Tag Archives: Food

Macanudo #2

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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

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

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After 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

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In 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

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It 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

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Using 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

Hidden

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Alix, 14, lives on quiet Hayling Island off the coast of England. One day at the beach, she and her friend Samir pull a drowning man out of the incoming tide. He is Mohammed, an asylum seeker, who was tortured by rebels in Iraq for helping the allied forces. Alix and Samir decide to hide Mohammed and, consequently, have to make choices that will determine whether Mohammed will live or die. Alix is a likeable and brave character who has problems of her own – Dad has left, Mom has a broken leg, and Grandfather just died. Samir is an Iraqi refugee who is bullied at their school. This thought-provoking book deals with important themes, like racism, immigration, diversity, and human rights.  mjw

Title: Hidden Author: Miriam Halahmy Publisher: Holiday House Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English Original Publisher: Albury Books Original Copyright: 2011 ISBN: 978–0-8234-3694-1 Paperback pages: 224 Age range: 12 up Genre: Fiction Book setting: Hayling Island, England Author’s residence: London, England Awards: Nominated for the Carnegie Medal Subjects: Asylum seekers, Gangs, Human rights, Immigrants-England, Iraqi, Political refugees, Racism, Terrorism

A Year In Our New Garden

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Anna and Benjamin’s family has moved into a new house in the city and they have big plans for their garden. They draw maps of their garden plots, gather their garden tools, and get straight to work, digging and planting. They plant flowers and vegetables, and learn about birds and insects. They make lemonade and leaf and acorn jewelry and toys. A recipe and directions are included. Also provided are gardening tips. Benjamin even writes a poem. This seasonal story is accompanied by beautifully detailed watercolor and ink illustrations. Young readers will be inspired to explore their own gardens. mjw

Title: A Year In Our New Garden Author: Gerda Muller Illustrator: Gerda Muller Publisher: Floris Books, Edinburgh Copyright: 2016 Original Language: German Original Title: Ein Garten fur Kinder in der Stadt Original Copyright: 1988 ISBN: 978-1-78250-259-3 Hardcover pages: 36 Age range: 4-7 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Dutch Author’s residence: Paris Illustrator’s ethnicity: Dutch Illustrator’s residence: Paris Awards: 2017 USBBY Outstanding International Books List Subjects: Birds, Gardens, Seasons, Wildlife

What A Party!

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Be careful when your mother says you can invite anyone you like to your birthday party, or you may have the craziest party ever. Children, pets, parents, salsa dancers, and a reggae band all join together in this celebration of diversity. Jack brings Larry, a soccer ball, and coconut cookies. Jack tells Beto and Antonieta, who bring their parrot, pineapples, mangoes, and passion fruit. The buffet grows in this chain reaction to include pizza, couscous, sushi, and much more. This is a great introduction to different countries, and everyone relates to food! Friends, family, and food from around the world are illustrated in acrylic and oil pastels. mjw

Title: What A Party! Author: Ana Maria Machado Illustrator: Helene Moreau Publisher: Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press. Toronto Copyright: 2013 Original Language: Portuguese Translator: Elisa Amado Original Title: Mas que festa! Original Publisher: Nova Fronteira.  Rio de Janeiro Original Copyright: 1999 text, 2005 illustrations ISBN: 978-1-55498-168-7 Hardcover pages: 32 Age range: 4-7 Genre: Picture Book Author’s ethnicity: Brazilian Author’s residence: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Illustrator’s ethnicity: French Illustrator’s residence: Paris, France Awards: Author has won the 2000 Hans Christian Andersen Award Subjects: Birthdays, Cautionary tales, Celebrations, Diversity, Holidays, Invitations, Multigenerational, Parties

Lucky Broken Girl

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Fifth-grader Cuban-Jewish Ruthie and her family emigrated from Cuba to New York. Because she doesn’t speak English, she is placed in the “dumb” class at school. She works hard and is finally promoted to the “smart” class, but her dreams are derailed by a terrible car accident and a broken leg that leave her in a body cast for most of 1966 and 1967. While she is recovering, she is cared for by her mother, visited by her tutor from school, and befriended by her new Mexican neighbor who inspires her with stories of the artist, Frida Kahlo. Ruthie has a tough time overcoming cultural differences and her injury, but her strength, resilience, and hope help her grow and flourish. The book is based on the author’s own experience. mjw

Title: Lucky Broken Girl Author: Ruth Behar Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Reader Group Copyright: 2017 Original Language:  English ISBN: 978-0-399546-44-0 Hardcover pages: 256 Age range: 10 up Genre: Fiction Book setting: Queens, New York Author’s ethnicity: Born in Havana, Cuba Author’s residence: U.S. Awards: 2018 Pura Belpre Honor Subjects: Accidents, Broken bones, Drawing and painting, Growing up, Health, Hispanic and Latino

Book Uncle And Me

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Since energetic Yasmin turned eight, she vowed, “to read one book everyday. Every single day, forever.” She’s already up to more than 400, thanks to Book Uncle’s street-corner lending library. His street sign invites “Books. Free. Give One. Take one. Read-read-read.” Book Uncle is a retired teacher who always has the “right book for the right person for the right day.” When an order from the mayor threatens to have the lending library shut down and a mayoral election is on the horizon, Yasmin convinces all her friends, family, and neighbors to write letters to the mayoral candidates. Her campaign succeeds in making the voices of her community heard and Book Uncle is allowed to re-open his library. This universal story about the power of reading and grassroots activism offers insights into Indian culture and daily life, including the istri lady, who irons for customers, and descriptions of tasty coconut puttu. Expressive pencil drawings are sprinkled throughout the text. mjw

Title: Book Uncle And Me Author: Uma Krishnaswami Illustrator: Julianna Swaney Publisher: Groundwood Books.  House of Anansi Press. Toronto Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English Original Publisher: Scholastic India, Pvt. Ltd. Original Copyright: 2012 ISBN: 978-1-55498-808-2 Hardcover pages: 96 Age range: 7-10 Genre: Fiction Book setting: India Author’s ethnicity: Indian Author’s residence: Victoria, British Columbia Illustrator’s residence: Portland, Oregon Awards: Scholastic Asian Book Award Subjects: Books, Community activism Elections, Karate, Libraries, Mayors, People and places – Asia

Finders Keepers? A True Story In India

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This introduction to the traditions, daily life, and culture of India takes readers on a bus journey through the Rajasthan countryside. The narrator describes how, when he lost his wallet, a young boy returned it and refused to accept a reward for his honesty. Terms like chapatis, saris, torans, and more are smoothly integrated into the text. A map sets the scene for the journey. Back matter includes a glossary, pronunciations, Indian facts, character building questions, and a craft activity to make a paper toran. The book is available in a Spanish edition, Es Mio? mjw

Title: Finders Keepers? A True Story In India Author: Robert Arnett Illustrator: Smita Turakhia Publisher: Atman Press Copyright: 2013 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-0-96529008-1 Hardcover pages: 34 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Picture Book Book setting: India Author’s ethnicity: U.S. Author’s residence: Columbus, Georgia.  U.S. Illustrator’s ethnicity: born in Mumbai, India Illustrator’s residence: Texas Subjects: Character building, Culture, Hinduism, Religion, Values

Sea Change

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Twelve-year-old Eliot Dionisi’s parents send him to Point Aconi in Nova Scotia for the summer. He is not looking forward to spending time with his wrinkly old relatives who smell like fish. At first, it is not easy for him to fit in. He is pushed out of his comfort zone. But as the summer wears on, Eliot learns to fish, swim, and eat lobster. He discovers his great grandmother’s library, picks blueberries, enjoys a clambake, and even has his first kiss. He makes friends, deals with the local bully, and helps Mary Beth, his crush, with a secret. This warm and funny coming-of-age story is illustrated with artwork drawn in pencil and India ink and colored digitally. Some of the text is also transformed into unconventional illustrations. mjw

Title: Sea Change Author: Frank Viva Illustrator: Frank Viva Publisher: Tundra Books, a division of Random House of Canada Copyright: 2016 Original Language: English ISBN: 978-1-101-91852-4 Hardcover pages: 120 Age range: 8-12 Genre: Fiction, Graphic Novel Book setting: Point Aconi, Nova Scotia Author’s ethnicity: Canadian Author’s residence: Toronto Illustrator’s ethnicity: Canadian Illustrator’s residence: Toronto Subjects: Abuse, Canada, Coming of age, Fishing, Growing up, Multigenerational, Nova Scotia, Summer