Dreams can be filled with vibrant adventure and fraught with fear. But often they dissipate when we wake, without leaving a trace. In his picture book João by a Thread, renowned author/illustrator Roger Mello captures the world of nightmares and dreams and commits it to memory in written and illustrated form. The book opens with … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: João by a Thread
The Science for Smartypants series of books introduces scientific phenomena, with a generous dose of humor on the side, to readers in the age group of 5 to 8 years. Each of the four titles in the series revolves around particular concepts, namely Gravity, Photosynthesis, Evolution, and the Solar System. Dominantly rendered in tones of … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Science for Smartypants series
Meet Epi Dermis! Who is Epi Dermis, you might ask? Your skin, of course! Forthcoming July 2023 from South Africa based Catalyst Press, It's Just Skin, Silly! is a friendly and accessible introduction to the evolution of skin color. Anthropologist Nina Jablonski and historian Holly McGee draw upon their more than 40 years of combined … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: It’s Just Skin, Silly!
The world can be a frightening and overwhelming place. Pina, an orange cat-like character with large, soulful eyes, prefers to stay at home. In his little abode, Pina is surrounded by creature comforts and familiar objects. He can snuggle under a soft blanket and read a book, sit by the open fire with a cup … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Pina
Written by guest curator, Bec Taylor Celebrating Tasmanian Literature Month has allowed me the privilege of connecting my past to my present and future. I have luxuriated in my precious memories of a wild and free childhood, shed tears over the dark and horrifying acts inflicted upon and by our ancestors, discovered incredible new-to-me creators, … Continue reading #TasmanianLitMonth – Summing Up a Month of Tasmanian Titles
My library colleagues and I are big proponents of wordless picture books. They are accessible to readers no matter their age, literacy level, or primary language. They impart vital narrative skills, and are ideal for practicing dialogic reading with young children. Wordless books are not less than for their lack of text; they are important … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Yellow Butterfly
If you are familiar with Japanese picture books, you may know that Chirri and Chirra, In the Night is merely the latest (eighth!) entry in the delightful series from author and illustrator Kaya Doi. Translated by David Boyd, this sweet little book is an ode to the magic that nighttime can bring. Chirri and Chirra … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Chirri & Chirra, In the Night
Sometimes you are searching your library catalog for books for a winter-themed storytime, and you come across the perfect book not only for storytime, but also for your next GLLI book review! The Penguin Who Was Cold is an absolutely charming picture book about a penguin who does not fit the mold. Written and illustrated … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Penguin Who Was Cold
As someone who works in early literacy, I am a huge advocate of pretend play for young children. Pretend play, also known as imaginative play or dramatic play, imparts a host of developmental benefits. Through pretend play, children develop language and vocabulary skills, cultivate their social and emotional intelligence, grow their problem-solving and other thinking … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: We Would Pretend
“What was that box doing there in the middle of the forest? It was a mystery.” It’s not every day that a strange box, large enough for someone to hide in, arrives in the woods. And it has the local animals wondering from the moment they wake. They are full of questions, and then anticipation, … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Box
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 