Many of us are familiar with the tropes of Western fairy tales; somewhere in a far off place, there is a damsel in distress, a brave hero, and maybe a fantastical creature to boot. Something untoward then occurs, necessitating a rescue of some sort. There is maybe even some magic, or at least a supernatural … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Stone Giant
Mpumi is a young, fun-loving, warm-hearted South African girl who lives in Johannesburg. In these two delightful picture books, aimed at children ages 5-10, we discover more about her, her city and her friends. Both titles are available in all of South Africa's 11 languages; Mpumi and Jabu's Magical Day is also available in French. … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Mpumi’s Magic Beads and Mpumi and Jabu’s Magical Day
In two days, South Africa will observe Heritage Day, an annual reminder of the diversity of our people beyond our 11 official languages and ethnic groups. On this public holiday, people are encouraged to take pride in their roots and celebrate their ethnocultural heritage. In Wanda, a picture book for ages 4-8 by Sihle Nontshokweni … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Wanda
Known as the Oscars of the comics world, the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are traditionally given every summer at San Diego Comic Con. Due to COVID-19, the ceremony was virtual in 2021, when the awards featured 33 categories. Books for children in translation can be found in a number of them. The pickings were … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The 2021 Eisner Award Nominations
In every city around the world, there are millions of stories—in its cars, its homes, schools, and business, and its public transport. Such is the conceit of I Am the Subway, written by Kim Hyo-eun and translated by Deborah Smith. Originally published in Korea, the protagonist of this lyrical picture book is the Seoul subway, … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: I Am the Subway
August 6, 1945, is a date forever etched into the memories of those who live in Hiroshima. Today, it is marked by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony, where thousands of lanterns are set afloat along the Motoyasu River in memory of those who died in the devastating bombing of the city. Soul Lanterns, a historical … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Soul Lanterns
What happens when Baby discovers a big basket of bright yellow bananas? She eats them for breakfast, of course, and accidentally begins a bumpy adventure on Brother's bicycle. The beats in his headphones keep him from noticing his baby sister in the back as he rides through the busy village. Brother and Baby pass by … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: B is for Baby
A charming, offbeat picture book for ages 3-6, Good Night, Earth* flips the beloved childhood favorite, Goodnight, Moon, on its head in a delightful way by imagining the bedtime ritual of a far-off alien family. Using a telescope they see that: The axolotl is so, so tired. He swallows a gulp of fresh water and reads … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Good Night, Earth
What initially makes The Immortal Boy, written by Colombian author Francisco Montaña Ibáñez, stand out from other YA novels is its innovative dual language format. Published this year by Levine Querido, the book can be read in English or in Spanish, depending on how one holds the book. On one side, the reader can read … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Immortal Boy
Oh, what a joy to experience the changing seasons from a child’s perspective! Because sometimes, it’s the little things: the glimpse of a shy peach peeking out from behind some leaves, the pleasure of flying brightly colored kites at the beach, the sound of umbrellas singing in the rain. Beautiful Day! Petite Poems for All … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Beautiful Day! Petite Poems for All Seasons
