A little Haitian girl describes how her parents’ house fills up with babies as relatives drop off their children on their way to work.
Mama Rocks, Papa Sings
Primary (ages 6-9)
Material appropriate for primary age groups
The Face at the Window
Dora learns to overcome her fears of a mentally ill woman who lives in her community in this gentle and compassionate story set in contemporary Jamaica, West Indies.
Saying Good-bye: A Special Farewell to Mama Nkwelle
This deeply personal story looks at the stately Nigerian funeral for the author’s grandmother, said to be “the greatest traditional dancer of her generation,” as told by Onyefulu’s young son. “When Mama Nkwelle died, everyone came to say good-bye. Uncle Asika said it was a special good-bye. It took more days than I can count on my fingers.
Everybody Bakes Bread
A rainy-day errand introduces Carrie to many different kinds of bread, including chapatis, challah, and papusaa.
Manuela’s Gift
Manuela wants a new dress for her birthday, but times are hard and she is disappointed when she receives a hand-me-down instead.
The Five Lost Aunts of Harriet Bean
When Harriet Bean’s father mentions that he has five sisters—whom Harriet has never met—she is immediately intrigued. Harriet is determined to uncover the whereabouts of her five lost aunts, but with nothing more than an unfinished family portrait and a few outdated clues, will she be able to locate them? Join Harriet in her search to reunite her father with his five lost sisters—Veronica, Harmonica, Majolica, Japonica, and Thessalonika.
Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and the New Dotted Dresses
One day, Flicka, Ricka and Dicka get beautiful, new dotted dresses. Then they met Aunt Helma, who needs some help. They work hard to take care of her chickens and cow. But in the end, the dotted dresses are in a very sorry state.
The Pirate Queen
Grania O’Malley was born with the mark of a sailor and the light of the sea in her eye. As she grew, tales of her courage and heroic deeds traveled across Ireland. But when she came up against a ruthless governor, even fearless Grania was stymied. So she turns to a woman more powerful than she in this heart-stopping tale that’s as big as the Irish Sea.
Grandpa Jack’s Tattoo Tales
Grandpa Jack has seen flying fish, giant octopuses, and mermaids. He’s sailed all the oceans of the world, and he has a host of stories to tell about his adventures – and a tattoo for each of them. So when a customer at Grandpa Jack’s diner asks about one of his tattoos, Chloe’s grandpa delivers a whale of a tale.
Mouse Noses on Toast
When Paul Mouse overhears a customer in a restaurant ordering mouse noses on toast, he assumes it must be a joke. Mouse noses on toast is a myth. But when the waiter asks if that would be with or without whiskers, Paul knows it’s no joke. So begins a laugh-out-loud funny ride involving mouse activists and cheese addicts.