The first three books are about stories from Europe. The Adventures of Thor the Thunder God, retold by Lise Lunge-Larsen, and illustrated by Jim Madsen, is probably the best known tale from Norse mythology. This Viking god was the biggest, strongest, and bravest. He kept everyone safe from the evil giants. There are eight exciting adventures in this wonderfully illustrated book. There's also a glossary and pronunciation guide and related readings in the back of the book to help the reader. Just give yourself enough time if you decide to read this book to your children at bedtime, because they won't want you to stop!
The Clown Said No!, by Mischa Damjan, and illustrated by Gian Casty, was first written more than 45 years ago by a Swiss company. This re-release takes place at a circus where some of the performers are not happy to only do as they're told. They feel stifled and inhibited and want to break free to perform as they dream. And that's just what they do. This is a story of daring to believe and act on the desires and goals of the heart. The art work has the flair of Kveta Pacovska with vivid brush strokes that shape the animals and clowns.
The Porridge Pot, by Carl and Theodor Colshorn, and illustrated by Claudia Carls, is an old German folk tale that has been recently translated. A pot of porridge causes a miller and his wife to quarrel. When both parents run into the forest, the child attempts to follow but soon becomes lost. A mysterious woman suddenly comes upon the girl to help out, and eventually the dilemma is resolved. The computer graphics of the people are in contrast to the colorful countryside paintings.
The next five books are centered on Asian stories containing much to learn. Red Butterfly: How a Princess Smuggled the Secret of Silk out of China, by Deborah Noyes, and illustrated by Sophie Blackall, is beautifully told in a poetic fashion, with words drifting down the page and weaving around the spaces like the loom of the silkworm. The splendor and exotic patterns of Chinese dresses and landscape enhance the vivid text creating a visual trip to this beautiful land!
Minji's Salon, written and illustrated by Eun-hee Choung, comes from South Korea. Little Minji is about to follow her mother to the hair salon. She immediately rushes back to attempt sprucing her dog up as her mother gets her hair done. On one side of the page, you see her mother getting her hair washed; on the other side you see Minji washing her dog's fur. By the end, you see mother walking into her home and seeing Minji and the mess she has made. But fortunately mother's good nature prevails and Minji then follows her to the dress shop. Wonder what will happen next?
Yuki's Ride Home, written and illustrated by Manya Tessler, takes place on a small Japanese island where Yuki's grandma lives. Yuki has great news for her grandma that she gets to ride her bicycle back home alone following her visit. The sounds of the drawing misty night, along with making origami animals and feeding the koi at her grandma's home give the distinct sense of sight, smell and sound of this beautiful foreign land!
Always Come Home to Me, written and illustrated by Taiwanese Belle Yang, is a story about twins who love their white doves and become very sad when they are given away. The children go and search for their beloved doves and now their parents are upset. The network of these relationships comes full circle when the children and the parents feel the concern of their loved ones. The brilliant colors of the children's clothing and flowering trees and scenery transports you to another land.
Hannah Duck by Anji Yamamura, is about a very shy duck that is frightened to go through a park gate. Finally, with the help of his friends, Gigi the parakeet and Kame-Kame the turtle, he is able to enjoy the beauties of the park. This story's bright woodcuts help this Japanese story tell of the importance of friendship.
A Bicycle for Rosaura, by Daniel Barbot, and illustrated by Morella Fuenmayor, takes place in a small town in Venezuela. Senora Amelia decides to help Rosaura receive a special present for her birthday. The delightfully colored pencil illustrations portray the aura of this South American town with side streets and clothing on display throughout! A darling story that will be enjoyed by all!
Kali and the Rat Snake, by Zai Whitaker, and illustrated by Srividya Natarajan, has Kali going to school away from his southern India village. He is so proud of his father's occupation snake catcher. But when he shares this information with his class, the other students make fun of him and shun him. But soon something happens at the school for his classmates to change their minds. There is so much to learn from this simple picture book that it should be read in schools everywhere! There's even a glossary located in the front of the book.
The Day the Stones Walked, by T.A. Barron, and illustrated by William Low, is a fictional story of how Easter Island might have been before it was completely uninhabited by people. Pico's father doesn't build boats or hunt octopus like other fathers. He carves giant stone figures that he believes will come to life when problems ensue. The power of Mother Nature and the author's notes at the back will become a powerful teaching tool for all who read this book.
