The First Drawing

Thirty thousand years ago, an imaginative child sees the shapes of animals in clouds and on the walls of the cave he shares with his family, but no one else can see them until he makes the world’s first drawing. Includes author’s note on cave drawings.

Join the discussion of The First Drawing as well as other books centered around relocation on our My Take/Your Take page.

Grandma Lives in a Perfume Village

Xiao Le’s grandmother lives in a faraway village. A visit with Grandma is always a special event, but this time she is frail. With encouragement from his mom, Xiao Le plays with and helps Grandma. When Grandma dies shortly thereafter, Xiao Le comforts his mom―reminding her that when it rains, Grandma is washing her clothes in the sky . . . and that although the Perfume Village in heaven cannot be reached by train, it can be accessed by the heart.

Gon, The Little Fox

In this retelling of Nankichi Niimi’s masterpiece, delicate watercolors bring to life the mischievous yet kind-hearted spirit of Gon, the Little Fox. Readers should proceed with caution as they begin this tale, however, especially as Gon is sure to win over their hearts. Like many Japanese folktales, Gon, The Little Fox does not exactly end happily; a circumstance which will inspire lively and provocative conversation among young readers. When readers first meet Gon, he is relishing his life as a rascally fox. Each day brings a new opportunity for him to stir up trouble in Nakayama. One day, however, he feels remorse for having killed an eel that was meant for the poor villager Hyoju’s dying mother. Ironically, it is this rare moment of conscience that leads Gon down a path that leads to his fate. As with all great folktales, the world of Gon, The Little Fox is both extremely familiar and extremely mysterious. This quality, as evident in both the text and illustrations, will greatly appeal to readers, both young and old.

My Name is Arnaktauyok: The Life and Art of Germaine Arnaktauyok

Featuring nearly 100 full-color reproductions of Germaine Arnaktauyok’s most important works from throughout her career, this book provides an in-depth look at one of the Canadian North’s most prolific and recognizable artists.

Red

Striking red, white, and black illustrations mirror the emotions created by an innocuous comment that escalates into bullying within a school community. The students’ choices when confronted with their behavior create a sensitive and hopeful narrative.

I Am A Bear

A homeless bear living in a city has a hard time getting by, but when a little girl makes friends with him, his life becomes brighter.

Join the discussion of I Am a Bear as well as other books centered around relocation on our My Take/Your Take page.

See the review at WOW Review, Volume 8, Issue 3

Like A Wolf

Pointed ears, sharp teeth, and a back slightly bent under dark fur: a lonely dog gets mistaken for a wolf. No one came close—no one dared—so the sad dog howled. Until one day, someone reached out a hand to him.

Join the discussion of Like a Wolf as well as other books centered around relocation on our My Take/Your Take page.

Mr. Squirrel and the Moon

When Mr. Squirrel wakes up to discover that the moon is resting on his tree, he becomes desperate to return the moon to the sky before he is accused of stealing it.