Spurred by his own experiences as a parent, the 2022 Booker Prize-winning author Shehan Karunatilaka, ventured into making books for young readers, with the Baby Baba series of books, in 2019. Written in rhyme and quirkily illustrated by his brother Lalith Karunatilaka, the book begins with describing Baby Baba—a bemused but fearless toddler in a … Continue reading #WorldKidLitWednesday: Please Don’t Put That In Your Mouth
Since its first articulation by scholar Rudine Sims Bishop, much has been written about the need for children's books that are both windows and mirrors: books that allow children to see not only children different from them, but also to see themselves reflected in the text. Often used as an analogy to discuss the importance … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Lost Inside My Head
I grew up reading the "Dick and Jane" series. For most children of my generation, we did not have access to reading material that represented us or our own environment. So I was delighted to come across "Tai the Rhino: A Bee in the Nose" which is a children's book that not only serves to … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: Tai the Rhino: A Bee in the Nose (2022)
This month it is my privilege to once again review a forthcoming translated title from Eerdman's Books for Young Readers. Originally published in France, The Brothers Zzli is at first glance a story about a small girl and three bears—a sort of riff on the classic English fairy tale. But it's actually an allegory about … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Brothers Zzli
Forthcoming later this month from Eerdman's Books for Young Readers, Colorful Mondays: A Bookmobile Spreads Hope in Honduras is a vibrant and uplifting picture book based on the real-life work of Asociación Compartir, a nonprofit dedicated to education and community development. Supported by JustWorld International, Asociación Compartir in particular provides bookmobile service (hence the book's … Continue reading WorldKidLit Wednesday: Colorful Mondays: A Bookmobile Spreads Hope in Honduras
Children's literature has the remarkable ability to captivate young minds and ignite a lifelong love for reading. It takes a special kind of storytelling to transport children to far-off worlds, introduce them to fascinating characters, and instill important values. Recognizing the significance of children's literature, Antwerp University has organized a fun and collaborative initiative in … Continue reading Exploring the Magic of Children’s Literature at Antwerp University’s Summer School 2022
A picture book for readers age 3-7, Memo and the Unexpected Gift is a sweet story with delightful, unexpected twists and gentle, wry humor. The tale begins much like a regular picture book, and the reader quickly expects a traditional trajectory. Memo lives with his grandmother in a small-town cottage. She can’t see very well, … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Memo and the Unexpected Gift
Photo courtesy of the author. About Lian Lian Tanner has worked as a teacher, a tourist bus driver, a juggler, an editor and a professional actor. She has been dynamited while scuba diving and arrested while busking. She once spent a week in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, hunting for a Japanese soldier left … Continue reading #TasmanianLitMonth – Featured Writer Lian Tanner
Written by Dr. Michael Stoddart, introduction and book reviews by guest curator, Bec Taylor Throughout this series of blog posts on Tasmanian authors, the focus has mostly been on fiction creators. What many don't know is that Tasmania has a thriving scientific community. Today's post features one of the most eminent Tasmanian scientists, Dr. Michael … Continue reading #TasmanianLitMonth – Tasmanian Science Writing
In Perfect Presents!, a wry, graphic picture book from Down Under for ages 3-7 (but frankly, for all ages), we meet a rotund owl and his friend, a salamandery lizard. The lizard arrives bearing gifts: a cake, a bouquet of flowers, and a large wrapped box. The owl devours them with great satisfaction. When he licks his … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Perfect Presents!
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 