Imagine leaving high school in a bustling metropolis and being sent deep into the mountains as a trainee forester. And—horror of horrors—having your mobile phone disabled on the day you arrive. This is what happens to Yuki Hirano, an eighteen-year-old Japanese boy, who freely admits that study is not his thing. Well, life in the … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Easy Life in Kamusari
In today’s #WorldKidLit Wednesday review, let's travel to the Caribbean island of Trinidad, where Wygenia uses bush medicine to help heal her Grannie. The Wonder of the World Leaf is aimed at readers ages 6-8, who are reading confidently and fluently most of the time. My edition is a slim 32-page paperback with short paragraphs … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The Wonder of the World Leaf
A shiny button, a soft cloud, a bush full of blueberries. Why, they’re treasures of course! At least they are to Little Bear; not so to the other animals he meets, who dismiss his finds as “junk.” Until Little Bear meets Little Bird. “‘Ooo, a magic stick!’ said Little Bird.” Aha! Finally, a creature after … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Little Bear’s Treasures
Originally written in Finnish, Me and the Robbersons has been translated into over 20 languages since it was first published in 2010. And little wonder. This middle grade novel is bursting with fabulous characters, humor and adventure, and is thoroughly readable to boot. The star of the show is 10-year-old Maisie, who is heading to … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Me and the Robbersons
Juan Hormiga is not your stereotypical hard-working ant; he is a master napper who can doze off up to ten times in one afternoon. Fortunately, he also has a talent for storytelling and the other ants often gather around to listen as he recounts his grandfather’s daring exploits. The ants are somewhat surprised, though, when … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Juan Hormiga
Climate change is a vast subject to tackle in a children’s book, but this 72-page illustrated nonfiction guide does so with boldness and determination, not to mention a solid grasp of the facts. Aimed at readers ages 8-12, Our World Out of Balance demystifies some of the changes that are happening to—and harming—our planet, with … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Our World Out of Balance: Understanding Climate Change and What We Can Do
Welcoming a new baby into an established household is not always easy, especially when some family members don’t quite understand what is going on. This charming Moroccan import for young children ages 2 and up tells a new baby story from the perspective of three cats: Minouche, Pasha and Amir. Even if, like me, you’re … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Alya and the Three Cats
September is #WorldKidLit month, a celebration of children’s literature from around the world, with a focus on diverse books and books in translation. I am excited to have been asked to contribute to the Global Literature in Libraries Initiative site this month and look forward to sharing my passion for global children’s literature with you. … Continue reading A Celebration of World Kid Lit!
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 