Tag Archives: Travel

The Wolves Of Greycoat Hall: Boris In Switzerland

Boris Greycoat is a friendly, sophisticated young wolf who likes to meet people and try new foods. In this sequel to The Wolves of Greycoat Hall (also on OmniLibros.com), he attends the Institute of International Excellence, a fancy Swiss boarding school, while his parents visit his great aunt. He makes human friends, rides horses, enjoys delicious cakes, and learns to snowboard. But something suspicious at the school leads to an entertaining art mystery to solve. The book is a quick, fun read about wolves and humans living in harmony. The book includes a table of contents; a detailed map of the Institute of Excellence in Switzerland; humorous, illustrated sidebar comments on wolfish behavior and culture; and reproductions of paintings by Degas, Picasso, Munch, Monet, Cezanne, Braque, and Klee alongside their comical wolf counterparts. The brilliant, amusing, crisp pen and ink drawings add to the fun. Lucinda Gifford’s author website offers fun activities to go with the book. mjw

Title: The Wolves Of Greycoat Hall: Boris In Switzerland
Author: Lucinda Gifford
Illustrator: Lucinda Gifford
Publisher: Kane Miller, A division of EDC Publishing
Copyright: 2023
Original Language: English
Original Publisher: Walker Books Limited, London
Original Copyright: 2023
ISBN: 978-1-68464-720-0
Paperback pages: 232
Age range: 7-10
Genre: Fiction, Humor, Fantasy
Book setting: Switzerland
Author’s ethnicity: English
Author’s residence: Melbourne, Australia
Illustrator’s ethnicity: English
Illustrator’s residence: Melbourne, Australia
Subjects: Art, Art forgeries, Boarding schools, Cakes, Ghosts, Heroes, Horses, Mystery, Skiing, Snowboarding, Swiss cuisine, Villains, Wolves

Hilwa’s Gifts

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This heartwarming picture book follows a young girl’s journey to discover her cultural heritage through her grandmother’s traditional cooking. The story beautifully captures the intergenerational bond as Hilwa learns to prepare family recipes that connect her to her ancestral homeland. The illustrations, rendered in vibrant watercolors with intricate details, depict the rich textures of Middle Eastern fabrics, the steam rising from aromatic dishes, and the expressive faces of the characters as they share meaningful moments in the kitchen. Throughout the book, the illustrator uses a warm color palette dominated by rich oranges, reds, and golds to evoke the spices central to the narrative and create a sense of comfort and belonging. The final spreads feature stunning double-page illustrations of a family gathering where Hilwa presents her perfected dish, symbolizing how food traditions can preserve cultural identity across generations and distances. mjw

Title: Hilwa’s Gifts
Author: Safa Suleiman
Illustrator: Anait Semirdzhyan
Publisher: Candlewick Press. Somerville, Massachusetts
Copyright: 2025
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-5362-2942-4
Hardcover pages: 40
Age range: 3-7
Genre: Picture Book
Book setting: Palestine
Author’s ethnicity: Palestinian American
Author’s residence: Colorado
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Born in Kazakhstan, raised in Armenia
Illustrator’s residence: Seattle
Subjects: Cousins, Farm life, Grandparents, Heritage, Middle East, Multigenerational, Olive harvest, Olive oil, Olives, Picnic, Traditions

The Sleeper Train

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This soothing bedtime story is about a little girl who is spending the night on a sleeper train with her Sikh family. However, she is so excited that she cannot sleep. As the train weaves through various Indian landscapes, she shares memories of places where she has slept, from a camping trip on the beach to her grandparents’ house. Jackson’s prose is lyrical and gentle. The richly detailed pencil and digital illustrations, vibrant and enchanting, complement the text perfectly and are based on the Punjabi and Sikh diaspora experiences. They include traditional Indian attire, hair practices, and visual motifs.

Title: The Sleeper Train
Author: Mick Jackson
Illustrator: Baljinder Kaur
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Copyright: 2025
Original Language: English
Original Publisher: Walker Books. UK
Original Copyright: 2025
ISBN: 978-1-5362-3898-3
Hardcover pages: 32
Age range: 3-7
Genre: Picture Book
Book setting: India
Author’s ethnicity: English
Author’s residence: Brighton, England
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Indian
Illustrator’s residence: London
Subjects: Bedtime books, Memories, Sleep, Trains, Transportation

Einstein The Penguin

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When siblings Imogen (age 9) and Arthur (age 6) Stewart and their parents visit the London Zoo, they are so enchanted by one small penguin that Mrs. Stewart insists that he must come and stay with them whenever he likes. Later that evening, they are surprised when the penguin shows up at their door wearing a backpack labeled “Einstein.” Einstein moves in, and the adventure begins as Imogen becomes a detective to try to figure out why Einstein came to them and to help him achieve his goal. The lively, humorous text makes the book ideal for reading aloud. Quirky pen and ink drawings highlight this funny story, which supports the values of family cooperation and concern for others. Two other books in the Einstein the Penguin series are The Case of the Fishy Detective and The Case of the Polar Poachers.

Title: Einstein The Penguin
Author: Iona Rangeley
Illustrator: David Tazzyman
Publisher: Kane Miller. EDC Publishing
Copyright: 2021
Original Language: English
Original Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers Ltd.
ISBN: 978-1-68464-857-3
Hardcover pages: 224
Age range: 6-9
Genre: Fiction
Book setting: London
Author’s ethnicity: English
Author’s residence: England
Illustrator’s ethnicity: English
Illustrator’s residence: England
Subjects: Detectives, Humorous stories, Mystery, Penguins, Zoos

The Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea Mystery

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This engaging mystery follows Sona, a 12-year-old Nepali girl, who seeks to uncover the truth behind the missing family inheritance of her friend, Tara. Tara is promised to the greedy tea plantation manager who wants the precious gold jewelry. Sona has to prove her brother’s innocence, worry about her sickly mother, who is a tea plucker, and fret about her exams that will allow her to attend the Darjeeling International School. The story deftly intertwines the themes of friendship, bravery, and the rich tapestry of Indian heritage. The digitally rendered back-and-white illustrations add to the drama of this delightful blend of adventure and cultural exploration. The mystery is both entertaining and enlightening.

Title: The Golden Necklace: A Darjeeling Tea Mystery
Author: Mitali Perkins
Illustrator: Maithili Joshi
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Copyright: 2025
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-62354-373-0
Hardcover pages: 128
Age range: 7-10
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary
Book setting: Darjeeling, India
Author’s ethnicity: Indian
Author’s residence: San Francisco
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Indian
Illustrator’s residence: New York City
Awards: The Author was nominated for the National Book Award
Subjects: Arranged marriages, Darjeeling, Examinations, Gold, Inheritance, Jewelry, School issues, Tea plantations

Finding The Way To Faraway Valley

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A 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

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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 Language: English
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

The Yellow Road

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This whimsical tale follows Sam on an adventurous journey. The story unfolds along a mysterious yellow road, filled with enchanting encounters and unexpected surprises, as Sam navigates through various landscapes, with friendly folk, strange giraffes, scary trolls, a gruff submarine captain, and a magical painting. The watercolor, acrylic paint, and ink illustrations are vibrant and meticulously detailed, bringing the characters and their fantastic world to life. Overall, this charming book captivates readers of all ages with its delightful narrative and stunning visuals.

Title: The Yellow Road
Author: Sven Nordqvist
Illustrator: Sven Nordqvist
Publisher: Floris Books, Edinburgh
Copyright: 2025
Original Language: Swedish
Original Title: Vagen Hem
Original Publisher: Bokforlaget Opal AB, Stockholm
Original Copyright: 2023
ISBN: 97178250-928-8
Hardcover pages: 32
Age range: 4-7
Genre: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity: Swedish
Author’s residence: Sweden
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Swedish
Illustrator’s residence: Sweden
Awards: The Author has won the Swedish Literature Award and the German Youth Literature Prize
Subjects: Fairy tales, Fantasy, Forests, Journey Magic, Mountains, Submarines, Trolls

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

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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

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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

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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

A Map For Falasteen: A Palestinian Child’s Search For Home

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At school, a young Palestinian girl named Falasteen struggles to find her homeland on a map. She is troubled, confused, and curious when her teacher tells her she “thinks there’s no such place.” Falasteen asks her grandfather why Palestine isn’t on the map, and he draws her a colorful outline map showing various Palestinian cities and villages that she can take to school to show her teachers and classmates. She also asks her grandma, who is working in the kitchen. Grandma tells her of when soldiers, tanks, and guns forced her family from their home. Finally, Falesteen asks her mother why Palestine isn’t on the map. Mama replies that there are places you don’t need a map to find – their favorite trail, the bird’s nest in the chimney, their music and food, their names and language, and things that they haven’t seen with their own eyes. She says, “Palestine lives in you and me.” Beautiful, inspiring illustrations and thorough back matter round out this important and timely book. mjw

Title: A Map For Falasteen
Author: Maysa Odeh
Illustrator: Aliaa Betawi
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company. New York
Copyright: 2024
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-250-89670-4
Hardcover pages: 40
Age range: 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity: Palestinian
Author’s residence: California, USA
Illustrator’s ethnicity: Palestinian
Illustrator’s residence: Alexandria, Egypt
Awards: 2025 Carter G. Woodson Book Award. Elementary Honor
Subjects: Arabs, Family life, Homes, Israel, Maps, Middle East, Multigenerational, Palestine, Refugees