Tove Jansson was a Finnish writer, and will be familiar to readers of children’s fiction as the creator of the Moomins. They appeared in books and cartoons and then newspapers, eventually in 12 countries. They were so successful that Walt Disney wanted to acquire them. He was turned down. Tove Jansson was much more than … Continue reading The Summer Book by Tove Jansson
The Lady and the Little Fox Fur by Violette Leduc
This is the first in the European section of the month of older women in fiction around the world. Recommended by Deborah Levy, introducing this English version, she characterises the novels of Violette Leduc as works of genius and also a bit peculiar. She claims that Leduc was ‘rearranging the social and sexual scaffolding of … Continue reading The Lady and the Little Fox Fur by Violette Leduc
#WorldKidLitWednesday: Yours Sincerely, Giraffe
Did you have a pen pal when you were little? Maybe someone from halfway around the world, whom you’d never seen, from a land you knew nothing about? That’s the premise of Yours Sincerely, Giraffe, a sweet, zany chapter book for ages 6-10, with charming illustrations by award-winning artist Jun Takabatake (Bologna Children’s Book Fair Graphics … Continue reading #WorldKidLitWednesday: Yours Sincerely, Giraffe
Eleanor and Abel by Annette Sanford
The Older Women in Fiction around the world begins with fiction from North America. This is a choice from a writer friend of mine. Like many writers she is a reader and her choice continues the theme of older women who thwart expectations. Another former schoolteacher, like Olive Kitteridge, Eleanor Bannister might be expected to … Continue reading Eleanor and Abel by Annette Sanford
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
Loneliness in old age. It’s the biggest killer. An old woman has an idea about how to deal with it, especially at night when it hurts most. She approaches an acquaintance, Louis Waters with an unusual proposition and they begin a friendship with unexpected consequences for them both. This is the fourth post in the … Continue reading Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
World Languages Review: Der Mann, der den Regen fotografierte (Germany)
It seems an impossible coexistence: German Grundlichkeit in one of the Amazonian cityscapes, filled with myths, religions, folk tales, and superstition. Yet, this is exactly what Cramer – scouting locations for a movie – has to grapple with if he is to survive in this personally exotic environment. Already with his first steps out of … Continue reading World Languages Review: Der Mann, der den Regen fotografierte (Germany)
Excerpt: The Greenest Wind by Gesine Schulz
Chapter 1Goodbye, California “No, No, NO!” Lucy screamed, clapping her ears shut. Her mother pulled Lucy’s hands down and held them tightly. “Sweetheart, please try to understand,” she said. “It’s the perfect opportunity for me to spend a few weeks with Kurt. He called just a little while ago and I had to … Continue reading Excerpt: The Greenest Wind by Gesine Schulz
#WorldKidLit Wednesday: Ruby Red
Like YA fantasy filled with fencing, derring-do and a dash of romance? Historical fiction replete with counts and conspiracies? Urban paranormal novels about time traveling? Then have I got a fabulous novel-in-translation for you… While this may sound like a mashed-up, genre-bending smorgasbord of a book lost in an endless search for identity, Ruby Red is … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Ruby Red
Publisher Spotlight: Pushkin Press
Founded in 1997, this London press has helped to bring many talented writers' works into the English language. As a publisher with imprints for children's books and literary debuts, their reach extends across many genres and styles. Spotlighted Titles: Land of Smoke by Sara Gallardo, translated by Jessica Sequeira Pushkin Press can claim to … Continue reading Publisher Spotlight: Pushkin Press
#WorldKidLit Wednesday – GLLI Translated YA Book Prize Excerpt: Defying the Nazis
Editor’s Note The following passages from Defying the Nazis illustrate German officer Wilm Hosenfeld’s transformation from an enemy occupier in Poland to a humane and brave rescuer. These sections have been edited, with some bracketed text added for clarity. Excerpts from journal entries, notes, and letters appear in italics. *** There was a stark difference … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday – GLLI Translated YA Book Prize Excerpt: Defying the Nazis
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 