Age

Catalog sorted by age group

The Hare-Shaped Hole

Hertle and Bertle were always a pair, though one was a turtle and one was a hare.

They were utterly buddies, and best friends forever, and whenever you looked, you would find them together… until quite unexpectedly… the end came. When Hertle disappears for good, Bertle can only see a Hertle-shaped hole where his friend should be. He pleads with it, get angry with it, but the hole still won’t bring his Hertle back. It seems like hope is lost… until Gerda the kindly bear finds him.

She explains that he must fill the hole with his memories of Hertle. And slowly… Bertle begins to feel a little bit better.

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

Planting Hope: A Portrait Of Photographer Sebastião Salgado

As a young boy, Sebastiao Salgado loved exploring his parents’ farm in the forests of Brazil, always dreaming of what might lie beyond his view. When he went away to school, he met Lelia, who showed him how to use a camera. As he looked through the lens, Sebastiao realized he could use photography to capture how the world fits together.

Sebastiao used his pictures to tell the stories of people who might not otherwise be seen. But after witnessing too much destruction, he put away his camera and returned to his childhood home. The land was in ruins.

So Sebastiao and Lelia decided to rebuild the rainforest and photograph the beauty of the world to save it. Through art and activism, they would show that everyone was responsible for caring for the planet and that hope endures if we take action.

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

The Secret Elephant: Inspired By A True Story Of Friendship

Amidst the antics of monkeys and the presence of lions and giraffes, a looming war casts a shadow over the once-bustling zoo. As visitors dwindle and fear pervades the air, most animals seek solace with their companions, leaving one baby elephant alone and vulnerable. Amidst the chaos of bombs and uncertainty, the elephant’s keeper remains a steadfast presence, offering comfort and companionship.

When the situation becomes untenable, the keeper makes a bold decision to bring the elephant home, forging an unbreakable bond between them. Despite the challenges of concealing such a large creature, their friendship endures, even when wartime pressures demand the elephant’s return to the zoo. Undeterred by separation, the keeper stands by her friend’s side, finding solace amidst the chaos of conflict.

Inspired by a poignant true story from the Belfast Zoo during World War II, this book resonates with the spirit of resilience and empathy, reminiscent of beloved tales like “The One and Only Ivan” and the acclaimed documentary “The Elephant Whisperer.”

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.

Say Hello!

Carmelita loves her vibrant neighborhood, where cultural diversity thrives. With a cheerful glee, she greets the array of people in her community. From Spanish to English, French to Japanese, Carmelita exchanges hellos in numerous languages, embracing the multicultural tapestry around her. Even her faithful companion, Manny the dog, joins in with his enthusiastic “Woof!” that seems to transcend language barriers.

Rachel Isadora, renowned for her Caldecott Honor-winning works, creates captivating collages that depict Carmelita’s world with whimsical charm. Each detail, from colorful storefronts to fluttering pigeons and the enticing ice cream truck, invites exploration. Through Carmelita’s adventures, Isadora celebrates the kaleidoscope of cultures found in American neighborhoods, offering a delightful introduction to the beauty of language and the joy of diversity.

La Mala Suerte Is Following Me

In this fun picture book adventure exploring superstitions, Miguel finds himself grappling with La Mala Suerte (Mrs. Bad Luck)—and he’s determined to shake her off before it’s too late!

Ever since his abuelita warned him about the consequences of opening an umbrella indoors, Miguel’s life takes a turn for the worse. From stumbling over his own feet to flunking an exam and fumbling on the soccer field, Mrs. Bad Luck seems to shadow his every move. Desperate for a change of fortune, Miguel tries everything from hunting for four-leaf clovers to dabbling in his aunt’s “existential” oils, but to no avail.

With a blend of Spanish phrases and playful language, “La Mala Suerte Is Following Me” offers a delightful and heartfelt exploration of superstitions. Join Miguel on his zany quest to outwit Mrs. Bad Luck and reclaim control over his luck-filled adventures!

Everyone Gets A Turn

Join Bear, Hare, Turtle, and Mouse as they embark on an extraordinary adventure sparked by the discovery of a precious egg nestled in the woods. Illustrated in Dubuc’s signature soft and inviting watercolors, readers are immersed in the charming world of these woodland companions, who come together to find a solution for their newfound responsibility.

Through Dubuc’s endearing narrative and captivating illustrations, “Everyone Gets a Turn” celebrates the beauty of friendship, the power of community, and the importance of sharing and trusting in one’s resourcefulness. With its timeless message, this delightful picture book is perfect for sharing aloud and inspiring young readers to embrace the spirit of cooperation and kindness.

Let’s Play In The Park / Juguemos En El Parque (My Friend, Mi Amigo)

In the third installment of the My Friend, Mi amigo series, Joe and José embark on a playful adventure in the park. As they engage in various games and activities, their friendship blossoms while bridging language barriers. Follow along as these two companions, one English-speaking and the other Spanish-speaking, navigate the joys of climbing, sliding, and forging new connections. Ideal for preschoolers and early grade learners, this bilingual tale offers an immersive reading experience for families delving into English and Spanish.

Both Laínez, hailing from El Salvador, and Perez, originally from Puerto Rico, infuse their cultural backgrounds into the story, enriching the narrative with authenticity and warmth. For more bilingual adventures, explore titles like Let’s Be Friends, Seamos Amigos, and We Play Soccer / Jugamos al fútbol by the same talented duo.

Empty And Me: A Tale Of Friendship And Loss (Persian Edition)

In this touching bilingual Persian-English picture book, a young girl navigates the landscape of grief with the presence of a gentle giant named Empty.

After the loss of her mother, Empty emerges, filling the void left behind with quiet understanding. Initially isolated from her father and friends, the girl finds solace in Empty’s companionship. Yet, as a joyful memory of her mother resurfaces, she begins to reengage with the world. While Empty remains a constant, the girl discovers connections and newfound happiness with others.

Originally published in Iran, this bilingual tale delicately broaches the subjects of loss and mourning, offering young readers a tender exploration of complex emotions. Through its spare yet poignant prose and artwork, the book provides a tangible framework for understanding grief. Its comforting message resonates with readers of all ages, imparting a sense of solace and hope.

Featured in Volume XVI, Issue 3 of WOW Review.

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