Europe

Materials from Europe

One Gorilla: A Counting Book

What better attention-getter for small children than primates in all their variety? And who better to render them than Anthony Browne? In this elegant counting book, the author-illustrator outdoes himself with a vivid presentation of primates from gorillas to gibbons, macaques to mandrills, ring-tailed lemurs to spider monkeys. With his striking palette, exquisite attention to detail, and quirky flair for facial expressions, Anthony Browne slyly extends the basic number concept into a look at similarities and differences — portraying an extended family we can count ourselves part of.

The Black Rabbit

Rabbit has a problem. There’s a large black rabbit chasing him. No matter where he runs — behind a tree, over the river — the shadowy rabbit follows. Finally in the deep, dark wood, Rabbit loses his nemesis — only to encounter a real foe! Kids who like to be in on the secret will revel in this humorous look at shadows and friendship, brought to light by a talented animator.

See the review at WOW Review, Volume VII, Issue 3

Nobody Asked the Pea

Expands upon the classic tale of the princess and the pea as seen through the eyes of the prince, the princess, the king and queen, various servants, a mouse, and even the rather vain pea, itself.

His Name Was Raoul Wallenberg

An amazing and inspirational World War II story about how one man saved the lives of many.

Taking Flight

When his mother tries to commit suicide, 15-year old Declan Kelly is forced to move from a Belfast housing estate to the glamorous home of his aunt Colette and cousin Vicky. Declan is a troubled young man and terrible student who responds to his problems with violence. Vicky is a spoiled young woman, hard-working student and accomplished rider who loves horses. She is having trouble dealing with her parents divorce, and her father’s new family.

The Table That Ran Away to the Woods

The Table That Ran Away to the Woods tells the story of a writing desk that one day “grabbed two pairs of shoes / ran downstairs, and took flight,” escaping into the countryside with its owners in barefoot pursuit. This is the first time the tale—first published in a Polish newspaper in 1940 and re-created in this exquisite collaged version in 1963—has been made available to an English-speaking audience.

Sylvia Long’s Thumbelina

From best-selling artist Sylvia Long comes an exquisite version of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved tale about a thumb-size girl and her larger-than-life adventures. Jewel-toned paintings depict the story’s settings from light and airy meadows to Mole’s dark and dismal underground home while whimsical details bring the classic cast of characters to life and make this storytime favorite a visual feast.