Review: A Lemon For Safiya

When Safiya spots an old lady sitting on the kerb, she feels worried for her. Her parents sense something is amiss as well.

The family are quick to see that the old lady is confused, also that she has no English, and it is apparent by her clothing she's from elsewhere, at least originally.

Luckily, Safiya's Mama speaks Arabic and through some gentle conversation, in which the old lady recalls things of the past, they begin to get some sense of her but still not where she lives.

It is not until she is in their car, that Safiya notices her bracelet - which has emergency details engraved.

Review: My Language Rights – A Child’s Right To Their Language

This is one of a number of recent, important non-fiction picture books to make a splash. 

My Language Rights offers young children information that they can use in daily life, and that may not be accessible to them by other means. 

Drawing on the Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights from PEN International, the book empowers children and their families to use and protect all languages - be they big or small, strange or familiar, easy or difficult!

Guest Post: Lucy Hawkins on Her New Life In Spain!

I recently moved my young family from Australia to Spain. We had a wonderful life in Victoria’s Yarra Valley, one of my daughters had just started school and had made best friends and the other was happy at kindergarten. 

But my husband’s job selling software to wineries was remote and we could relocate if we wanted to, and while the kids were little we thought it was probably now or never. So, we sold the house, the car, all our furniture, started the visa application and booked our flights to Palma, Mallorca.

I had been thinking of Mallorca since I lived there 15 years ago. It’s the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, it has a mountain range, picturesque historic villages and is surrounded by the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s beautiful and feels safe along with being full of life.

Review: Because I’m Māori: He Māori Ahau

A wee preface of explanation: I am not Māori, although I have been mistaken for one many a time. And to be frank, I’ve always enjoyed and admired the rich and vibrant culture of our cousins ‘across the ditch’. 

So, when this colour-filled, bilingual ode to Māori culture and identity kapa haka’ed (apologies for verbalising that) its way across my desk, how could I say no.

Conceived and created by the talented Kiwi born, Aussie-based, Nicolla Hemi-Morehouse, this absorbing picture book greets readers from sun’s first smile to its last repast. 

Review: Ships In The Field 10th Anniversary Edition

When I first read this book some ten years ago, I was smitten by the lime green hued cover art and the nonsensical title, Ships In The Field. I mean I couldn’t see any ships. Moving inside, past the picnic cloth patterned end papers, a world of simple joys and heart renting histories soon unfolds. 

This is the essence of this beautiful picture book by renowned collaborators, Susanne Gervay and Anna Pignataro; a subtle yet powerful ode to the past and what ties us together in the present.

Review: I Hear A Búho

Given we have done a little bit of learning Spanish here over the last couple of years, I was well pleased to know that I could not only pronounce all the español in this striking picture book but could understand it. Hurra! 

This a quite simple rhyming picture book with a mother and daughter enjoying a little quiet bonding time before bed.

Climb on my lap. We’re under the moon. We might hear some animales soon.

I love the first image of them cuddled up in the hammock under the stars. 

Guest Post: Michelle McKenzie on Travelling Stone

Michelle McKenzie loves a good pastry, travelling and books. Find out how she combined all three along with her two children. 

I love creating a new world through writing, and if I can illustrate it, even better! 

 

Since I was a child, I have loved writing and drawing. I would arrive home from school and continue writing my latest story, accompanied by illustrations. 

I was never short on ideas, and I’d often start a story, then move on to my next big idea. I still have many of these stories today. But what was extra magical was when my love for writing and my passion for travelling with children collided. That had so much power and momentum that I was swept away! The result was the first in the series, The Travelling Stone – France. 

Review: Pasta!

Pasta! is an absolutely joyous, tongue-twisting romp through the fork-twirling, hair-curling world of the more-ish and magical food that is pasta!

This book is pure delight. It encourages children to become familiar with new and unusual words on the page, in an atmosphere of celebration and fun. With crazy pasta names, Italian words and silly rhymes all thrown into the mix, there won’t be a home in the country that doesn’t hear the words

‘Agnolotti, That’s a lot-ti?’

shouted with glee when it’s pasta for dinner!

Review: Violin & Cello

There’s something quite magical about listening to and playing acoustic music, especially when stringed instruments are involved. It’s kind of pure and uplifting. Resonant. Moving, even!

Violin & Cello is a children’s book with a special and wonderful added bonus in the form of a musical score. From the outset I was hooked, poring over the intricate illustrations and wondering about the families who lived in the welcoming pair of apartments that span the first double-page spread. 

Review: A Hundred Thousand Welcomes

A Hundred Thousand Welcomes is a story, a poem, about peace and friendship.

It's about welcoming people, whatever their background, and sharing culture. The welcome might be for new friends or neighbours, and it might be for people who speak a language different to that which you speak.

A Hundred Thousand Welcomes uses words of welcome in languages other than English, incorporated into the English language poem, to demonstrate how a simple welcome can be offered. It also expresses the specific cultural meanings, customs and food linked to such welcomes.

Review: I am the Subway

As I write this review, I am the Subway wins the Children’s Book Award at the prestigious World Illustration Awards in London.

Translated from Korean by Booker International winner, Deborah Smith, this exquisite, best-selling picture book written and illustrated by Kim Hyo-eun, described as a cinematic journey, looks at the lives of people seen through the eyes and voice of a Seoul subway train.

This unique approach allows us to observe the familiar patterns of humanity; thoughts, dreams, and habits of the subway’s daily commuters and their repetitious journeys.

Review: Mulan

Mulan’s life is seeped in customs and traditions learnt from her ageing parents. Martial arts, horse-riding and archery are skills she excels at.
Without her knowing, they will be what she depends on sooner than she knows.
When a draft notice for military service comes to her father, due to his frailty, Mulan makes a monumental decision.

Special Feature: A Dutch Picture Book Experience

Before the world locked down due to the pandemic, I found myself in The Netherlands last month because of a sudden medical emergency of a close family member. And though I wasn’t there for pleasure, as soon as things looked up a little, I found my way to a couple of bookshops. 

First, a small bookshop in a hospital and later my old neighbourhood bookshop in the North of Amsterdam.

Most Dutch bookshops have a range of books translated from English to Dutch. This year The Storm Whale by Benji Davies was popular and, as usual, there were some translated copies of The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Rupsje Nooitgenoeg) by Eric Carle.

Books written by Dutch-speaking authors and illustrators are plenty and published by various well-respected Dutch and Belgium publishing houses.

Having lived in Australia for most of my adult life, and mostly reading picture books published here, in the UK or the USA, I set out to speculate on what makes Dutch picture books typically Dutch.

Guest Post: Heidi Bryant on How To Learn Languages

Would you like your children to speak French one day?

Why not start when they are toddlers?

I studied languages relatively late in life when I started grammar school – but children, even when they are toddlers can easily pick up another language. Last year I decided to write my first book, which enables parents to help their children learn French. So, here are a few tips to help your child learn French in a fun way! And as a parent you can also learn French too.

Review: Teen Reads Around The World - Part 2

Happy World Book Day! In Part Two of our Teen Reads Around the World showcase...

Here's a snapshot of current and classic best sellers from Germany, Norway, Austria, Switzerland, China, Japan, the UK and the Philippines.

It's wonderful to research YA fiction around the world and identify trends, mass appeal and cultural influences.

Featured in today's post is a variety of smart YA, life-affirming stories, contemporary realism, as well as a touch of horror and teen thrillers. Great to know what's happening around the globe.

Guest Post: Laura Taylor with Ten Fabulous Reads from Around The World

There’s a whole world of beautiful picture books out there! In May last year, I set out to research, read and review a selection of contemporary titles from every UN member state. It has been a wonderful introduction to the work of authors, illustrators, translators and publishers dotted around the globe. And the discoveries continue . . .

I have – without exception – enjoyed every title I have read on this journey, but here are ten that really wowed me.

1.    ARGENTINA

Petit, the Monster by Isol, translated from the Spanish by Elisa Amado (Groundwood Books, 2010)

Petit is bad when he tells a lie, but good at telling stories. Simple on the surface, this story explores a topic that is difficult to grasp for us all: What is good and what is bad and how do we learn to distinguish the two when there is so much complexity? The quirky illustrations by Isol, 2013 recipient of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, carry an impressive range of emotion.

Interview: Laura Taylor on A Picture Book Adventure

Laura Taylor is a writer and translator, and a mother of two. Born in the UK, she now lives near Newcastle, Australia and facilitates Planet Picture Book. She has set out on a quest to discover picture books from all the 193 member states of the United Nations, and share them with everyone through reviews on her site.

Join us with her today, on her compelling journey of discovery.

Review: Witchfairy

Witchfairy, another book from Latvia, translated by Laura Watkinson, is about Rosemary, a fairy with a difference.

Rosemary doesn’t want to be sweet and nice, stay clean and quiet. For her birthday she wants roller skates instead of a wand. Her mother is aghast at the idea, forcing Rosemary to choose to leave home, and live in the witch wood.

Where the witches live, Rosemary can get dirty, shout, play and do crazy, childish things without reprimand or restriction. She discovers witches aren’t nasty and cruel; that they love adventure, the unusual, and freedom. That’s what Rosemary loves too.

Review: How to Say I Love You in Five Languages

If you have considered introducing other languages to your child, here is an ideal starting block. Regardless of the child’s mother tongue, this beautifully illustrated board book will teach them the simple expression I love you, in five languages including English. 

It is a way to awaken in children, an interest in the many cultures that make up our richly diverse population.

Review: One House for All

Raven, Crayfish and Horse are three close friends. They are moving into the next phase of their lives, and want to build families of their own, while maintaining their close relationship. They decide to design a house that can accommodate their singular needs. This is no easy task as Raven lives high in trees, Crayfish deep in water, and Horse needs grassy areas.

How is it possible to live together when their needs are so different?

This story is about friendship, growing up, and change. The players are quirky characters who present strong messages. These filter through a deceptively simple story that reflects on how opposites attract, and how the strangest people can become the best of friends.