Asha’s papa makes and sells wooden toys to pay for her to go to school. But Papa struggles to find buyers. And this makes him worry. He worries Asha’s life will also be a struggle unless she focuses on her schoolwork, which he never had the chance to do. Can Asha’s art help Papa? Will he let her try?
Primary (ages 6-9)
Material appropriate for primary age groups
Benito Juárez Fights For Justice
A fascinating picture book biography of Benito Juárez, president of Mexico during its tumultuous time of Liberal Reform.
Benjamin’s Thunderstorm
Benjamin loves the rain. He loves splashing through puddles in his bright yellow rain boots and watching the colors of a rainbow in the water as they ripple around his feet. But most of all, Benjamin loves thunder. To him, thunder, piyêsiwak and sounds like his grandfather’s drum. It calls to him, like the songs his grandfather plays while his father and other powwow dancers spin and step in time to the drumbeat. As Benjamin hears the thunder rumble overhead, he imagines himself as a powwow dancer. He spins, he taps his feet and he lifts his knees. Faster and faster he twirls, delighted by and filled with the rhythm of piyêsiwak.
Amadou’s Zoo
Amadou has waited…and waited…and WAITED for his class trip to the zoo. But when they arrive, his teacher would rather talk about rules and facts. So, Amadou eagerly explores the zoo in his own special way–by allowing his imagination to lead. As more and more classmates follow him into his irresistible world of adventure, the sepia-toned zoo fills with vibrant color. Only one question remains–will Amadou’s teacher follow, too?
Finding François: A Story About The Healing Power Of Friendship
Alice sends a message in a bottle that travels the River Seine and lands with Francois, who helps her heal from the loss of her beloved grandmother.
Gotta Go!: Toon Level 2 (Toon Books)
During the course of a day spent with Grampa, Owen learns silly dances to fight the urge to pee.
The Great Grrrrr
Patience is not in the Great Grrrrr’s strongest trait. He is a monster in a hurry and has packages to deliver, so you had better answer the doorbell before his patience runs out, or worse, it starts to rain. Frustration and impatience explode onto the pages of this hilariously expressive two-color picture book.
Farolitos For Abuelo
When Luz’s beloved grandfather dies, she places luminaria around his grave on Christmas Eve as a way of remembering him.
Manuel’s Murals
A passionate nine year old boy from Mexico City, loves to paint murals like his hero, the legendary 20th century Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera. He dreams of the day he will become as famous as Diego Rivera so he can take care of his family and never have to watch his father clean other people’s buildings ever again. However, because of this single-minded quest, Manuel learns how his actions can affect the lives of others in ways he never imagined. Manuel takes a solo journey to learn more about Diego Rivera’s art, but what he finds is a greater understanding of his own culture. The theme of this picture book revolves around family; however, an appreciation of who we are emerges as colorful as the soul that is Mexico.
Water Day
A girl and her community celebrate the arrival of the water man when he comes on his weekly visit to distribute water to a Cuban village.