cousin, and best friend, Miguel is murdered by the local gang in Guatemala: the Alphas. They will come for Jamie and his cousin Ángela next unless they find a way to escape. Together the two frightened teens take the only road available to them; they ride a truck out of Guatemala into Mexico. From there they head on a long and arduous journey full of dangerous gangs, violence, and a few kind allies to find their way to the safety of the United States. The teens team up with others, including a dog named Vida, to find Jamie’s older brother in the United States. Throughout their journey Jamie draws the landscapes and people and even earns money for his pencil illustrations. Alexandra Diaz seamlessly intertwines Spanish phrases into the book including resources such as a glossary, an author’s note, further reading suggestions, and a bibliography at the end of the novel. amo
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