Curiosity is the spark that ignites a lifelong love of learning! Today’s spotlight is on Inquirers, those who ask questions, seek understanding, and explore the world with open minds. Whether it’s through stories of childhood mischief or the discovery of new places, books have the power to nurture this trait in young readers.

Two Green Birds by Geraldo Valério

In Two Green Birds by Geraldo Valério, Brazilian author, Geraldo Valerio takes readers into a heartwarming journey of discovery, connection, and curiosity, perfectly embodying the IB Learner Profile attribute of Inquirers. This enchanting story, based on Geraldo’s own childhood experiences, follows young Francisco (which is also Geraldo’s middle name!) and his grandmother as they encounter two vibrant green birds in their backyard, sparking questions about the natural world and our relationship with it.

Francisco’s fascination with the green birds in Two Green Birds opens a door to discovery, inspiring readers to look closely at the wonders of nature. Through his observations, children are encouraged to ask questions about wildlife and their environments—why the birds are there, how they behave, and what they need to thrive. The story fosters a deep curiosity about the living world, while the bond between Francisco and his grandmother highlights the importance of learning across generations. Their shared interest reminds readers that curiosity is often nurtured through family relationships and meaningful conversations. 

As Francisco observes the birds, he begins to empathize with them, considering their needs and experiences. This exploration of empathy challenges readers to think critically about how humans interact with and care for the natural world. Geraldo Valério’s simple yet thought-provoking storytelling invites children to reflect on their own encounters with nature and their connections to loved ones. Whether it’s the creatures in their backyards or the relationships they cherish, Two Green Birds encourages young readers to stay curious and embrace their role as inquirers in an interconnected world.

Two Green Birds is more than just a story of childhood memories—it’s an invitation for young minds to soar. By exploring themes of nature, relationships, and empathy, this delightful book inspires readers to stay curious, ask questions, and embrace their role as inquirers in a fascinating and interconnected world.

Two Green Birds 

Written by Geraldo Valério

2023, Groundwood Books

ISBN: 978-1773067957

Born Naughty: My Childhood in China by Jin Wang 

Jin Wang’s childhood in Inner Mongolia is filled with adventure, discovery, and endless curiosity is a delightful read. Whether she’s climbing trees, racing with friends, or investigating wells, her natural desire to explore the world around her drives her learning. She doesn’t just accept things as they are—she wonders, questions, and seeks to understand.

Beyond personal exploration, Born Naughty is also an invitation to cultural inquiry. Through vivid storytelling, readers experience Lunar New Year traditions in Inner Mongolia, life in a one-room schoolhouse, and the everyday joys and challenges of growing up in Inner Mongolia. It encourages young readers to compare their own experiences with Jin’s, fostering curiosity about different ways of life.

Jin Wang reminds us that being an inquirer isn’t just about finding answers—it’s about never losing the joy of asking questions.

Born Naughty: My Childhood in China

Written by by Jin Wang with Tony Johnston, Illustrated by Anisi Baigude

2024, Anne Schwartz Books

ISBN: 978-0593563618

Both books, appropriate for primary age children, celebrate the joy of wondering, questioning, and discovering—whether it’s about nature, culture, or oneself. So let’s keep asking, keep exploring, and keep nurturing the inquirer in every reader!

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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.