Author: Book Importer

Book Importer

The Shade Tree

Villagers like to come to rest and cool down in the shade of a huge, old tree. But when a young traveler decides to join them one day, a rich man on whose land the tree stands demands they leave because he owns the tree and therefore its shade. Thinking fast, the traveler strikes a deal: one that will enable him to outsmart the rich man and ensure that the villagers will always have access to the shade tree’s shade, wherever it may fall.

Translator: Mixter, Helen

This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.

The Invisible Elephant

In four short stories, The Invisible Elephant tells the story of a young blind heroine who gleefully explores her environment through her senses and imagination. Although she cannot see the world with her eyes, this doesn’t stop her from interacting with her surroundings joyfully. Young readers watch as she learns Braille, with her family and friends cheering her on at every step of the way as she learns to navigate the world in her own unique way. In addition to gorgeous illustrations by Yulia Sidneva and an artful translation by Ruth Ahmedzai, the book includes an illustrated guide that shows readers how to respectfully interact with the visually impaired.

The Pebble: An Allegory Of The Holocaust

Two best friends, Eitan and Rivka, live in a gated Jewish ghetto, where they have been imprisoned by the Nazis since last Spring. But here they can still experience children laughing, dogs barking and women chatting, all as Eitan plays his violin. Yet no one can leave, and if anyone goes through the gates, they never come back.  Light hearted in appearance only, this picture book presents one of the darkest moments in human history, the Holocaust, by showcasing the complexities of the human condition and how hope can endure, be it the music of a violin, or the sound of laughter and chatting. They may be trapped within walls of a ghetto, but they can still climb to the rooftop.

The Art And Life Of Hilma Af Klint

Hilma af Klimt was born in Sweden in 1862. She would grow up to be an artist, and her life would be filled with magic and mystery. Hilma lived at a time when people were fascinated by what they couldn’t see. The invention of the telegraph and telephone made it possible to communicate over long distances, and spiritualists believed it was possible to speak with the dead. When Hilma began to hear the spirits, she found a new purpose for her paintings. For nearly one hundred years her paintings were forgotten, but when they were rediscovered they changed the history of art.

Featured in WOW Review Volume XVI, Issue 2.

I Have The Right

Written and illustrated by internationally acclaimed Iranan illustrator Reza Dalvand, I Have the Right combines poetry and art to introduce children to the universal rights they are entitled to. Adopted in 1989 and ratified by 140 countries, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Children promises to defend the rights of children, keep them safe, and ensure they are respected and valued.

Three Tasks For A Dragon

Studious Prince Lir is next in line to become the Wolfhound King, but he can’t ride a horse, lift a sword, or summon the fabled wolfhounds. So his stepmother decrees that her own son will inherit the crown instead, sending Lir away on a seemingly impossible—and assuredly fatal—quest: to rescue the maiden Cethlenn from the once-fearsome dragon Lasvarg. Rather than wage battle, Lir insists that Lasvarg, now decidedly past his prime, honor tradition by setting him three tasks to perform—starting with tackling the mold encrusting the dragon’s cave (and his feet!). As Lir improves Lasvarg’s life, he also grows closer to Cethlenn . . . as well as the wolfhound puppy strangely devoted to her. In time, they learn more of the dark magic that may be making pawns of them all—and how Cethlenn herself could be the key to breaking a spell that clouds the entire kingdom.

The Bear And The Wildcat

Bear is inconsolable when his little bird friend dies. He locks himself away in his house, consumed by his grief. But one day, when the smell of spring grass comes through his window, he ventures out again, making a new friend who will help him through his grief by reminding him of the beauty he experienced and instilling hope that comes with new friendship. Tender and senstive, The Bear and the Wildcat tells a delicate story of loss, grief, hope and friendship. Originally published in Japan in 2008, now translated into English from the Japanese edition by Cathy Hirano.

A Daydreamy Child Takes A Walk

Even though he has promised his mama he will stay focused, Little Giovanni cannot help but continue to daydream and pay attention to the smaller, more wonderous, details of the world around him. Written by the father of modern Italian children’s literature, Gianni Rodari, with a Batchelder Award winning translation by Antony Shugaar, A Daydreamy Child Takes a Walk is beautifully illustrated by New York Public Library Best illustrator, Beatrice Alemagna and is sure to delight young readers with its assertion of the power and value of childlike wonder.

Rosie Runs

Rosie, a racing greyhound, dreams of the freedom to explore meadows and forests, maybe finding a hare or two along the way. Instead, she is stuck at the racetrack sprinting endless circles. Until, one day, she manages to escape. Both scared and excited, Rosie runs through a shadowy forest, a busy train station, a traveling circus and takes a quick swim next to a ferry. As she runs through small towns and bustling cities, Rosie observes the gentle and happy moments of people she passes. Soaking everything in, be it a peaceful moment of a man watering his plants, or a jolting happy one of a dog wearing a cap on a train, Rosie Runs invites readers to rejoice and contemplate their own favorite hobbies and passions.

Okinawa

This heartbreaking manga, by an award-winning mangaka, examines the effects of World War 2 and post-war military colonization in Okinawa. An essential manga classic presented in English for the first time.

Okinawa is the WOW Recommends Book of the Month for April 2024.