March 2
#IBLPKidLit– Inquirers: Inspiring Curious Minds
Curiosity is a superpower! It drives us to ask questions, seek answers, and dive deep into the unknown. As librarians and educators, we’re blessed with the unique opportunity to nurture that natural spark of curiosity in young learners and help them become inquirers—students who eagerly explore and seek to understand the world around them. What better way to fuel that curiosity than through the magic of picture books?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) celebrates Inquirers as students who embrace their natural curiosity and actively develop the skills to explore, question, and research the world. With a passion for discovery, inquirers learn independently and collaboratively, honing their ability to ask meaningful questions, analyze information critically, and reflect on their findings. The IB curriculum fosters this dynamic cycle of inquiry, action, and reflection, encouraging students to approach learning with enthusiasm while educators provide a supportive environment that inspires exploration.
To celebrate this vital attribute, we’ve selected five beautifully illustrated picture books from talented international authors. These stories will take readers on journeys of discovery, from searching for answers to uncovering new perspectives, offering rich opportunities for discussion and wonder. Each book aligns perfectly with the IB Learner Profile attribute Inquirers, inviting readers to embrace the joy of asking questions and seeking answers. Let’s dive in and inspire young minds to keep exploring!
The Umbrella by Ingrid Schubert & Dieter Schubert (German)
Hold on tight! The Umbrella whisks readers away on a wordless adventure from an African plain to the depth of the ocean and across the Arctic. A curious little dog discovers an umbrella in the garden, and before you can say “up, up, and away,” the wind takes them on a whirlwind journey. From hot deserts to icy polar landscapes, the umbrella transforms into a kite, boat, sled, and even a shield, inviting readers to imagine themselves in each vivid scene.
German author-illustrators Ingrid and Dieter Schubert, celebrated for their storytelling skills in the Netherlands, have created a masterpiece that sparks curiosity and wonder without a single word. The stunning illustrations encourage young inquirers to ask, “What’s happening here? What’s next?”—making it an ideal companion for the IB Learner Profile attribute inquirers.
Pair this book, as well as many other wordless books, with the IB transdisciplinary theme How We Express Ourselves to explore storytelling through images, emotions, and creativity. The Umbrella is not just a journey for the dog but a ticket for readers to soar into their own imaginations.
Illustrated by Ingrid Schubert & Dieter Schubert
2011, Lemniscaat USA
ISBN: 9781935954002
The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story by Tina Cho (S. Korea)
After the flight with the umbrella, we are diving into the captivating world of the “haenyeo” with The Ocean Calls, a heartfelt tale that bridges tradition, courage, and wonder. This story follows Dayeon, a young girl eager to follow her grandmother’s path as a haenyeo, a female diver who harvests treasures from the sea without the aid of modern equipment.
Tina Cho weaves a beautiful narrative, inspired by her firsthand research and conversations with these remarkable women of Korea. Through Dayeon’s journey, young readers are encouraged to explore marine life, appreciate cultural traditions, and embrace their own fears. The story is enriched with stunning illustrations that capture the beauty of the ocean and the amazing strengths of the haenyeo.
Perfect for curious explorers, this book celebrates the bond between history and youth, the resilience needed to overcome challenges, and the awe-inspiring wonders of nature. It’s an excellent read for those seeking to understand different cultures and find inspiration in their own bravery.
The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story
Written by Tina Cho, Illustrated by Jess X. Snow
2020, Kokila
ISBN: 978-1984814869
Neighbors by Kasya Denisevich (Russian)
Through the eyes of a curious young girl, Neighbors invites readers to ponder the mysteries of those who share our spaces but remain unknown. Moving into a new apartment, the girl wonders about the lives above, below, and all around her: “My ceiling is someone’s floor, my floor is someone’s ceiling.”
Kasya Denisevich’s illustrations evolve from a single red hexagon in the beginning of the front cover—symbolizing the girl’s initial curiosity—into a kaleidoscope of colors right before the back cover, reflecting her growing understanding of the world and those around her. This visual journey perfectly mirrors the book’s exploration of perspective, connection, and the beauty of diversity.
With its meaningful message about reaching out to strangers and the courage it takes to connect, Neighbors encourages kids to think deeply about their communities and relationships. It’s a thought-provoking read that beautifully nurtures curiosity and empathy in young minds.
Written by Kasya Denisevich
2020, Chronicle Books
ISBN: 9781452177755
Little Mouse and the Red Wall by Britta Teckentrup (German)
In Little Mouse and the Red Wall, a curious mouse encounters a towering red wall and begins to wonder: what lies beyond? This beautifully layered story explores themes of courage, hope, and the transformative power of facing fears and embracing change.
Britta Teckentrup’s artwork is both simple and striking, with details capturing the essence of the characters—a lion’s strength, a fox’s cleverness, and a bear’s steadfastness. As Little Mouse’s journey unfolds, the palette shifts and deepens, symbolizing the characters’ growing confidence and freedom.
This book is a gentle yet profound tool for helping children navigate challenges, offering language to discuss fears and the beauty of discovery. Perfect for sparking conversations about self-growth and the wonders waiting just beyond our comfort zones, Little Mouse and the Red Wall is a visual and emotional delight.
Written by Britta Teckentrup
2022, Orchard Books
ISBN: 978-1408342817
Farah Loves Mangos by Sarthak Sinha (India)
Calling all mango lovers—this one’s for you (and ME!) Farah Loves Mangos is an adorable story of determination, family, and learning to find joy in the unexpected. When Farah’s beloved mango tree stops bearing fruit, she sets out to solve the mystery, trying everything she can think of to bring her favorite treat back. But it’s her wise grandfather who gently shows her that even without mangoes, the tree is still brimming with life and beauty.
This story sparks curiosity about nature and gardening while weaving in a touching message about accepting life as it is. The vibrant illustrations and heartfelt narrative will leave readers with a smile—and maybe even craving a mango or two. Perfect for kids and their grown-ups who love trees, family stories, or the sweetness of finding joy in the everyday!
Written by Sarthak Sinha
2023, Flying Eye Books
ISBN: 9781838741365
Book of Questions by Pablo Neruda
Pablo Neruda’s The Book of Questions embodies the essence of an inquirer’s mindset, embracing curiosity, wonder, and exploration. Instead of providing answers, the book presents 316 curious questions, encouraging readers to challenge assumptions and engage with the unknown.
Neruda blends childlike wonder with adult wisdom, illustrating how inquirers navigate complex ideas through both experience and imagination. His questions push beyond logic into realms of intuition and creativity, using nature as a lens for deeper philosophical reflection. By embracing uncertainty with openness and vision, The Book of Questions inspires a spirit of inquiry, making it a profound example of lifelong curiosity and exploration.
Written by Pablo Neruda, Illustrated by Paloma Valdivia, #NameTheTranslator Sara Lissa Paulson
2022, Enchanted Lion
ISBN: 9781592703227
Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian, Founding Chair of the Toucan Award, and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a-kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian
GLLI Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.
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