Meet Dormeo: gladiator, dormouse, berry-nibbler, and guide to ancient Rome. He’s about to lead a tour — from the temperamental gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus to the wolf-raised Romulus and Remus, from the birth of the Roman Republic to the death of Julius Caesar. On the way are fascinating glimpses of life as a Roman citizen, from families to festivals, gladiators to guards, as well as a look at some of Rome’s best-known emperors (good and not so good). Vibrant, engaging, and packed with Marcia Williams’s trademark warmth and humor, this graphic storybook is a young reader’s ideal introduction to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.
Italy
Materials from Italy
Hero On A Bicycle
Italy, 1944: Florence is occupied by Nazi forces. The Italian resistance movement has not given up hope, though — and neither have thirteen-year- old Paolo and his sister, Costanza. As their mother is pressured into harboring escaping POWs, Paolo and Costanza each find a part to play in opposing the German forces. Both are desperate to fight the occupation, but what can two siblings — with only a bicycle to help them — do against a whole army?
Zero Kisses For Me
“Zero kisses for me” is a declaration of independence from a youngster who has a family of fond, affectionate relatives. Sometimes kisses are sticky or perfume-y or just plain yucky, and, besides, they’re for babies. They’re not dignified for someone who’s growing up.
Our small hero decides that the kissing ban goes for goodnight kisses too. That is, of course, until it’s bedtime and the monsters appear. And everyone knows that the best defense against the monsters is a goodnight kiss from Mom. The ban’s over, and he and his understanding mother come to the conclusion that nobody gets too old for kisses after all.
The Holy Twins
Tells the story of the lives of Saints Benedict and Scholastica.
The True Story Of Goldilocks
In this hilarious prequel to the traditional tale, Goldilocks is a goody-two-shoes invited by Mummy Bear and Daddy Bear to mend the ways of a very naughty Baby Bear. This novelty book features textured elements, pop-ups, and flaps to lift. Full color.
The Apple And The Butterfly
A caterpillar crawls out of an apple and retreats into its cocoon. As the seasons change, the caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Setting itself free, the butterfly feeds on a flower that grows into an apple, bringing the story full circle. With simple yet striking graphic-style illustrations, this classic wordless picture book, originally published in Italy in 1969, is sure to appeal to both children and adults.
We Are Their Voice: Young People Respond to the Holocaust
That’s the question that prompted a writing project across North America, Italy and Australia asking young people to write about this time in history. Students wrote short stories. Some read novels and wrote about the messages that they understood from these books. Several interviewed survivors and recorded their impressions. Many talked about this history and how they have tried to make sense of it in the world in which they now live. Children wrote from their hearts with sensitivity, thoughtfulness and great insight. Their teachers saw this opportunity as a gift. Young people can make a meaningful connection to the Holocaust. And perhaps, with that in mind, they will be able to create a more peaceful future. Read their stories. Listen to their perceptions and observations. We have so much to learn from them.
Changeling
The year is 1453 and all signs point to it being the end of the world. Accused of heresy and expelled from his monastery, handsome seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is recruited by a mysterious stranger to record the end of times across Europe. Commanded by sealed orders, Luca is sent to map the fears of Christendom and travel to the very frontier of good and evil.
Seventeen-year-old Isolde, a Lady Abbess, is trapped in a nunnery to prevent her from claiming her rich inheritance. As the nuns in her care are driven mad by strange visions, walking in their sleep, and showing bleeding wounds, Luca is sent to investigate and driven to accuse her.
Forced to face the greatest fears of the dark ages—witchcraft, werewolves, madness—Luca and Isolde embark on a search for truth, their own destinies, and even love as they take the unknown ways to the real historical figure who defends the boundaries of Christendom and holds the secrets of the Order of Darkness.
The Kindhearted Crocodile
A crocodile that longs to be a pet sneaks into a house, hides in the pages of a picture book during the day, and comes out at night to do kind and useful things for the family while they sleep.
Arcadia Awakens
When 17-year-old Rosa Alcantara travels from her native Brooklyn to her ancestral home in Sicily, she falls head over heels for Alessandro Carnevare, whose family is the sworn enemy of hers, and must confront both of their families’ criminal–and paranormal–pasts.