Tag Archives: Nature

Picking Tea With Baba

A Chinese family of four rises before dawn to climb up the hills to the tea garden, where they pick tea leaves and carry them in wicker baskets on their backs. Their trek is hard, but beautiful. They see the gorgeous landscape, animals, and interesting insects. They sing folk songs, have a picnic, and get cooled by the rain. At the end of the day, they climb back down the mountain to sell their tea harvest at the village in front of the tea factory. Readers will learn about the origins of tea, discover Chinese culture and environment, and experience the close-knit family working together to make a living. The rich, vibrant artwork in bold strokes and strong colors further distinguishes the joyful story.
Title: Picking Tea With Baba
Author: Xu Bin
Illustrator
: Yu Yin
Publisher
: Charlesbridge. Watertown, MA
Copyright
: 2025
Original Language
: Chinese
Translator
: Shan Chen
Original Title
: Father’s Tea Garden On Hilltop
Original Publisher
: Magic Elephant Books
ISBN
: 978-162354-623-6
Hardcover pages
: 48
Age range
: 5-9
Genre
: Picture Book
Book setting
: China
Author’s ethnicity
: Chinese
Author’s residence
: Chinq
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Chinese
Illustrator’s residence
: China
Subjects
: Agriculture, Asia, Chinese culture, Family life, Gardens, Insects, Mountains, Tea, Traditions, Weather

The Tree That Was A World

“The Tree That Was a World” by Yorick Goldewijk is a middle-grade book that weaves together the interconnected stories of seventeen creatures who all live beneath an ancient tree as old as the world itself. Each animal character grapples with existential questions and dreams that go beyond their expected lives—a sloth yearns to somersault, a moon moth caterpillar chooses her own path, a barn swallow searches for something she’s forgotten, and a red squirrel suspects he might actually be human. Through these surreal and thought-provoking narratives, the book explores themes of identity, belonging, and the nature of existence, all while maintaining a hilarious and imaginative tone. The creatures’ philosophical musings and quirky personalities create an unforgettable cast that challenges readers to think deeply about consciousness and what it means to be alive. The spectacular, magical mixed media illustrations by New York Times/NYPL Best Illustrated awardee Jeska Verstegen bring this extraordinary world to life, complementing the book’s whimsical and contemplative storytelling with visual artistry that captures both the wonder and strangeness of the tree’s diverse inhabitants. mjw
Title: The Tree That Was A World
Author: Yorick Goldewijk
Illustrator
: Jessica Verstegen
Publisher
: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Copyright
: 2025
Original Language
: Dutch
Translator
: Laura Watkinson
Original Title
: De boom die een wereld was
Original Publisher
: Uitgeverij Ploegsma. Netherlands
Original Copyright
: 2025
ISBN
: 978-0-8028-5650-0
Hardcover pages
: 88
Age range
: 8-14
Genre
: Short Stories
Author’s ethnicity
: Dutch
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Dutch
Illustrator’s residence
: Amsterdam
Awards
: Translator has won three Batchelder awards
Subjects
: Creatures, Trees

Jack And The Beanstalk

 A young boy named Jack trades his cow for magical beans, leading him to a giant beanstalk that reaches the clouds. As Jack climbs the beanstalk, he discovers a giant’s castle filled with treasures and challenges. Rosen’s engaging and rhythmic writing style brings a fresh energy to this classic tale, making it accessible and entertaining for young readers. The vibrant illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, capturing the whimsy and adventure of Jack’s journey with bold colors and dynamic scenes.
Title: Jack And The Beanstalk
Author: Michael Rosen
Illustrator
: Talleen Hacikyan
Publisher
: Tradewind Books, Vancouver
Copyright
: 2025
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1926890425
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range
: 3-5
Genre
: Picture Book, Fairy Tale
Author’s ethnicity
: British
Author’s residence
: London
Illustrator’s residence
: Montreal, Quebec
Awards
: The Author was the 2007 – 2009 British Poet Laureate
Subjects
: Beanstalks, Castle, Cow, Fables, Folktales, Giant, Magic beans, Opportunity, Poverty

The Paper Bridge

Anya, a young girl who has a special talent for kirigami, the Japanese art of cutting and folding paper, lives in the village of Paperlee. All of the village houses are made of paper. The trees are made of delicate paper, and even the happy villagers are paper-thin and paper-light. They carry stones in their pockets when the summer winds blow. The villagers can see the lights of another village on a neighboring mountain across a deep chasm. It is called Forestlee, and no one knows anything about it. The winds in Paperlee become more frequent and stronger, and the worrisome villagers think that maybe Forestlee can help, but they don’t know how to get there. Anya consults with the clever crane, and they come up with a plan to build a paper bridge to Forestlee. Brave Anya is the first to walk across the bridge. She meets a girl named Hazel and learns that the villagers of Forestlee build their homes in branches of thick, solid trees and that their Elephant Brothers blow their windmills. As their windmills turn, they grind wheat into flour for baking breads, cakes, buns, and cookies. In doing so, they have changed the weather! Anya pleads for the Elephant Brothers to blow in a different direction to save Paperlee. They finally agree. People from both villages now cross the bridge and share the kirigami craft and cookie baking. They all become friends, and there are no more dangerous winds in Paperlee. The light, exquisite illustrations in The Paper Bridge were created using the Japanese art of kirigami. The artwork was hand-crafted with pencil and watercolor on paper and cardboard, which was hand-cut, arranged into scenes, and then photographed to capture the stunning details in this delightful story about friendship, bravery, and climate change. The art really makes this book!

Title: The Paper Bridge
Author: Joelle Veyrenc
Illustrator
: Seng Soun Ratanavanh
Publisher
: Floris Books
Copyright
: 2022
Original Language
: French
Translator
: Katy Lockwood-Holmes
Original Title
: Hana et le vent
Original Publisher
: La Martmiere Jeunesse, Paris
Original Copyright
: 2022
ISBN
: 978-178250-9007-3
Hardcover pages
: 28
Age range
: 4-7
Genre
: Picture Book, Fairytale
Author’s ethnicity
: French
Author’s residence
: France
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: French, born in Laos
Illustrator’s residence
: Paris
Subjects
: Bridges, Climate change, Kirigami, Paper cutting, Paper folding, Parable

Finding The Way To Faraway Valley

Finding the WayA little polar bear and his bespectacled grandfather decide to take the long, difficult journey north to Faraway Valley. It’s “a special place, a wild place …” where great elks, tawny foxes, and mountain goats live, and  “the air smells of warm pine needles.” Before they depart, they must learn how to pitch a tent, study maps, and read about the creatures of the North and safety on ships. They travel far to discover the importance of protecting the special place and leaving it, taking only their learning and memories away. The rich illustrations were created using watercolors, gouache, pastels, and digital methods in this inspiring and moving book with an environmental theme. A star chart is included as back matter. mjw
Title: Finding The Way To Faraway Valley
Author: Cecilia Heikkila
Illustrator
: Cecilia Heikkila
Publisher
: Floris Books, Edinburgh
Copyright
: 2024
Original Language
: Swedish
Translator
: Polly Lawson
Original Title
: Den sista utposten
Original Publisher
: Bonnier Carlsen Bokfortag, Stockholm
Original Copyright
: 2021
ISBN
: 978-178250-854-0
Hardcover pages
: 48
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Swedish
Author’s residence
: Dalarna, Sweden
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Swedish
Illustrator’s residence
: Dalarna, Sweden
Awards
: Selma Lagerlof Society Prize, 2024
Subjects
: Conservation, Dreams, Grandchildren, Grandfathers, Intergenerational, Maps, Polar Bears, Wilderness Appreciation

Ajay And The Mumbai Sun

In this fast-paced adventure set in modern-day Mumbai, Ajay, a street kid abandoned on the Mumbai railways, dreams of becoming a journalist. He and his friends find an old printing press and start their own newspaper, The Mumbai Sun. As they search for stories for their paper, they uncover a plan to tear down their slum. Hundreds of people will become homeless. Ajay is clever, courageous, and determined. His ambition is to print the truth about the political corruption threatening his home. The bustle of Mumbai is brought to life in this beautifully written novel. mjw 

Author: Varsha Shah
Publisher: Chicken House
Copyright: 2023
Original LanguageEnglish
ISBN
: 978-1-338-87546-1
Hardcover pages: 208
Age range: 8-12
Genre: Fiction, Novel
Book setting: Mumbai, India
Author’s ethnicity: India
Awards: 2024 South Asia Book Award
Subjects: Cricket, Homelessness, Journalism, Newspapers, Poverty, Railways, Slums, Social justice


Slow Adventures: Every Moment: 40 Real-Life Journeys By Boat, Bike, Foot, And Train

Slow
This gorgeous travel guide for kids encourages them to travel slowly and experience the world in all its richness and wonder. “When you slow down and take your time, you notice the details that make each place unique. You meet people and learn about their histories and cultures. You discover new sounds, aromas, and flavors.” Four slower modes of transport: train, boat, bicycle, and your own two feet are featured in the book. A Table of Contents lists twelve journeys on foot, ten journeys by bike, ten journeys by boat, and eight journeys by train. Maps for all the journeys enrich the trips. Discover more about the world as you: slow down with the sloths in Costa Rica, trek the Inca Trail in Peru, bike through the Angkor Wat in Cambodia, discover the riches of Rajasthan in India, take a Mississippi steamboat, and more. A list of ways to travel slowly and suggestions for further reading round out this impressive work. The illustrated journeys were created in pencil and colored digitally. mjw
Title: Slow Adventures: Every Moment: 40 Real-Life Journeys By Boat, Bike, Foot, And Train
Author: Carl Honore
Illustrator
: Kevin and Krista Howdeshell
Publisher
: Magic Cat Publishing. UK. An imprint of Harry N. Abrams, New York
Copyright
: 2024
Original Language
: English
Original Title
: It’s The Journey Not The Destination
Original Publisher
: Magic Cat Publishing, Ltd.
Original Copyright
: 2022
ISBN
: 978-1-4197-7132-3
Hardcover pages
: 96
Age range
: 8-12
Genre
: Information Book, Nonfiction, Picture Book, Travel Guide
Book setting
: The World
Author’s residence
: London
Illustrator’s residence
: London
Subjects
: Boats, Bicycles, Cities, Culture, Hiking, Journeys, Mindfulness, People, Trains, Transportation, Travel Guides, World

The Cities Of The Future

This exciting book tells the story of how cities around the world are becoming greener, more innovative, and people-friendly spaces while continuing to evolve. Captivating, intricately detailed illustrations showcase pioneering cities, like London, Berlin, Chandigarh, Amsterdam, New York, and more. The book offers a glimpse into the future of urban environments and inspires readers to take action.
Title: The Cities Of The Future
Author: Didier Cornille
Illustrator
: Didier Cornille
Publisher
: Post Wave Publishing UK Ltd.
Copyright
: 2025
Original Language
: French
Translator
: Charis Ainslie
Original Title
: La Ville Quoi De Neuf Actes
Original Publisher
: Helium/Actes Sud
Original Copyright
: 2018
ISBN
: 979-8-89509-014-5
Hardcover pages
: 88
Age range
:7-9
Genre
: Picture Book, Nonfiction, Information Book
Book setting
: World cities
Author’s ethnicity
: French
Author’s residence
: Paris
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: French
Illustrator’s residence
: Paris
Subjects
: Architecture, Cities, Communities, Design, Ecology, Energy, Factories, Future, Gardens, Global awareness, Green, Homes, Museums, Parks, Pollution, Population, Railway stations, Renewable energy, Sustainability, Transportation,

The Carpet: An Afghan Family Story

Inspired by the author’s own life as an Afghani refugee, this impactful story expresses the importance of the family carpet. The carpet is the centerpiece of life – sipping tea and talking together, helping, sharing, caring, playing, learning, listening, remembering, and dreaming. The carpet is a piece of home. The bold-colored illustrations were made with ink drawings on paper and digital coloring. An author’s note tells the author’s backstory. mjw

Title: The Carpet: An Afghan Family Story
Author: Dezh Azaad
Illustrator
: Nan Cao
Publisher
: Abrams Books for Young Readers.New York
Copyright: 2023
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-4197-6361-8
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Afghani
Author’s residence
: Germany
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Chinese
Illustrator’s residence
: New York City
Awards
: 2024 South Asia Book Award
Subjects
: Cuisine, Culture, Cooking, Games, Folklore, Home, Refugees, Stories, Traditions

The Gray City

The Gray City
Robin has moved to a new city where everything is gray – buildings, traffic, people, streets, her school, and even all the paint in a paint shop. She sets out in search of color. At school, she meets Alani, who hates “all this gray business.” Together, they use their detective skills to discover that the faceless Gray Works is responsible for the lack of color in the city. She and Alani sneak into the building and adjust the company’s controls to colorful. The Gray City’s colors had been hidden. Now it’s full of color. This imaginative story has eleven chapters with quite a bit of text for a picture book. The illustrations are masterful in this introduction to color theory, which is explained in the back matter.
mjw
Title: The Gray City
Author: Torben Kuhlmann
Illustrator
: Torben Kuhlmann
Publisher
: NorthSouth Books, Inc., New York
Copyright
: 2024
Original Language
: German
Translator
: David Henry Wilson
Original Title
: Die graue Stadt
Original Publisher
: NordSud Verlag AG, Zurich, Switzerland
Original Copyright
: 2023
ISBN
: 978-0-7358-4554-1
Hardcover pages
: 64
Age range
: 6-10
Genre
: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity
: German
Author’s residence
: Hamburg
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: German
Illustrator’s residence
: Hamburg
Awards
: 2019 Batchelder for Edison
Subjects
: Cities, Color, Color Theory, Discovery, Imagination, Libraries, Mystery, Science

SOS Water

SOSLalo, a sailor, encounters a talking goldfish in a fishbowl on a pile of trash. Her name is Rosa, and she longs to have a better life. Lalo takes Rosa to a pond, a mountaintop, the Arctic, the jungle, the desert, the beach, and the River Seine. But everywhere is polluted with empty plastic water bottles. Lalo dreams that he has magical powers to clean the world. Several spreads show different animals cleaning up the ubiquitous water bottles. They come to a community garden and meet Bibo, a gentle little garden gnome, who suggests the perfect place for Rosa – a magic pond next to his house. The final page shows Lalo drinking a big glass of refreshing tap water. Whimsical line drawings saturated with water bottles further distinguish this important environmental lesson. A Spanish-language edition is also available. mjw
Title: SOS Water
Author: Yayo
Illustrator
: Yayo
Publisher
: Tradewinds Books. Vancouver, Canada
Copyright
: 2024
Original Language
: English
ISBN
: 978-1-990598-23-4
Hardcover pages
: 56
Age range
: 6-8
Genre
: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Colombian
Author’s residence
: Montreal, Quebec 
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Colombian
Illustrator’s residence
: Montreal, Quebec
Subjects
: Goldfish, Plastic water bottles, Pollution, Sailors, Water, Water pollution

Caterpillar Chryzzle

caterpillarWorm and caterpillar are best friends, They go for crawls and they love to sit and talk. One day caterpillar starts describing a strange and quite bewildering feeling – he is chryzzaling. He fixes himself to a stalk and wonders about life’s secrets and surprises and the deeper meaning of it all. Worm only giggles, shakes his head, and crawls away. He therefore misses when a butterfly emerges from the chrysalis and soars up into the sky. The clear, delicate-style watercolor paintings, filled with amazing details, combine realism and fantasy to round out this beautiful work. The author is one of the most successful children’s songwriters and musicians in Switzerland, Many of his songs have become true classics. He gives over 100 concerts each year in Switzerland. A QR code in the book leads to his song “Caterpillar Chryzzle.” . mjw
Title: Caterpillar Chryzzle
Author: Andrew Bond
Illustrator
: Julie Volk
Publisher
: NorthSouth Books, Inc. New York
Copyright
: 2025
Original Language
: German
Original Title
: Die Raupe spinnt
Original Publisher
: NordSud Verlag AG. Zurich, Switzerland
Original Copyright
: 2024
ISBN
: 978-0-7358-4559-6
Hardcover pages
: 32
Age range
: 4-8
Genre
: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity
: The author grew up in DR Congo, UL, and Switzerland
Author’s residence
: Wadenswil, Switzerland
Illustrator’s residence
: Vienna, Austria
Awards
: IBBY Honor Illustrator
Subjects
: Butterflies, Caterpillars, Chrysalis, Metamorphosis, New experiences, Worms