“The Suitcase” by the author from the hit-television series Friends, is a heartwarming picture book that captures the transformative power of discovery and imagination. When a young boy visits his grandparents for the summer, he finds himself longing for excitement amidst the routine of reading and gardening. However, his perspective shifts when he stumbles upon a hidden suitcase in the attic, brimming with treasures and mysterious photographs. As he delves into the images of a young couple embarking on daring adventures and joyous escapades, the boy’s curiosity is piqued. Who are these adventurous souls captured in the photographs?
Americas
Materials from the Americas
Grandma’s Hair Is Ankle Length / El Cabello De Abuela Le Llega Hasta Los Tobillos
In this tender bilingual picture book that is a poetic ode to grandmothers and granddaughters, a young girl contemplates the mysteries of life and the natural world as her grandmother gently guides her, affirming the interconnectedness of past, present, and future. Through their loving embrace, they become intertwined, their hair flowing together as one, symbolizing the enduring power of familial love and shared experiences. In this bilingual picture book of English and Spanish, the young girl treasures her grandmother’s ankle length hair, as well as the love, security and wisdom of ages it represents.
With its lyrical prose and stunning artwork, “Grandma’s Hair” is a heartfelt tribute to the wisdom of elders, the resilience of youth, and the timeless connection between generations.
Pedro And The Monster Eater / Pedro Y Los Devoradores De Monstruos
Pedro is a young boy from a family of talented artists specializing in papier-mâché sculptures. Growing up surrounded by creativity, Pedro learns the art of crafting piñatas, masks, and mojigangas—giant puppets used in Mexico’s vibrant parades and festivals. As Pedro grows older, he becomes increasingly involved in the family business, honing his skills in papier-mâché sculpture. However, tragedy strikes when Pedro falls ill, plagued by terrifying nightmares of the mojigangas coming to life and chasing him. In his dreams, he is saved by fierce creatures called alebrijes, who devour the monsters. Inspired by his dreams, Pedro begins to recreate the alebrijes using paper and glue, infusing them with vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Soon, his creations attract attention from far and wide, and people flock to buy Pedro’s monster eaters.
Based on the life of artist Pedro Linares, this bilingual picture book weaves together the fascinating origin story of Mexico’s beloved folk art with striking illustrations of the magical creatures Pedro creates. It serves as a captivating introduction to the world of art for young readers and a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of imagination. Perfect for parents and teachers seeking to inspire children’s interest in art and cultural traditions.
Tricky Chopsticks
A young Chinese American girl, Jenny, finds herself facing a dilemma as she struggles with the slippery and tricky nature of chopsticks. With her cousin Victor’s birthday party approaching, along with her family’s annual chopsticks challenge, Jenny is determined not to be the only Chow who can’t use the utensils. Fueled by determination and creativity, Jenny embarks on a series of STEAM-powered experiments to conquer the chopsticks. From engineering contraptions to using scientific principles, Jenny explores various techniques to improve her skills, despite wobbling and fumbling along the way. With humor and charm, “Jenny Chow and the Chopsticks Challenge” celebrates perseverance, creativity, and the importance of family traditions in a multicultural context.
Bilingue, Superhéroe / Bilingual, Super Hero
In Jorge Argueta’s delightful children’s book, meet Gerónimo Pérez, affectionately known as Bilingual. Embracing his bilingual identity with pride, Gerónimo effortlessly navigates between English and Spanish, reveling in the richness and fluidity of both languages. With a playful spirit, Gerónimo describes the joy of seamlessly switching between languages, likening it to a dance and savoring the taste of words on his tongue. He embraces his role as a linguistic bridge, effortlessly translating for his family and helping others in need. Accompanied by Elizabeth Gómez’s whimsical illustrations, this book celebrates the boundless enthusiasm and positivity of a young boy embracing his bilingual heritage. With its empowering message and vibrant storytelling, “Bilingual Superhero” is a captivating read that encourages children to embrace their linguistic abilities and reimagine what it means to be a hero.
It Feels Like Family / Se Siente Como Familia
Readers join Elena and Miguel as they navigate the changes brought about by their parents’ divorce. Living in two separate homes—Mami’s during the week and Papi’s on weekends—Elena and Miguel initially struggle with feelings of loss and fragmentation. Despite these initial challenges, Elena and Miguel gradually find moments of comfort and connection in their new routines. While the pancakes Papi makes may not taste exactly like Mami’s, they still bring a sense of warmth and familiarity. And at birthday parties surrounded by relatives and cousins, they rediscover the joy of family bonds.
Through its bilingual narrative, “Elena and Miguel’s Two Homes / Las Dos Casas de Elena y Miguel” sensitively explores the challenges of divorce and the importance of maintaining connections with extended family. It offers young readers a message of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring power of familial love to transcend changes in living arrangements.
Mi Papá Es Un Agrícola / My Father, The Farm Worker
Set against the backdrop of endless fields stretching to the horizon, the story follows a day in the life of a farm worker through the eyes of his proud son. From sunrise to sunset, the father toils tirelessly, gathering the crops that sustain their community and fill their bellies.
Through lyrical prose and stunning illustrations, the book illuminates the sacrifice and hardship endured by farm workers as they labor to provide for their families. It celebrates their unwavering dedication and the deep love that drives them to work from dawn till dusk, shaping the natural world with their hands.
Presented in both English and Spanish, “Harvesting Love / Cosechando Amor” is a bilingual treasure that honors the contributions of farm workers while offering young readers a window into their world. Parents and children alike will be captivated by the rich tapestry of colors and the poignant message of resilience, perseverance, and the enduring bond between parent and child.
Tales From Gold Mountain: Stories Of The Chinese In The New World (A Groundwood Book) (A Groundwood Book)
Through eight original tales, readers gain insight into the hardships faced by the first Chinese immigrants in America. In “Spirits of the Railway,” a young man endeavors to appease the restless ghosts of railroad workers who were never properly laid to rest, shedding light on the sacrifices made by laborers in building the nation’s infrastructure. In “Forbidden Fruit,” a father’s bias threatens to tear apart his daughter’s chance at love and happiness, highlighting the impact of cultural traditions and familial expectations on individual lives.
Beasts Of Ruin
In a world where promises to gods bind souls, Koffi finds herself ensnared in Fedu’s deceptive realm—a luxurious mansion masking a deadly mist that holds her and other darajas captive. Trapped within Thornkeep’s manicured gardens, escape seems impossible until Koffi discovers a latent power within the mist itself—a power that could hold the key to her freedom and unlock the mysteries of her own magic.
In a race against time and fate, Koffi and Ekon – a former soldier now branded a fugitive – must reckon with the changing landscape of their world and confront the truths that threaten to tear them apart. But with each trial they endure, they draw closer to each other and the possibility of shaping their own destinies.
Sona And The Golden Beasts
Sona, a Malech, belongs to the ruling class that has oppressed the native Devans for centuries. Despite the Malechs’ ban on music to prevent the Devans from accessing their magical abilities, Sona hears melodies everywhere, hiding her own musical talents to avoid endangering herself. But When Sona discovers an orphaned wolf pup with golden ears, she suspects a connection to the sacred beasts of Devia and vows to protect it at all costs. As she embarks on a perilous quest with a Devan boy to obtain the nectar of life for a gravely ill loved one, Sona uncovers secrets about the Malechian empire and her own identity.