"Outstanding International Books 2015": Part 2
As I noted last week, on January 30, 2015, USBBY announced the Outstanding International Books for 2015. I also mentioned how terrific this year’s books are, and how indeed, there is something for everyone. I also noted that many of the books can be enjoyed and used across age categories. Last week I looked at four great books that highlighted wonderful artistic forms. This week, I turn to some fantastic picture books that can be enjoyed or used across age groups. These books include wonderful illustrations, engaging storylines, and some thoughtful ways to consider and reflect upon the world—especially in respect to crossing cultural and geographical borders.
The first book is Marianne Dubuc’s The Lion and the Bird. Translated by Claudia Bedrick, this book was first published in Canada. Through the use of space and softly colored illustrations, readers come to understand the meaning of friendship that can cross ways of knowing and being in the world. A wounded bird cannot migrate with its flock, but rather is befriended and nurtured during the winter months. When the flock returns, the bird returns to the sky, and the lion is left to wonder about his new friend, but more than this, he understands loneliness. Before this wondrous friendship, he was alone, but not lonely. Now, he must face the winter months without his friend . . . or will he?
While the OIB list has it listed for readers in grades PreK-2, the story would engage older students, especially when asked to think about friendships across borders. This book is truly a wonderful addition to any collection, but it shows readers that friendships are created through care and empathy, regardless of personal backgrounds or geographical homes. The illustrations are absolutely remarkable, which would be of interest to any age group, and the use of space to represent time and emotions is especially impressive. Beautiful, beautiful book!
The second book is from the United Kingdom and is another wonderful book with engaging illustrations. Shackleton’s Journey by William Grill is filled with detailed illustrations that catalogue every aspect of Shackleton’s expedition to the Antarctic. Winner of the New York Times’ Best Illustrated Book of 2014, this book is perfect for those who are interested in history as well as those who appreciate a naturalist’s journal format. While listed for grades 3-5, I know this is a picture book both the old and the young could spend a lot of time pouring over as they contemplate Shackleton’s feat, his heroism, and his sense of adventure. It will inspire exploration, even if only of the local neighborhood!
If . . . : A Mind-Bending New Way of Looking at Big Ideas and Numbers by David Smith and Steve Adams (illustrator) was also first published in Canada and listed for grades 3-5. Yes, that age group will love this book, which is filled with comparative concepts such as the relative size of the planets as measured by different types of balls (Mars as a golf ball, the Earth a baseball) and the Solar System shrunk to the size of a dinner plate. Where is earth on that plate? How about a speck of dust!! With further information about food, the earth’s population, and their lives, this informational book gives readers of all ages a way to think about large concepts through which they can begin to think about who they are, both significant aspects and perhaps, the lesser significant (?). It will help them understand not only the earth and galaxy in a whole new way, but themselves and those around them as well.
Another wonderful book on the list is Shh! We Have a Plan, written and illustrated by Chris Haughton and originally published in the United Kingdom. This book is both humorous and thoughtful. Four friends venture into the woods and spot an exquisite bird. The youngest (or perhaps only the smallest) of the friends attempts to befriend the bird though an open hand gesture. The others, however, shush him, and with nets in hand, concoct a plan.
Does the plan work? Readers will find out what does work and through reflection, consider their own machinations when it comes to capturing something they desire, whether someone’s attention, permission to participate in an event, or even a friend. The art work is bright and somewhat simplistic, but that allows for the prose to shine through. Older readers will ponder the ideas from this text long after the story is over.
Finally, there is Once a Shepherd by Glenda Millard, which was first published in Australia. Told through verse, the poignant story of a shepherd who leaves his flock to become a soldier in World War I, will draw readers into the reality of war and the outcome for those at home. Heart-wrenching, timely, and all too realistic, the story of Tom Shepherd is beautifully illustrated with muted greens and browns that juxtapose the story of war with those at home who pine for those who have gone to war while also giving a sense of history. For those of us a bit older, it is strange to think that World War I occurred approximately a hundred years ago. This book, however, bridges history with impressions that are relevant today. A wonderful book that is appropriate for grades 3-5, but also complex enough for older readers, this picture book highlights the emotions of war that continue to haunt families.
For more books that will inspire readers across age groups, visit the USBBY website or take a look at the list via this link.
Continued Happy international reading!
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