Early Years (ages 2-6)

Little Mouse’s Big Secret

Shh…! Little Mouse has a secret! He’s found a delicious-looking apple and doesn’t want to share a bite. So he buries it, and no matter how many of his friends ask what he hid, Little Mouse won’t tell. But when a tree sprouts from the seeds of the fruit, there are enough apples for everyone-and Little Mouse realizes some secrets are even better when they’re shared. Award-winning illustratorEric Battuthas created a charming picture book that will delight-and teach-children. Kids will delight in knowing more than Mouse as they watch the apple tree sprout behind him Simple text and illustrations encourage sharing, but avoid preachiness Subtle “green” subtext about the abundance and importance of nature ERIC BATTUTwas born in Chamalieres, France, where he still lives and works today. After studying economics and civil rights for six years, he went on to study illustration at L’Ecole Emile Cohl in Lyon. He has since created many successful and award-winning books for children.

Hunwick’s Egg

When a mysterious egg appears outside Hunwick’s burrow after a terrible storm, no one knows what to do with it. And when it doesn’t hatch right away, everyone is even more bewildered. Everyone, that is, but Hunwick. For Hunwick understands the egg. It is his friend. And he is the only one who knows its secret. From the author and illustrator of the modern classic Koala Lou, here is a moving tale of loneliness, friendship, and most of all, the power the imagination has to change the way we see the world.

Pippi Longstocking in the Park

The tiny town where Pippi Longstocking lives is really peaceful. But it’s different in the big city. The city park is teeming with bad guys, and the police seem powerless to stop them. So Pippi decides to move to the park with her friends, Tommy and Annika, her monkey, and her horse — and Villa Villekulla. Pippi simply brings the boards and rebuilds the house in an afternoon. The very first evening, as the three friends gaze happily out at the city’s twinkling lights, the bad guys show up to begin their usual fun. They pull men’s mustaches and grab women’s purses. But that’s only until they come face-to-face with Pippi, the world’s strongest girl!

Rain

Sam wants to go out, but it’s pouring rain, so Granddad says they need to stay inside until the rain stops. Sam drinks hot chocolate and reads his books and dreams of adventures while Granddad does some paperwork. When Granddad needs to mail his letter, it’s time to go out despite the rain and floods and Sam and Granddad have a magical adventure. The follow up to the acclaimed Snow, this is the second title in a four-book series based on the weather from creator Sam Usher.

This Is How We Do It

Follow the real lives of seven kids from Italy, Japan, Iran, India, Peru, Uganda, and Russia for a single day! In Japan Kei plays Freeze Tag, while in Uganda Daphine likes to jump rope. But while the way they play may differ, the shared rhythm of their days—and this one world we all share—unites them.

Today I Feel . . .

Beautifully illustrated by Madalena Moniz’s subtle watercolors, Today I Feel . . . follows a child through a whole range of emotions, from adored to curious to strong. Not all of the emotions are positive and not all of them are simple, but they are all honest and worthy of discussion with a young child.

Ming’s Adventure in the Mogao Caves: A Story in English and Chinese

The sandstorm was blowing hard over the Gobi Desert. Xiao Ming got separated from his parents on their way to the Mogao Caves. As it was getting dark. Xiao Ming along with the other travelers who were separated from the group were huddling in the sand helplessly. In the darkness of the Gobi Desert, Xiao Ming vaguely saw a little light flashing in the dust. The light got closer and closer and finally he saw a deer with nine shades of color in his fur. His antlers were as white as snow and his body was wrapped with a touch of bright light. The nine-colored deer told Xiao Ming to follow him.

Thunder Boy Jr.

Thunder Boy Jr. is named after his dad, but he wants a name that’s all his own. Just because people call his dad Big Thunder doesn’t mean he wants to be Little Thunder. He wants a name that celebrates something cool he’s done, like Touch the Clouds, Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth, or Full of Wonder. But just when Thunder Boy Jr. thinks all hope is lost, he and his dad pick the perfect name…a name that is sure to light up the sky.

Lost and Found Cat

When an Iraqi family is forced to flee their home, they can’t bear to leave their beloved cat, Kunkush, behind. So they carry him with them from Iraq to Greece, keeping their secret passenger hidden away. But during the crowded boat crossing to Greece, his carrier breaks and the frightened cat runs from the chaos. In one moment, he is gone. After an unsuccessful search, his family has to continue their journey, leaving brokenhearted. A few days later, aid workers in Greece find the lost cat. Knowing how much his family has sacrificed already, they are desperate to reunite them with the cat they love so much. A worldwide community comes together to spread the word on the Internet and in the news media, and after several months the impossible happens—Kunkush’s family is found, and they finally get their happy ending in their new home.

Featured in WOW Review Volume XIII, Issue 3.