Tag Archives: Food

Father’s Road

Wong Chung joins his father’s caravan on a journey on the Silk Road from China to Constantinople. The trip is full of dangers – rough terrain and weather and bandits. He learns to ration water, care for the camels, and endure a sandstorm. He even takes care of the bandit leader’s son. Sand colored illustrations vividly depict travel on the Silk Road. Included are a map of the long desert road, information about the Silk Road and global trade, a timeline, and a list of key terms and concepts. The book is part of the Tradewinds series that presents historical information in a fun, accessible way. mjw
Title: Father’s Road
Author: Ji-yun Jang
Illustrator
: Tan Jun
Publisher
: Eerdman’s Books for Young Readers.  Grand Rapids, Michigan
Copyright
: 2017
Original Language
: Korean
Editor
: Joy Cowley
Original Publisher
: Yeomon Media Co. Ltd.
Original Copyright
: 2014
ISBN
: 978-0-8028-5472-8
Paperback pages
: 36
Age range
: 6-10
Genre
: Picture Book, Historical Fiction
Book setting
: Asia
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Chinese
Subjects
: Asia, China, Commerce, Fathers and sons, Silk Road, Travel

Birthdays Around The World


Birthday celebrations of seventeen kids from around the world are shared in this fun information book. Shinobu from Japan dresses in a kimono. Mercedes in Peru eats cake and purple pudding called mazamorra morada. Alana and Kainoa have a luau in Hawaii. And Dimitry in Russia eats blini with caviar and dumplings. A note to parents and teachers gives activities for children, like locating the countries mentioned on a map, sending cards, and making a birthday paper chain. A glossary is included. The author has also written Children Around the World, Families Around the World, and School Days Around the World. mjw
Title: Birthdays Around The World
Author: Margriet Ruurs
Illustrator
: Ashley Barron
Publisher
: Kids Can Press.  Toronto, Canada
Copyright
: 2017
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1-77138-624-1
Hardcover pages
: 40
Age range
: 3-7
Genre
: Picture Book, Information Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Author’s residence
: British Columbia
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Illustrator’s residence
: Toronto, Ontario
Subjects
: Birthdays, Celebrations

Leather Shoe Charlie

leather-choe-charlieCharlie and his family move from the country to Manchester where there is more work. They face many hardships, including pollution from the city’s factories. Charlie’s mother is ill from the lack of sun and clean air and she needs tea that will help her regain her strength. Charlie decides to sell his fine leather shoes that his grandfather made for him so that he has money to buy the tea for his mother. Charlie’s brightly colored shoes stand out against the gray/tan tones of the industrialized city. This moving story concludes with information about the Industrial Revolution in England, key terms and concepts, a map, and a timeline of events. mjw
Title: Leather Shoe Charlie
Author: Gyeong-hwa Kim
Illustrator
: Anna Balbusso and Elena Balbusso
Publisher
: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Copyright
: 2017
Original Language
: Korean
Editor
: Joy Cowley
Original Publisher
: Yeowan Media Co Ltd.
Original Copyright
: 2014
ISBN
: 978-0-8028-5473-5
Paperback pages
: 36
Age range
: 6-10
Genre
: Picture Book, Historical Fiction
Book setting
: Manchester, England
Author’s ethnicity
: Korean
Author’s residence
: South Korea
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Italian
Illustrator’s residence
: Milan, Italy
Subjects
: Careers, Europe, Industrial Revolution, Jobs, Occupations

Bruno: Some Of The More Interesting Days In My Life So Far

brunoBruno, the cat with the checkered cap, takes his life as it comes. Six interconnected funny stories each tell about a day in Bruno’s life. On a rainy day, he rustles up a breakfast picnic. On a day when the power goes out, he lights candles. When he meets a red fish swimming in the air, he follows it. The colorful cartoon illustrations add humor to these silly stories. mjw
Title: Bruno: Some Of The More Interesting Days In My Life So Far
Author: Catharina Valckx
Illustrator
: Nicolas Hubesch
Publisher
: Gecko Press.  New Zealand
Copyright
: 2017
Original Language
: French
Translator
: Antony Shugaar
Original Title
: Bruno: Quelques jour de ma vie très interessante
Original Publisher
: L’ecole de Loisirs.  Paris
Original Copyright
: 2015
ISBN
: 978-1-77657-124-6
Hardcover pages
: 96
Age range
: 6-10
Genre
: Fiction, Graphic Novel
Author’s ethnicity
: Dutch
Author’s residence
: Amsterdam
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: French
Illustrator’s residence
: Paris
Awards
: Author has been nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award
Subjects
: Birds, Cats, Fish, Horses, Humor, Short stories

Karma

1aawordfestostlere1.jpgFifteen-year-old Maya is traveling with her Sikh father to bring her Hindu mother’s ashes to India. Arriving in 1984 on the eve of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination she is thrust into an India full of fear and chaos. She manages to escape the worst of the riots in Delhi but is separated from her father and must rely on others to help her navigate the dangers of India in 1984. Maya finds a companion in Sandeep a mysterious young man who helps her face an uncertain future. Written in verse, this fast paced historical fiction novel shows the harsh reality of Indian life in the aftermath of Indira Gandhi’s assassination along with the troubles a young woman could have faced being alone in India. Ostlere shows the danger of the time but also honors the vibrancy of India through realistic details such as, warm chai being sold on the street, that will transport the reader directly into Indian culture. amo
Title: Karma
Author: Cathy Ostlere
Publisher
: Razor Bill 
Copyright
: 2011
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1-59514-384-6
Paperback pages
: 534
Age range
: 13 and up
Genre
: Historical Fiction
Book setting
: Canada, India
Author’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Author’s residence
: Calgary, Canada
Awards
: R. Ross Annett Children’s Award
Subjects
: Assassination, Family, India, Love, Riots

When The Rain Comes

when-the-rain-comesMalini, who lives in a village in Sri Lanka, is in charge of the oxcart that carries the rice seedlings for the new rice crop. The sky grows dark and monsoon rains cause a flash flood. Malini is separated from the cart and her family. She summons strength she didn’t know she had and saves the rice. The free verse text provides a suspenseful slice of South Asian life. Paint and pencil impressionistic illustrations depict the rain’s ferocity. Back matter gives additional information about Sri Lanka, its geography, and the importance of rice to the culture. mjw
Title: When The Rain Comes
Author: Alma Fullerton
Illustrator
: Kim La Fave
Publisher
: Pajama Press, Toronto
Copyright
: 2017
Original Language
: English
Original Copyright
: 2016
ISBN
: 978-1-77278-012-3
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Picture Book
Book setting
: Sri Lanka
Author’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Author’s residence
: Canada
Illustrator’s residence
: Canada
Subjects
: Asia, Autonomy, Farm and ranch life, Monsoons, Rain, Rice planting, Self-esteem, Self-reliance, Self-respect, Weather

Under The Umbrella

under-the-umbrellaIt’s raining and a grumpy man growls at the crowds and the clouds until a sudden gust takes his umbrella. In the distance is a colorful patisserie with a window full of cakes and creams and cookies. The umbrella lands at the feet of a little boy who is looking into the window. The man thanks the boy and offers him a rich, red rhubarb-raspberry tart. Then, the boy carefully breaks the tart in two, giving the man the larger part. Bold, fantastical illustrations that play with perspective, shape, and color accompany the rhyming text which is a delightful read-aloud. mjw
Title: Under The Umbrella
Author: Catherine Buquet
Illustrator
: Marion Arbona
Publisher
: Pajama Press.  Toronto
Copyright
: 2017
Original Language
: French
Translator
: Erin Woods
Original Title
: Sous le parapluie
Original Publisher
: Editions Les 400 coups
Original Copyright
: 2016
ISBN
: 978-1-77278-016-1
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Picture Book
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: French
Illustrator’s residence
: Paris
Subjects
: Emotions and feelings, Friendship, Sharing, Stories in rhyme, Umbrellas

Macanudo #2

eb63e8320d1b2714fe56137c205007ccThis 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
Title: Macanudo #2
Author: Liniers
Illustrator
: Liniers
Publisher
: Enchanted Lion Books
Copyright
: 2014
Original Language
: Spanish
Translator
: Mara Faye Lethem
Original Title
: Macanudo #2
Original Publisher
: Ediciones de la Flor S.R.L. 
Original Copyright
: 2004
ISBN
978-1-59270-169-8
Hardcover pages
: 104
Age range
: 12-18
Genre
: Comic Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Argentine
Author’s residence
: Argentina
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Argentine
Illustrator’s residence
: Argentina 
Subjects
: Adventures, Animals, Children, Emotions, Gnomes, Homes, Imagination,  Penguins, Seasons

Ticket To India

ticket-to-indiaAfter their grandmother’s death, twelve-year-old Maya and her older sister Zara set off on a mission from Delhi to their grandmother’s childhood home in Aminpur in northern India. They are looking for valuable heirlooms that are buried in a trunk on the property. The family left them decades earlier when they fled to Pakistan during Partition in 1947. Along the way, Maya is kidnapped, makes some very bad decisions, but ultimately finds the treasure and her inner bravery. Maya’s journal fills readers in on the backstory of India and Pakistan. A Map, a Glossary, an Author’s Note, and a Reading Group Guide are also included in this action novel packed with fascinating information about the history and culture of India and Pakistan. mjw
Title: Ticket To India
Author: N.H. Senzai
Publisher
: Simon and Schuster Books.  New York
Copyright
: 2015
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1-4814-2259-8
Paperback pages
: 304
Age range
: 8-12
Genre
: Fiction, Historical Fiction
Book setting
: Pakistan and India
Author’s ethnicity
: Indian
Author’s residence
: U.S.
Subjects
: Asia; Historical, Asia; Multigenerational; Partition, 1947

Lucy & Company

th_1771386622In this picture book, composed of three stories, Lucy adventures around town with her animal friends. They eat lunch, search for treasure, and help eggs hatch all while enjoying each other’s company. The muted water-color and pencil illustrations capture the youthful spirit of Lucy and her companions. Young readers will love the adorable narrative and enjoy the fun surprises throughout the book! amo
Title: Lucy & Company
Author: Marianne Dubuc
Illustrator
: Marianne Dubuc
Publisher
: Kids Can Press Ltd.
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: French
Original Title
: Lucie et cie
Original Publisher
: Comme des geants inc. 
Original Copyright
: 2015
ISBN
: 978-1-77138-662-3
Hardcover pages
: 56
Age range
: 3-6
Genre
: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Author’s residence
: Quebec, Canada
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Illustrator’s residence
: Quebec, Canada
Subjects
: Eggs, Picnics, Treasure

Chicken In The Kitchen

chicken-in-the-kitchenIt is the night before the New Yam Festival in Anyaugo’s Nigerian village. She wakes up and sees the shadow of a giant chicken heading for the kitchen. She goes to investigate, but decides she needs help from the Wood Wit, a tricky wood spirit. This fun look at the masquerade culture of West Africa is enhanced with flamboyant and vibrant illustrations. mjw
Title: Chicken In The Kitchen
Author: Nnedi Okorafor
Illustrator
: Mehrdokht Amini
Publisher
: Lantana Publishing Company, Great Britain
Copyright
: 2015
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-0-9932253-0-7
Paperback pages
: 32
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Picture Book
Book setting
: Nigeria
Author’s ethnicity
: Nigerian/American
Author’s residence
: U.S.
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Iranian
Illustrator’s residence
: England
Awards
: 2106 White Raven, 2016 Best Children’s Africana Book Award
Subjects
: Chickens, Harvest festival, Magic, Traditions, Wood spirits

Metropolis

28120891Using both traditional and digital techniques, Benoit Tardif highlights the amazing differences that we see in many of the metropolises around the world. With 34 different cities in this non-fiction picture book, readers will take a trip around the world exploring sights, smells, and sounds as they flip through the pages. The cities are from every continent except Antarctica and show a fantastic variety of cultures. Beautiful world-map end papers show the location of all of the cities. With a table of contents and legend in the front of the book, as well as a glossary of foreign words at the end, readers will be highly informed after completing this book. amo
Title: Metropolis
Author: Benoit Tardif
Illustrator
: Benoit Tardif
Publisher
: Kids Can Press
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: French
Translator

Original Title
: Metropolis
Original Publisher
: Comme des geants inc. 
Original Copyright
: 2015
ISBN
: 978-1-7713-8721-7
Hardcover pages
: 72
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Non-Fiction, Picture Book
Book setting
: Around the World
Author’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Author’s residence
: Montreal, Canada
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Canadian
Illustrator’s residence
: Montreal, Canada
Subjects
: Food, Landmarks, Metropolises, Sports