Author: Book Importer

Book Importer

Avocado Magic

Ellie finds herself disappointed when she wakes up on her birthday and realizes she hasn’t grown taller overnight. However, her father shares a comforting secret with her: just like the small but magical avocado pit, Ellie is full of potential and growth.

Together, Ellie and her father plant an avocado seed by the window and patiently watch as both Ellie and the avocado plant begin to flourish. As they nurture the plant, Ellie learns valuable lessons about patience, perseverance, and the wonders of nature.

Inspired by the childhood experiences of Israeli artist and writer, Taltal Levi, this story captures the universal magic of growth and transformation. Included with the story are instructions for growing your own avocado tree, inviting readers to embark on their own journey of discovery and growth alongside Ellie.

Mèo And Bé

Just before the United States enters the Vietnam War, 11-year-old Bé and her loyal three-legged kitten, Mèo, must learn to navigate the treacherous waters of conflict and adversity.

Bé has not spoken since her mother left, but she remains hopeful they may be reunited some day. Her oppressive stepmother, Big Mother, treats her like a servant and her father is helpless to step in after suffering from a stroke. However, she finds solace in the companionship of Mèo, her steadfast feline friend.

Soon, Bé’s fragile world shatters when she is unjustly accused by Big Mother of stealing and is forcibly taken from her home to a nightmarish underground prison alongside other captive girls. Amidst the darkness, Bé forms an unspoken bond with Ngân, and Mèo becomes a source of comfort for the imprisoned souls.

As violence erupts and freedom beckons, Bé, Mèo, and Ngân embark on a journey through the chaos of war, holding on to the hope of finding sanctuary and belonging in a fractured world. A poignant tale of resilience and kinship amidst the ravages of conflict, this story is a testament to the enduring power of love and compassion.

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

The Mochi Makers

In this heartwarming story, a young girl and her grandmother take joy in a timeless tradition that celebrates family, heritage, and the power of memory. As Emi and Obaachan come together to make mochi, they honor a recipe that has been passed down through generations. With each step, they mix, pound, twist, and wrap, transforming simple ingredients into sticky, chewy Japanese rice cakes bursting with color and flavor.

Through the joyous act of making mochi, Emi and Obaachan find solace in the shared experience, weaving threads of love and tradition into each bite. As they laugh, reminisce, and embrace the present moment, they discover that the true magic of mochi lies not only in its delicious taste but also in the bonds of family and the memories that endure.

The Suitcase

“The Suitcase” by  the author from the hit-television series Friends, is a heartwarming picture book that captures the transformative power of discovery and imagination. When a young boy visits his grandparents for the summer, he finds himself longing for excitement amidst the routine of reading and gardening. However, his perspective shifts when he stumbles upon a hidden suitcase in the attic, brimming with treasures and mysterious photographs. As he delves into the images of a young couple embarking on daring adventures and joyous escapades, the boy’s curiosity is piqued. Who are these adventurous souls captured in the photographs?

It Feels Like Family / Se Siente Como Familia

Readers join Elena and Miguel as they navigate the changes brought about by their parents’ divorce. Living in two separate homes—Mami’s during the week and Papi’s on weekends—Elena and Miguel initially struggle with feelings of loss and fragmentation. Despite these initial challenges, Elena and Miguel gradually find moments of comfort and connection in their new routines. While the pancakes Papi makes may not taste exactly like Mami’s, they still bring a sense of warmth and familiarity. And at birthday parties surrounded by relatives and cousins, they rediscover the joy of family bonds.

Through its bilingual narrative, “Elena and Miguel’s Two Homes / Las Dos Casas de Elena y Miguel” sensitively explores the challenges of divorce and the importance of maintaining connections with extended family. It offers young readers a message of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of familial love to transcend changes in living arrangements.

Bilingue, Superhéroe / Bilingual, Super Hero

In Jorge Argueta’s delightful children’s book, meet Gerónimo Pérez, affectionately known as Bilingual. Embracing his bilingual identity with pride, Gerónimo effortlessly navigates between English and Spanish, reveling in the richness and fluidity of both languages. With a playful spirit, Gerónimo describes the joy of seamlessly switching between languages, likening it to a dance and savoring the taste of words on his tongue. He embraces his role as a linguistic bridge, effortlessly translating for his family and helping others in need. Accompanied by Elizabeth Gómez’s whimsical illustrations, this book celebrates the boundless enthusiasm and positivity of a young boy embracing his bilingual heritage. With its empowering message and vibrant storytelling, “Bilingual Superhero” is a captivating read that encourages children to embrace their linguistic abilities and reimagine what it means to be a hero.

A Bindi Can Be …

A young girl embarks on a journey of discovery alongside her grandmother, Paati, as they explore the significance of bindis—the traditional red dot worn between the brows in Indian culture. Eager to understand the meaning behind the bindi, the girl learns from her grandmother the art of making one. Together, they blend turmeric, sandalwood powder, and ghee in a clay pot until the mixture transforms into a vibrant red hue—a process filled with magic and tradition. As they create bindis of various shapes and sizes, the girl realizes that her bindi represents more than just a dot. It is a symbol of celebration during festivals like Diwali, a source of inner calm and focus during everyday life, and a connection to her cultural heritage.

The Thingamajig

When Little Elephant’s parent loses an object whose name they can’t quite recall, Little Elephant embarks on a mission to find it. Along the way, they discover that other animals in the neighborhood have also misplaced their belongings—a snail’s hoo-pull-dee-pewp, a squirrel’s shis-moo, and even the ladybugs’ ha-bee ja-bee. As Little Elephant delves deeper into the mystery, they encounter a series of amusing scenarios and quirky characters. Is there a mischievous thief behind the disappearances, or is there a simpler explanation for the missing items?

With playful language and charming illustrations, “The Thingamajig” is filled with humor and creativity. It also offers an educational and entertaining experience for children and adults alike.

The Kids Book Of Black History In Canada (Kids Books Of)

A definitive guide for children about Black history in Canada, this book is an exploration of the often overlooked contributions and experiences of Black Canadians throughout history beginning with the arrival of the first known African in the country, Mathieu Da Costa, in 1604. Through compelling stories, captivating illustrations, and accessible language, young readers are introduced to key figures and events that have shaped Canada’s Black heritage. From the early struggles for freedom and equality to the ongoing fight against systemic racism, this book sheds light on the resilience, creativity, and resilience of Black Canadians.

Grandma’s Hair Is Ankle Length / El Cabello De Abuela Le Llega Hasta Los Tobillos

In this tender bilingual picture book that is a poetic ode to grandmothers and granddaughters, a young girl contemplates the mysteries of life and the natural world as her grandmother gently guides her, affirming the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. Through their loving embrace, they become intertwined, their hair flowing together as one, symbolizing the enduring power of familial love and shared experiences. In this bilingual picture book of English and Spanish, the young girl treasures her grandmother’s ankle length hair, as well as the love, security and wisdom of ages it represents.

With its lyrical prose and stunning artwork, “Grandma’s Hair” is a heartfelt tribute to the wisdom of elders, the resilience of youth, and the timeless connection between generations.