“In 9th century China, a little girl sends a small jade pebble to travel with her father along the Silk Road. The pebble passes from his hand all the way to the Republic of Venice, the end of the Silk Road, where a boy cherishes it and sees the value of this gift from a girl at the end of the road.
Primary (ages 6-9)
Material appropriate for primary age groups
Brush Of The Gods
During the Tang dynasty, master painter Wu Daozi creates an extraordinary mural for the emperor.
My Father’s Arms Are a Boat
A sleepless young boy who is missing his recently deceased mother finds comfort and warmth in his father’s arms. Uniquely collaged, exquisite art that provides understanding without artificial reassurance enhances this gentle lullaby of a story.
The Bear’s Song
Papa Bear wakes up to find his son missing, and his search leads him to an opera house and a command performance.
Enduring Ark, The
In this Indian version of the Biblical tale, talented Bengali Patua scroll painter Joydeb Chitrakar leads the reader from a deluge of water to a rainbow of hope. A book that can be leafed through in the traditional way or unfolded out as an accordion, the vibrant illustrations and concise text provide a singular approach to an ancient, universal story.
Nasreddine
Loosely based on the Middle Eastern folk hero Nasreddine Hodja, in this retelling young Nasreddine learns that, instead of always listening to the advice of others, it is better for one to “decide if what you are hearing is wise, or if it’s only silly and hurtful.” Humorous, earth-toned watercolor illustrations effectively use line, white space, and pacing to offer an authentic Middle Eastern setting.
Picture a Tree
This paean to trees, illustrated in expressive, detailed, and gestural plasticine, allows readers to imagine a tree—from its branches as a drawing in the sky to a tunnel, or the ocean, and anything in between. The background of each spread is textured and filled with birds, leaves, and planes.
Maria Had a Little Llama
In this bilingual version of the classic rhyme, Maria takes her llama to school one day. Gouache and ink.
The Chickens Build a Wall
When a friendly hedgehog visits the farm, the chickens build an enormous wall to keep out “prickly invaders.”
See the review at WOW Review, Volume VII, Issue 2
Sophie Scott Goes South
Sophie Scott is only nine years old, but she’s going to Antarctica on an icebreaker with her dad, the ship’s captain. During the voyage to Mawson Station and back, Sophie keeps a diary. She sees icebergs, penguins, seals and whales. She makes new friends, wonders at the southern lights and even becomes stranded in a blizzard!