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.
Author: Book Importer
Savage Her Reply
A dark, feminist retelling of the Irish fairytale, “The Children of Lir”, told through the voice of Aife. When Aife marries King Lir, he already has four children from his previous wife. Out of jealousy of a father’s love for his children, Aife turns King Lir’s children into swans for 900 years. What will become of them?
On The Edge Of The World (Stories From Latin America)
Veera and her family live in Russia on what feels like the edge of the world on the Kamchatka Peninsula. Veera spends her time devouring fantasy books, playing fetch with her dog, and longing for a friend she can share her treasures with that she keeps hidden underneath the alder bush. Lucas and his family live on the coast of Chile, which also feels like the edge of the world. Lucas spends his days looking for fossils, playing solo games of soccer, and wishing for a friend to read with him on his favorite tree branch. Written and illustrated by acclaimed author-illustrator Anna Desnitskaya, On the Edge of the World is a playful and perceptive book that illuminates the mirroring lives of two separate children in two separate places, yet share strikingly similar settings and interests.
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.
The Night Raven (The Moonwind Mysteries)
Stockholm winter 1880: twelve-year old Mika knows that it will be a struggle for everyone in the orphanage to survive this winter. To everyone’s shock, a newborn baby is left at the orphanage in the middle of the night with a cryptic message. Who is this baby boy? Where did he come from? And who is the “Dark Angel”? Meanwhile, there is an ease of mind knowing that the notorious serial killer, known as the Night Raven, is finally off the streets… or is he? Enter Detective Hoff who recruits Mika because of her ability to notice small details – a skill she credits for her ability to survive. He is investigating a gruesome murder and needs Mika’s help. With such little hope for the future, Mika questions if this could be an opportunity, or maybe, just maybe, a chance to be someone who matters.
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.
The Walking School Bus
Inspired by interviews conducted with children in rural African and India, author Aaron Friedland tells the story of a brother and sister, Shaka and Nandi, who must find a way to get to school safely. With their father having to go to work in a mine far away, they won’t be able to go to school anymore because of the long, and unsafe, distance. But after discovering a yellow toy school bus, Shaka and Nandi come up with a brilliant solution that will take the whole community to help bring it to fruition.
Featured in WOW Review Volume XVII, Issue 1.
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.
Three Tasks For A Dragon is featured in WOW Review Volume XVII, Issue 3.
The Amazing And True Story Of Tooth Mouse Pérez
Did you know? In Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, instead of a Tooth Fairy, they have a Tooth Mouse! This is his story. Though the world is very different from when his Tooth Mouse descendants worked, a Tooth Mouse named Pérez continues his ancestors’ tradition and brings children their permanent teeth. Thought-provoking and playful The Amazing and True Story of Tooth Mouth Perez illuminates how, just as Tooth Mice must adapt their customs in the face of culture-shifting forces, so too must the child as they grow up and gain their independence.
Catfish Rolling
Years after a major earthquake, which is said to have been caused by a rising and falling catfish under Japan, creates different zones in which time passes differently, Sora and her father secretly investigate the off-limit zones in order to find the answer behind the time anomalies and the disappearance of Sora’s mother. But one day her father begins to act strangely – his memory appears to be deteriorating. When he disappears, Sora has no choice but to venture down deep into the time zone to find her father and, perhaps, the catfish itself.
Featured in WOW Review Volume XVI, Issue 4.