Submitted by Ms. Allana!
The 3 Little Dassies by Jan Brett is a twist on the classic tale of the three little pigs. No surprise at the wonderful illustrations of Brett, as the story, which takes place in Namibia, portrays the adventures of three Dassies who have grown old enough to set forth and fend for themselves. Under the watchful eye of a guardian Agama Man, they travel up a mountain and try to settle into homes where they will each be safe from the hungry old eagle. “I’ll flap and I’ll clap and I’ll blow your house in” he rants and beats his wings. The eagle may displace a Dassie from the grass house, and from the house made of twigs, but what will happen when he tries to destroy the house of stone? See this book listed in our catalog
Foreign Culture
Tashi and the Tibetan Flower Cure
Submitted by Ms. Sue!
Tashi and the Tibetan Flower Cure written and illustrated by Naomi C. Rose. Tashi a young Tibetan girl is worried about her grandfather. Her Popola has been sick. Tashi loves listening to his stories songs and chants about his village in Tibet where he grew up. Popola tells Tashi about how people in his village help people get better with flowers. The pollen from many flowers floats on the wind and helps cure sickness he says. Tashi and her Amala walk to a nearby nursery and arrange to bring Polola there on weekends. They bring a basket with tea cookies, butter, and salt with them. At first no one stops to visit when they are there. But as the summer goes on more and more people have heard of the cure and want to help so they stop by to visit. At last Popola’s doctor says he is getting better. The story includes some notes on Tibet and Tibetan medicine and is beautifully illustrated with impressionistic paintings. It presents a tender bond between grandchild and grandfather and shows the compassion of a community that comes together. See this book listed in our catalog
Waiting for the Biblioburro
Submitted by Ms. Catherine!
Reading is something that many children do every day with their families, but for children who live in places without a library nearby having new books can be a very special treat. In Waiting for the Biblioburro by Monica Brown, with illustrations by John Parra, we learn the true story of Luis Soriano Bohorquez, a traveling librarian who brought books to children in small villages all across the country of Columbia. In the story we meet Ana, a young girl who loves to read but has not had any new books since her teacher had to move away. One day the Biblioburro comes to town! Ana is happy to learn that libraries don’t have to be in buildings, and can even travel by burro, or donkey. Ana borrows many books, and waits impatiently for the Biblioburro to return. While she waits, she writes her own book about the Biblioburro, which the traveling librarian adds to his collection so that other children can read her story. Anyone with a love of books and libraries will be enchanted by this book. If your child wants to know more about the Biblioburro, the author includes information about the real librarian that inspired the story. With gorgeous illustrations, and beautiful storytelling, this is a book that children and adults will enjoy together. See this book listed in our catalog
Conejito
Submitted by Ms. Jill!
Conejito: A Folktale from Panama, by Margaret Read MacDonald, illustrated by Geraldo Valério is a fabulous read-aloud (and sing-aloud, and dance-along) story based on a Central American folktale. Conejito (“little bunny”) is on his way to visit his Tía Mónica, who lives on top of the mountain. Just the thought of his beloved auntie (and the delicious food she’ll cook for him) makes Conejito sing and dance! But to get to the mountaintop, he must pass by Señor Zorro, Señor Tigre, and Señor León (a fox, a tiger, and a lion), all of whom think Conejito would make a delicious lunch! The little bunny is a fast talker, and he convinces each hungry animal to wait until later to eat him – after all, he’ll be much fatter after a visit with Tía Mónica and her excellent cooking! But once the visit is over, how will Conejito get past the villains once more and return safely home to his mamá? Tía Mónica has a brilliant plan to outsmart them all, and Conejito is just the bold little bunny to carry it out. The bouncy, repeating text, the sprinkling of easily understood Spanish words, Conejito’s silly song, and Geraldo Valério’s brilliant illustrations will make this book a favorite to read and sing with your little bunny. See this book listed in our catalog
Ten Little Puppies/Diez perritos
Submitted by Ms. Janis!
Ten Little Puppies/Diez perritos by Alma Flor Ada, F. Isabel Campoy and Ulises Wensell. This is one of the famous counting rhymes in Spanish folklore. Ten puppies start the story, and they decrease one by one with each turn of the page. One vanishes in the snow, at the fireworks, in a new home, and other places, until only one puppy stays with the little girl. The realistic images capture the spontaneous, playful, and affectionate nature of the puppies. The text can be sung or spoken in Spanish or English. The English translation is well done, and maintains the story’s authenticity while accurately reflecting the original poem. In the back of the book there is music for the song, and also guitar chords. The large illustrations will make this a favorite for story times, as well as an excellent source in helping children to develop pre-reading skills. It also introduces children to early math concepts such as addition and subtraction. See this book listed in our catalog
The Goalie Mask and The Greatest Goal
The Goalie Mask by Mike Leonetti, illustrated by Shayne Letain, tells the true story of Jacques Plant who was a goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens during the 1950s, and who, due to a facial injury sustained while playing, was instrumental in changing the rules regarding masks. See this book listed in our catalog
The Greatest Goal by Mike Leonetti, illustrated by Sean Thompson, is a wonderful retelling of a fantastic series played between Canada and the USSR back in 1972. The story is narrated by the young author who recalls vividly, the excitement and apprehension of the whole country. See this book listed in our catalog