Tag Archives: Travel

The Sleeper And The Spindle

the sleeper and the spindleSnow White meets Sleeping Beauty in this dark and definitely different adaptation of several classic tales. On the eve of her wedding, a young queen sets out with three dwarf companions to rescue a princess. Also, there is a sleeping plague sweeping the land and the queen wants to get to the bottom of the magical curse. They encounter cobweb-covered sleepers on the way to the castle tower, where they find the sleeping princess, who has been there for 70 years, and an old woman. The queen’s kiss wakes the princess. Here, the story veers off course again to a nontraditional, but satisfying ending. Intricate ink drawings with touches of gold bring all the twists and turns in the mash-up fairy tale to life. mjw
Title: The Sleeper And The Spindle
Author: Neil Gaiman
Illustrator
: Chris Riddell
Publisher
: Harper Collins
Copyright
: 2015
Original Language
: English
Original Publisher
: Bloomsbury
Original Copyright
: 2014
ISBN
: 978-0-06-239824-6
Hardcover pages
: 64
Age range
: 13 up
Genre
: Picture book, Fairy tale, Fantasy
Author’s ethnicity
: Originally from England
Author’s residence
: U.S.
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: British
Illustrator’s residence
: Brighton, England
Awards
: 2016 CLIP Kate Greenaway Medal
Subjects
: Adaptations, Fairy tales and folklore, Myths and legends, Princesses, Queens, Quests, Science fiction, Sleep

Yours Sincerely, Giraffe

yours-sincerely-giraffeGiraffe is bored, so he writes a letter and asks Pelican to deliver it beyond the horizon. Penguin receives the letter and the two become pen pals. The two animals have no idea what each other looks like. After many hilarious questions and answers, Giraffe creates a picture of what he thinks Penguin looks like. Giraffe trying to dress like a penguin will certainly make readers laugh out loud. The story, which incorporates fun animal facts, is generously illustrated with simple ink drawings and the pair’s letters. mjw
Title: Yours Sincerely, Giraffe
Author: Megumi Iwasa
Illustrator
: Jun Takabatake
Publisher
: Gecko Press.  New Zealand
Copyright
: 2017
Original Language
: Japanese
Translator
: Cathy Hirano
Original Title
: Boku wa Africa ni Sumu Kirin to Iimasu
Original Publisher
: Kaisei-sha Publishing Co Ltd.  Tokyo
Original Copyright
: 2001
ISBN
: 978-1-927271-88-9
Hardcover pages
: 104
Age range
: 6-9
Genre
: Fiction
Book setting
: Africa and Antarctica
Author’s ethnicity
: Japanese
Author’s residence
: Tokyo, Japan
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Japanese
Illustrator’s residence
: Japan
Subjects
: Birds, Friendship, Giraffes, Humor, Letter writing, Pelicans, Pen pals, Penguins, Whales

The Wizard Of Oz

Wizard of OzThis picture book adaptation of the classic Oz story tells about Dorothy and her little dog Toto after they get swept away by a powerful cyclone to the Land of Oz on the other side of the rainbow. Elements from the original that may not be familiar, such as the bear-tiger Kalidahs, are included. Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman whose limbs are made of cans of salmon, corn, and chile con carne, and the Cowardly Lion. Together they search for the great Wizard and a way back home, a brain, a heart, and courage. This beautifully illustrated edition is a perfect introduction to L. Frank Baum’s story and a fresh take on the classic made famous by the 1939 movie musical. mjw
Title: The Wizard Of Oz
Author: Anouk Filippini, adapted from the novel by L. Frank Baum (1856-1919)
Illustrator
: Elodie Coudray
Publisher
: Anzou Publishing.  Paris, France
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: French
Translator
: Susan Allen Maurin
Original Title
: Le Magicien d’Oz
Original Publisher
: Anzou Publishing.  Paris, France
Original Copyright
: 2016
ISBN
: 978-2-7338-3942-9
Hardcover pages
: 40
Age range
: 8 up
Genre
: Picture Book, Fantasy
Author’s ethnicity
: French
Author’s residence
: France
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: French
Illustrator’s residence
: France
Subjects
: Fairytales, Fantasy, Folktales, Magic, Witches, Wizards

As Time Went By

51mcujm-halThrough 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
Title: As Time Went By
Author: José Sanabria
Illustrator
: José Sanabria
Publisher
: NorthSouth Books
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: French
Original Title
: Wie die Zeit verghet
Original Publisher
: NordSud
Original Copyright
: 2016
ISBN
: 987-0-7358-4248-9 
Paperback pages
: 48
Age range
: 4-8 
Genre
: Picture Book
Author’s ethnicity
: Colombian
Author’s residence
: Argentina
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Colombian
Illustrator’s residence
: Argentina
Subjects
: Boats, Family, Homes

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

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

Hidden

HiddenAlix, 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

The Only Road

51brebjihl-_sx329_bo1204203200_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
Title: The Only Road
Author: Alexandra Diaz
Publisher
: Simon & Schuster Books
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: English (Spanish edition available)
ISBN
:978-1-4814-5750-7
Hardcover pages
: 320
Age range
: 8-12
Genre
: Fiction based on current events
Book setting
: Guatemala, Mexico, United States
Author’s ethnicity
: Cuban
Author’s residence
: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Awards; 2017 Pura Belpre Author Honor
Subjects
: Artwork, Dogs, Drawing, Family, Gangs, Immigration, Travel, Violence

Americanine: A Haute Dog In New York

AmericanineA French dog, upon his return to Paris, recounts to his dog friends about his trip to New York. The dachshund tells of the Statue of Liberty, the Guggenheim, Broadway, Central Park, Coney Island, and more. Humorous touches include his wonder at seeing “people through windows who were running hard but never left their spots and no ball ever showed up” and doggy bags! The charming and funny, yet sophisticated, illustrations were made with colored pencils. Sketches range from free-hand line drawings with speech bubbles to colorful and vibrant double-page spreads in this informative text.  mjw
Title: Americanine: A Haute Dog In New York
Author: Yann Kebbi
Illustrator
: Yan Kebbi
Publisher
: Enchanted Lion Books, New York
Copyright
: 2015
Original Language
: French
Translator
: Sarah Klinger
Original Title
: Americanin, un chien a New York
Original Publisher
: Editions Michel Lagarde
Original Copyright
: 2012
ISBN
: 978-1-59270-172-8
Hardcover pages
: 72
Age range
: 5 up
Genre
: Picture Book
Book setting
: New York
Author’s ethnicity
: French
Author’s residence
: Paris
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: French
Illustrator’s residence
: Paris
Subjects
: Art, Dogs, Geography and cultures. New York, Travel, United States

Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey

stepping-stonesThis stunning bilingual Arabic/English picture book was inspired by the unique stone-collage art of Syrian artist Nizar Ali Badr. It is the story of Rama and her family, who are forced to flee their once peaceful village to escape the devastation of the civil war. Taking only what they can carry on their backs, Rama, her mother and father, her grandfather, and her brother Sami, walk to freedom in Europe. The artist’s images are photographs of carefully placed stones, creating figures that come to life to tell the story.   A forward tells how the author discovered Badr’s art. mjw
Title: Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey
Author: Margriet Ruurs
Illustrator
: Nizar Ali Badr
Publisher
: Orca Book Publishers
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: English and Arabic
Translator
: Falah Raheem
ISBN
: 978-1-4598-1490-5
Hardcover pages
: 28
Age range
: 9-12
Genre
: Picture Book
Book setting
: Syria and Europe
Author’s ethnicity
: Dutch
Author’s residence
: British Columbia
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Syrian
Illustrator’s residence
: Syria
Subjects
: Bilingual books, Civil war- Syria 2011, Refugee crisis, Refugees, Stone art, Syria.

Somos Como Las Nubes/We Are Like The Clouds

somos-como-las-nubesOver 100,000 children have left Central America for the United States. The powerful poetry in this bilingual Spanish/English book describes the hardships and risks these children undertake and their hope for a new life in America. The first poems show the beauty of Central America. Next, they depict the problems, including gangs. The children face rough conditions with courage. The final poems take place in Los Angeles. The author was a refugee from El Salvador’s war in the 1980s. Beautiful surreal paintings complement the imagery of the poems. mjw
Title: Somos Como Las Nubes/We Are Like The Clouds
Author: Jorge Argueta
Illustrator
: Alfonso Ruano
Publisher
: Groundwood Books, Toronto
Copyright
: 2016
Original Language
: Spanish
Translator
: Elisa Amado
ISBN
: 978-1-55498-849-5
Hardcover pages
: 36
Age range
: 7-12
Genre
: Picture Book/Poetry
Book setting
: Central America and U.S.
Author’s ethnicity
: Salvadoran and Pipil Nahua Indian
Author’s residence
: San Francisco
Illustrator’s ethnicity
: Spanish
Illustrator’s residence
: Madrid
Awards
: Author has won the International Latino Book Award.  Illustrator has won the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award
Subjects
: Hispanic, Homelessness, Immigration, Latino, Poverty, Refugees, Stories in verse