Did you know? In Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, instead of a Tooth Fairy, they have a Tooth Mouse! This is his story. Though the world is very different from when his Tooth Mouse descendants worked, a Tooth Mouse named Pérez continues his ancestors’ tradition and brings children their permanent teeth. Thought-provoking and playful The Amazing and True Story of Tooth Mouth Perez illuminates how, just as Tooth Mice must adapt their customs in the face of culture-shifting forces, so too must the child as they grow up and gain their independence.
Fiction
Fiction genre
The Young Teacher And The Great Serpent (Stories From Latin America)
When a young teacher sets out to the remote community of Las Delicias in the Amazon rain forest, she is eager to share her knowledge of science, math and geography. While the town’s children love the books she brings, they still keep repeating the legend about a great and dangerous serpent. While in disbelief that her young students could still care about the nonsense of folk tales, the river begins to rise, and suddenly the stories don’t seem to be nonsense after all. Perhaps there are other ways to learn wisdom of past generations besides in books.
Letters In Charcoal
A young narrator recounts learning to read with the help of Señor Velandia, the owner of the village shop, so she can unlock the messages her older sister, Gina, receives from a young doctor each month. In doing so, she will change her life, as well as the lives of every child in the pueblo of Palenque Colombia. Inspired by stories told to the author by Colombian women, Letters in Charcoal celebrates the freedom to read and the joy reading can bring by adding light for a brighter future.
On The Edge Of The World (Stories From Latin America)
Veera and her family live in Russia on what feels like the edge of the world on the Kamchatka Peninsula. Veera spends her time devouring fantasy books, playing fetch with her dog, and longing for a friend she can share her treasures with that she keeps hidden underneath the alder bush. Lucas and his family live on the coast of Chile, which also feels like the edge of the world. Lucas spends his days looking for fossils, playing solo games of soccer, and wishing for a friend to read with him on his favorite tree branch. Written and illustrated by acclaimed author-illustrator Anna Desnitskaya, On the Edge of the World is a playful and perceptive book that illuminates the mirroring lives of two separate children in two separate places, yet share strikingly similar settings and interests.
At The Drop Of a Cat
A 6-year old boy loves spending time with his immigrant grandfather, Luis, who teaches him many things as they spend time in his garden, a place of wonder and illumination. It is the place where the boy practices to read and write, as well as the place where he learns of his grandfather’s experiences. As a war refugee, Luis was unable to go to school and therefore never learned how to read and write. But he instills his wisdom of language to his grandson, as well as his experiences and talents as an artist, a cook and a gardener.
This book is part of the WOW Dozen: Difficult and Challenging Topics in Children’s Literature list.
This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.
The Shade Tree
Villagers like to come to rest and cool down in the shade of a huge, old tree. But when a young traveler decides to join them one day, a rich man on whose land the tree stands demands they leave because he owns the tree and therefore its shade. Thinking fast, the traveler strikes a deal: one that will enable him to outsmart the rich man and ensure that the villagers will always have access to the shade tree’s shade, wherever it may fall.
Translator: Mixter, Helen
This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.
Corner
A crow finds itself alone in an empty corner in this (almost wordless) picture book. With only thoughts for company, the crow begins to pass the time by filling the empty space with furnishings and hobbies. But even after all the decorating, which includes a growing plant and wall-to-ceiling art, there is still something missing. Finally, the crow adds a window and discovers the need to connect with the world outside. The need for friendship.
Who Will Make The Snow?
Purr and Craw, twin moles born on the first day of spring, learn to dig themselves out of their comfort zones and experience the vast and unpredictable world around them. Indeed, they are curious about everything and ask endless questions. What is swimming? Do animals live in the sea? Why does mother speak French when she makes pancakes? No matter where or how far they go in the forest as they pursue answers, home is always waiting for them.
The Bear And The Wildcat
Bear is inconsolable when his little bird friend dies. He locks himself away in his house, consumed by his grief. But one day, when the smell of spring grass comes through his window, he ventures out again, making a new friend who will help him through his grief by reminding him of the beauty he experienced and instilling hope that comes with new friendship. Tender and senstive, The Bear and the Wildcat tells a delicate story of loss, grief, hope and friendship. Originally published in Japan in 2008, now translated into English from the Japanese edition by Cathy Hirano.
Rosie Runs
Rosie, a racing greyhound, dreams of the freedom to explore meadows and forests, maybe finding a hare or two along the way. Instead, she is stuck at the racetrack sprinting endless circles. Until, one day, she manages to escape. Both scared and excited, Rosie runs through a shadowy forest, a busy train station, a traveling circus and takes a quick swim next to a ferry. As she runs through small towns and bustling cities, Rosie observes the gentle and happy moments of people she passes. Soaking everything in, be it a peaceful moment of a man watering his plants, or a jolting happy one of a dog wearing a cap on a train, Rosie Runs invites readers to rejoice and contemplate their own favorite hobbies and passions.