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world through picture books the
Librarians’ favourite books from their country Edited by Annie Everall OBE and Viviana Quiñones
d e d n a p Ex nd e d i t i o n 2 s
k 500 boo ges a u g n a in 37 l
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world picture books through
Librarians’ favourite books from their country Expanded 2nd edition Edited by Annie Everall OBE and Viviana Quiñones
A programme of Section Libraries for Children and Young Adults, IFLA – International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions – in collaboration with IFLA Section Literacy and Reading and IBBY – International Board on Books for Young People. Programme co-ordination: Annie Everall, in collaboration with Viviana Quiñones
About the editors Annie Everall is a Director of ‘Authors Aloud UK’ and a children’s books, libraries and reading consultant. During her career she has developed and managed a range of award winning innovative library services and reading initiatives in the UK including the Derbyshire Big Book Bash for Children in Care, Derbyshire Book Pushers programme of teenage reading advocates, the Birmingham Centre for the Child, The Young Readers UK children’s literature festival and the Stories from the Web online reader development initiative. She is a children’s book reviewer, serves on the CILIP School Libraries Group committee and the Journal of Librarianship and Information Science editorial board. She has been Chair of the CILIP Youth Libraries Group and the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Awards. She has been the UK representative on the Libraries for Children and Young Adults section committee of IFLA and is currently Chair of the Literacy & Reading Section. In 2001 she was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to children’s books and libraries. Viviana Quiñones, from Argentina and France, has worked since 1985 at the French National Centre for Children’s Literature – formerly known as La Joie par les livres – which became part of the Bibliothèque nationale de France in 2008. At its International Department, she has cooperated with African librarians and publishers since 1987. She has developed the collection of African books for young people and promoted them through exhibitions. She was a founder of the journal for children’s librarians Takam Tikou in 1989 and has been its editor and contributor since then. She has managed an African network for children’s reading and taught many training sessions in different countries. She edited the best-selling handbook Faire vivre une bibliothèque jeunesse : Guide de l’animateur (2005) and has published numerous articles and papers. She is a standing committee member of IFLA section Libraries for Children and Young Adults since 2007; she initiated its Sister Library programme in 2009 and is currently Chair of the section.
http://www.ifla.org/en/node/6718
Illustrations by David Pintor, www.davidpintor.com Design by Ursula Held, [email protected] The World through Picture Books / Edited by Annie Everall and Viviana Quiñones The Hague, IFLA Headquarters, 2015 – 218 p. 30 cm. (IFLA Professional Reports: 136) ISSN 0168-1931
Annie Everall and Viviana Quiñones, 2015. This work (except book covers and other images) is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 (Unported) license. To view a copy of this license, visit: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
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Contents 5 Foreword 7 The World through Picture Books 7 Aims of the Programme 7 Criteria for Book Selection 7 Information required for each title 8 Country Participation 8 Information on the Selections 8 Book Exhibitions 8 Presentations at IFLA Conferences 8 Impact of the Programme 9 Ideas for using The World through Picture Books 11 Book Purchase 11 What next?
1 3 Algeria 16 Argentina 20 Australia 24 Benin 28 Brazil 33 Cameroon 36 Colombia 39 Croatia 44 Denmark 48 Estonia 52 Finland 55 France 58 Germany 6 1 Greenland 64 Guadeloupe (France) 68 Guyane (France) 72 Haiti
76 80 83 89 93 97 101 104 108 1 1 1 1 14 1 1 7 120 123 126 1 30 1 33 1 39 143 1 47 153 157 1 61 164 167 1 70 1 8 1 184 189 1 92 198 202 208 2 12 2 16
Hungary India Italy Ivory Coast Japan Korea (Republic of) Lebanon Madagascar Mali Martinique (France) Mauritius Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Philippines Poland Qatar Quebec (Canada) Reunion Island (France) Romania Russian Federation Senegal Serbia Singapore Slovenia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Togo Turkey United Arab Emirates United Kingdom USA
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Foreword By Viviana Quiñones Chair, IFLA Section Libraries for Children and Young Adults [email protected]
We are very happy to publish the second edition of The World through Picture Books, enriched with sixteen new annotated lists. This new edition proves even more the very enthusiastic, skilled participation of librarians and the great success of this international programme. The programme deals with something we children’s librarians must never lose sight of, even if we are so busy with new technologies, budget restrictions, everyday work…: read children’s books and choose the best ones for our readers. And what does “best” mean? One thing it surely means is very good books from the readers’ own country and from as many other countries as possible… This is why, inspired by Kazuko Yoda’s request to our Committee for advice on the” top ten” picture books in Committee members’ countries, we launched “The World through Picture Books” programme in 2011. Librarians from fifty-two countries (or parts of countries) have made their choices which we publish here, with book presentations in the thirty-seven languages of publication, together with the English translation. Papers on picture books in several countries were presented at IFLA conferences in Helsinki, Singapore and Lyon and are on-line. Thanks to publishers’ generosity, two sets of touring book exhibitions were made, that have been shown in Finland, Japan, Korea, Italy, France, Reunion Island and Serbia. These collections are based in the National Libraries of France and Japan and are available to be booked by any country wishing to exhibit them. We wish to warmly thank all country co-ordinators and all children’s librarians in all the countries that have worked for this programme: it is their participation that makes it valuable. We also wish to thank Annie Everall for the hard co-ordination work she has done and finally, our thanks to all publishers, who made the exhibitions possible. The programme has allowed for librarians in each country to work together, to reflect on their own book creation and to share it with the world and on the other hand, to discover other cultures through the infinite richness of picture book publishing. The World through Picture Books celebrates bibliodiversity and language diversity. Children’s literature is a treasure for young and not so young people. Some countries’ best books are very well known, but those from most countries are not… We hope these lists of favourites from all continents will allow for many happy new readings all over the world.
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The World through Picture Books By Annie Everall OBE [email protected] with Viviana Quiñones [email protected]
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world picture books through
Children’s Librarians all over the world understand how important picture books in both traditional and digital formats are for children: for their development, their cultural identity, as a springboard into learning to read for themselves; for their visual skills, and because of the closeness of sharing them with an adult. It is then very important to promote picture books and to ensure access to them. The idea behind the World Through Picture Books is to create a selection of picture books from around the world that have been recommended by librarians, The programme is led by IFLA Children’s and Young Adults section with support from partners IFLA Literacy and Reading section and IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People). All Information on the programme can be found on www.ifla.org/node/6718, as well as the poster and this catalogue that can be downloaded without charge. Aims of the Programme To create selections of picture books from around the world that have been recommended by librarians and which can then be used: – As a way of celebrating and promoting the languages, cultures and quality of children’s publishing around the world – By countries wishing to purchase books from other countries and looking for ‘favourite’ titles – By Sister Libraries as a way of exploring the children’s literature of their ‘Sister Library’ country (for IFLA Sister Library Programme, see www.ifla.org/libraries-for-children-and-ya/projects) Criteria for Book Selection Each country is asked to submit ten picture book titles: – Suitable for children aged between 0-11 – Books that are ‘favourites’, that have lasted or will last the test of time, and are seen as classics, representing the best in picture books from that country – Must have been published by the country submitting them – Are available in the original language – Are of a good quality and a high standard of publishing – Have text and illustrations that work very well together – Reflect a positive message – Are excellent for reading aloud and sharing with children – Are in print and therefore still available for purchase Information required for each title Each country is asked to provide the following information for each of the titles included in their list: – Name of the author – Name of the illustrator – Title of the book in the original language and its meaning in English – Date of publication – ISBN – A colour image of the front cover – A brief review of the book (in English and in the original language of the book)
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Country Participation Fifty-two selections have been received, from countries or from parts of countries which have asked for a separate selection, due to their specific cultural identity and publishing context. Each selection of ten titles was organised in the way that worked best for the country. In some cases there was collaboration between IFLA members, IBBY, Library Associations and a range of national youth library organisations. A variety of methods were used from online surveys and national nominations and country wide voting to small groups of librarians discussing and determining their list. The introductions to the country lists explain how the choices were made and sometimes, give information on the country’s book publishing for children. For additional Information, country co-ordinators’ names and email addresses are given at the beginning of each selection. Information on the Selections The books within each list are arranged in the order that the country sent them to us. Some are alphabetical and some have been arranged in order of votes received or priority given to them. The reviews are published in English and the original language of the book. The English spellings of words have also been left as they would be in each individual country. For more information or comments about a particular list, the contact person for each country is mentioned on its pages. If your country has not yet chosen its list of ‘favourite’ books but you would like to become involved, please contact Annie Everall – email [email protected] Book Exhibitions Two touring exhibition collections of the books were created, thanks to donations by the publishers. These were exhibited in Finland (Joensuu and Helsinki) and France (Lyon) as part of IFLA 2012 and 2014 conferences, and also in Japan, Korea, Reunion Island and Serbia. Articles on these exhibitions were published In IFLA section Libraries for Children and Young Adults’ Newsletter in its issues of June 2013, January and June 2014 and January 2015, and can be read on line on http://www.ifla.org/publications/51 Some exhibitors translated the book presentations into their own language; a complete edition of the catalogue was published in Serbian. The exhibition sets are based in the National Libraries of Japan and France and are available for loan to libraries in any country wishing to exhibit them – each country will be responsible for costs of transportation, insurance and security. All practical information on the exhibition loan can be found on www.ifla.org/node/6718 Presentations at IFLA Conferences Papers were presented at IFLA conferences, enabling participants to learn more about the project and focusing on picture books in different countries. These illustrated presentations can be found on the IFLA site, on these pages: http://conference.ifla.org/pastwlic/2012/2012-08-13.htm and http://library.ifla.org/1057 Impact of the Programme This has been a wonderful project to be involved with and its impact continues to grow. Those librarians who have been involved have very much enjoyed organising the list for their country and feel that they have learned a great deal. The programme has provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate children’s books and the particular richness of children’s picture book publishing around the world, as well as strengthening the partnership between librarians, publishers and authors. The publishers and authors feel honoured and proud to be featured in these lists, especially as they have been nominated by librarians. Perhaps the most positive impact is that children are being enabled to share stories and pictures for all parts of the world. “It was so much fun to read books from various countries!”, “It was a great opportunity to find a library with so many picture books from all over the world!” Comments from visitors to the exhibition at the International Library of Children’s Literature in Tokyo
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“We always talk about picture books bringing the whole world to both kids and grown-ups. Here, we have picture books from all around the world! The exhibition is such an amazing idea. It beats everything I’ve seen about cultural exchange for kids.” Amira A. Abed, Children’s Editorial Advisor and School Libraries Specialist, Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing
“In fact this exhibition was a way to discover otherness, customs and behaviours of different countries, through the stories and the pictures. On the other hand, children were also most happy to find that some of their heroes were shared by other children from other countries – like in Where the Wild Things Are, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Good Night Moon… They found out that even though they came from different cultures, they enjoyed the same books as other children living elsewhere in the world. Adults were interested and curious, and thought about the exhibitiion as a window on the wide world. Because it was children’s books, it was very easy to get into it and quite agreeable to look at. We were sorry that the exhibition could not stay with us for a longer time: in fact, this could be a permanent exhibition, because there are many ways to discover it.” Librarians of the Municipal Library of Saint-Pierre, Reunion Island
“The children were delighted with the books and illustrations; they were very engaged and asked many interesting questions. Educators and teachers who accompanied them believed that the exhibition was a great way for children to learn about other cultures, customs, myths, legends, alphabets… In a way, it was an opportunity for these children to travel around the world.” Jelena Dragojlović, Kreativni centar, co-organiser of the exhibition at Belgrade City Library
“It is astonishing enough for me that British librarians chose to include Dear Zoo in this prestigious top ten for the IFLA project, but the knowledge that the book will then be part of an international exhibition as well is extremely humbling. I am quite overcome by this huge accolade, and can only thank those librarians nationwide who felt Dear Zoo deserved to be on the list.” Rod Campbell, author and illustrator of Dear Zoo
Ideas for using The World through Picture Books There are many ways for a library or school to benefit from the programme, whether by using this catalogue alone, or with the books you already have or you will purchase, or with the whole exhibition if you are able to loan it. Colleagues from around the world have shared with us the ways in which they have already used the lists, the books, and/or the exhibition as well as the ideas they have for new ways to use them. If you also have new ideas, please let us know. For librarians – If you are unable to have the main exhibition collection in your library, then exhibit the ten books from your country list and use it as an opportunity to get children and their parents to look at them. You can also exhibit the translations into your language of books from other countries. – Use your own country list to generate publicity for the picture book publishing in your country. – Build your own knowledge of books from other countries. – Via the country co-ordinators, build and maintain contact with librarians who made the selections. – Use the information in the catalogue to build your international collection: select books to buy, both in the same language as yours and in other languages which are relevant to your readers - the languages they learn at school, those spoken in their families’ country of origin… Programme activities with those books. – Set up regular meetings with other librarians in your area to talk about the books, discuss
about possible book purchases and book exchanges amongst you. – Introduce the catalogue to teachers of foreign languages and to language communities in your area, find ways of working together around the books in their language. – Seek funding to bring an author / illustrator or speaker from one of the other countries to visit your library to talk to children. You can also invite a person from one of the other countries living in your area, or a member of an association of residents. – Use the books that may interest them more with adult literacy groups or young adults. – Connect with a Sister Library from one of the countries (see the List of participating libraries on http://www.ifla.org/node/1752) and organise activities around that country books with children. – If you or your colleagues have good IT skills, you can develop an app for the catalogue to bring the collection to life in your country.
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With children – Choose a country; explore all the books on the list of that country. You can find out more about the authors and illustrators from that country and more about the country itself, and then create your own book about that country. – Choose a country. Each child or group of children can work on one picture book and make a poster with: cover, title and information about the author and illustrator. All together, the children can then make a poster with a map, pictures and information about the country you chose. – Use the catalogue with children to encourage and inspire them to write and draw their own picture books. Show them the titles and brief descriptions and then let them create their own book. – Children can use a translation tool to translate a short passage of the text or of the review of a book into their own language. Use this to explore with them the issues of translating books into other languages. – Choose a story and get the children to dramatize it. – Choose a country and get the children you are working with to contact the co-ordinator of the list of that country to find out more about the books from that country. – Choose some countries in the catalogue and study their pages: what language or languages are spoken in that country? – Look at a range of covers and see if the children can work out which country each cover comes from. – Create ‘fan fiction’ – using the titles and the cover Illustrations get children to create their own versions of the stories, particularly those in languages that are not their own and see what they think the books are about. – Create a poll and get children voting on their favourite book cover. – Get children creating their own list of favourite books from their country and then compare it with the list that the librarians chose. – Get children to choose the book they like most from a country or their own country. Get them to explore the publisher – what else have they published etc. – There are lots of common themes in the books across all the countries e.g. fairy tales, food, fears, school, colour etc. Pick a theme to work on more closely with a selection of books. – A lot of the books have information based themes e.g. natural world, animals, health, emotions. Use them to explore the information
books in the library. Link to topics in the school curriculum. – Take a common theme like food and explore this in the stories and then link to cooking and food health and create recipes and menus. – Use the folk and fairy tale books and get children writing alternative ending to the stories. – Work with a local dance group, take a story and create a dance programme based on it. – Work with a local multi-cultural organisation to explore diversity and cultural themes using the books. – Create a sound track for a book based on the setting e.g. street, market, beach, school. – Develop animated storyboards based on one of the books. – Get the children to choose their favourite colour and then see if they can find five books with their favourite colour on the cover. Get them to discuss the similarity and difference between the colours and the covers and then look at the books together. – Work with your Sister Library on activities linked to the lists of your countries: video children in your library reading books off your list aloud and get your Sister Library to do the same and then share the videos; explore the same story that has been published in your country and the country of your Sister Library. – In addition and complementary to the catalogue, explore the International Children’s Digital Library (http://en.childrenslibrary.org). Here there are thousands of picture books from all over the world to explore and it includes the full text versions (these digitised books were donated by publishers). – When you are exhibiting the collection in your country, there are many ways in which you can encourage children and adults to visit it and to actively get involved with it: organise a range of school class visits to see the exhibition, organise authors and illustrators to come and visit the exhibition and to talk to children about the process of creating a picture book, Invite authors / illustrators / ambassadors or speakers from other countries to visit the exhibition. – Use the exhibition in several libraries – organise a festival, authors’ readings, talks about the countries, food discovery. – Encourage visiting school groups to use the list of participating countries to create a “picture book map” back in their class room and then work on finding out more about the featured countries.
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– Encourage visiting schools to become Sister Libraries with a library in one of the picture book countries (see www.ifla.org/ libraries-for-children-and-ya/projects). – Combine a tour of the exhibition with the school curriculum – geography, literature, visual arts, languages etc. – Choose a country; find out more about the authors and illustrators who are featured in the list, which ones are still actively creating picture books. Decide on the picture book you are most interested in and read it. Discuss which questions you would like to ask the author / illustrator and then write a letter to her / him. – Use the pictures in the books from other countries to get children saying or writing what they think the story is about. Afterwards, you can compare their stories to the actual book reviews in the catalogue. – Develop interactive readings from different books. Librarians read the books in the original languages and then create a PowerPoint translation of it with pictures. Use this to help children learn new words, find out about the authors / illustrators, other books, the tales, interests and passions of readers from other countries. – Make small posters of your favourite picture books using the front for the book cover and the back for information about the author / illustration and an annotation. Hang the posters like laundry on a line in your library or classroom. – Use drama, puppetry and mime to interpret a story. – Choose one of the picture books you are interested in, read it and then invent your own cover for it.
– Use the picture books in languages unknown to the children, to get children writing their own stories using the pictures. Then, compare with the story as it is told in the book review in the catalogue. – Choose some books and ask a group of children to guess where each book comes from, and to explain how they guessed. – Use the books to explore empathy with children – look at expressions, eyes and faces in book in a language the children don’t understand. Talk about the what the children think the characters might be feeling etc. – Create a 3D art display based on a book (or an online version). – Lots of the books have music or sound elements in them – use them to create a musical version of the story. – Get the children to see if they can find five books with a dog/cat/animal/ house on the cover. Look at them and discuss the similarities/differences. Look in the books together and then sing songs / draw pictures about whatever you have been looking at. – Develop regular correspondence with one or more authors from the list. – Use the collection to deliver training on visual literacy and develop visual literacy activities for children. Prepare online notes and resources to support this. – Design a Treasure Hunt based on the collection e.g. find a book about the sea, find a book with a place name in the title, how many books have boxes or tables in them, etc.
Book Purchase The featured books are favourites and therefore they are likely to remain available for purchasing. Most publishers’ contacts can be found on the Internet. When this is not the case, the best thing would be to write to the country coordinators – their names and email addresses are given on the first page of every country list. NB For books in French published in Africa, the Caribbean and Reunion Island, publishers’ addresses can be found in the “Carnet d’adresses” on http://takamtikou.bnf.fr What Next? Enjoy reading this catalogue, have fun using the activity ideas with children and remember to share any new ideas with us, borrow the exhibition if it is possible for you to do so. If your country list is not yet included then please organise it so that it can be Included in digital format in the online version of the catalogue. If you want more information contact Annie Everall (in English), email [email protected] or Viviana Quiñones (in French or Spanish), email [email protected]). Also remember that all of the information as well as the catalogue and the poster are downloadable on http://www.ifla.org/node/6718
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Books from
Contact: Zahia Mezaoui
Algeria
[email protected]
These Algerian picture books were selected by Zahia Mezaoui, a librarian working in the library of the Institut Français d’Alger. Written and illustrated by Algerian and French authors, they are published by Algerian publishing houses Casbah, Dalimen and Lazhari Labter. They are well illustrated, have an educational purpose and are designed to enrich the child’s imagination and curiosity.
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Corinne Chevallier • Hocine Mechemache, ill. Le Seigneur triste, la jeune fille et les mois de l’année [The sad Lord, the girl and the months of the year] Casbah, 2009 • ISBN 9961002457
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In a distant land, lived a sad Lord in his dusty
Dans un pays lointain, vivait un seigneur triste dans
castle. Not far from the castle, nestled a small
son château poussiéreux. Non loin du château, vivait
village where lived a pretty girl. She was so pretty
une jolie jeune fille dans un petit village. Elle était si
that they said of her that she looked like a fairy
jolie qu’on disait d’elle, qu’elle ressemblait à une fée
and that she danced under the trees the nights of
et qu’elle dansait sous les arbres les nuits de pleine
moonlight. Over the seasons, the months of the
lune. Au fil des saisons, les mois de l’année passaient,
year passed, beginning by September that came
en commençant par Septembre qui est venu plus tôt,
earlier, before the end of August, so, it decided
avant la fin d’Août, et qui a décidé de se loger dans
to house in the Lord’s castle. To thank him for his
le château du Seigneur. Pour le remercier de son
hospitality, September promised to take him in
hospitalité, Septembre lui promet de l’emmener dans
his house, so that he could smile again…
sa maison afin qu’il puisse retrouver le sourire ...
Corinne Chevallier • Hocine Mechemache, ill. Le Lutin curieux qui voulait aller dans la lune [The curios elf who wanted to go to the moon] Casbah, 2009 • ISBN 9789961648452 It is the story of an elf who was so in love with
C’est l’histoire d’un elfe qui était tellement amoureux
the moon that he spent his nights contemplating
de la lune qu’il passait ses nuits à la contempler.
it. He had even built a house on a tree to be able
Il avait même construit une maison sur un arbre pour
to approach it. This elf had other particularities,
être en mesure de s’en approcher. Mais cet elfe avait
he interfered in everything, was curious and
d’autres particularités, il intervenait dans tout, du
everyone avoided him because of his stupidity.
coup tout le monde l’évitait à cause de sa stupidité.
One morning, going to quench his thirst, he met
Un matin, en allant étancher sa soif, il rencontra une
an old woman wrapped in black; he approached
vieille femme enveloppée de noir, il s’approcha d’elle
her and asked who she was. The latter replied
et lui demanda qui elle était. Celui-ci répondit qu’elle
that she was the night, and promised to make
était la nuit, et lui promit de lui faire voir la lune ...
him see the moon…
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Corinne Chevallier • Hocine Mechemache, ill. Touil et la flûte magique [Touil and magic flute] Casbah, 2009 • ISBN 9789961648445 Touil was the nickname of a little man who could
Touil était le surnom d’un petit homme qui ne pouvait
not grow up (“Touil” means tall in Arabic). Touil
pas grandir (en arabe, « Touil » signifie grand). Touil
was poor and did not have a house. As he offered
était pauvre et n’avait pas de maison. Comme il offrait
his services to everyone, people asked him to live
ses services à tout le monde, les gens lui demandaient
with them, in their house. But once his work was
de vivre avec eux, dans leur maison. Mais une fois son
completed, he resumed his journey, playing his
travail terminé, il reprenait sa route en jouant de sa flûte
magic flute. By dint of walking, he arrived to the
magique... À force de marcher, Touil arriva au sud, près
south, near a castle that housed a rich lord with
d’un château qui abritait un riche seigneur avec sa fille,
his daughter “Lumière du jour”. A girl that he loved
“Lumière du jour”. Une jeune fille qu’il aimait plus que
more than all. But when she was kidnapped by the
tout. Mais lorsque cette dernière fut enlevée par le génie
genius of the oasis, Touil didn’t hesitate to save her...
de l’oasis, Touil n’hésita pas à la sauver...
Corinne Chevallier • Hocine Mechemache, ill. Zimbel le petit tailleur [Zimbel the little tailor] Casbah, 2010 • ISBN 9789961648988 Zimbel was a little tailor who sewed all day to
Zimbel était un petit tailleur qui cousait toute la
earn money, but it was in vain. People laughed at
journée pour gagner de l’argent, mais en vain. Il faisait
him. One day, while he was walking sadly down
même l’objet de moquerie de la part des personnes que
the street, and thinking of the best clothes that
l’entouraient. Un jour, alors qu’il se promenait tristement
he could make if he had the means, he came
dans la rue, et pensait aux plus beaux habits qu’il pourrait
across a rusty pair of scissors. So, he began to cut
confectionner s’il en avait eu les moyens, il tomba sur
the grass, which turned into green silk! Amazed,
une paire de ciseaux rouillés. Alors, il se mit à couper
he carried on with the sky, the stars... and all of
l’herbe, et l’herbe se transforma en soie verte! Stupéfait,
them changed in one click clack...
il continua avec le ciel, les étoiles ... et tout se transforma en un clic clac…
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Corinne Chevallier • Hocine Mechemache, ill. Le Prince et le cheval enchanté [The Prince and the enchanted horse] Casbah, 2009 • ISBN 9789961648438 In a wonderful country, lived a King who had had
Dans un pays merveilleux, vivait un roi qui avait eu
a lot of children whose needs he could not satisfy.
beaucoup d’enfants et qui ne pouvait plus satisfaire
One evening, he asked his eldest son to go get a
leurs besoins. Un soir, il demanda à son fils aîné d’aller
treasure that belonged to his grandfather, now
trouver un trésor qui appartenait à son grand-père,
owned by a monster-headed dragon. Right away
aujourd’hui sous l’emprise d’un dragon monstre. Tout de
his son took the road on a horse named Gulmar,
suite, son fils prit la route sur un cheval nommé Gulmar,
a road filled with obstacles...
une route semée d’obstacles...
Yasmine Briki • Nesrine Briki, ill. Tom l’Atome et le Big-Bang [Tom the Atom and the Big-Bang] Casbah, 2009 • ISBN 9789961648438 Tom the Atom is a character who at the height
Tom l’atome est un personnage qui, à la hauteur
of an existential crisis, explodes and releases the
d’une crise existentielle, explose et libère les premières
first elementary particles. The basic concepts
particules élémentaires. Les concepts de base abordés
covered in the story are explored in a scientific
dans l’histoire sont explorés dans une perspective
perspective and defined in a very simple way,
scientifique et définis de manière très simple, en les
making them accessible to young readers.
rendant accessibles aux jeunes lecteurs.
the world through picture books • books from algeria • 14 
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Yasmine Briki • Nesrine Briki, ill. Malek le petit fennec au marché [Malek the little fennec in the market] Casbah, 2011 • ISBN 9789961642795 Malek the little fennec is happy to go with his
Malek, le fennec, est heureux d’aller au marché avec
parents to the market. Merchant after merchant,
ses parents. D’un marchand à un autre, ils remplissent
they fill their baskets. And to thank him for
leurs paniers. Et pour le remercier de sa gentillesse, sa
being kind, his mom decides to prepare him a
mère décide de lui préparer une tarte aux fraises.
strawberry tart.
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Youcef Dris • Rachida Azdaou, ill. Les Douces soirées de Malak et Malik [The sweet evenings of Malak et Malik] Dalimen, 2006 • ISBN 9961759354 How wonderful Grandmother’s stories were!
Qu’elles étaient merveilleuses, les histoires de
She told them so well, her voice was so sweet,
grand-mère! Elle les racontait si bien, avec sa voix
that the children started to dream of heroes.
si douce, que les enfants se mettaient à rêver des
They found themselves in a magical world full
héros. Ils se retrouvaient dans un monde magique
of birds and fish of all colors. They even met a lot
peuplé d’oiseaux et de poissons de toutes les couleurs.
of Kings, Princes, and Princesses…
Ils ont même rencontré beaucoup de rois, des princes et des princesses...
9
Souhila Amirat • Rachida Azdaou, ill. La princesse Yasmine et la reine bleue [The princess Yasmine and the blue queen ] Dalimen, 2007 • ISBN 9789961759226
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Princess Yasmine was living in a palace with
La princesse Yasmine vivait dans un palais avec ses
her parents. They were very kind but danger and
parents. Ils étaient très gentils, mais le danger et le mal
evil were not far. In the other kingdom, reigned
n’étaient pas trop loin. Dans l’autre royaume, régnait
a wicked witch who desired to become the King’s
une méchante sorcière qui voulait devenir la femme du
wife and reign over both kingdoms. So, she used
roi pour régner sur les deux royaumes. Ainsi, elle usa
all the formulas to eradicate the Queen but it
toutes les formules pour éradiquer la reine, mais c’était
was without counting with the love felt by his
sans compter sur l’amour ressenti par son fils à l’égard
son in regards to the Princess Yasmine.
de la princesse Yasmine.
Nadia Roman, Lazhari Labter • Marie Malher, ill. Kalimagier Lazhari Labter, Éd. du Ricochet, 2010 • ISBN 978-2-35263-030-2 This pretty little bilingual picture book features
Ce très joli petit imagier bilingue présente une centaine
some hundred words that passed from Arabic
de mots passés de l’arabe au français ou du français
to French or from French to Arabic, with the
à l’arabe, avec la prononciation du mot d’origine
pronounciation of each original word in both
dans les deux langues. Un bon instrument pour faire
languages. A good tool to help young children
découvrir aux jeunes enfants les échanges linguistiques
discover linguistic exchanges, whether ancient
anciens ou plus récents entre ces deux aires culturelles.
or recent, between these two cultural areas.
Les illustrations sont charmantes et très originales.
Illustrations are charming and very original.
the world through picture books • books from algeria • 15 
Books from
Contact: Claudia Martínez [email protected]
Argentina
This selection speaks for us at the Biblioteca Popular Cachilo in the city of Rosario, as mediators, and for the target group: children. It is based on criteria that take into account the book and the reader. The selected books are quality materials, in literary terms and in terms of illustration and publishing. We have tried to go beyond the aesthetic and to cover political and ethical issues, which reflect our vision of promoting reading, and, of course, to pay attention to the content of each book. We have thought of the tastes and preferences of readers: these books have been well received in the library and in workshops. We have looked for books suitable to invite children to read, to imagine, to dream and fly...
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María Wernicke Uno y otro [One and other] Calibroscopio, 2006 • ISBN 987-22204-2-5 With characters like One, Another and No one
Con personajes como Uno, Otro y Nadie y con la
and with the ability to play with colors and the
habilidad para jugar con los colores y las sensaciones
feelings that they convey, this book asks us who
que ellos transmiten, este libro nos pregunta quiénes
we are and shows us that we are not always
somos y nos muestra que no siempre somos los
the same. In One and other, like in life itself,
mismos. En Uno y Otro, como en la vida misma,
truth is relative, there is no truth in the singular,
la verdad es relativa, no hay una verdad en singular,
but in the plural, everything depends on who
sino verdades en plural, todo depende de quién la
is speaking, when and where; it is important to
diga, cuándo y dónde, para lo cual es importante
have ears and eyes, willing to listen and see them.
tener los oídos –y los ojos– dispuestos a escucharlas
It praises diversity and the right to be different.
– y a verlas –. Elogia la diversidad, y el derecho
It invites us to fly, but also to stop and look
a ser distintos. Nos invita a volar, pero también
in the mirror.
a detenernos y mirarnos al espejo.
Silvina Rocha • Lucía Mancilla Prieto, ill. Mateo y su gato rojo [Matthew and his red cat] Ediciones del Naranjo, 2010 • ISBN 978-987-1343-24-9 In Matthew’s book, and inside the head of any
Dentro del cuaderno de Mateo, como dentro de la
child, many things happen, surprises, dreams,
cabeza de cualquier niño, suceden muchas cosas,
desires, concerns, sorrows; characters appear and
sorpresas, sueños, deseos, preocupaciones, tristezas;
stories are lived, like one about a cat, a mouse
surgen personajes y se viven historias, como la
and a smile that is lost. With illustrations using
de un gato, un ratón y una sonrisa que se pierde.
only white, black and red, with a simple and
Con ilustraciones que utilizan sólo el blanco, el
familiar text, we find a book that makes us feel,
negro y el rojo y con un texto sencillo y cercano,
imagine, identify and think about the other and
nos encontramos con un libro que nos hace sentir,
what he or she needs in order to be fine.
imaginar, identificarnos y pensar en el otro y en lo que éste necesita para estar bien.
the world through picture books • books from argentina • 16
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Claudia Legnazzi Tuk es Tuk [Tuk is Tuk] Ediciones del Eclipse, 2007 • ISBN 978-987-9011-71-3 Tuk inhabits a varied world, with its own laws,
Tuk habita un mundo variado, con leyes propias, lleno
full of strange characters and objects.But who
de personajes y objetos extraños. ¿Pero quién es Tuk?
is Tuk? Is it a person? Is it an animal? The author
¿Una persona? ¿Un animal? La autora e ilustradora
and illustrator, one of the most recognized artists
– una de las más reconocidas artistas para niños
for children in Argentina, provides us with a story
en Argentina – nos brinda una historia más allá del
beyond the formal body of the book, told by her
cuerpo formal del libro, nos la cuenta tanto a través
through both textual and paratextual elements.
de lo textual como de lo paratextual. Las palabras
The words take form and, together with the
adoptan formas y, junto con la ilustración y el libro en
illustration and the book as a whole, show the
su conjunto, nos muestran la importancia y la riqueza
importance and richness of being different, and
de ser diversos, y nos recuerdan que así como Tuk es
remind us that as Tuk is Tuk, each reader is unique.
Tuk, cada lector es único e irrepetible.
Laura Devetach • Juan Lima, ill. La hormiga que canta [The ant who sings] Ediciones del Eclipse, 2004 • ISBN 987-9011-62-7 Ants play, sing and leave us a path of verses and
Las hormigas juegan, cantan, nos van dejando un
leaves. Chimichurri, chimichurri, chimichurri...
camino de versos y hojas. Chimichurri, chimichurri,
slowly and rhythmically, like ants walking,
chimichurri… despacito y rítmicamente, como el
the words with which the author composes
caminar de las hormigas, se van juntando las palabras
these poems get together. Meanwhile, the
con que la autora compone estos poema. Mientras,
illustrator plays with black, green and ochre in
el ilustrador juega con los negros, verdes y ocres en
a dance of ants and leaves. In this book, John
una danza de hormigas y hojas. En este libro, las
and Laura’s ants sing to us and bring and take
hormigas de Juan y Laura nos van cantando mientras
sheets... and verses. What page, what branch,
traen y llevan hojas… y versos, ¿en que hoja, de que
what plan shall set it up?
rama, de que planta, lo armarán?
Luis Pescetti • O’Kif, ill. Caperucita Roja (tal como se la contaron a Jorge) [Little Red Riding Hood (as it was told to Carlos)] Alfaguara Infantil, 2009 • ISBN 978-987-04-0140-7 While his mother is not at home, George’s dad
Mientras la mama no está, el papá le cuenta a Jorge
tells him the story of Little Red Riding Hood
la historia de Caperucita Roja en una versión muy
in the common version. However, the child’s
correcta. Sin embargo, la imaginación del niño convierte
imagination makes a very different character
al personaje en otro muy diferente: de una Caperucita
and a very different story: a self-assured
obediente a una niña segura, que atraviesa el bosque
girl, a superhero father and so on. The most
sin miedo y un padre superhéroe y mediático que firman
interesting thing is that this dispute of imaginary
autógrafos; hasta un niño dispuesto a comerse al lobo.
characters is shown through the pictures. It is a
Lo interesante es que esta disputa de imaginarios
modern day version of Little Red Riding Hood,
se juega en las ilustraciones. Un libro para contar
through the eyes of a child. It’s a classic with
Caperucita en nuestros tiempos, con ojos de niño.
a twist. We read it as a challenge to devour,
Un clásico con una vuelta de tuerca. Leerlo nos plantea
laugh and serve us on a platter.
un desafío como partícipes privilegiados para devorar, reir y servirnos en bandeja.
the world through picture books • books from argentina • 17
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Itsvansch ¿Has visto? [Have you seen?] Ediciones del Eclipse, 2006 • ISBN 987-9011-83-X When you see a colored sheet, please look
Cuando veas una hoja de color, no dudes en mirarla
carefully. Maybe from that surface – even and
atentamente, puede que de esa superficie – pareja
apparently empty – comes up a huge world
y en apariencia vacia – salga un mundo inmenso
to discover. Have you seen? is a book to look
a descubrir. ¿Has visto?… Un libro para mirar no solo
at not only with the eyes, to imagine, discover
con los ojos, para imaginar, descubrir los colores, jugar
the colors, play with them and get lost in
con ellos y perderse en el paisaje.
the landscape.
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Roberta Iannamico • Bianki, ill. Nariz de higo [Fig nose] Pequeño Editor, 2005 • ISBN 978-987-22094-1-4 A poetry book dedicated to a children’s game
Un libro poético dedicado al juego infantil que
that we keep in our memory, when an uncle,
guardamos en la memoria, cuando algún tío, abuelo
grandfather or father used to “pull off our nose”
o padre solía “sacar la nariz” con sus dedos pulgares.
with their thumbs. Looking at the nose dancing
Ver a la nariz bailar por el borde de las cosas, junto
on the edge of things, with playful objects is a
a objetos juguetones es una forma de recordar
way to remember the poetry hidden in small
la poesía escondida en pequeños gestos familiares.
familiar gestures. The visual display maximizes
El despliegue visual potencia lo verbal, los versos
the verbal, the verses dance playfully in a familiar
danzan lúdicamente en un mundo familiar al compás
world to the beat of leaves, ants, candy paper,
de hojitas, hormigas, papeles de caramelo, cucharitas
ice cream spoons, ladybirds and paper cut outs.
de helado, vaquitas de San Antonio y papeles
The question that remains is: will the nose return
recortados. La pregunta que nos queda es: ¿Retornará
to its place between your eyes, or will it remain
la nariz a su lugar entre tus ojos?, ¿o quedará para
forever in the hands of your uncle?
siempre en poder de tu tío?
Leticia Gotlibowski, ill. La Caperucita Roja [Little Red Riding Hood] Ediciones del Eclipse, 2006 • ISBN 987-9011-76-7 The original text by Perrault is recreated with
Este texto original de Perrault, se recrea con una
a cutting-edge illustration that “re-writes” the
vanguardista ilustración que “rescribe” la historia
story by giving it a surprising twist, through
dándole un giro sorprendente, a través de alusiones a
allusions to historical figures, paintings and
personajes históricos, cuadros y lugares emblemáticos
landmarks of Paris and a touch of today. An
de París y un toque de actualidad. Una ambigua niña,
ambiguous girl stalked by a multivocal wolf, will
acosada por un lobo multívoco, volverá a escurrirse
slip again and again through the trees of a forest
una y otra vez por entre los árboles de un verdadero
of symbols. On one hand, the moral of the author
bosque de símbolos. Por un lado la moraleja del
and on the other, the guillotine of the Revolution.
autor y por otro la guillotina de la revolución. Libro
Fascinating book that reveals in each reading,
fascinante, que devela en cada lectura, elementos
items not previously seen and with them, it offers
antes no vistos y propone a partir de ellos, una nueva
a new version of the traditional tale.
versión del cuento tradicional.
the world through picture books • books from argentina • 18
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María Teresa Andruetto • Istvansch, ill. La durmiente [The sleeper] Alfaguara Infantil, 2010 • ISBN 978-987-041-546-6 This work maintains the essence of the fairy
Esta obra mantiene la esencia del cuento de hadas,
tale, but a dilemma is raised with contemporary
pero plantea un dilema con temáticas contemporáneas
issues (poverty, sorrow, need, the struggle
(la pobreza, el dolor, la necesidad, la lucha de genero)
of gender) with a deep social conscience.
con una profunda sensibilidad social. La historia de la
The story of the princess who originally is part
princesa que participa originalmente de un proceso
of a political process, is told with a unique and
político, narrada con un ritmo singular y poético se
poetic rhythm, is expanded to an iconic network
expande ante un entramado iconográfico de fotos,
of photos, paintings, cuttings and drawings.
pinturas, recorte y dibujos. Sin renunciamientos
Without aesthetic renunciations, this book invites
estéticos plantea “despertar” a una reflexión ética,
the reader to “wake up” to an ethical reflection,
para pensarnos en este mundo.
in order to think ourselves in this world.
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María Teresa Andruetto • Liliana Menéndez, ill. El árbol de lilas [The lilac tree] Comunicarte, 2006 • ISBN 987-602-015-3 Is it a tale or a poem? It is a story of love,
Cuento o poesía? Una historia de amor, de búsqueda
searching and waiting in the shade of a faraway
y espera a la sombra de un árbol que estaba lejos
tree, to touch us closely. A parable of the journey
para tocarnos cerca. Una parábola del viaje en busca
in search of what we want. This book is a tale
de lo que queremos. Un relato de estructura circular,
with a circular structure that is fragmented into
que se fragmenta en silencios que sólo pueden ser
silences that can only be filled by the reader.
llenados por el lector. Las ilustraciones por momentos
The illustrations at times open the game with
se abren al juego con la ambigüedad y dan lugar
ambiguity and lead to the senses beyond what
a los sentidos más allá de lo que dicen las palabras,
the words say, maintaining a delicate thread
manteniendo un delicado hilo de conexión con el texto
of connection to the text. An exquisite and
Un libro exquisito, sugerente, que habla del abrigo,
suggestive book, that talks about warmth and
de la serenidad Y del hallazgo de la felicidad.
serenity, and the discovery of happiness.
the world through picture books • books from argentina • 19
Books from
Contact: Claire Stuckey [email protected]
Australia To create the Australian list, an online survey was developed by Claire Stuckey and this was promoted using a variety of professional networks, e-lists and teacher librarian meetings. A link from the council’s library website also encouraged participation and provided a recognised reference point rather than just an email address or survey site. After many months of promotion two further colleagues met regularly with Claire to examine and discuss the suggested titles that had been received. Having to reduce a list of about 25 top titles determined in the survey using the set criteria was difficult. It was easy to select the top five titles as virtually every respondent listed similarly. We asked ourselves over and over again, what is the definition of a classic picture book? Can a book be a classic title for different reasons? How does this read aloud to one child or a group? All our wealth of experience did not make the reduction to ten titles easier. As librarians we looked at various aspects of the titles including the visual quality, how children reacted and engaged with story, and what messages the book presented. Each of the team has worked with children of different age groups and their parents over a long period of time so our varied experience proved to be valuable. Trying to encompass the age range to eleven years made the task of selecting harder. Our team discussed the need to provide a list of titles that would encompass the entire age range. In one year or two years’ time the list may look very different, as an earlier list may have contained different titles. Although having reviewed the availability of many of the titles some have been in print for over twenty years. Our goal was to take the survey responses and the set criteria and to develop a list that reflected Australian children’s picture books available in 2013. By taking on this project task in a small way, the librarians hoped to promote wonderful Australian authors and illustrators. The World through Picture Books Project offers each participating country’s librarians to share, explore and celebrate children’s literature with other enthusiastic librarians (and their patrons) around the world.
the world through picture book • books from australia • 20
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Mem Fox • Julie Vivas, ill. Possum Magic Scholastic, 1983 • ISBN 9781742990002 Grandma Poss is able to use her magic to
Grandma Poss thinks the answer may lie with
make emus shrink, kookaburras pink etc.
eating human food. They begin a tour of all the
Most importantly she is able to make her
Australian capital cities. In each one a typical
granddaughter, Hush, invisible. Hush has great
Australian dish is sampled. Gradually in the last
fun being invisible and, it also protects her from
three cities Hush gradually appears.
snakes. One day Hush tells her grandmother
Julie Vivas’s illustrations add that extra dimension
she would like to see what she looks like.
to this whimsical story. She very ably shows the
Unfortunately making Hush visible again is not
loving relationship between grandmother and
so easy. After searching through her books,
granddaughter. Her illustrations are a delight.
Marcia Vaughan • Pamela Lofts, ill. Wombat Stew Scholastic, 1984 • ISBN 9781743621820 This work remains one of the most borrowed
Pamela Lofts’ illustrations and a musical score for
in Australian libraries. A “very clever” dingo
the refrain add to the sense of a madcap, joyful
catches a wombat and decides to make a
dance. Children take delight in singing the dingo’s
stew. Before he can begin various bush animals
refrain along with the storyteller and suggesting
suggest interesting additions to the stew. These
additions to the stew.
ingredients make a very unpalatable stew! Before adding the wombat the dingo is encouraged to try the stew with predictable results.
3
Hazel Edwards, Deborah Niland, ill. There’s a Hippopotamus on our roof eating cake Penguin, 1980 • ISBN 9780143501367 This book begins with a little girl telling us her
others about him, the only time others see him is
roof leaks, and the cause of the hole in the roof
when he is working at the zoo. Deborah Niland’s
is caused by a hippopotamus on the roof eating
illustrations very simply and directly let us into
cake. We soon learn the hippopotamus can do
this little girl’s world. This popular story became
what he likes. Each time we are told about events
the first of several successful titles featuring the
in her life, we see what is also happening in the
hippopotamus eating cake.
life of the hippopotamus. Although she tells
4
Katrina Germain • Bronwyn Bancroft, ill. Big Rain Coming Penguin, 2002 • ISBN 9780143500452 Katrina Germain was a teacher at Minyerri, a
effective use of colour and imagery on double
remote Aboriginal community in the Northern
page spreads provides a wonderful narrative
Territory. This setting provides the dynamic
that children enjoy. Bronwyn Bancroft weaves
landscape for this highly visual picture book.
the Aboriginal Dreamtime Serpent through the
Everyone is waiting for rain! The vivid illustrations
book emphasising the Aboriginal heritage; a
depict the flora, fauna and the human
strong bond with the land and the environment.
population. We follow the children in their daily
The book concludes with a celebration of the
life waiting each day for the promised rain.
coming of the rain, beautiful imagery of the cycle
Simple text combine with amazing illustrations
of the seasons.
the world through picture book • books from australia • 21
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Sheena Knowles • Rod Clement, ill. Edward the Emu Harper Collins, 1998 • ISBN 9780207170515 Tired of his life as an emu, Edward decides to try
rhyming text that children love. Clear white
being something else for a change. He seems to
background and animal faces that capture the
enjoy swimming with the seals, lounging with
humorous spirit of the text gives this book appeal
the lions and slithering with the snakes. Edward
across a range of readers. Discover with Edward
discovers that being an emu may be the best
that just being your self can be rewarding
thing after all. The wonderful witty illustrations
enough.
by Rod Clement compliment the wonderful
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Pamela Allen Who Sank the Boat? Penguin, 1988 • ISBN 9780140509403 One warm sunny morning, a donkey, a cow,
have the knowledge, or do they? With simple
a pig, a sheep, and a tiny little mouse, decide
clear illustrations as each animal enters the boat
to go for a row in a boat... This book is always
this multi-layered book introduces children to
recognised by children and parents each time it
the concept of cause and effect. The illustrated
is read aloud at story time sessions. The great
endpapers establish a clear beginning and end
repetitive text question gets children involved,
to the story.
and answering! Children love to know that they
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Jackie French Pete the Sheep Harper Collins, 2004 • ISBN 9780207199745 While other shearers have sheep dogs Sean
when they too also attracted to town. The other
the shearer owns Pete. Pete is a sheep- sheep.
shearers seek out and demand their dogs back,
The other shearers wearing traditional blue
but Sean needs help with his booming new
singlets roust their dogs into action but Sean and
business. Bruce Whatley captures the humour in
Pete use different methods. Tempers are raised
this quirky Australian rural story. The illustrations
because the shearers hate change. Rejected at
of the sheep and dog hairstyles brilliantly
the farm, Sean and Pete head to town to start
parody contemporary fashions and compliment
Sean’s Sheep Saloon. Successful with their sheep
the woolly characters created by French.
customers Sean even styles the sheep dogs
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Alison Lester Magic Beach Allen & Unwin, 2004 • ISBN 9781742373126 What kind of things do you do at your beach?
use our imagination to turn an ordinary day
Do you ride sea horse waves and find treasure
at the beach into something extraordinary and
on the sand? Can you swim underwater
magical. Alison’s captivating illustrations and
with the dolphins and catch sharks off the
rhyming text inspire the readers to explore
jetty? Well known Australian author and 2013
beyond what they actually see and create
Children’s Laureate Alison Lester invites us to
a ‘magic’ beach of their own.
the world through picture book • books from australia • 22
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Shaun Tan The Lost Thing Hodder Children’s, 2010 • ISBN 9780734411389 A boy befriends a strange looking creature while
crafted story of belonging and acceptance.
walking along the beach and tries to find out
The book is superbly illustrated with each page
just what the creature is and where it comes
drawing the reader in with its intricate and
from. His parents can’t help him solve the puzzle
unusual images. Readers find something new
so he goes into the city to see if he can find the
each time they turn a page. The story was made
creature’s home. Along the way he comes to
into a 15 minute animated short film and won
discover something about himself and the way
numerous awards including the 2011 Academy
others sometimes treat those who are a little
Award for Best Animated Short Film.
bit different to themselves. This is a beautifully
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Ahn Do and Suzanne Do • Bruce Whatley, ill. The Little Refugee Allen & Unwin, 2011 • ISBN 9781742378329 The Little Refugee chronicles Ahn Do’s journey with
introduces children to social realism including
his family from Vietnam to Australia after the
political struggle from a child’s perspective. Bruce
end of the Vietnam War and is both inspirational
Whatley’s beautiful illustrations support the
and heart warming. The family’s escape by boat
text with intuitive understanding and provide
was fraught with dangers and their eventual
a wonderful visual backdrop for this amazing
arrival and resettlement in Australia is portrayed
true story.
with humility and gentle humour. This book
the world through picture book • books from australia • 23
Books from
Contact: Viviana Quinones [email protected]
Benin This is the choice of two librarians working in the children’s section of the Médiathèque de l’Institut français de Cotonou, together with Mathilde Gall and V. Quiñones.
1
Béatrice Lalinon Gbado • François Yemadje, ill. Le Rat et le serpent [The Rat and the Snake] Ruisseaux d’Afrique, 2007 • ISBN 978-99919-63-21-1 This modern tale is based on the two meanings
Ce conte moderne repose sur l’homonymie du mot
of the word “good”: the rat understands it as
« bon » : le rat entend la bonté de l’homme, F. C.
man’s kindness, whereas the snake drools over
Yemadje quand le serpent salive sur le goût délicieux
man’s delicious taste… François C. Yemadje
de l’homme illustre cette histoire d’incompréhension
illustrates this story with tapestries made of
avec des appliqués sur tissus, savoir-faire ancestral
applied dyed cloth, using ancestral techniques
de la Cour d’Abomey transmis de père en fils par
of the royal court of Dahomey kings. Characters
charge royale. Personnages et paysages acquièrent
and landscapes become thus deeper and more
ainsi profondeur et force symbolique plus grandes
symbolic. Other illustrated folktales are published
encore. On trouve d’autres contes très illustrés dans
in the same collection “Lunes enchanteresses”
la collection Lunes enchanteresses.
(Enchanting moons).
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Béatrice Lalinon Gbado • Roger Boni Yaratchahou, ill. Le Roi de la palmeraie [The King of the palm grove] Ruisseaux d’Afrique, Eburnie, 2007 • ISBN 978-99919-63-10-5 and 978-28477-01-47-0 Near Dékan palm grove, there lives a traveller’s
Près de la palmeraie de Dékan vit un arbre du
tree that dreams to reproduce with his palm
voyageur qui rêve de se reproduire avec son voisin
neighbour… Why that is impossible, that is the
palmier... Pourquoi est-ce impossible, telle est l’énigme
enigma the squirrel must solve. A non-fiction
que doit résoudre l’écureuil. Un documentaire sur
picture book on the reproduction of unisexual
la reproduction des plantes unisexuées, bien servi par
plants, well illustrated with watercolours
des aquarelles dépeignant une oasis pleine de poésie
depicting an oasis with poetry and subtlety. Every
aux couleurs subtiles. Chaque titre de cette collection
title in this collection “À la découverte de la vie”
« À la découverte de la vie » aborde un point très
(Discovering life) treats a specific natural sciences
ciblé de sciences naturelles, en partant d’une fiction
subject, starting with a fictional story, to enhance
(conte, récit quotidien…), avec un réel souci du plaisir
the pleasure of learning.
de l’apprentissage.
the world through picture books • books from benin • 24
3
Alexandre Gbado • Claude Adjaka, ill. Je voudrais redevenir bébé [I’d like to be a baby again] Ruisseaux d’Afrique, Eburnie, Kalaama, 2004 • ISBN 978-99919-53-16-7, 978-2-84770-091-6 and 978-2-915343-15-1 A baby will be born in the compound where little Kouagou lives. The informative side of this
Un bébé va naître dans la concession où vit le petit
picture book in the collection “A la découverte
Kouagou. L’aspect “documentaire” de cet album se
de la vie” (Discovering life) is discreet here;
fait très discret au profit d’une approche sensible des
what is important, is the child’s questioning,
interrogations de l’enfant, de ses inquiétudes aussi sur
and his concern about his own “past” as a baby.
son “passé” de bébé. C’est une jolie réussite : un ton
Tenderness and a tone that sounds right, in
juste et léger, de la tendresse, en délicate harmonie
delicate harmony with large colour areas with
avec les grandes plages de couleur avec l’enfant en leur
the child in the centre. A picture book to read and
centre. A lire et regarder avec les tout petits.
to look at with small children.
4
Michèle Nardi • Hervé Alladayè, ill. Coco taillé tête d’œuf [Coco taillé, egg-shaped head] Ruisseaux d’Afrique, 2006 • ISBN 978-99919-53-47-2 But where is “Coco taillé” ? He’s smeared his
Mais où est « Coco taillé » ? Il s’est barbouillé de farine
face with corn flour. Then, he’s put sand into the
de maïs. Puis, il a mis du sable dans la cuvette d’eau
drinking water bowl. Then… ah, one has to keep
potable. Puis... ah, il faut le tenir à l’œil ! C’est l’un
an eye on him! This is one of six books featuring
de six titres autour de Coco, le plus jeune enfant de la
the youngest child in the compound, with stories
concession. À hauteur de tout-petit, des histoires en
told by images full of humour and tenderness,
images pleines d’humour et de douceur. D’autres titres
for very young children (as all titles in collection
pour jeunes enfants dans cette collection « Le Serin ».
Le Serin).
5
Amour Gbovi • Hervé Gigot, ill. Boni, l’enfant qui voulait aller à l’école [Boni, the child that wanted to go to school] Ruisseaux d’Afrique, 2009 • ISBN 978-99919-53-42-6 Boni, “blessed child” in bariba language, is meant
Boni, « enfant béni » en langue bariba, est né sous une
to be a farmer and indeed, he does good work
bonne étoile. Destiné à devenir cultivateur, il travaille
in the fields. However, he has one thing in mind,
effectivement très bien au champ Mais une seule et
to go to school and he decided to make his
unique idée occupe son esprit : aller à l’école. Et il
dream come true. Page after page the reader
décide de réaliser son rêve... Le lecteur suit cette petite
sees Boni’s life flourish, through the simple
vie s’épanouissant au fil des pages, à travers des mots
words of the text and beautiful watercolours,
simples et justes et de belles aquarelles lumineuses.
full of light. Narration goes fast at the end of the
Le temps de la narration s’accélère brusquement
book, with Boni as an adult, first a banker, then
à la fin du livre et l’on retrouve Boni, adulte, devenu
president of Benin (Benin current president’s
banquier, puis président du Bénin (le président actuel
name is, in fact, Yaya Boni), a president much
du Bénin s’appelle en effet Yayi Boni), un président
concerned about public education.
très soucieux de l’instruction publique.
the world through picture books • books from benin • 25
6
Askanda Bachabi Le Pipi rouge [Red pee-pee] Ruisseaux d’Afrique, Eburnie, Kalaama, 2004 • ISBN 978-99919--53-05-2, 978-2-84770-085-5 and 978-2-915343-47-2 All children have lots of fun at the village pond,
Au village près du marigot, tous les enfants s’amusent
until the day when one of them notices his pee-
comme des fous dans l’eau, jusqu’au jour où l’un d’entre
pee is red. It’s bilharzias. One must know more
eux s’aperçoit qu’il fait un pipi tout rouge. C’est la
about this disease, treat it, not bathe in the
bilharziose. Il faut en savoir plus sur cette maladie,
village pond… One of the titles in the collection
se soigner, ne plus se baigner dans le marigot… C’est
“Enfant et santé” (Child and Health) : small picture
l’un des titres de la collection « Enfant et santé » :
books using a story happening in children’s daily
des petits albums qui apportent, par le biais d’une
life, to give information on health issues.
histoire de fiction dans l’univers familier de l’enfant, des informations d’alerte et de prévention sur des questions touchant à la santé et aux maladies.
7
Georges O.J.R. Bada • Hector D. Sonon, ill. La Statuette sacrée [The Sacred Statuette] Nouvelles Editions Ivoiriennes, 2001 • ISBN 978-2-84487-119-0 Gbodja and Tété are inseparable twins. But
Gbodja et Tété sont deux jumeaux inséparables. Un
Gbodja dies of fever and Tété is now alone. As is
jour Gbodja est emporté par une grosse fièvre et Tété
the custom and to relieve her pain, Tété is given
reste seule. Selon la coutume et pour soulager sa
a statuette representing her brother. But the
douleur, on lui donne une statuette qui représente son
sacred statuette disappears and the girl finds it at
frère. Mais la statuette sacrée disparaît et la fillette la
an art dealer’s. The text sounds right and touches
retrouve dans la vitrine d’un marchand d’art. Le texte
the reader; drawing and colours are tender.
sonne juste ; les illustrations jouent sur des tonalités
This picture book evokes death and the loss of a
et un graphisme doux. Cet album évoque la mort et
dear one and also, on another level, desecration
le deuil d’un être cher et, sur un tout autre registre, la
and the traffic of artworks in Africa. It certainly
désacralisation et le trafic des oeuvres d’art en Afrique.
expresses sadness, but in a cheerful way, full of
Il exprime, certes, la tristesse mais sur un mode de
life. On a similar subject, by the same publisher,
gaieté et plein de vie. À noter sur un sujet proche
Grand-mère Nanan by Véronique Tadjo.
et chez le même éditeur, Grand-mère Nanan de Véronique Tadjo.
8
Messan Agbopletou • Adamah Hanvi, ill. Le Caïman sacré [The Sacred Cayman] Graines de pensées, Ruisseaux d’Afrique, 2008 • ISBN 978-99919-63-33-4 and 978-2-916101-12-5 Because King Akuamu is very cruel, the Adan
Parce que le roi Akuamu est très cruel, le peuple Adan
people decide to find a new homeland. But their
décide de chercher une nouvelle terre d’accueil. Mais sa
march is soon stopped by a gigantic river. The
marche est bien vite arrêtée par un gigantesque fleuve.
crossing will be possible thanks to a miraculous
Sa traversée sera rendue possible grâce à un pont
bridge made of tree trunks – in fact, caymans,
miraculeux de troncs d’arbres - en réalité des caïmans
to which a cult is born, in acknowledgment for
auxquels un culte sera rendu, en remerciement du
their help. These legend of the Adan people living
passage. Cette légende du peuple Adan, qui vit au Sud
in South Ghana, Togo and Benin, is completed
du Ghana, du Togo et du Bénin, est complétée par un
by some pages of information on the cult of the
dossier sur le culte du caïman sacré. D’autres titres de
sacred cayman. Other titles in this collection
la collection Cauris d’or, co-édité au Togo et au Bénin,
Cauris d’or, co-published in Togo and Benin,
proposent des fictions intéressantes complétées de
provide interesting fiction with a supplement on
dossiers autour de traditions culturelles.
cultural traditions.
the world through picture books • books from benin • 26
9
Gustave Akakpo • Kudzovi B. Norbert Kokoroko, ill. G. M. Kwasi Fiaga and S. Y. G. Gableame Gbedemah, transl. Titi la fontaine / Titi aÐuÐogo (bilingual French – Ewe) [Titi the Fountain] L’Harmattan, 2003 • ISBN 978-2-7475-3240-2 Titi has wet her bed again… Her mother is not
Titi a encore mouillé ses draps… Sa mère n’est pas
happy, the children in her neighbouhood go
contente, les enfants du quartier la poursuivent et
looking for her, find her, tie a rope with three
lui attachent une cordelette avec trois grenouilles…
frogs around her waist… That night, Bibi Rikiki
La nuit tombée, Bibi Rikiki le monstre-grenouille
the frog-shaped monster enters Titi’s bedroom
se faufile dans la chambre de Titi et essaie de lui
and tries to put on her the mask that will steal
mettre le masque qui lui volera ses rêves. Titi a si peur
her dreams. Titi is so scared that she wets her
que ses draps se mouillent, la chambre se remplit d’eau
bed and the whole room, and the monster
et le monstre disparaît dans l’eau. Un texte simple,
disappears in the water. Simple, lively text and
vivant, et des illustrations colorées et expressives par
colourful, expressive illustrations by an author
un auteur et un illustrateur togolais. Texte en français
and illustrator from Togo. Text in French and
et en éwé, langue parlée au Bénin, au Togo, en Côte-
in Ewe, spoken in Benin, Togo, Ivory Coast and
d’Ivoire et au Ghana. Des dizaines de livres de jeunesse
Ghana. Dozens of children’s books in different
dans différentes langues africaines dans la collection
African languages in the collection Contes des
Contes de quatre vents.
quatre vents (Tales from the four winds).
10
Cyrille Kakpo La Moto de l’oncle Assa [Oncle Assa’s motorbike] Ruisseaux d’Afrique, Eburnie, 2004 • ISBN 978-99919--53-01-4 and 978-2-84770-083-1 What a pleasure it is to ride on Uncle’s
Monter sur la moto de Tonton pour aller en ville,
motorbike… But the fumes it gives off are so bad
quel plaisir, mais la fumée noire qui s’en dégage, quel
for the environment ! One of the titles in the
dégât pour l’environnement ! C’est l’un des titres de
collection “Enfant et santé” (Child and Health):
la collection « Enfant et santé » : des petits albums qui
small picture books using a story happening
apportent, par le biais d’une histoire de fiction dans
in children’s daily life, to give information
l’univers familier de l’enfant, des informations d’alerte
on health issues.
et de prévention sur des questions touchant à la santé et aux maladies.
All book reviews are adapted from those published in the journal Takam Tikou, http://takamtikou.bnf.fr
the world through picture books • books from benin • 27
Books from
Contact: Elizabeth Serra [email protected]
Brazil This selection made by FNLIL, the Brazilian section of IBBY, has attempted to express the variety of Brazilian editorial production for that particular age group (0 to 11 years), as produced in the past four decades. The choice was nearly all based on books that stand out because of text and illustration quality, with FNLIJ’s official recognition by means of the FNLIJ Award or the FNLIJ Highly Recommendable Label. Each one expresses characteristics that are inherent to books considered to be of good quality both here and abroad. Finally, we would clarify that, in Brazil, we consider books with many illustrations and short texts as a part of the “children” category. For textless books, those that contain only illustrations, the category is called “image book”. The titles of the books presented in English here do not necessarily correspond to the way they were published in that language, and are merely an attempt to clarify what it means to prospective readers.
1
Marcelo Xavier • Gustavo Campos, phot. Asa de papel [Paper wing] Formato, 2006 • ISBN 8572080937 Characters and objects molded in modeling
Personagens e objetos moldados em massa plástica
plastic assembled in small scenes in a succession
foram montados em pequenos cenários numa sucessão
of good-humored, lyrical, intriguing, surreal
de imagens bem-humoradas, líricas, intrigantes,
images, where the very same character,
surrealistas... Nelas, a personagem, sempre a
always in varied situations, is reading a book.
mesma em situações variadas, está lendo um livro.
It is introduced as a source of pleasure, joy,
Este é apresentado como fonte de prazer, de alegria,
information, wisdom, as company and refuge.
de informação, de sabedoria, como companhia,
Without exactly narrating a story, the short,
refúgio. O texto - curto, exato, poético - sem narrar
precise and poetic text takes the reader on
propriamente uma história, conduz o leitor em um
a journey of expectation leading to a surprise
passeio cada vez mais repleto de expectativa para
ending to the character with her grand paper-
um final inesperado da personagem com seu grande
winged companion. Winner of the FNLIJ Children
companheiro de asas de papel. Vencedor do prêmio
Award in 1994.
FNLIJ Criança em 1994.
the world through picture books • books from brazil • 28
2
Bartolomeu Campos de Queirós • Elisabeth Teixeira, ill. Até passarinho passa [Even little birds fly away] Moderna, 2003 • ISBN 8516036413 This book was the winner of FNLIJ’s Hors
Este livro ganhou o prêmio FNLIJ Criança Hors
Concours Children Award in 2004. The story
Concours em 2004. A história trata de um
addresses a character recalling his childhood days,
personagem lembrando seu tempo da infância, da casa
the cozy home, and the very special relationship
aconchegante e da relação muito especial que tinha
he shared with nature and birds. He established
com a natureza e com os pássaros. Com um destes
a particularly strong friendship with a certain bird,
estabeleceu uma forte amizade pautada nos silêncios
based on silent sunny afternoons, and faces the
das tardes ensolaradas, até se deparar com o vazio
prevailing emptiness after the loss of his friend.
deixado pela perda do amigo. Num texto que inspira
Having reached a finalist position for the Hans
imagens bucólicas, o autor, já duas vezes finalista
Christian Andersen award twice, the author
do prêmio Hans Christian Andersen, trata a morte
relies on a text that inspires bucolic images to
de maneira leve e poética. As ilustrações corroboram
address death in a light and poetic manner. The
a leveza do texto. Em 2008, Bartolomeu foi vencedor
illustrations corroborate the lightness of the text.
do IV Prêmio Ibero-americano SM de Literatura
In 2008, Bartolomeu won the IV Prêmio Ibero-
Infantil e Juvenil.
americano SM de Literatura Infantil y Juvenil.
3
Eva Furnari Bruxinha Zuzu [The little witch Zuzu] Moderna, 2010 • ISBN 8516066871 This work was awarded FNLIJ’s Highly
Esta obra recebeu, em 2011, o selo Altamente
Recommendable label for the Image category
Recomendável pela FNLIJ na categoria Imagem.
in 2011. Eva Furnari’s illustrations make readers
As ilustrações de Eva Furnari causam riso no leitor,
smile, as they, along with Zuzu, a clumsy little
que junto com Zuzu, uma atrapalhada bruxinha,
witch, are overwhelmed by the unexpected
surpreende-se com os resultados inesperados de suas
results of the magic tricks. The spells never go
magias. Os encantamentos nunca saem como ela
as she expects, and always take her by surprise.
espera, e sempre a surpreende. O traço cômico e suave
Eva pioneered success in Brazil with image
faz com que o livro arranque risadas e sorrisos dos
only books, in the 1980’s, with her little witch
leitores de todas as idades. Eva foi pioneira no Brasil
character. She was awarded a number of FNLIJ
a fazer sucesso com livros somente com imagem,
prizes. In 1996 and 1998, she was included in
nos anos 80, com a personagem Bruxinha. Recebeu
IBBY’s Honor List.
inúmeros prêmios da FNLIJ. Em 1996 e 1988, esteve na Lista de Honra do IBBY.
4
Ronaldo Simões Coelho Macaquinho [Little monkey] FTD, 2011 • ISBN 8532276025 This is a classical Brazilian album that speaks
Este é um clássico álbum brasileiro que fala do afeto
of affection between father and son. Originally
entre pai e filho. Publicado originalmente em 1985,
published in 1985, it still overwhelms readers. The
continua encantado leitores. Embora tenha mudado
books’ format has been changed by the publisher
de editora – na primeira chegou a mais xx edições –
but they have retained the original illustrations.
manteve as ilustrações, tendo apenas o seu formato
Every night, the little monkey went to his father’s
modificado. Toda noite o macaquinho ia para a cama
bed and would not let him sleep. Everyday, there
do pai e não deixava o pai dormir. Cada dia era uma
was a different excuse: it was either because of
desculpa: ou porque estava com frio, ou com fome,
cold, hunger, or fear. And his father was always
ou com medo. E o pai sempre resolvia o problema.
willing to solve the problem. Until one day, when
Até que, um dia, o filhote conta a verdadeira razão de
the cub tells the real reason why he wanted to go
querer ir para a cama do pai. Pai e filho ficam mais
to his father’s bed. Father and son grow even closer.
juntos do que nunca. As ilustrações da renomada
The illustrations by renowned Eva Furnari clearly
Eva Furnari expressam todo o afeto contido no texto.
express the affection contained in the text. This
A obra foi traduzida e distribuída gratuitamente no
book has been translated and distributed for free
México e na Bolívia.
in Mexico and Bolivia.
the world through picture books • books from brazil • 29
5
Ziraldo Menino Marrom [Brown Boy] Melhoramentos, 2001, 28th edition • ISBN 8506010098 In this book (FNLIJ Children Award 1987),
Ziraldo, grande artista brasileiro, autor de O menino
Brazil’s grand artist Ziraldo, author of O menino
maluquinho, clássico brasileiro da literatura infantil,
maluquinho, a national classical work of children’s
neste livro conta a relação entre duas crianças, dois
literature, speaks about the relationship between
amigos: o menino marrom e o menino cor-de-rosa.
two children, two friends: the brown boy and the
Ao longo da história, os dois fazem descobertas sobre
pink boy. Along the story, both make discoveries
cores e etnias, reafirmando que a verdadeira amizade
about colors and ethnicity, restating that true
é um valor que está além desses conceitos. O autor,
friendship is a value that goes far beyond these
que também é ilustrador, já ganhou diversos prêmios
concepts. Also an illustrator himself, the author
e foi três vezes indicado ao prêmio HCA / IBBY:
has been awarded many prizes and has been
em 1988, 1990 e em 1992.
nominated three times for IBBY’s HCA award: 1988, 1990, and 1992.
6
Ana Maria Machado • Claudius, ill. Menina bonita do laço de fita [Pretty girl with ribbon trap] Ática, 2001, 7th edition • ISBN 8508066392 Winner of the Hans Christian Andersen award
Ana Maria Machado, ganhadora do prêmio Hans
in 2000, Ana Maria Machado tells us the story
Christian Andersen, em 2000, conta aqui a história
of a white rabbit who finds the ribbon girl’s dark
de um coelho branco que acha linda a pele escura
skin a most beautiful thing. He likes it so much
de uma menininha que usa laço de fita. Ele gosta
that he tries to find where the color came from
tanto, que tenta descobrir de onde veio essa cor
so his offspring can have their hair as black as
para ter filhotes pretos como o pêlo de uma pantera.
a panther’s. This book has been translated into
Este livro foi traduzido em várias línguas e é um dos
several languages and is one of the author’s
clássicos da autora, pois recebeu os prêmios: Américas,
classical works, because of the many prizes it has
categoria Melhores livros latinos nos EUA, em 1997;
been given: Américas, Best Latin Books in the
Altamente Recomendável, pela Fundalectura, Bogotá,
USA category in 1997; Colombia’s Fundalectura
Colômbia; e Melhor Livro Infantil Latino-americano,
Highly Recommendable, and ALIJA, Buenos
ALIJA, Buenos Aires, ambos em 1996; Melhores do Ano,
Aires’s Best Latin American Children’s Book, both
pela Biblioteca Nacional da Venezuela, em 1995; e em
in 1996; Venezuela’s National Library’s Best of the
1988, Menção Honrosa – Uma das Cinco Melhores
Year in 1995; Honorable Mention in the São Paulo
obras do Biênio, na Bienal de São Paulo. Pela FNLIJ,
Biennial as One of the Five Best works in the
recebeu diversos prêmios, desde a década de 70.
Biennial. Awarded several FNLIJ prizes for various books, the author also won the Tokyo Noma Illustration Contest’s Runner-up award in 2000, the same year when she was nominated for IBBY’s HCA award.
the world through picture books • books from brazil • 30
7
Odilon Moraes Pedro e lua [Peter and the moon] Cosac Naify, 2004 • ISBN 8575033387 Little Pedro is a boy who happens to be charmed
O menino Pedro é encantando pela lua, até que
by the moon, until he finds out that the pebbles
descobre que as pedras que encontra são fragmentos
he finds are fragments from it. Pedro, which
lunares. Pedro, que significa “pedra”, sente pena
means “pebble”, sympathizes with the pebbles,
das pedras, achando que elas devem sentir saudades
as he thinks they might miss home. A turtle
de casa. Uma tartaruga atravessa seu caminho
comes across his path and, given the similarity of
e pela semelhança de seu casco com o satélite,
its shell with the earth’s satellite, the boy names
o menino a chama Lua. Uma amizade forte e bonita
her Lua (moon). A strong and beautiful friendship
se estabelece entre os dois. Lua não suporta ficar
arises and is firmly established between the two
longe do Pedro. Neste livro que fala da amizade e
of them. Lua can no longer stay away from Pedro.
da morte, Odilon Moraes consegue harmonizar texto
In this book, that speaks of friendship and death,
e belas imagens em preto e branco, proporcionando
Odilon Moraes manages to harmonize text and
à obra um tom delicadamente poético. Em 2005, este
beautiful black and white images, providing
livro ganhou o prêmio FNLIJ Criança. Em 2009, a obra
the work with a delicately poetic tone. In 2005,
fez parte do catálogo White Ravens, da Biblioteca
the book was awarded FNLIJ’s Children Award.
Internacional de Munique.
In 2009, it was included in the White Ravens catalog of Munich’s International Library.
8
Ruth Rocha • Carlos Brito, ill. O que os olhos não vêem [What the eyes don’t see] Salamandra, 2003, 2th edition • ISBN 8516035697 The people in this kingdom started to suffer after
O povo desse reino começou a sofrer depois que o rei
the king caught a disease that kept him from
pegou uma doença a qual o fez parar de ver e ouvir
seeing and hearing small people. The disease
pessoas pequenas. A doença foi se espalhando aos
spread on to the king’s aides in such a way that
demais auxiliares do rei de tal modo que o povo não
the people were no longer seen or heard by them.
era mais visto e nem ouvido por eles. Afinal, os súditos
After all, the subjects were all so very small… One
eram tão pequenos... Um dia, porém, descobrem que
day, however, they discover they could be heard
poderiam ser ouvidos se juntos formassem um só
if they spoke all at once in a very loud tone voice.
vozeirão. Partindo do ditado popular “O que os olhos
Based on the popular saying “Eyes that don’t
não veem o coração não sente”, a história questiona
see, heart that doesn’t feel”, the story challenges
o autoritarismo e reflete sobre a política ao mostrar
authoritarianism and reflects upon politics, as it
o que acontece quando os governantes não trabalham
shows what happens when rulers fail to work
com e para o povo. Mesmo com esses conceitos
with and for the people. Even with these complex
complexos, as ilustrações de Carlos Brito conseguem
concepts, Carlos Brito’s illustrations manage to
expressar ao leitor toda a ludicidade necessária para
express to readers all of the fun that is necessary
despertar o imaginário. A obra faz parte do conhecido
to awaken their imagination. The work is part
ciclo dos reis, no qual a autora tem outras três obras
of the renowned cycle of kings, around which the
que refletem sobre a questão dominante / dominado.
author has another three books that reflect upon
Ganhou, em 1982, o prêmio FNLIJ Criança.
the dominant/dominated issue. In 1982, it was
Ruth Rocha foi uma das autoras que iniciou a nova
awarded FNLIJ’s Children Award.
literatura infantil e juvenil no Brasil, no final dos anos
Ruth Rocha was one of the authors who started
60. É uma das mais conhecidas no país. A primeira
the new children and youth literature in Brazil,
edição do livro, em 1981, foi em meio ao período da
in the late 1960’s. She is a most renowned author
ditadura no Brasil, que durou até 1985. Foi indicada,
in the country. The first edition of this book,
em 2002, pela FNLIJ para o prêmio HCA / IBBY.
in 1981, was launched in the final moments of the dictatorship in this country, which officially extended until 1985. In 2002, she was nominated by FNLIJ for IBBY’s HCA Award.
the world through picture books • books from brazil • 31
9
Eliardo França O rei de quase-tudo [The King of almost-everything] Global Editora, 2004 • ISBN 8589907171 The King of Almost-Everything had nearly
O Rei de Quase-Tudo tinha quase tudo: terras,
everything: land, armies, and a lot of gold. But
exércitos e muito ouro.
he was dissatisfied with the “nearly”; he wanted
Mas, o Rei não estava satisfeito com “quase”, ele
everything. So, he decided to have more land,
queria tudo. Resolveu ter mais terras, mais exércitos,
more armies, more gold. Still dissatisfied, he
mais ouro. Ainda insatisfeito, quis ser dono das flores,
wanted to own the flowers, the fruit, the birds,
dos frutos, dos pássaros, das estrelas e até do sol.
the stars, and even the sun. Having conquered
Conquistando todas essas coisas, o Rei de quase-
all of these things, the King of Nearly-Everything
tudo compreendeu que havia ainda muitas coisas que
eventually understood that there were still many
nunca seriam dele... Nesta premiada história – prêmio
more things which would never be his. In this
FNLIJ Criança de 1975 – Eliardo França consegue fazer
prize-winning story—FNLIJ’s Children Award
com que pequenos leitores reflitam sobre conceitos
in 1975—Eliardo França manages to make young
complexos como autoritarismo, materialismo, paz
readers reflect upon complex concepts such as
interior. Uma obra prima de uma década de excelente
authoritarianism, materialism, inner peace. This is
safra da literatura infantil brasileira. Foi o primeiro
a masterpiece from a decade of excellent harvest
livro premiado pela FNLIJ. No mesmo ano, recebeu um
within Brazilian children’s literature. This was
prêmio na Bienal de Ilustrações de Bratislava – BIB,
the first book to be awarded a FNLIJ prize. In that
na então Tchecoeslováquia, atual República Tcheca.
same year, it was given another one in the BIB (Bratislava Biennial of Illustration), in former Czechoslovakia, currently the Czech Republic.
10
Graça Lima, Mariana Massarani and Roger Mello Vizinho, vizinha [Neighbour boy, neighbour girl] Companhia das Letrinhas, 2002 • ISBN 8574061492 This interesting work by renowned illustrators
Esta interessante obra dos renomados ilustradores
Graça Lima, Mariana Massarani and Roger
Graça Lima, Mariana Massarani e Roger Mello
Mello shows a little of the hustle-bustle and,
mostra um pouco da agitação e ao mesmo tempo
at the same time, the solitude of life in a large
da solidão que a vida numa metrópole oferece.
metropolis. The quiet neighbor who plays the
A tranquila vizinha, que toca clarineta, cria um
clarinet, has a rhinoceros pet, collects books
rinoceronte, coleciona livros e coisas antigas troca
and old stuff, merely greets her next door
apenas cumprimentos com o vizinho do lado, que
neighbor, who reads comic books, drinks coffee,
lê quadrinhos, toma café e constroi uma cidade de
and builds a paper town. Amidst the manias
papel. Em meio às manias dos vizinhos que pouco
of neighbors who hardly ever see each other,
se conhecem, fica o questionamento: Qual é a
there lies a question: What relations have
relação que estamos estabelecendo com as pessoas
we been establishing with people in the past
nas últimas décadas? Os três autores são premiados
few decades? The three authors have received
pela FNLIJ, que em 2003 deu ao livro o selo FNLIJ
many awards by FNLIJ, which gave the book
de Altamente Recomendável, na categoria Criança.
the Highly Recommendable label in 2003 in the Children Category.
the world through picture books • books from brazil • 32
Books from
Contact: Viviana Quiñones [email protected]
Cameroon
This is the choice of six librarians working in children’s libraries in Cameroon (three in Yaoundé, one in Douala, one in Bamenda): Delphine Sylvie Balle, Institut français, Douala; Charles Kamdem Poeghela, CLAC, Yaoundé; Bernadette Maurice, Lucioles, Yaoundé; Joséphine Mbouka, Alliance française, Dschang; Olive Njuekou, Alliance française, Bamenda; Edith Noga, Centre Culturel François Villon, Yaoundé. The books are listed starting from the most voted for. N.B. All consulted librarians have selected titles published by Akoma Mba, now out of business, which are no longer available and are therefore not mentioned on the list : Le Vieux char [The Old Tank], L’Arbre à merveilles [The Wonder Tree], Matiké, Bella fait la classe [Bella teaches lessons]…
1
2
Kidi Bebey • Christian Kingue Epanya, ill. Pourquoi je ne suis pas sur la photo ? [Why Aren’t I in the Photograph?] Edicef, Clé, 1999 • ISBN 2-84129-634-2 “Where are we when we are not yet born?”,
« Où est-ce qu’on est quand on n’est pas né ? »
Titi wonders, realising that he does not appear
se demande Titi en réalisant qu’il n’apparaît pas sur
on every photograph in the family album. He asks
toutes les photos de l’album familial. Chaque jour de
the question each day of the week to a different
la semaine il interrogera quelqu’un de son entourage,
person, but only his mother’s answer will really
mais il n’y aura que la réponse de sa maman qui
be satisfying… A simple text that sounds true,
le satisfera vraiment... Un texte simple qui sonne
beautiful illustrations by Christian Epanya, full
vrai, de très belles illustrations de Christian Epanya,
of life and colour. This very accomplished picture
remplies de vie et de couleurs. Un album très réussi
book delights children.
qui enchante les enfants.
Ernest Mbanji Bawe Nfo : L’enfant qui n’en fait qu’à sa tête [Nfo, the boy that does as he pleases] Clé, 1999 • ISBN 978-2-7235-0400-3 A charming picture book featuring a small boy.
Un album attachant mettant avec grâce un petit
Fetch water, crush maize with a mill: Nfo would
bonhomme au centre du monde. Chercher de l’eau,
like to do what his mother asks but he is in such
écraser du maïs au moulin : Nfo voudrait bien faire ce
a hurry, he so much wants to amuse himself…
que sa mère lui demande, mais il est tellement pressé,
On the theme of a small boy doing one silly thing
il a tellement envie de s’amuser... Sur le thème du
after the other and suffering the consequences,
petit garçon qui accumule les bêtises et en subit les
a simple text accompanied by large, lifelike
conséquences, un texte simple accompagné de grandes
illustrations, with singular charm: it is a pleasure
illustrations très parlantes, au charme singulier :
to discover a West-Cameroon lifestyle.
on a plaisir à y découvrir un cadre de vie camerounais.
the world through picture books • books from cameroon • 33
3
4
5
Christian Kingue Epanya La Pipe de Tita Nveng [Tita Nveng’s Pipe] Orphie, 2010 • ISBN 978-2-87763-535-6 The vanishing of a pipe in a small village
Une histoire de pipe disparue dans un petit village
near Ebolowa in Cameroon has remarkable
du Cameroun, près d’Ebolowa… Cette disparition
consequences: grand-father is so furious to be
va avoir des conséquences notables : colère du grand-
deprived of tobacco that he refuses to harvest
père sevré de tabac, qui refuse alors de récolter le
palm wine, which deprives villagers from their
vin de palme, ce qui prive les villageois de leur ration
daily fix, which exasperates them… Until little
quotidienne, ce qui provoque leur exaspération… Jusqu’à
Engoulou confesses: she is guilty of having
ce que la petite Engoulou révèle son forfait : c’est elle
broken her grand-father’s pipe, ruining her
qui a cassé la pipe de son grand-père, gâchant ainsi
holidays at the plantation that she had so much
les vacances à la plantation qu’elle attendait avec
looked forward to… Misbehaviour, the weight
tant d’impatience… Une bêtise, le poids de son secret,
of a secret, reconciliation: a very good story,
la réconciliation : une histoire très bien vue dans ses
for its themes, its progression and its rhythm.
thèmes, sa progression et son rythme. On a toujours
It is always a pleasure to plunge into Christian
plaisir à plonger dans les images de Christian Epanya,
Epanya’s illustrations, in shades of red an orange,
baignées de rouges et d’orangés, qui en quelques détails
creating, with just some details, a special
savent planter une atmosphère particulière et camper
atmosphere and characters that seem real.
des personnages que l’on aurait déjà rencontrés…
Christian Kingue Epanya Le Petit camion de Garoua [The Little Truck of Garoua] Edicef, 2001 • ISBN 978-2-84129-794-2 Back from Garoua to his village in North
Revenu de Garoua dans son village du Nord Cameroun,
Cameroon, Konan seems to have something in
Konan semble avoir quelque chose derrière la tête :
mind: he goes to his mother’s kitchen, then to
le voilà qui passe dans la cuisine de sa maman, puis
the grocer’s, then to the bike repairer’s, then to
chez l’épicier, le réparateur de motos et de vélos, les
the basket-maker’s… picking up different objects
femmes qui tressent des paniers... et récolte différents
and materials. But what is he up to, this boy?,
objets et matériaux. Mais qu’est-ce qu’il fabrique,
wonder all those who see him and follow him.
ce gamin ?, se demandent tous ceux qui le voient
He’s made a truck! A beautiful truck! It’s Uncle
et qui le suivent. Un camion ! Vraiment beau... c’est
Amadou’s truck, in Garoua ! Fanta is very proud
le camion d’oncle Amadou, à Garoua ! Fanta est très
of her little Konan, she hugs him tight in her
fière de son petit Konan. Elle le serre très fort dans ses
arms. Luminous illustrations, colourful and warm,
bras. Illustrations lumineuses, colorées, chaleureuses,
rendering the village life affectionately.
rendant avec affection la vie du village.
François Kammo Melachi • Katia Castanie La Fête de l’arachide [Peanut Feast] Tropiques, Cultures Sud, 2010 • ISBN 978-9956-042-2 A non-fiction picture book on peanut culture
Un album documentaire pour faire découvrir la culture
and its role in Cameroon’s life and economy,
de l’arachide et son rôle dans la vie et l’économie du
by means of the story of a boy on holiday with
Cameroun, à travers une petite histoire mettant en
his grandparents at the village. Information is
scène un garçon venu au village voir ses grands-parents
given through the grandfather’s answers to the
pour les vacances. Par le jeu des questions de l’enfant
boy’s questions. The book, the first by the very
et des réponses du grand-père, on fait le tour du sujet.
young F. K. Melachi, is the laureate of a contest
C’est le premier livre du très jeune illustrateur F. K.
organised by an NGO wishing to give children
Melachi. Ses images sont informatives (les outils, les
in central Cameroon books depicting their daily
étapes de la culture, l’habitat…) et si les personnages
life. Melachi’s illustrations are informational (on
paraissent un peu raides, leurs visages sont expressifs
the tools, the phases of culture, the houses…)
et les paysages, rendus avec poésie. Cet album est
and if they seem a bit stiff, character’s faces are
le résultat d’un concours organisé par une association
expressive and landscape, rendered with poetry.
afin de donner aux enfants de la région du centre du Cameroun des livres parlant de leur quotidien.
the world through picture books • books from cameroon • 34
6
7
Alain-Serge Dzotap • Philippe De Kemmeter, ill. Petit Hippo et son stylo magique [Little Hippo and his magic pen] Bayard jeunesse, 2010 • ISBN 978-2-7470-3208-7 Daddy Hippo gives Little Hippo a red pen for his
Papa Hippo offre à Petit Hippo un stylo rouge pour
birthday, a pen “full of beautiful things”… Little
son anniversaire, un stylo « plein de belles choses »…
Hippo tries to take those beautiful things out
Petit Hippo essaie de sortir ces belles choses du
of the pen, but cannot, nor can his sister, nor
stylo, mais il n’y arrive pas, ni sa sœur, ni la Poule,
the Hen, nor the Giraffe… Finally, Mother Hippo
ni la Girafe… Finalement, Maman Hippo lui montre
shows him how to use the pen and soon, the
comment se servir du stylo et bientôt, la terre entière
whole world begins to come out of it…
commence à en sortir…
Marie-Félicité Ebokéa • Clémentine Sourdais, ill. Mariétou Kissaitou [Marietou Whoknowsall] Le Sorbier, 2008 • ISBN 978-2-7320-3907-7 When you know all, you are afraid of nothing:
Quand on sait tout, on n’a peur de rien : telle est
this is what little Mariétou believes. Bold, brave,
la conviction de la petite Mariétou. Intrépide,
she’s always the first to go at things. At least
courageuse, elle est toujours la première pour
when there is light… For as soon as night comes,
tout. Du moins tant qu’il fait jour, car sitôt la nuit
Mariétou is afraid of going across the courtyard
tombée, Mariétou a peur de traverser la cour pour
to the toilet… Thanks to the words of an elder
se rendre aux toilettes... Grâce à la parole d’un ancien
– the grand-father – Mariétou will get over
– le grand-père –, Mariétou réussira à dépasser sa
her fear. A lively story, not without humour,
propre peur. Une histoire vive, tonique et non dénué
that takes the reader to Douala. In À l’eau
d’humour, qui amène le lecteur à Douala. Dans À l’eau
Mariétou ! [Into the water, Mariétou!] (ISBN 978-
Mariétou ! (ISBN 978-2-7320-3971-8) on retrouve
2-7320-3971-8) we find little Mariétou and her
la petite Mariétou et tout l’univers de son quartier
neighbourhood in Douala again: she goes for a
à Douala, au Cameroun : la classe de Mariétou va
day on the beach with her class, in her beautiful
passer une journée à la mer, dans son beau maillot
new bathing-suit, but she is terrified to go into
de bain neuf, mais devant la mer, la peur l’emporte :
the water: what if Mamywater really existed?...
et si Mamywater existait vraiment ?...
All book reviews are adapted from those published in the journal Takam Tikou, http://takamtikou.bnf.fr
the world through picture books • books from cameroon • 35
Books from
Contact: Carmen Barvo [email protected]
Colombia The publishing of picture books in Colombia is recent. Since the eighties, when the edition of books for children and youth began in our country, only few outstanding works have remained in our publishing market. In this selection of picture books we want to highlight the books written and illustrated by Ivar Da Coll, an emblematic author of our country, as well as the work of Alekos, Clarisa Ruiz and Antonio Caballero. Fundalectura -the Foundation for the Promotion of Reading- is a private, non-profit enterprise. It leads interdisciplinary assessment committees, which assess the bibliographic offer for children and youngsters. Their voluntary work feeds the lists of recommended books of the institution.
1
Clarisa Ruiz • Alekos, ill. Tocotoc, el cartero enamorado [Tocotoc, the postman in love] Panamericana, 1998 (1st ed. 1993) • ISBN 958-30-0475-8 If ever you visit a town called Cataplun and see
he had an idea: to write her letters to express
going by the park two lovers, a postman and a
all things he had not the courage to say face to
beautiful girl with a jelly bean nose and cheeks
face. This charming tale is a tribute to epistolary
like apples, you should know that they are the
dialogue, to the old habit of putting in a mailbox
protagonists of a curious story of love, a romance
dreams, happiness, woes, and hopes. For his work
by correspondence. Tocotoc, the postman, was
in this book, the illustrator was nominated to the
in love with Mary, a seamstress, but he was so
IBBY Honour List 1994.
shy that he did not dare to say he loved her. But
2
Antonio Caballero Isabel en Invierno [Isabel in Winter] Panamericana, 2003 (1st ed. 1990) • ISBN 958-30-0519-3 Many things happen to Isabel in Winter. She gets
this and so he wrote this book for her. When
bored, sits to think, dresses and undresses and
he showed it to Isabel, she felt represented
also she goes for a walk. At times she is alone,
in the character. A reading recommended
and sometimes she remembers that she is not,
to share with children living the game as their
as the weasel Muchareja and the bear Nicholas.
greatest adventure. The illustration line reflects
Isabel feels and thinks a lot. Her father knows
the doodles children make at this age.
the world through picture books • books from colombia • 36
3
Ivar Da Coll Hamamelis, Miosotis y el señor Sorpresa [Hamamelis, Miosotis and Mister Surprise] Alfaguara, 2008 (1st ed. 1993) • ISBN 958-704-372-3
4
Mr. Surprise is a mysterious character that no
Hamamelis and Miosotis, two friends who like
one sees but everyone knows. When his visit is
to visit each other to chat while drinking cocoa
approaching, houses are decorated with candles,
and eating cookies, make their requests to the
ribbons and flowers; behind doors, bags are put
expected visitor. But instead of asking gifts for
waiting for those gifts all have demanded from
themselves, each one asks for something that
Mr. Surprise in a letter the wind carried to him.
would make his neighbor happy.
Ivar Da Coll Hamamelis y el secreto [Hamamelis and the secret] Alfaguara, 2006 (1st ed. 1991) • ISBN 958-704-219-0 As Hamamelis is famous by his discretion,
to open the chest. More important, he has to be
Miosotis, his best friend, carries a secret to his
strong enough to avoid being convinced by her
home. Hamamelis keeps it in a chest, so carefully,
friend (Calendula) Marigold, who offers him some
together with a sword, a prince’s crown and a
delicious cookies in exchange for revealing the
striped ball. But the secret begins to move and
secret. What a problem!
make strange noises, and Hamamelis must fight against the curiosity and the temptation he feels
5
Ivar Da Coll ¡No, no fui yo! [No, it wasn’t me!] Alfaguara, 2011 (1st ed. 1998) • ISBN 978-958-758-058-7 With a topic children love as it expresses with
produce. Although many parents and teachers
humor the harshness of lavatory matters, The
try to veil some topics to children, the author
situations depicted will make the reader smile.
suggests the need to recognize that our body
Three friends go out for a walk, sleep together
produces noises we cannot control, when least
and believe each other in the fabulous characters
expected, overcoming the shame.
they invent to blame for the noises their bodies
6
Ivar Da Coll Chigüiro Abo y Ata [Chigüiro, Abo and Ata] Babel, 2010 (1st ed. 1993) • ISBN 978-958-8445-04-5 Chigüiro, a capybara, is very intrigued and wants
wonders when it will happen. “As time passes”,
to understand the secret explaining why adults
Abo comforts him and until this time arrives,
have to be so big, so serious, with such a big
Abo shows him how the adult’s world is. Then
appetite. Why can’t he eat as much as Abo or
Chigüiro decides it is boring to be big and thinks
have a couch like his couch, or cook with sharp
it is better to wait to grow up and while waiting,
knives as Ata does? They always tell him: “Now
carry on eating lollipops, riding his tricycle, and
you are young, but when you grow up…” And he
painting with crayons on his own small table.
the world through picture books • books from colombia • 37
7
Ivar Da Coll Garabato: historias de Eusebio II [Doodle] Babel, 2006 (1st ed. 1990) • ISBN 958-97602-6-0 Eusebio is a beautiful cat with a look between
they all have an excuse to leave soon the rigors
sad and sweet in his eyes. He is usually engaged
of this activity so quiet and calm. Finally, Eusebio
in activities slightly spiritual, sensitive and even
decides to paint landscapes, and then they ask
poetic. In this book, Eusebio begins to draw,
him, again, for their portraits. At the end, Eusebio
specifically, to draw portraits. A cheerful morning,
finds a final solution. With this book, Ivar Da Coll
he decides to paint, and carrying the necessary
demonstrates his stories and illustrations, his
elements, he sits under a shady tree to reproduce
imagination and poetry, are an outpost in our
other beings on a paper. Then his friends began
country and beyond.
to parade in front of his improvised and airy
Doodle, to be published soon with new
studio to ask him for a portrait.
illustrations by the author, is part of the series
The hen Ursula, duck Ananias, goat Eulalia, cat
Eusebio’s Stories, which include Birthday cake and
Camila and also dog Horacio want a portrait.
I’m afraid.
All of them prove to be very fickle as models:
8
Ivar Da Coll Tengo miedo [I’m afraid] Babel, 2006 (1st ed. 1990) • ISBN 958-97822-3-X It is night and Eusebio, the cat, cannot sleep
like colorful ice cream. Knowing these monsters
because he is scared. But, fortunately, he is not
weakness, Eusebio decides go to sleep. He is
alone. His friend Ananias, a wise duck, tells him
peaceful, after all somebody who has to drink
a secret to stop him being frightened. He reveals
soup, as him, monsters included, cannot be
him that monsters also have to brush their teeth
so bad.
and drink their soup, that they must take baths
This book will be published soon with new
with soap and water,and go to sleep at eight in
illustrations by the author.
the evening. Also, he reveals that the monsters
9
Ivar Da Coll Torta de cumpleaños [Birthday cake] Babel, 2006 (1st ed. 1990) • ISBN 958-97602-5-2 Horacio, the dog, remembers that his friend
recently had her birthday and runs to her home
Ursula had her birthday recently. He packs
carrying fruit, eggs and also butter and cream,
some fruit in a basket and runs to give them
before the cat... and in this way continues a
to Ursula, a hen, before she celebrates another
delicious play of repetition that makes this book
birthday. Ursula receives her present and when
one of the most beloved books of the Colombian
she remembers that her friend the cow Eulalia
author. At the end, the basket arrives to Eusebio,
had her birthday recently, runs to her home
who decides to bake a cake, and guess who
carrying in the basket fruit and some eggs before
arrives at his home, attracted by the aroma?
the cow celebrates another birthday. Then, the
This book will be published soon with new
cow remembers that her friend, the cat Camila,
illustrations by the author.
the world through picture books • books from colombia • 38
Books from
Contact: Dajana Brunac [email protected] / [email protected]
Croatia The list was created by members of the Croatian Committee for Library Services for Children and YA.
1
Pika Vončina Emilija u zemlji kotača [Emilija in the land of wheels] Leykam International, 2009 • ISBN 978-953-7534-34-9 In this picture book the author presents Emilija
Autorica u slikovnici predstavlja svoju junakinju, ovcu
the sheep, and her numerous sheep family. Emilija
Emiliju, i njenu brojnu obitelj. Ovca Emilija voli jesti,
loves to eat, she grows with time and one day she
raste i jednoga dana otkriva da se može reći «ne».
discovers that she can say “no”. It is precisely her
Upravo zbog svoje tvrdoglavosti doživljava pravu
stubbornness that leads her into a true adventure.
pustolovinu. Odbija otići u obiteljsku šetnju, uzima
She refuses to go for a walk with the family,
svoju najdražu igračku i odlazi. Samostalna šetnja
she takes her favourite toy and leaves. Her walk
počinje veselo, no ubrzo Ovčica, Emilijina omiljena
is cheerful at the beginning, but soon, the Lamb,
igračka, izgubi kotačić. Potraga za igračkom odovodi
Emilija’s favourite toy, loses a wheel. The search
Emiliju u čudnovatu zemlju kotača.
for the toy parts brings Emilija into a strange
Tekst slikovnice jednostavan je i kratak, prikladan
land of wheels. The text is simple and short,
za djecu koja tek pokušavaju samostalno čitati.
appropriate for children just trying to read on their
Ilustracije se stapaju s tekstom, te izražavaju motive
own. Illustrations merge with the text and express
koji nisu uvijek izraženi riječima.
the motives that are not always expressed in words.
2
Sunčana Škrinjarić • Ana Kadoić, ill. Plesna haljina žutog maslačka [The Dance dress of the yellow dandelion] Golden marketing-Tehnička knjiga, 2004 • ISBN 953-212-220-6 It is hard to see through the mysterious life of
U tajanstveni život cvijeća teško je proniknuti, jer
flowers, because flowers do not talk, preserving
ono ne govori i tako već dugo čuva tajnu o vremenu
in such a way the secret place and the secret
i mjestu održavanja godišnjeg cvjetnog bala. Većina
time of the annual flower-ball. Most of the
cvijeća je raskošna, lijepa i mirisna, samo maslačak
flowers are gorgeous, beautiful and fragrant,
smatra kako je nedostojan odlaska na bal. I kad se
just a dandelion considers himself unworthy
čini posve nemogućim, maslačku će netko pomoći,
to go to the ball. And when everything seems
netko od koga nikada takvo što ne bi očekivao.
completely hopeless, the dandelion will get some
Do nedavno neugledan cvjetak bez mirisa i bogatih
help, given to him by somebody from whom such
boja zablistat će i zasjeniti sve sudionike plesa
a thing would never be expected. Insignificant
u najljepšoj i najčudesnijoj pahuljastoj haljini.
until recently, this small flower with no odour
Ova poetična priča govori o plemenitosti i ljubavi koja
nor colour will suddenly shine and dazzle all the
se nalazi duboko u svakom srcu. Naizgled najgrublji
participants with the most beautiful and most
i nedodirljivi pojedinci skrivaju dobrotu koju ponekad
amazing fluffy dress. This poetic story talks about
treba polako otkrivati.
generosity and love that lie deep in every heart. Even those who seem to be the most brutal and untouchable individuals hide some goodness that sometimes needs to be slowly revealed.
the world through picture books • books from croatia • 39
3
Stanislav Marijanović Knjiga čarobnih formula [The Book of the magic formula] Sipar, 1999 • ISBN 953-6415-20-8 This unusual and witty tale introduces readers
Ova neobična i duhovita bajka uvodi čitatelje u svijet
to the world of small, ugly, vicious and naughty
malih, rugobnih, pakosnih i zločestih čudovišta koja su
monsters that are essentially sweet, kindhearted
u svojoj biti draga, dobrodušna i simpatična. Ona žive
and likeable. They live near us, with us, inside
uz nas, s nama, u nama i čine život raznolikim, veselim
us and make our lives different and happy.
i drugačijim. Mala kućna čudovišta ukazuju na osobine
Small home-monsters show the characteristics
i ponašanje djece i odraslih, što čitanje knjige kroz
and behavior of children and adults, and
prepoznavanje i poistovjećivanje s karakterom i imenima
the recognition and identification with the
likova koje predstavalju čini zabavnim.
characteristics and with names that represent
U priči obitelj odlazi na odmor uvjerena da ostavlja svoju
those characters makes the process of reading
staru kuću praznu. No, tako samo izgleda na prvi pogled.
very amusing. In the story, the family goes on
Iako je većina kućnih čudovišta skrivena u autu, dva
vacation convinced that they left their old house
vrlo živahna sobna čudovišta ostaju kod kuće. Igrajući
empty. But that is not the case. Although most of
se pronalaze „Knjigu čarobnih formula“ koje, naravno,
the monsters are hidden in the car, two monsters
moraju ih isprobati.
remain in the house. They find the “Book of magic
Priča o čudovištima obiluje humorom izraženim kroz
formula” which, surely, has to be tested and tried
maštovite ilustracije.
out. This story of monsters is rich in humour expressed through imaginative illustrations.
4
Ludwig Bauer • Vjekoslav Vojo Radoičić, ill. Morski igrokazi [The sea plays] Golden marketing-Tehnička knjiga, 2005 • ISBN 953-212-245-1 The book contains two witty role-play
Knjiga sadrži dva duhovita igrokaza „Potragu
dramatisations, “Treasure Hunt” and “Pearl
za blagom“ i „Ronilac bisera“ koji su rezultat je
Diver” that are the result of joint creative work
zajedničkog stvaralačkog rada dvojice vrsnih hrvatskih
of two excellent Croatian authors. Visually very
autora. Likovno je vrlo privlačna i zanimljiva kao
appealing and interesting as an independent
samostalno djelo, istovremeno služi kao predložak
work, it also serves as a template for some
za daljnji rad, odnosno postavljanje igrokaza na
further work, such as setting the play on the
pozornicu. Ona je svojevrstan naputak za uprizorenje,
stage. It is a sort of instruction for staging, and
a svako čitanje otkriva nove vrijednosti u napisanom
each reading reveals a new value in the written
tekstu i živopisnim ilustracijama. Slikovnica na nekim
text and in colourful illustrations. Some pages of
listovima sadrži „prozorčiće“, iza kojih se kriju likovi iz
the picture book contain “windows”, with some
predstave ili čak cijela scena, što pridonosi oživljavanju
of the characters in the play, or even whole
knjige, poput pozornice.
scenes hidden behind, which contributes to the liveliness of the book, like a stage.
the world through picture books • books from croatia • 40
5
Svjetlan Junaković Ljubav spašava živote [Love saves lives] Algoritam, 2007 • ISBN 978-953-220-498-8 In this picture book the author succeeded to
Često nerazumijevanje svijeta djece i odraslih Junaković
restore harmony between the world of children
je pomirio u svojoj autorskoj slikovnici. Zanimljivim
and the world of adults. With interesting solution
rješenjem autor dijeli priču na dva dijela. Manji dio
the author divides the story into two parts.
čitateljima dočarava doživljaje djevojčice Ele, a veći
A smaller part describes the experiences of a
oslikava tatino viđenje zajedničkog druženja na pecanju.
girl called Ela, while the greatest part depicts
Ela je živahna djevojčica koja je uvjerena kako je tata
Dad’s reflections on them fishing together. Ela
prezaposlen i preozbiljan, te se treba opustiti. Tata je
is a vivacious girl who is convinced that her dad
pecanje zamislio kao uživanje u miru i tišini, što je uz
is too busy and too serious, and he needs to
Elu nemoguće. Maštovita djevojčica u tatinom šeširu
relax. For Dad fishing means enjoying the peace
vidi savršeni brod, crviće za mamac pušta na slobodu
and quiet, which is impossible with Ela. For the
da se igraju, a kamenčiće baca upravo tamo gdje
imaginative girl daddy’s hat represents a perfect
je tata zamislio potpuni mir... Iako se kroz različito
boat, she releases bait-worms and leaves them
doživljavanje istog isprepliću se šala, veselje i radost, tati
to play, and throws stones exactly where her dad
nije baš uvijek zabavno. No, dječja iskrenost i otvoreno
envisioned complete peace. Although the different
srce pokazuju važnost zajedničkog druženja, igre i pravu
perceptions are intertwined through some fun, joy
vrijednost ljubavi, koja spašava živote.
and gladness, Dad is not always amused. However, the childs sincerity and open heart demonstrate the importance of socializing, playing and having fun, and the true value of love that saves lives.
6
Sanja Lovrenčić • Tomislav Zlatić, ill. Kako je dobro sa svim tim životinjama [It has been so good with all these animals] Leykam-International, 2009 • ISBN 978-953-7534-36-3 In a small house there is a place for everyone,
U maloj kući ima mjesta za sve, i ljude i mnoštvo
for people and many different animals. They
različitih životinja. Svi zajedno žive skladno iako su
all live together in harmony although they are
vrlo različitih navika, potreba, karaktera, veličina i
of very different habits, needs, characters, sizes
boja. Nitko nije ljut, nitko nikome ne smeta i zbog toga
and colours. No-one is angry or bothers anyone,
se kaže „gdje čeljad nije bijesna, ni kuća nije tijesna“.
like it is said in a saying “where the inmate is not
Naravno, životinja može biti i više, svi su dobrodošli
angry, no house is too small”. Of course, there
i nikog se neće tjerati. Ljubav prema životinjama
can be even more animals, all are welcome
pobuđuje dobrotu u svakom čovjeku. Djeca ispunjena
and no one will be chased. Love for animals raises
ljubavlju postaju će zadovoljne odrasle osobe, a ovo
the goodness in every person. Children filled with
je jedan od načina kako malu djecu, i onu malo, veću
love will become happy adults, and this is one of
naučiti toleranciji, odnosno poštivanju različitosti te
the ways to teach children to accept tolerance
skladnom zajedničkom životu.
and respect diversities and a harmonious life together.
the world through picture books • books from croatia • 41
7
Grigor Vitez • Tomislav Torjanac, ill. Kako živi Antuntun [How Antuntun lives] Mozaik knjiga, 2009 • ISBN 978-953-14-0656-7 The book is based on Grigor Vitez’s anthological
Slikovnica je nastala prema antologijskoj pjesmi
poem which many generations of readers
Grigora Viteza u čijim stihovima već preko stotinu
enjoyed for over a hundred years. The poem
godina uživaju generacije čitatelja. Pjesma nosi
carries a strong message of accepting differences
snažnu poruku prihvaćanja različitosti među ljudima
among people which is important to develop
koju je važno razvijati od malena, jer Antuntun je
in an early age, because Antuntun was kind-
dobrodušna i vrlo posebna osoba, drugačija od svih
hearted and a very special person, different
koje nas okružuju. Možda on ponekad izgleda čudno
from all. Perhaps he sometimes looks weird
ili se ponaša onako kako nitko ne očekuje i ne radi
or behaves in a way that no one expects or
u stvarnom svijetu, no upravo je u tome njegova
performs in the real world, but that in fact is his
vrijednost. Maštovite ilustracije dobrodušnog i
value. Imaginative illustrations of good-hearted
neobičnog Antuntuna s mnoštvom duhovitih prizora
and unusual Antuntun with lots of funny scenes
užitak su za oči i dušu djece i odraslih.
represent delight for the eyes and soul of children and adults.
8
Dubravka Pađen-Farkaš • Dražen Jerabek, ill. Gospodin Otto i stari naslonjači [Mr. Otto and old armchairs] Sipar, 2010 • ISBN 978-953-6415-75-5 This story is about Mr. Otto who is a master
Priča je ovo o gospodinu Ottu koji je majstor tapetar.
upholsterer. He repairs old chairs and covers
On popravlja stare naslonjače i presvlači ih predivnim
them with beautiful new materials of amazing
novim materijalima krasnih boja i šara. Svatko tko
colours and patterns. Anyone who sits in a
sjedne u tako obnovljeni komad namještaja, otplovi
refurbished piece of furniture, sails away in a
u drugačiji svijet u kojem se i sam osjeti čarobno.
different world and feels marvellous. Master Otto
Susjeda majstora Otta, radoznala je djevojčica koja
has a neighbour, a curious little girl who loves
ga voli promatrati kroz prozor svoje sobe. Ono što
to watch him through the window of her room.
je najviše čudi jest zelena maglica kojom je obavijena
She is very curious about the blue haze which
njegova kuća dok radi. Kada se stari majstor i mala
envelopes his home while he is working. When
susjeda konačno upoznaju, djevojčici će se otkriti dotad
the old master and a small neighbor finally meet,
nepoznati svijet.
the girl will discover the whole unknown world.
Zahvaljujući neobičnom majstoru saznat će tajnu
Thanks to the unusual master she will find out
– kako, uz puno znanja, volje, umijeća, te malo čarolije,
the secret – how, with lots of knowledge and
obnoviti ne samo stare naslonjače, već i ljude i njihove
skills, some good will, and a little magic, not only
već pomalo istrošene veze i odnose koji, uz malo mašte
can the old chairs be restored but people as well.
(ili zelene maglice), ponovo postaju - kao novi.
With a little imagination (or green mist) their old ties and relationships become like new.
the world through picture books • books from croatia • 42
8
Sonja Zubović • Marijana Jelić, ill. Čudesna kuharica Lize Brljize [The amazing cook-book of Liza Brljiza] Published by the author, 2010 • ISBN: 978-953-56354-0-6 We all know that our fondest memories are
Svi znamo kako su najljepša sjećanja vezana uz pričanje
related to storytelling, delicious food and odours
priča, ukusnu hranu i mirise koji se šire iz mamine ili
spreading from the mother’s or grandmother’s
bakine kuhinje. Najdragocjeniji trenutci su provedeni
kitchen. The most precious moments are
s onima koje volimo, a današnji način života ne ostavlja
spent with those whom we love, and today’s
dovoljno vremena za uživanje u zajedništvu. Kuhinja
lifestyle does not leave enough time to enjoy
je mjesto gdje se svi mogu družiti, kuhati i isprobavati
the togetherness. The kitchen is a place where
razna jela, a Čudesna kuharica Lize Brljize svojim
everyone can hang out, cook and try out various
jednostavnim, domaćim receptima i stihovima potiče
dishes. The amazing cook-book of Lisa Brljiza, with its
djecu i roditelje na uživanje u zajedničkom spravljanju
simple homemade recipes and verses encourages
jela i čitanju poezije. Tako je lijepo i ugodno još samo
both children and parents to enjoy preparing
u onim domovima gdje se obitelji često druže za stolom.
meals together and to read poetry. It is still nice and comfortable to be in such homes where families often hang out at the table.
10
Želimir Hercigonja • Marsela Hajdinjak-Kreč, ill. Vodenjak i stara kruška [Water-sprite and the old pear tree] Naklada Haid, 2005.; ISBN: 953-6897-49-0 Once upon a time everything was different,
Jednom davno sve je bilo drugačije, zrak je bio svjež,
the air was cool and the water in wells was
a voda u zdencima kristalno čista i posebna okusa
crystal clear, with special flavour, all thanks
zahvaljujući vrijednim vodenjacima. Brinući o zdencu
to the diligent water-sprites. There was a little
u sjeni stare kruške živio je mali vodenjak. Život mu
water-sprite who looked after a well, placed
je bio lijep sve dok se stara kruška nije posušila i ostala
in the shade of an old pear tree. His life was
bez plodova, a on od tuge zanemario čistoću svojeg
beautiful until the old pear tree dried up and
zdenca. Plačući za minulim vremenima vodenjak nije
was left without fruit, and out of sadness
pronalazio rješenja. Jednostavnim savjetom sova
he neglected the cleanliness of the well.
je prenula vodenjaka, te je ubrzo voda u njegovu
Crying for the past times the water-sprite could
zdencu postala čista. Zdenac je proglašen carskim,
not find a solution. Then an owl gives the sprite
a on sam - carskim vodenjakom.
some wise advice and soon the water in the
Tekst otkriva djeci ljepotu u svemu što ih okružuje,
well became clear again. The well is proclaimed
a upotpunjen je sjetnim i nostalgičnim ilustracijama
Caesarean, and he became a Caesarean watersprite. The text reveals to children the beauty in everything that surrounds them, and is complemented by melancholic illustrations.
the world through picture books • books from croatia • 43
Books from
Contact: Kirsten Boelt [email protected]
Denmark The Danish picture books were chosen by the Danish IBBY members and the librarians in the children´s departments in Denmark. A call was sent out for nominations and a number of very fine suggestions were received. The IBBY board and Kirsten Boelt met and agreed the 10 Danish picture books shown here below.
1
Egon Mathiesen Mis med de blå øjne [The blue eyed pussy cat] Gyldendal, 1977 (1st edition 1949) • ISBN 978-87-01-54431-3 and 978-87-01-54431-4 The blue eyed pussy cat is not like all the other
Mis er ikke som alle de andre katte. De driller ham
cats. They tease him for his blue eyes. But he
med hans blå øjne. Men han bliver populær, da han
becomes popular because he finds the land of
finder landet med de mange mus. Mis med de blå øjne
many mice. The blue eyed pussy cat from 1949
fra 1949 er en af forfatteren, maleren og illustratoren,
is one of writer, painter and illustrator, Egon
Egon Mathiesens mest kendte og elskede billedbøger
Mathiesen’s most familiar and beloved picture
for børn. Hans poetiske og enkle tekster kombineret
books for children. His poetic and simple texts
med illustrationerne skaber en ny begyndelse for dansk
combined with the illustrations created a new
børnelitteratur i efterkrigstiden. Bogen er en klassiker
departure for Danish children’s literature in the
og den læses stadig højt for danske børn. For 3-6 årige.
post war period. The book is a classic and still read aloud to Danish children. For 3-6 year-olds.
2
Flemming Quist Møller Cykelmyggen Egon [Bicycle mosquito Egon] Gyldendal, 2006 (1st edition 1967) • ISBN 978-87-02-04698-4 and 978-87-02-04698-9-4 Bicycle mosquito Egon loves hard and fast
Cykelmyggen Egon elsker en hård og hurtig sprint.
sprints. So it was in 1967 when Egon machined
I 1967 kommer Egon cyklende op af vandet på en flot
out of the water on a great, new racing bike
ny racercykel i Flemming Quist Møllers billedbog,
in Flemming Quist Møller’s picture book which
som også i dag er en klassiker. Bogen, hvor Egon
remains a classic today. The book, in which
cykler rundt i verden og ender i et cirkus, er illustreret
Egon travels the world and ends up in a circus, is
med fantasifulde farver og en detaljeret og livlig bar.
illustrated with fanciful colors and a detailed and
Quist Møller er både forfatter, illustrator og musiker,
lively bar. Quist Møller is both author, illustrator
og modtog i 2006 Gyldendals bogpris, der bliver givet
and musician, and received in 2006 Gyldendal’s
til en forfatter eller illustrator, som har gjort noget helt
Book Prize, which was awarded to an author
særligt for børnelitteraturen. For 3-6 årige.
or illustrator who has done something special for children’s literature. For 3-6 year-olds.
the world through picture books • books from denmark • 44
3
Mette Moestrup • Charlotte Pardi, ill. Hvad siger sneugleungen Ulla? [What does Ulla, the young snowy owl say?] Gyldendal, 2009 • ISBN 978-87-02-07076-7 It is not easy to be a young snowy owl when you
Det er ikke nemt at være en sneugleunge, når man har
are not aware of what a young snowy owl really
glemt, hvad sneugleunger siger. Hvad siger sneuglen
is saying. What does, Ulla the young snowy owl say?
Ulla? er historien om Ulla, som ikke kan tale rent
is the story of Ulla, who cannot speak openly and
og som ikke ved, hvordan hun skal få ordene ud, når
does not know how she should get the words out
hun møder de andre dyr. Men måske kan de hjælpe?
when she meets the other animals. But maybe
Teksten er tæt og klar med mange gentagelser og lyde,
they can help! The text is tight and clear, full of
der passer fint til tungen. Illustrationerne af Charlotte
repetitions and sound that fit comfortably on
Pardi er smukke og enkle og holdt i farverne blå og
the tongue. Illustrations by Charlotte Pardies are
hvid. Bogen er fra 2009 og er allerede ved at være
beautiful and simple in the colors blue and white.
en klassiker for børn. For 2-4 årige.
The book is from 2009 and has already been appointed as a classics for children. For 2-4 years olds.
4
Bente Olesen Nyström En tur med hunden [A walk with the dog] Gyldendal, 2011 • ISBN 978-87-02-08547-1 A walk with the dog is an imaginative photo story
En tur med hunden er en fantasifuld billedhistorie
told and illustrated by Bente Nyström Olesen.
fortalt og illustreret af Bente Olesen Nyström.
The reader travels with the dog on a tour
Læseren rejser med hunden på tur gennem den ene
through one image after another over 12 detailed
billedverden efter den anden gennem 12 detaljerede
notices, accompanied by a short text on four
fortællinger, der er fulgt af en kort tekst på fire linjer.
lines. It teems with secrets, stories and mysteries,
Bogen er fyldt med hemmeligheder, historier og
which are to explore. Bente Olesen Nyström is
mysterier, som må udforskes. Bente Olesen Nyström er
an award-winning artist and illustrator. She has
en prisvindende kunstner og illustrator. Hun har lavet
made numerous picture books and illustrated,
talrige billedbøger og har blandt andet illustreret bøger
among others, works about animals and plants.
om dyr og planter. For 4-7 årige.
For 4-7 year-olds
5
Kim Fupz Aakeson • Mette-Kirstine Bak, ill. Mor [Mom] Gyldendal, 2006 (1st ed. 1998) • ISBN 978-87-02-02384-8 and 978-87-02-02384 The book Mom from 1998 is about a boy who has
Bogen Mor fra 1998 er om en dreng, der har en tyk
a fat mother. Extremely fat. She can smell a hot
mor. Kæmpetyk. Og hun kan lugte en pølsevogn
dog stand a hundred feet away. And she will not
på hundrede meters afstand. Og hun vil ikke spise
eat carrots and become thin. It’s embarrassing,
gulerødder og blive tynd. Drengen synes, det er flovt,
the boy thinks, and he decides to find a new
så han beslutter, at finde en ny mor, der er pæn og
mother who is nice and slim. Kim Fupz Aakeson
slank. Kim Fupz Aakeson behandler den betingelsesløse
treats the subject ‘unconditional love’ in a warm
kærlighed med varme og humor. Illustrationerne
and funny way. The drawings of Mom and her
af Mor og hendes dreng, der er så frygtelig flov over
boy who is so embarrassed, so embarrassed
sin tykke mor, er bredt ud over siderne med en kærlig
by his fat mother is spread over the pages with
hånd af illustrator Mette Kirstine Bak, som modtog
loving hand by illustrator Mette Kirstine Bak
Kulturministeriets Illustratorpris i 1999. Fra 8 år og op.
The 1999 Cultural Ministry Illustrator Award. For 8 year-olds and older.
the world through picture books • books from denmark • 45
6
Mats Letén • Hanne Bartholin, ill. Finn Herman [Finn Herman] Gyldendal, 2001 (1st edition 2001) • ISBN 978-87-00-46562-6 and 978-87-00-46562-3 Finn Herman from 2001 is about the fine lady who
Finn Hermann fra 2001 handler om en fin dame, der
wants to go into town with her sweet crocodile
vil gå en tur i byen med sin søde krokodille. Selvfølgelig
Finn Herman. Of course it’s a little dangerous, but
er det lidt farligt, men Finn Hermans mor giver ham
Finn Herman’s mother gives him good advice, so
gode råd, så der ikke sker noget ... med Finn Herman i
nothing happens... with Finn Herman, anyway.
hvert fald. Det ender med at Finn Herman bliver så tyk,
It ends with Finn Herman becoming so fat that
at han slet ikke kan være i bogen - så der må en ekstra
he cannot even be in the book – so there must
side ind for at vise hvor stor og tyk, han er blevet
be a page pamphlet to show how big and fat he
efter deres gåtur. Finn Herman er illustreret af Hanne
was after their walk. Finn Herman was designed
Bartholin, der fik Kulturministeriets Illustratorpris for
by Hanne Bartholin, who received The Ministry
hendes morsomme illustrationer, som underfundigt og
of Culture Illustrator Prize for her humorous
enkelt beskriver hvordan, hendes mor ikke troede på,
drawings that subtly and simply describe how her
at en krokodille kan gøre noget forkert. For 4-6 årige.
mother did not believe that the crocodile can do no wrong. For 4-6 year-olds.
7
Martin Glanz Serup • Lars Vegas Nielsen, ill. Sebastians monster [Sebastian’s monster] Alma, 2006 • ISBN 978-87-7243-236-6 Sebastian’s father and mother think Sebastian
Sebastians far og mor tror, at Sebastian er frygteligt
is terribly afraid of the monster, which may be
bange for det monster, der måske gemmer sig i skabet.
hiding in the closet. But actually, he thinks it’s so
Men faktisk synes han bare, det er så KEDELIGT
boring to be in bed. The father wants to get the
at skulle i seng. Da far vil gøre kort proces og vise,
bedding done quickly and show that monsters do
at monstre ikke findes, får hele familien sig en
not exist. But the whole family gets a big surprise
overraskelse – og Sebastian får det helt, som han vil
– and Sebastian gets it exactly as he wants it.
have det. Med sene sovetider, popcorn, fjernsyn – og
By late sleeping times, popcorn, television – and
monster! Lars Vegas Nielsen, som har illustreret bogen,
monster! Lars Vegas Nielsen the illustrator of this
fik Kulturministeriets Illustratorpris for bogen. En skør,
book received The Ministry of Culture Illustrator
original og skrækkelig bog, der har det hele, også en
Prize. A crazy original, awful book that has
lykkelig slutning. Fra 5 år og op.
it all including a funny ending. For 5 year-olds and older.
8
Morten Dürr • Lars Gabel, ill. Marias dukke [Maria’s doll] Høst, 2010 • ISBN 978-87-638-1402 Maria and her brother are street children and
Maria og hendes broder er gadebørn, og de tjener
earn money by collecting garbage. The adults
penge ved at samle skrald. De voksne kræver at de
require them to deliver everything they find.
afleverer alt de finder. En dag finder Maria den fineste
But one day Maria finds the finest doll that she
dukke, som hun rigtig gerne vil beholde. Men kan
really wants to keep. But Maria can lie to the
Maria lyve for de voksne, når de spørger: “er det alt, du
adults when they ask: “Is that all? Aren’t you
har fundet? Beholder du ikke noget selv?” Marias dukke
keeping anything?” Maria’s doll is a picture book
en billedbog for skolebørn. Den fortæller om gadebørns
for schoolchildren. It tells of street children’s
vilkår og om kærlighed mellem søskende, venskab,
conditions and is about sibling love, friendship,
fattigdom og overlevelse. For 6-10 årige.
poverty and survival. For 6-10 year-olds.
the world through picture books • books from denmark • 46
9
Jakob Martin Strid Lille Frø [Little frog] Gyldendal, 2005 • ISBN 978-87-02-03812-9 Little frog comes down from outer space.
Lille Frø kommer dunsende ned fra det ydre rum.
Straight into an unsuspecting frog family in
Lige ned i en intetanende middelklasse-frø-familie
the middle of their coziest hour in front of the
midt i deres helligste hyggestund foran fjernsynet.
television. The family takes the frog into their
Familien tager alligevel frøen i deres arme og elsker
arms and loves it as one of their own children.
den, som deres egen lille frø. Der er bare et problem:
There’s just one problem: Little frog is very, very
Lille frø er meget, meget slem. Derfor havner han
bad. He ends up being sent to specialists and
ret hurtigt hos skolepsykologen. Men, Lille Frø er
the school psychologist. However, being part
en del af en familie, som elsker ham, og det hjælper
of a family who loves him, helps Little Frog to
ham til at finde sin plads i verden. Med bogen vandt
find his place in the world. This story won Jakob
Jakob Martin Strid den danske del af den Nordiske
Strid the Danish part of the Nordic picture book
billedbogskonkurrence i 2004. For 4-6 årige.
competition, in 2004. For 4-6 year-olds.
10
Ib Spang Olsen Guden Thor [The god Thor] Alma, 1997 • ISBN 978-87-7243-176-8 In every way a great book, that gathers all the
En på alle måder stor bog, der samler alle historierne
stories of the thunder god, the fertility creator,
om tordenguden, frugtbarhedsskaberen, slagsbroderen,
fighter, fire maker and hero Thor from Nordic
ildfrembringeren og helten Thor. Fortalt i store, blide,
mythology. Narrated in large, gentle, violent,
voldsomme, sanselige og dramatiske farvebilleder
sensual, and dramatic color images in Ib Spang
og i Ib Spang Olsens særlige sprogtone, så man
Olsen’s special tone of language, so you can even
ligefrem kan høre ham fortælle. En bog for alle
hear him talk. A book for all ages and at all times.
aldre og til alle tider. Bogen er en række livfulde og
The book is a series of vivid and grandiose stories
storladne historier, der bæres af en varm fortælletone
carried by a warm tone, in a visual language that
og et billedsprog, der har sin helt egen yderst
has its own highly textural texture. It is simply
stoflige tekstur. Det er simpelthen hamrende godt.
good. For 6 year-olds and older.
Fra 6 år og op. .
the world through picture books • books from denmark • 47
Books from
Contact: Anu Kehman [email protected]
Estonia The selection was made by nearly 50 children’s librarians from Estonian county and city central libraries. The vote was based on a list of the best Estonian picture books that met the project criteria, put together by the Estonian Children’s Literature Centre. The final list was composed at the Centre, on the basis of the voting results submitted by the libraries. The list includes both all-time most-popular Estonian picture books (the ‘classics’) and contemporary works with timeless content.
1
Ellen Niit • Vive Tolli, ill. Rongisõit [A Train Ride] Tammerraamat, 2013 (1st edition 1957) • ISBN 9789949482825 A Train Ride is a brisk rhyming story about a trip
Hoogne värsslugu õnnetusega lõppenud rongireisist.
that ends in disaster. Kittens, puppies, piglets,
Kiisud, kutsud, notsud, sikud jt koduloomad
billy-goats and other familiar animals are riding
sõidavad piilupardi juhitud rongis kes karjamaale,
on a train conducted by a duck – some are
kes marjamaale, kes lihtsalt sõbrale külla. Rataste
headed to pastures, some to berry fields, and
ühetooniline hääl uinutab piilupardi magama. Rong
others just to visit friends. The monotonous
sõidab pauguga kraavi, reisijad pudenevad pead-jalad
clickety-clack of the train wheels lulls the duck to
läbisegi vagunitest välja ja reis jääb sedakorda pooleli.
sleep. The train veers into the ditch with a bang, the passengers are tossed head-over-heels out of the train cars, and the trip is interrupted for this time around.
2
Eno Raud • Edgar Valter, ill. Sipsik [Raggie] Tammerraamat, 2014 (1st edition 1962) • ISBN 9789949449477 Six-year-old Mart makes a rag doll as a birthday
Kuueaastane Mart meisterdab sünnipäevaks oma
present for his younger sister Anu. The doll comes
nooremale õele Anule kaltsunuku. Nukk ärkab ellu ja
to life and becomes the little girl’s best friend and
temast saab väikesele tüdrukule südamesõber ja parim
playmate. Together, they feed the birds, gather
mängukaaslane. Koos söödetakse tihaseid, käiakse
mushrooms and go to the seaside. Raggie fights
seenemetsas ja mere ääres. Sipsik võitleb herilastega,
wasps, becomes a television show-host and goes
esineb televiisoris ja käib kingakarbist meisterdatud
to the moon in a rocket made out of a shoe box.
raketiga Kuu peal.
the world through picture books • books from estonia • 48
3
Silvi Väljal Jussikese seitse sõpra [Johnny’s seven friends] Avita, 2006 (1st edition 1966) • ISBN 9789985201527, 9985201523 Once upon a time, there was a little boy named
Elas kord üks väike poiss Jussike, kellele meeldis väga
Johnny. He longed to find Sunday Land. Johnny
Pühapäev. Ühel päeval asub ta teele Pühapäevamaale.
wanted to ask Sunday if it could be every day,
Jussike tahab Pühapäeva paluda, et see iga päev
because he loved Sunday the most. One day,
tema juures oleks. Teel kohtab ta kõiki nädalapäevi:
Johnny begins his journey and meets all of the
Esmaspäeva, Teisipäeva, Kolmapäeva, Neljapäeva,
days of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Reedet ja Laupäeva. Kas ta leiab ka Pühapäeva?
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Will he find Sunday?
4
Edgar Valter Pokuraamat [The Poku Book] Elmatar, 2009 (1st edition 1994) • ISBN 9789985935491 At a first glance, the creatures named ‘Pokus’
Pealiskaudsel vaatlusel sarnanevad pokud
look like tufts of sedge. They live their lives
tarnamätastega. Oma varjatud elus on nad armsad,
discreetly, are friendly and inquisitive, but they
sõbralikud ja uudishimulikud, kuid üpris inimpelglikud
are very afraid of human beings. The artist and
olevused. Kunstnik ja lastekirjanik Edgar Valter
children’s author Edgar Valter was one of the few
on üks neist vähestest õnnelikest, kes on suutnud
lucky souls who has managed to gain their trust.
nende usalduse võita. Tema “Pokuraamatust” võib
His Poku Book tells about the Poku people and
lugeda pokurahva ja muheda vanataadi Puuko elust
the life and times of the good-natured old Uncle
ja askeldustest üksikus metsatalus.
Puuko at his cabin in the woods.
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Andrus Kivirähk • Heiki Ernits, ill. Leiutajateküla Lotte [Lotte from Gadgetville] Eesti Joonisfilm, 2014 (1st edition 2006) • ISBN 9789949139361, 9949139368 The little puppy-girl Lotte and her best friend,
Koeratüdruk Lotte ja tema parim sõber kassipoeg
a kitten named Bruno, live in Gadgetville,
Bruno elavad Leiutajatekülas, kus on au sees
where the inhabitants spend most of their
igasuguste majapidamises kasulike masinate
time inventing new contraptions. One day, the
meisterdamine. Ühel päeval leiavad lapsed mesilase
children find the bee Susumu, who comes from
Susumu, kes on pärit Jaapanist. Lotte otsustab oma
Japan. Lotte decides to help Susumu get back
isa nutika lennumasina abil aidata Susumul koju
home, with her father’s clever airship. The book
tagasi jõuda. Raamat lõpeb judomatšiga Jaapanis,
ends with a judo contest in Japan, during which
kus võistkond “Lotte” seljatab kohaliku võistkonna
“Team Lotte” beats the local masters of “Team
“Tamagochi”.
Tamagochi”.
the world through picture books • books from estonia • 49
6
Piret Raud Härra Linnu lugu [Mister Bird’s Story] Tammerraamat, 2009 • ISBN 9789949449378 Mister Bird lives in a big forest along with his
Härra Lind elab koos teiste lindudega suures metsas.
hardworking friends, who are happy and content
Tema sõbrad on rõõmsad ja oma eluga väga rahul. Nad
with their lives, building nests and singing in
on ka äärmiselt töökad: punuvad linnupesi ja laulavad
the choir. However, Mister Bird finds this kind
laulukooris. Kuid härra Linnu arvates on selline elu
of life too boring and ordinary and leaves the
igav ja harilik. Ta lahkub metsast sooviga teistmoodi
forest in order to experience something different.
elada ning proovib olla padi, siil, lumememm, porgand
He tries being a pillow, a hedgehog, a snowman,
ja rebane. Lõpuks avastab ta, et linnuelu pole sugugi
a carrot and a fox, and in the end, he finds that
nii hull.
a bird’s life isn’t that bad after all.
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Signe Ora • Katrin Ehrlich, ill. Mõista, mõista, Leenuke! [Riddle Me, Riddle Me, Little Leenu!] Päike ja Pilv, 2010 • ISBN 9789985999745 The book describes one evening when little
Raamat kirjeldab ühte õhtut, mil väike Leenu ei saa
Leenu cannot go outside to play because it is
vihmase ilma tõttu õue mängima minna. Nii teebki
raining. She suggests that her mother, father
ta emale, isale ja vanaemale ettepaneku hakata
and grandmother start playing a game of riddles.
mõistatuste mängu mängima. Ja kuigi tüdruk mõtleb
Even though she merely asks them simple riddles
välja lihtsaid mõistatusi metsloomadest, vastavad
about wild animals, her family comes up with
pereliikmed talle täiesti ettearvamatult. Mängu
completely unexpected answers. Leenu learns the
käigus saab Leenu selgeks kodumaiste metsloomade
folk names of the animals roaming her homeland.
rahvapärased nimetused.
Aino Pervik • Catherine Zarip, ill. Rändav kassiemme [The Wandering Cat] Tammerraamat, 2012 • ISBN 9789949482443 A wandering mother cat is looking for a place
Rändav kassiemme otsib paika, kus ta pojakesed
to give birth to her kittens. She finds an empty
saaksid ilmavalgust näha. Ta leiab posti otsas
stork’s nest atop a post. It is the best place for
mahajäetud kurepesa. See on parim koht poegade
bringing four little kittens into the world. The
ilmaletoomiseks. Neli kassipoega kasvavad varsti
kittens quickly turn into good little helpers, but
tugevaks ja osavaks. Pärast suurt äikesetormi asub
when a big rainstorm comes, they must all hit the
rändav kassipere jälle teele.
road together again.
the world through picture books • books from estonia • 50
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Andrus Kivirähk • Anne Pikkov, ill. Konna musi [A Frog Kiss] Varrak, 2013 • ISBN 9789985326411 Everyone knows that a frog should turn into
Igaüks teab, et konna suudeldes saab tollest printsess.
a prince when kissed, but sometimes, the
Kuid mõnikord võib siiski juhtuda midagi täiesti
completely unexpected happens. It all begins
ootamatut. Kõik algab sellest, kui jõuluvana lennukist,
with Santa Claus flying back home from one of
millega ta suviselt kingiostureisilt naaseb, potsatavad
his shopping trips for presents and he loses a
alla raamatud. Mis juhtub rebase, jänese ja hundiga,
couple of books on the way. As a fox, a rabbit,
kes neist raamatuist konna ja printsessi muinasjuttu
and a wolf read a story from one of these books,
loevad ja seda uskuma jäävad?
they all have their own ideas about frogs and kisses.
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Indrek Koff • Marion Undusk, ill. Kui ma oleksin vanaisa [If I Were A Grandfather] Päike ja Pilv, 2013 • ISBN 9789949937080 The main character tells about his future as
Peategelane jutustab oma tulevikust ideaalse
an ideal grandfather. He would live in a little
vanaisana. Vanaisa elaks metsa sees väikeses majas,
house in the middle of the woods, where there
kus oleks piisavalt ruumi kõigile kolmeteistkümnele
would be enough room for all thirteen of his
lapselapsele. Igaüks neist saaks vanaisa põlvel
grandchildren. Every one of them would have a
kiikuda, sest iga kord, kui sünnib uus lapselaps,
turn swinging on their grandfather’s knee and
kasvaks vanaisa jalg pisut pikemaks. Koos vanaisaga
when a new one was born, the grandfather’s leg
oleks tore mängida veesõda ja luuremängu, ronida
would grow a little bit longer. They would have
vana vahtrapuu otsa, ööbida telgis, teha lõket
a fantastic time having water fights and playing
ja kuulata põnevaid pajatusi tema rohketest
spying games with their grandfather, would
ümbermaailmareisidest ja kangelastegudest.
climb up to the top of the old maple tree, camp overnight in a tent, make a camp fire, and listen to exciting tales about his numerous trips around the world and the heroic feats he accomplished.
the world through picture books • books from estonia • 51
Books from
Contact: Ulla Potsonen [email protected]
Finland This selection of picture books is a combination of classics and interesting contemporary authors and illustrators. Some of the stories have entertained several generations already. The older illustrations and colors appeal also to younger parents as retro chic. Contemporary illustrators and authors create experimental, fresh and color-saturated reading experiences. The books were chosen by approximately 35 Finnish children librarians around the country, who voted for their favourites. A compiled list of 10 titles was made from the long list of individual favourites. The final list represents both official languages in Finland, Finnish and Swedish as well as the indigenous culture of Sami in the northern part of the country.
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Tove Jansson Vem ska trösta Knyttet? [Who will comfort Toffle?] WSOY, 1960 • ISBN 9789150104714 Toffle is a lonely and fearful little creature, who
Nyyti on yksinäinen ja pelokas olento, joka on
doesn’t want to be alone anymore. So he goes off
kyllästynyt olemaan yksin. Niinpä hän lähtee matkaan
to find a friend. His journey is full of amazement,
etsimään ystävää. Nyytin matka on täynnä ihmeitä,
beautiful colours and scary bogeymen.
kauniita värejä ja pelottavia mörköjä.
Translations: Finnish, English.
Käännökset: suomi, englanti
Mauri Kunnas • Tarja Kunnas Koiramäki-sarja [Doghill series]: Koiramäen talossa [The Doghill farm] Koiramäen lapset kaupungissa [Doghill kids go to town] Koiramäen talvi [Winter in Doghill] Otava (joint ed.), 1996 • ISBN 9789511058571, 978951106995-9, 9789511102212 Cherishing, delightfully and humoristically
Hauskasti ja humoristisen yksityiskohtaisesti
illustrated stories about Finnish way of life
kuvitettuja tarinoita perinteisestä elämäntavasta
and traditions in the countryside, as it was about
Suomen maaseudulla reilut sata vuotta sitten.
150-200 years ago. Translations: English.
Käännökset: englanti
the world through picture books • books from finland • 52
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Aino Havukainen • Sami Toivonen Tatun ja Patun Suomi [This is Finland] Otava, 2007 • ISBN 9789511219156 Tatu and Patu: what can you say about these
Mitäpä voi sanoa Tatusta ja Patusta! Heidän
guys? Their approach to Finnishness is unique,
lähestymisensä suomalaisuuteen on ainutlaatuinen,
hilarious and to the point. An essential survival
hillittömän hauska ja osuva. Kirja on täydellinen
guide to Finnish mentality. Translations: English,
selviytymisopas suomalaiseen kansanluonteeseen.
Swedish.
Käännökset: englanti, ruotsi.
Oili Tanninen Hippu [Nugget] Otava, 1967, 2009 • ISBN 9511232401 Nugget is a small picture book about friendship
Hippu on pikkuruinen kuvakirja ystävyydestä ja
and caring. The images are strong and deep
välittämisestä. Kun kuvat ovat vahvoja ja värit syviä,
enough, maybe words are not needed. The
ei sanoja välttämättä tarvita. Väritys on nykykatsojan
colours appear to be very retro, as the book
silmiin nostalgisen retro, kuvakirja on alun perin
originates in the sixties.
1960-luvulta.
Maikki Harjanne Minttu- ja Vanttu-kirjat [Minttu and Vanttu series] e.g. Mintun ja Vantun matka [Minttu and Vanttu take to the sky] WSOY, 1986
6
Bright colours, clear illustration and familiar
Kirkkaat värit, selkeä piirrosjälki ja lapsiperheen tutut
situations in a toddler family have made these
tilanteet ovat tehneet Minttu-sarjan kirjoista jo
picture books favourite over generations.
useiden sukupolvien suosikkeja.
Translations: English.
Käännökset: englanti
Juha Virta • Marika Maijala, ill. Sylvi Kepposen pitkä päivä [The long day of Sylvia Prankster] Otava, 2008 • ISBN 978-951-1-22373-3 Sylvia is annoyed to be the shortest in her class
Sylvi on luokkansa lyhyin ja toivoo kovasti jalkojensa
and wishes to grow and have longer legs. Well,
kasvavan. No, eräänä aamuna Sylvin toive toteutuu
one morning her wish comes true more rapidly
nopeammin kuin hän olisi koskaan osannut arvata…
than she ever expected… The book is a joy to
Kirjan pitkulainen muoto tekee siitä hauskan luettavan.
behold with its oblong shape.
the world through picture books • books from finland • 53
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Sinikka Nopola and Tiina Nopola • Markus Majaluoma, ill. Rauhallinen Erkki [The calm Eric] Tammi, 2001 • ISBN 9789513121877 Eric is peaceful and calm. Too calm for a child,
Erkki on rauhallinen ja hiljainen. Vähän liiankin
his parents think. Lively Lilly moves next door,
rauhallinen, ainakin vanhempien mielestä. Vilkas Lilli
is it possible for Eric to make friends with a
muuttaa Erkin naapuriin, miten rauhallinen Erkki voisi
rascal? Somehow Eric depicts the Finnish native
ystävystyä rasavillin Lillin kanssa? Erkki kuvaa hyvin
character and mentality perfectly. Translations:
suomalaista luonnetta ja mentaliteettia.
Swedish.
Käännökset: ruotsi
Kristiina Louhi Tomppa-kirjat [Tomppa series] e.g.Missä Tomppa? [Where’s Tomppa?] Tammi, 2008
9
Every day life and situations in a toddler’s family:
Taaperon perheen jokapäiväistä elämää: yökylässä
spending the night at Granma’s or wanting
mummin luona tai millaista on, kun haluaa jotain
something REAL bad. Translations: Swedish,
OIKEIN kovasti.
Danish, Dutch.
Käännökset: ruotsi, tanska, hollanti
Tove Appelgren • Tittamari Marttinen, ill. Vesta-Linneas svartaste tanke [Vesta-Linnea down in the dumps] Tammi, 2008 • ISBN 978951522568-9 The ups and downs of a big family.
10
Suurperheen iloja ja suruja.
Annukka Aikio and Samuli Aikio • Mika Launis, ill. Tyttö joka muuttui kultaiseksi koskeloksi [The girl who transformed into a goosanser] WSOY (2nd ed.), 2010 • ISBN 9789510347478 A story from Sami indigenous people in Lapland.
Saamelaistarina Lapista.
Translations: Norwegian.
Käännökset: norja
the world through picture books • books from finland • 54
Books from
Contact: Nathalie Beau [email protected]
France The National Centre for Children’s Literature – La Joie par les livres (Bibliothèque nationale de France) asked a selection of French children’s librarians working in public libraries of different sizes and locations, to make their choice of books.
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Philippe Corentin Plouf ! [Splash!] L’École des loisirs, 1991 • ISBN 978-2-211-02641-3 A landscape format used vertically makes the
Un format à l’italienne utilisé en hauteur permet
reader visualize the sensation of falling down, and
de visualiser la sensation de chute et de faire rebondir
gives a new turn to the plot. How to get out of
l’action. Comment sortir du puits quand on est un loup
the well when one is a starving stupid wolf who
affamé et stupide qui a pensé que le reflet de la lune
thought the moon was a cheese? Well, finding a
était un fromage ? Et bien, en trouvant un benêt qui y
half-wit that goes down the well himself !
descende à son tour !
Claude Ponti Blaise et le château d’Anne Hiversère [Blaise and Anne Hiversère’s Birth Day’s castle] L’École des loisirs, 2004 • ISBN 978-2-211-07763-7 A great tribute to those stories that nurture
Un magnifique hommage aux histoires qui nourrissent
children. The famous Claude Ponti’s chickens
l’imaginaire enfantin. Les fameux poussins ont dix jours
have ten days to build the most “irresistibilicious”
pour construire le plus « irrésistibilicieux » château pour
castle for Anne Hiversaire’s [sounds like
la fête d’Anne Hiversère ! Des préparatifs au goûter,
Anniversaire : Birthday] party ! From the
on assiste à un véritable feu d’artifice d’inventions
preparations to the party itself, it is a firework
de noms, de lieux, de savoir-faire et d’images pleines
display of invented names, places, skills and
pages foisonnantes, extravagantes, hilarantes.
abundant, extravagant, hilarious images. The
Les multiples héros cités en pages de garde – de
many heroes quoted on the flyleaf –from
Frankenstein à E.T. en passant par Obélix et Hulul – se
Frankenstein to E.T., Obélix and Hulul – soon
retrouvent bientôt en invités d’honneur. Un régal à lire
become guests of honour. A delightful book for
en famille !
family reading.
the world through picture books • books from france • 55
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Jean de Brunhoff Histoire de Babar : le petit éléphant [The Story of Babar the little elephant] Hachette Jeunesse, 1995 • ISBN 978-2-01-223358-4 How a little elephant goes from the jungle to the
Comment un petit éléphant passe de la jungle à la ville,
city, gets civilised and becomes King. Page design,
se civilise et devient roi. La mise en pages, l’illustration
illustration and text combine wonderfully so that
et le texte se conjuguent à merveille pour permettre
each big double page tells the first steps of a life.
à toute l’étendue de la double page de raconter les
A hero that everybody knows since his creation
premières étapes d’une vie. Un héros que tout le monde
in 1931, and who charms every generation – but
connaît depuis sa création en 1931 et qui séduit toute
beware of counterfeits!
les générations, mais attention aux contrefaçons !
Esla Valentin • Ilya Green, ill. Bou et les 3 zours [Bou and the 3 bears] Atelier du poisson soluble, 2008 • ISBN 978-2-913741-66-9 A story we know by heart – a little curious girl
C’est une histoire que l’on connaît par cœur – celle
gets lost in the woods and goes into the three
d’une petite curieuse qui se perd dans la forêt et pénètre
bears’ house – told here in a fresh, unexpected
dans la maison des trois ours – mais qui se raconte
way thanks to the language, a joyous mixture of
ici avec une fraîcheur totalement inattendue, grâce
portmanteau words, neologisms, poetic words,
à la langue, un joyeux mélange de mots-valise, de
foreign-sounding words. One gets used to it
néologismes, de mots aux consonances poétiques, avec
quickly and enjoys this language game with its
des accents de langues étrangères. On s’habitue très
repetitive structure that calls for reading out
vite et l’on prend plaisir à ce jeu de langage – appuyé
loud. Illustration in bright, deep colours for dense
par une structure répétitive – qui invite spontanément
woods and expressive Bou with her big fair eyes,
à une lecture à voix haute. L’illustratrice manie ici avec
who goes from wonder to fear but badly wants,
brio les couleurs à la fois vives et profondes dans une
in spite of all, to go back visit the bears.
juxtaposition de formes qui donne une belle densité à la forêt et une grande expressivité à Bou, avec ses grands
5
yeux clairs, qui passe de l’émerveillement à la peur mais
Tomi Ungerer Les Trois brigands [The Three Robbers]
meurt d’envie, malgré tout, « de retourner viser les zours ».
L’École des des Loisirs, 1968 • ISBN 978-2-21101961-3 A parodic story as Ungerer loves them, supported
Une histoire parodique comme les aime Ungerer,
by economic, brilliantly efficient illustration:
soutenue par une illustration économe et
how the terrible robbers break and become
magistralement efficace : comment les terribles
benefactors of orphans for the sake of a little girl
brigands craquent et se transforment en bienfaiteurs
that is not easily impressed.
des orphelins pour une petite fille qui ne se laisse pas impressionner.
6
Ramona Badescu • Benjamin Chaud, ill. Pomelo grandit [Pomelo grows up] Albin Michel jeunesse, 2010 • ISBN 978-2-226-19566-1 On his morning road, Pomelo comes upon a tiny
Sur le chemin du matin, Pomelo croise un tout petit
dandelion. He realises then that he has grown
pissenlit. Il se rend compte alors qu’il a grandi ! Il explore
up! He explores the big pages of the book as he
les grandes pages du livre comme il explore le vaste
explores the wide world. He is still a little lost,
monde. Il est encore un peu perdu, attendrissant de
touchingly clumsy and boldly shy, but he would
maladresse et d’audace timide, mais il voudrait faire
like to do something big. How? What happens
quelque chose de grand. Comment faire ? Que se passe-
when one grows up? A big-format book on the
t-il lorsque l’on grandit ? Un album grand format sur
doubts and hesitations of children growing up.
les doutes et les hésitations des enfants qui grandissent.
the world through picture books • books from france • 56
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Pierre Delye • Martine Bourre, ill. Le p’tit bonhomme des bois [The Little Man of the woods] Didier jeunesse, 2003 • ISBN 978-2-278-05383-4 The beautiful collage work by Martine Bourre,
Le beau travail de collage de Martine Bourre, avec
with its effects of different materials, is perfectly
ses effets de matière, est parfaitement adapté à cette
adapted to this lively story using repetition. We
randonnée pleine d’allant qui nous entraîne à la suite
follow the little man of the woods who “follows
du p’tit bonhomme des bois, qui, lui, « suit le chemin
the path of his thoughts” without realising that
et ses pensées », sans se rendre compte qu’à son tour,
he is himself followed by the badger, then the fox,
il est suivi par le blaireau, puis par le renard, puis
then the wolf, then the bear. The typography is
par le loup, puis par l’ours. Les jeux de typo servent
cleverly used in this classic story nicely re-visited.
intelligemment cette histoire classique mais bien
Success guaranteed with small children.
joliment renouvelée. Succès garanti avec les petits.
Natha Caputo • Pierre Belvès, ill. Roule galette [Rolling Cake] Père Castor-Flammarion, 1950 • ISBN 978-2-08-160112-3 A cake cooling on the window sill gets bored,
Une galette qui s’ennuie à refroidir au bord de la
lets itself slide down and goes away on the road.
fenêtre, se laisse glisser et s’enfuit sur le chemin.
It rolls across the countryside, sings a little song
Elle roule à travers la campagne, chantonne et
and escapes from the rabbit, the bear, the wolf…
échappe successivement au lapin, à l’ours, au loup…
But the clever fox is watching out!
Mais le renard malin guette !
A classic of Père Castor Books, published in 1950
Un classique des éditions du Père Castor, publié en
and still making children happy.
1950 et qui fait toujours le bonheur des enfants.
Grégoire Solotareff Loulou L’École des loisirs, 1989 • ISBN 978-2-211-02120-3 When a young wolf meets a young rabbit and
Quand un jeune loup rencontre un jeune lapin et qu’ils
neither knows that one is supposed to devour the
ignorent que l’un est sensé dévorer l’autre, une belle
other, then a beautiful friendship may be born.
amitié peut naître. Mais quand ils décident de jouer
But when they decide to play at “who’s afraid
à « peur du loup », cela peut mettre en danger cette
of the big bad wolf”, this trustful relationship
relation de confiance. Solotareff emmène, sans rien
may be put in danger. Solotareff leads children,
démontrer, les enfants vers des réflexions profondes.
without any demonstration, to deep reflection.
La force de son illustration qui joue sur les contrastes
The force of illustration, playing with contrasting
d’aplats de couleurs vives rehausse encore le propos.
solid colours enhances the meaning of the text.
10
Nadja Chien bleu [Blue Dog] L’École des loisirs, 1989 • ISBN 978-2-211-01417-8 The friendship between a little girl and a strange
L’amitié entre une petite fille et un étrange chien au
blue-furred dog with green eyes sparkling like
pelage bleu, aux yeux verts qui brillent comme des
gems. Charlotte wants to adopt it but her mother
pierres précieuses. Charlotte veut l’adopter mais sa
won’t let her. Coming out of the night when
mère s’y oppose. Surgi de la nuit quand elle sera perdue
she is lost in the woods, it will defend her from
dans la forêt, il la défendra contre la panthère noire,
the black panther, spirit of the night, who has
esprit de la nuit, venue prendre son dû. Une histoire
come to claim its dues. A strong story told with
forte racontée à l’aide de puissantes peintures à la
powerful gouache paintings.
gouache.
the world through picture books • books from france • 57
Books from
Contact: Kerstin Keller Loibl
Germany
[email protected]
The selection of titles was created in 2011 by interviews with German librarians by Kerstin Keller-Loibl (Standing Committee, IFLA, section Libraries for Children and Young Adults) in cooperation with the German Library Association.
1
Werner Holzwarth • Wolf Erlbruch, ill. Vom kleinen Maulwurf, der wissen wollte, wer ihm auf den Kopf gemacht hat [The Story of the Little Mole who knew it was none of his business / The Story of the Little Mole Who Went in Search of Whodunit] Hammer, 2001 • ISBN 978-3-87294-882-3 A terrible catastrophe befalls the little mole one
Der kleine Maulwurf ist sauer: da hat ihm doch
bright, sunny morning. When he looks out of
tatsächlich jemand auf den Kopf gemacht. Jetzt sucht
his hole—PLOP! Something that looks just like
er den Übeltäter. Geeignet ab 3 Jahren.
a sausage lands on his head. Whodunit? Our little hero sets out to find who has left their business on his head. In the end, with the help of some flies, Little Mole gets his revenge.
2
Ernst Jandl • Norman Junge Fünfter sein [Next please] Beltz & Gelberg, 2009 • ISBN 978-3-407-79401-7 Waiting for the doctor can be nerve-wracking,
Beim Doktor haben sich ein paar lädierte Gesellen
even for toys. As six injured playthings wait
versammelt und warten voll Bangen und Zagen, bis
their turn to be called into a forbidding door,
sie an der Reihe sind: der Blech-Pinguin ohne Flügel,
their growing apprehension is apparent on
der Teddy mit Augenklappe, ein kleiner Holzkerl
their faces. Each time, before the doctor calls,
mit abgeknickter roter Nase. Geeignet ab 4 Jahren.
“Next please“, the door opens and one happy toy
Nominiert für den Deutschen Jugendliteraturpreis 1998.
comes bounding out, good as new. That doesn‘t comfort the last toy in line – a wooden boy with a broken nose.
the world through picture books • books from germany • 58
3
Helme Heine Freunde [Friends] Beltz & Gelberg, 2008 • ISBN 978-3-407-77024-0 Charlie Rooster, Johnny Mouse, and Percy the
Franz von Hahn, Johnny Mauser und Schwein
pig are the best of friends. They do everything
Waldemar radeln gemeinsam am Abgrund entlang,
together. They ride their bike together, play
spielen Piraten auf dem Dorfteich und sind sogar im
games together, and even do their chores
Traum die dicksten Freunde! Geeignet ab 4 Jahren.
together. Because that’s what good friends
Auswahlliste Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis 1983.
do. When night falls, though, and it’s time to go to bed, they learn that sometimes friends have to be apart. But that’s okay, because true friends always find each other, even if it’s just in their dreams.
4
Nadja Budde Einszweidrei Tier [One two three me] Hammer, 2000 • ISBN 978-3-87294-827-4 Did you ever notice that juice rhymes with moose?
words suddenly take on a clever rhythm and
Or that pale rhymes with whale? Eye-catching,
pattern all their own. What could be more fun
funky art and unexpected rhymes come together
than nonsense and concepts rolled into one?
in this little book to show just how silly everyday words can be. Kids will crack up at the outrageous
Witzige Bild- und Sprachspielereien voller
cartoon illustrations ­– a roach in a shower cap?
pfiffiger Einfälle. Geeignet ab 3 Jahren. Deutscher
A boar wearing lederhosen? Read the simple,
Jugendliteraturpreis 2000.
wacky text aloud, and what seems to be random
5
Jutta Bauer Die Königin der Farben [The Queen of Colours] Beltz & Gelberg, 2009 • ISBN 978-3-407-79221-1 A young Queen lives alone in her castle, but
Malwida ist die Königin der Farben. Ihre Untertanen
becomes increasingly bored with her purely black
Blau, Rot und Gelb verstehen sich eigentlich ganz
and white world. To ease her boredom, the court
gut. Bis es eines Tages zum Streit kommt und
painter and court musician magically bring colour
Malwidas ganzes Reich grau und grauer wird.
and adventure to her life.
Geeignet ab 4 Jahren. Nominiert für den Deutschen Jugendliteraturpreis 1999.
6
Janosch Oh, wie schön ist Panama [The trip to Panama] Beltz & Gelberg, 2007 • ISBN 978-3-407-80533-1 Little bear and Little tiger live together in their
Zwei Freunde brechen auf zu einer Reise in das Land
house down by the river. They are quite content
ihrer Träume. Geeignet ab 4 Jahren.
with their life until one day Little Bear finds a crate marked “Panama” floating in the river. The crate smells strongly of bananas and Little Bear takes it home in great excitement to show Little Tiger. Panama suddenly becomes their dreamland and they will not be content until they have been there.
the world through picture books • books from germany • 59
7
Philip Wächter Ich [Me] Beltz & Gelberg, 2009 • ISBN 978-3-407-79404-8 Bears have more than a passing resemblance to
Der kleine Bär ist ein Optimist und kann sich über
humans. Especially this bear, who takes pleasure
die kleinen und großen Dinge des Lebens freuen!
in the little things in life, and, of course, the big
Geeignet ab 4 Jahren.
things as well. He is generous to a fault, and if we are to take his word for it, a rather clever fellow. But, like many of us, even our bear has days when he feels dreadfully alone… Fortunately, he knows exactly what to do about it.
8
Jakob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm • Nikolaus Heidelbach Märchen der Brüder Grimm [Fairy tales by Brothers Grimm] Beltz & Gelberg, 2009 • ISBN 978-3-407-79926-5 A family collection of 101 fairy tales by
Ein Hausbuch mit 101 Grimm’schen Märchen,
the Brothers Grimm, insightfully illlustrated
hintergründig illustriert von Nikolaus Heidelbach.
by Nikolaus Heidelbach.
Geeignet ab 10 Jahren.
Recommended for ages 10 and over.
9
Peter Schössow Gehört das so??! [Is that right? – The story of Elvis / Can it be?] Hanser, 2008 • ISBN 978-3-446-20563-5 Nobody knows why the little girl with the big
talk about Elvis again: what he was like and how
bag marches through the park and shouts at
beautifully he could sing. And who knows, maybe
complete strangers – until finally someone dares
the two Elvises will meet in heaven...
to ask. Then it turns out that she is sad and angry because Elvis is dead. Not THE Elvis but her canary,
10
who had the same name. That’s sad. But now
Was ist los mit dem Mädchen, das so zornig
Elvis gets a real funeral, with candles, a wreath
die Lackledertasche hinter sich herschleift?
with a sash, and afterwards there are biscuits and
Folgen wir ihr! Geeignet ab 5 Jahren. Deutscher
cocoa. And because that helps, the little girl can
Jugendliteraturpreis 2006.
Quint Buchholz Schlaf gut, kleiner Bär [Sleep well, little bear] Sauerländer, 2007 • ISBN 978-3-7941-3666-7 With its tranquil pace and soft pencil drawings,
Obwohl der kleine Bär eine lange Gute-Nacht-
this teddy bear tale makes a potent bedtime
Geschichte gehört und seine 5 Küsschen bekommen
antidote for wound-up children. A wakeful teddy
hat, kann er immer noch nicht einschlafen…
bear revisits his activities of the day just past, and
Geeignet ab 3 Jahren. Auswahlliste Deutscher
ponders what he might do tomorrow. His mental
Jugendliteraturpreis 1994.
wanderings take him to a river, a meadow, a neighbor’s house and a circus, where “in the evening quiet, the clown is playing a sleep song on his violin for the baby elephant.”
the world through picture books • books from germany • 60
Books from
Contact: Mette Laustsen
Greenland
[email protected]
All the librarians in Greenland were invited to vote for the best Greenlandic picture books. They received a list of 39 picture books, which are the total number of Greenlandic picture books that have been published. Translations were excluded. Nine picture books received the most votes.
1
Miki Jacobsen Arfeq Nattoralillu niniarsiarannguillu marluk [The Whale, the Eagle and the two small girls] Atuakkiorfik, 1996 • ISBN 8755810896 Two small Greenlandic girls are playing house
Niviarsiaqqat marluk sissami illerusaarput. Aappaata
at the beach. One chooses a whale as a husband
arfeq uissamisut toqqarpaa, aappaatalu nattoralik
and one chooses an eagle. But suddenly a whale
uissamisut toqqarlugu. Tassanngaannarli arfeq
and an eagle arrive and kidnap the girls.
nattoralillu takkuteriassaarput niviarsiaqqallu aallarullugit.
2
Mâliâraq Vebæk • Aka Høegh, ill. Sassuma Arnaanut pulaarneq [A journey to the Mother of the Sea] Atuakkiorfik, 1995 • ISBN 8755810233 A Greenlandic folk tale about an old woman and
Kalaallit oqaluttuaatitoqaat arnamik
her husband who carry out a ritual to make the
angummillu utoqqarnik, ui angakkuuvoq.
sea free of ice, so the hunters can go hunting
Ui angakuungami sikuertinniarsarilerpaa piniartut
again. The ritual takes the woman under the
piniaqqilersinnaaniassammata. Nulia sassuma
water to visit the Mother of the Sea.
arnaanut pulaarpoq.
3
Naja Rosing-Asvid Aqipi – toornaarannguaq [Aqipi – the tiny spirit helper] Milik, 2012 • ISBN 9788792790057 When a shaman sends his spirit helper a few days
Angakkup toornani silasiortillugu aallartikkamiuk
into the future to check the weather, something
ajorluinnartumik pisoqarpoq. Toornaararmi Aqipi
goes wrong, because Aqipi arrives in a museum in
katersugaasivimmut ullutsinniittumut pivoq.
today’s world.
4
Bolatta Silis-Høegh Aima [Aima] Milik, 2010 • ISBN 9788791359781 Greenlandic Aima dreams about what she wants
Kalaaliaraq Aima angisuungoruni suliffinnik
to be when she grows up; from animal minder
amerlasuunik pilerigisaqarpoq - uumasunik
or shopkeeper to hunter like her granddad. But
paarsisartumiit, sukujuerniarfimmi piginnittoq allaat
maybe it is better to just stay small?
aatamisulli piniartunngorusuppoq, kisianni immaqa pitsaaneruvoq angisuunngunngiinnaruni?
5
6
Miki Jacobsen Kaassassuk [Kaassassuk – the orphan] Atuakkiorfik, 1994 • ISBN 8755809537 A Greenlandic folktale about the orphan boy
Kalaallit Kaassassummik oqaluttuaatitoqaat,
Kaassassuk who is abused by the people in his
angajoqqaaqannginnami nunaqqatiminit
village. Kaassassuk meets the lord of power who
mittatigisisaasarpoq. Kaassassuup Pissaap Inua
gives him immense powers. One day Kaassassuk
naapippaa, taassumalu nukissuarnik tunivaa.
takes his revenge…
Ullut ilaanni Kaassassuk akiniaavoq…
Julie Edel Hardenberg • Bolatta Silis Høegh, Christian Rex, Inuk Silis Høegh, Jette Brandt, Julie Edel Hardelberg, Juno Berthelsen, Niels Motzfeldt and Nuka Godtfredsen, ill. ABct [ABct] Milik, 2007 • ISBN 9788791359378
An ABC with funny verses.
ABC nuannersummik pinnguaralugit.
the world through picture books • books from greenland • 62
7
Stinne Jacobsen • Nikolaj Themothæussen, ill. Sara nanorlu [Sara and the polar bear] Stinne Jacobsen, 2004 • ISBN 8798990918 Bilingual (Greenlandic/Danish) story about Sara
Kalaallisut qallunaatullu oqaasertalik. Ullut ilaanni
who meets a polar bear cub which she plays
Sarap nanuaraq naapippaa pinnguaqatigerlugulu.
with.
8
9
Naja Rosing-Asvid Ivalo & Minik [Ivalo & Minik] Milik, 2013 • ISBN 9788792790170 Bilingual (Greenlandic/Danish) finding, pointing
Nassaarsiorfissatut, tikkuagassatut kisitsiffissatullu
and counting book. On ten pages we follow the
atuakkiaq. Allagarsiussatut ittut qulit atorlugit
twins Ivalo and Minik as they play outside and
marlulissat Ivalo Minillu silami illuminnilu Kalaallit
inside their house in a Greenlandic town.
Nunanniittumi pinnguartut malittarineqarput
Naja Rosing-Asvid Aqipi – aasivimmiittoq [Aqipi – at the Summer Camp] Milik, 2014 • ISBN 9788792790415 Aqipi visits a summer camp. He sees what Inuit
Aqipip angakkuni ikiorniarluguaasit inuit nunaannut
do in the summer and which games the children
peqqippoq. Massakkut inuit aasisut najorpai. Inuit
play.
aasami suut sammisarneraat meerartaasalu suut pinnguarisarneraat malinnaaffigai.
the world through picture books • books from greenland • 63
Books from
Contact : Patricia Navet [email protected]
Guadeloupe (France)
This selection was made by librarians and teachers desiring to give children quality picture books to read. It has taken into account the literary interest of picture books published in Guadeloupe today, which, more and more frequently, do not just concentrate on teaching purposes. Two publishers, Jasor and PLB, do remarkable work to develop quality children’s literature. More and more, they encourage creative and original stories, quality in texts and illustrations, in design and aspect of books. These books offer a successful mixture to suit the tastes of children of different ages. The recipe? Take heroes that children like, familiar animals like the anoli little lizard, the ant, the toad (L’Anoli amoureux, Toc, toc, toc ! C’est Manioc !, Frogolo et Marcello), family characters – a grandmother (Les Oeufs de Man Firmin), a little boy and his mother (Frogolo et Marcello) – or issued from folktales like an ogress (Le Drôle de festin de Commère Tartignolle) or Anansi the Spiderman (Les 7 dons d’Anansi). Pour in a good mesure of feelings, love (L’Anoli amoureux), anger (Frogolo et Marcello). Add a zest of humour (Rosalie et Ti Zandoli, Le Drôle de festin de Commère Tartignolle), a snatch of the fantastic (Lowitt la grenouille qui danse, Les Longues nattes de Poética), a pinch of popular song (Frogolo et Marcello). Blend it all with superb illustrations made by new talents (Danielle Monsoro, Doumey Durieux, Javie Munoz, Marielle Plaisir) or renowned illustrators. Thus a special place is given to Sophie Mondésir who left us too soon, and to Alex Godard, Guadeloupean author and illustrator who has not been published locally but who represents le pays Guadeloupe and needs to be in this selection.
1
Ophélie Bohème • Sylvie Leduc, ill. Rosalie et Ti Zandoli [Rosalie and Ti Zandoli] PLB Éditions, 2007 • ISBN 978-2-35365-025-5 Wanting to catch a butterfly, a little anoli (lizard)
En voulant attraper un papillon, un petit anoli (lézard)
ends up very far away from home. A sparkling
se retrouve entraîné bien loin de chez lui. Une histoire
story, full of humour, with a text in French
pétillante et pleine d’humour, un texte en français
and Creole, a good rhythm, accessible to very
et en créole, bien rythmé et très accessible aux plus
small children and narrative illustrations full
petits, des illustrations narratives remplies de fantaisie.
of imagination.
the world through picture books • books from guadeloupe (france) • 64
2
Laure Galvani Toc, toc, toc ! C’est Manioc [Knock, knock, knock! It’s Manioc] PLB Éditions, 2001 • ISBN 2-912300-24-X Manioc the ant is suddenly awakened.
Manioc la fourmi est réveillée en sursaut. Quelqu’un
Somebody’s knocking at her door. She opens
frappe à sa porte. Elle ouvre, mais ne trouve qu’un
it but only finds a bundle. Manioc decides
baluchon. Manioc décide de retrouver celui qui
to find who has left it there and leaves to visit
l’a laissé là et part visiter le vaste monde du jardin.
the vast world of the garden. A walk through
Une randonnée à travers la savane, remplie de
the savannah, full of good and not so good
rencontres bonnes et moins bonnes. Des illustrations
encounters. Original illustrations in collages;
originales en collage et la chanson de la randonnée
the song sung during the walk is at the end
en fin d’album.
of the book.
3
Alex Godard Maman-dlo [Mama of Water] Albin Michel jeunesse, 1998 • ISBN 978-2-226-09079-9 Cécette lives in Guadeloupe, with Papoli and
Cécette vit à la Guadeloupe, chez Papoli et Man Ninie,
Man Ninie, her grandparents: her mother is far
ses grands-parents : sa mère est partie au loin, en
away, in Metropolitan France, and the little girl
métropole et la fillette attend. Elle scrute l’horizon,
waits. She watches the horizon, expects mail,
espère du courrier, guette la moindre nouvelle. Jusqu’au
is on the look out for news. Until the moment
moment où, à la faveur d’un conte, elle saura mieux
when, thanks to a story, she understands her own
comprendre sa propre histoire, accepter la disparition
history better, accepts her father’s disappearance
de son père, croire aux retrouvailles avec sa mère.
and believes she will meet with her mother
Une belle histoire, qui trouve toute sa richesse dans
again. A beautiful story that finds its richness in
sa simplicité même. Le texte sait suggérer en peu de
its simplicity. With few words, the text suggests
mots la force des émotions. L’illustration, en grands
the power of emotion. Illustrations, in big
tableaux, donne une ampleur colorée et chaleureuse
paintings, give colour and warmth to landscapes
à l’évocation des paysages et des personnages.
and characters.
4
Gilda Gonfier • Doumey Durieux, ill. • Max Rippon transl. into Creole Zandoli mandé mayé = L’Anoli amoureux [The Anoli in love] Éditions Jasor, 2010 • ISBN 978-27011-5321-6 This picture book is inspired by a traditional song
Cet album s’inspire d’une chanson traditionnelle
of the Antilles: “Zandoli mandé mayé, Mabouya
des Antilles : « Zandoli mandé mayé, Mabouya di non,
di non, Zandoli mandé mayé, Mabouya di non,
Zandoli mandé mayé, Mabouya di non, non, non ! »
non, non!”. This time, Zandoli (or Anoli) wants
Cette fois, c’est la fille du soleil que Zandoli (ou Anoli)
to marry the Sun’s daughter; he loves her madly
veut épouser, il en est follement amoureux et si les
but the animals he meets don’t understand it,
animaux qu’il rencontre ne le comprennent pas, c’est
since they know nothing of love. Chance will
qu’ils ne connaissent rien à l’amour. Le hasard fera
bring a happy ending. A nicely written text, with
finalement très bien les choses. Le livre s’ouvre, d’un
a good rhythm – but the language of the Creole
côté, sur la version en français et, de l’autre, sur la
text is difficult for small children. Very figurative
version créole. Le texte, est très joliment écrit, bien
illustrations, in the beautiful colors of tropical
rythmé. Dommage que la version créole soit difficile
nature, go well with this short tale.
d’accès pour les tout-petits. Les illustrations très figuratives, aux belles couleurs de la nature tropicale, accompagnent bien ce court récit.
the world through picture books • books from guadeloupe (france) • 65
5
Danielle Monsoro Les 7 dons d’Anansi [Anansi’s seven gifts] PLB Éditions, 2011 • ISBN 978-2-35365-066-8 One day Anansi the spider wove round cocoons
Anansi l’araignée tissa un jour des cocons tout ronds
and the first humans came out of them. But only
d’où sortirent les premiers humains. Mais seul son
her last son, Anansi, stayed with her. He had six
dernier fils, Anansi, resta auprès d’elle. Il eut six enfants
children and gave each a gift… A story inspired
auxquels il fit à chacun un don… Une histoire inspirée
by Anansi the spider, a character of West Africa
par le personnage d’Anansi l’araignée, que l’on trouve
folktales. It talks of the origin of man and of
dans les contes d’Afrique de l’Ouest. Elle nous parle
mutual aid and support. Beautiful watercolor
de l’origine des premiers hommes et aborde les notions
illustrations, full page, all soft, complement the
d’entraide et de solidarité. De magnifiques illustrations
text and make one want to go into the story.
à l’aquarelle, pleine page, toutes en douceur, complètent bien le texte et donnent envie de rentrer dans l’histoire.
6
7
Danielle Monsoro • Romuald Monsor, transl. into Creole Frogolo et Marcello = Fwogolo é Mawsélo [Frogolo and Marcello] PLB Éditions, 2011 • ISBN 978-2-35365-065-1 Frogolo the toad is on a walk: in front of the
Frogolo le crapaud se promène : devant le restaurant,
restaurant, to the hairdresser’s, the carpenter’s…
chez le coiffeur, le menuisier… Il arrive dans le jardin de
He arrives at Marcello’s garden but the small boy
Marcello mais le petit garçon veut le frapper. Maman
wants to hit him. Mother steps in and Marcello
intervient et Marcello n’est pas content, pas content
is not happy, not happy at all. This story written
du tout… Cette histoire écrite et illustrée par Danielle
and illustrated by Danielle Monsoro is based on a
Monsoro est basée sur une chanson populaire très
Sam Castendet’s song which is very well-known
connue aux Antilles de Sam Castendet. Les illustrations
in the Antilles. The watercolor illustrations show
à l’aquarelle reflètent un décor stéréotypé et
a stereotyped setting, full of nostalgia from the
empreint de la nostalgie des années 1950. Tous nos
1950s. A new writer-illustrator to be encouraged.
encouragements à cette nouvelle auteure-illustratrice.
Nicole Noizet • Javie Munoz, ill. Les Œufs de Man Firmin [Man Firmin’s eggs] PLB Éditions, 2006 • ISBN 978-2-912300-97-3 At Fonds Roseau, life is hard for old Rose:
À Fonds Roseau, dure est la vie pour la vieille Rose :
a daughter on the other side of the ocean,
une fille de l’autre côté de l’océan, un mari qui a rendu
a husband that has passed away, grandchildren
le dernier soupir, des petits enfants à élever et nourrir,
to raise and feed, and now her laying hen has
et voilà que sa poule pondeuse a disparu… Qu’à cela ne
disappeared… Well, she will brood the eggs
tienne, elle va couver elle-même les œufs ! Cocasserie
herself! A funny situation, tenderness and mutual
de la situation, tendresse et solidarité au quotidien
support in daily life are the features of this picture
marquent ces pages aux illustrations chaudes
book with warm pastel illustrations.
en pastel gras.
the world through picture books • books from guadeloupe (france) • 66
8
Jaël Pedro • Sophie Mondésir, ill. Le Drôle de festin de commère Tartignolle [Commère Tartignolle’s funny feast] Éditions Jasor, 2005 • ISBN 2-912594-54-5 Commère Tartignolle loves tarts, particulary
Commère Tartignolle raffole des tartes, surtout
benêtá [silly person] tarts! She thinks the small
de la tarte au... benêtá [jeu de mots avec « benêt »] !
boy Abénou will be perfect for a tart; she finds
Elle pense en trouver un vraiment parfait pour une
him sleeping on the beach and she takes him
tarte, en la personne d’Abénou un jeune garçon
home to cook. But, to Commère Tartignolle’s
dormant sur la plage, qu’elle amène à la maison
despair, neither the knife nor the frying pan nor
pour le cuisiner. Mais ni couteau, ni poêle, ni mixeur
the mixer will defeat the boy. A lengthy text,
n’auront raison du garçon, au grand désespoir de
lively, tasty as a good tart! In a natural way, with
Commère Tartignolle. Un texte conséquent, plein
both grace and a farcical quality, the text and the
de vitalité, savoureux comme une bonne tarte ! Le plus
marvelous illustrations by Sophie Mondésir make
naturellement du monde, à la fois avec grâce et
this story as spicy as it should be.
burlesque, le texte et les merveilleuses illustrations de Sophie Mondésir donnent à cette histoire le piquant qui convient.
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Marielle Plaisir Les Longues nattes de Poética PLB Éditions, 2001 • ISBN 2-912300-24-X A beautiful, big picture book, with delicate and
Voici un bel album, grand format, aux illustrations
colourful illustrations. A rich text-image ratio and
délicates et colorées. Le rapport texte-image riche
precious illustrations. Here we find themes from
et les fonds des illustrations sont particulièrement
classical tales where heroes have magical hair:
travaillés, ce qui donne à l’ouvrage un côté précieux.
Rapunzel, Samson… Poética has braided hair as
On retrouve ici des thèmes venus des contes classiques
so often in the Antilles and her braids get longer
où le héros possède des cheveux magiques : Raiponce,
when she dreams or she wishes for something…
Samson... Poética, elle, a les cheveux nattés comme
and her wishes become true! It is also a kind
partout aux Antilles et ses nattes s’allongent quand
of initiatory tale. When the time comes to have
elle rêve ou qu’elle souhaite quelque chose… et ses
her hair cut, Poética will enter the adult world.
désirs se réalisent ! C’est aussi une sorte de conte
Will she lose her powers then?
initiatique. Quand viendra le temps de couper ses cheveux, Poética rentrera dans le monde des adultes. Perdra-t-elle alors ses pouvoirs ?
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Anique Sylvestre • Michèle Chomereau-Lamotte, ill. Lowitt, la grenouille qui danse Éditions Jasor, 2009 • ISBN 978-2-912594-71-6 Pitou, a young boy, wants to charm Zinia, the
Pitou, un jeune garçon, veut séduire Zinia, la nouvelle
new pupil in the class. He intends to impress her
de la classe. Il compte l’éblouir en lui racontant une
through a story, since she loves stories. So he asks
histoire, elle qui les adore tant. Pour cela, il sollicite
his mother and she tells him the fascinating story
sa mère qui lui raconte la fascinante histoire de
of Lowitt, the green frog who, without willing it,
Lowitt, la grenouille verte devenue star de la danse
became a dance star. A frog that turns out not to
malgré elle. Une grenouille qui se révèlera n’en être
be a frog! The main themes of this tale are magic
pas une ! Ce conte a pour thèmes phares le sortilège
spells and transformation. Even if illustrations
et la métamorphose. Bien que les illustrations soient
are sometimes redundant, every page has a clue
quelquefois redondantes, on retrouve de page en
– the same cord round the frog’s and the man’s
page, un indice – la même corde enroulée à la taille
waists – that works as a thread.
de la grenouille et à celle de l’homme – qui fonctionne comme un fil conducteur.
the world through picture books • books from guadeloupe (france) • 67
Books from
Contact: Marie-Annick Atticot – [email protected] Nicolas Ruppli – [email protected]
Guyane
(France)
This selection was coordinated by Nicolas Ruppli, Officer for Books and Reading at the Guyane Regional Direction for Cultural Affairs. The “Bibliothèque départementale de prêt” of Guyane (Alexandre-Franconie Library, Cayenne) also participated. Their choice features a variety of themes and types of books – alphabets, folktales, animal stories... – and highlights Guyane’s rich cultural heritage and identity.
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Nathalie Rak Petit alphabête d’Amazonie [Little Alphabeast of the Amazon Basin] Ibis Rouge, 2004 • ISBN 2-84450-220-2 Children of all ages enjoy this illustrated alphabet
Cet abécédaire illustré avec des animaux de
book which features Guyanian animals and
Guyane amuse beaucoup petits et grands et
develops the reader’s imagination. Different
développe l’imagination de l’enfant. Dans une très
creatures, beautifully drawn with oil pastels,
belle représentation au pastel gras, les créatures
follow each other through the book: the agouti,
se succèdent : agouti, paresseux, urubu, vampire,
the sloth, the urubu, the vampire, and other more
et autres bestioles plus ou moins inquiétantes de la
and less scary beasts of the Amazon Rainforest.
forêt amazonienne. Format carré, qualité du papier,
This square shaped book with its nice paper,
gamme des couleurs de fond de page, graphisme,
graphic design and coloured page backgrounds
confèrent à l’album une belle harmonie. Une belle
is an ideal way to discover art.
initiation à l’art.
Frédérique Warin De awara à zébu ! Du mont Bourda aux marais de Kaw [From Awara to Zebu! From Bourda Mount to Kaw’s Marsh] Carambole & Sapotille, 2013 • ISBN 2-9546027-0-8 This alphabet book is an extraordinary way
Cet abécédaire offre une fascinante découverte
to discover the richness of nature and culture
des richesses naturelles et culturelles de Guyane.
in Guyane. Readers will particularly like the
Les lecteurs apprécieront particulièrement les
illustrations and the way one travels throughout
illustrations et le voyage offert au fil des lettres.
the pages.
the world through picture books • books from guyane (france) • 68
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Dominique Petit Virollet • Vanessa Virollet, ill. Un Drôle d’anniversaire [A Special Birthday] Collection Tatoulu Guyane, 2005 • ISBN 2951892446 The day before his fifth birthday, Moâ-je,
À la veille de son cinquième anniversaire, Moâ-je,
the Emerald Tree Boa, gazes at its previous
le boa émeraude, contemple ses précédentes mues et
sloughed skins and prepares the party. After a
prépare la fête. Après une nuit agitée, il se réveille et
restless night he wakes up troubled and a quest
doit faire face à un élément hautement perturbateur…
for his identity starts. His resourceful friends
Une sorte de quête d’identité commence. Ses amis,
accompany him on his quest for a happy ending.
pleins de ressources, l’accompagnent dans ses
The illustrations are dynamic and expressive,
interrogations jusqu’au dénouement joyeux.
and invite the young reader to participate in the
Les illustrations sont dynamiques et expressives, et
story. The book includes a game: a small spider,
invitent le jeune lecteur à participer au récit. La lecture
a “matoutou”, is hidden on each page. At the end
est placée sous le signe du jeu : une petite araignée, la
of the book, explanations and a glossary give
matoutou, se cache sur chaque page. Des explications
more information about Guyane’s fauna.
et un glossaire complètent le récit et permettent d’en savoir plus sur la faune de Guyane.
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Groupe scolaire Yukaaluwan L’Anniversaire de Kakouyou [Kakouyou’s birthday] MKT, 2010 • ISBN 9782953303056 Animals help each other In this picture book
Dans cet album écrit et illustré par les élèves de
written and illustrated by pupils aged 5 & 6 in a
grande section et de CP du groupe scolaire Yukaluwan
school in Yukaluwan (Guyane).
(Guyane), les animaux sont solidaires.
Sophie Darl’mat • Anne-Cécile Boutard, ill. Aventures sur le Maroni [Adventures on the Maroni River] Plume Verte, 2002 • ISBN 2951566859 A small colourful book. The Ti’m, a group
Un petit livre haut en couleur qui suit la remontée
of curious children, go up the Maroni River in
du fleuve Maroni en Guyane par les ti’m, un groupe
Guyane in search of the Eldorado. All through
d’enfants curieux de tout, partis à la recherche de
this long quest, Ti zouk the young narrator and
l’Eldorado. Tout au long de leur quête, Ti zouk le jeune
his friends meet the people living in villages on
narrateur et ses amis vont à la rencontre des habitants
the river and discover Guyane’s cultural diversity.
des villages en bordure du fleuve et s’initient à la
Completed by a “ti” (small) lexicon and a map
diversité culturelle guyanaise. Avec son “ti lexique” et
of Guyane, this picture book is well documented
sa carte de la Guyane, cet album est bien documenté
and accessible to young children.
et accessible aux plus jeunes.
the world through picture books • books from guyane (france) • 69
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Sophie Darl’mat • Anne-Cécile Boutard, ill. Le mystère du Dragon rouge. Comment les ti’m fêtent le nouvel an chinois en Guyane… [The Mystery of the Red Dragon. How the Ti’m celebrate the Chinese New Year in Guyane] Collection Tatoulu Guyane, 2005 • ISBN 2951892446 This new adventure of the famous character
Cette nouvelle aventure du célèbre personnage de Ti
Ti zouk, explains to children the Chinese
zouk explique aux enfants les traditions chinoises en
traditions in Guyane. Walking with his mother
Guyane. Alors qu’il se balade avec sa maman Place des
across the Amandiers square, Ti zouk is scared
Amandiers, Ti zouk est terrorisé par l’apparition d’un
by the appearance of a fabulous red dragon.
fabuleux dragon rouge. Le lendemain, aidé de Ti kouèt
The following day, helped by Ti kouèt and
et Ti samba intriguées par son histoire, Ti zouk décide
Ti samba, who are intrigued by what Ti zouk
de mener l’enquête et les trois amis s’introduisent dans
told them, the three friends are introduced
l’étrange repaire du dragon. Ti yiyi qui participe à ce
to the dragon’s strange den. Also involved in
mystère, les débusque de leur cachette et les initie
this mystery, Ti yiyi initiates them into the Great
aux mythes du Grand Empereur de Jade, ainsi qu’aux
Jade Emperor’s myths, and the traditions and
traditions et aux coutumes du Nouvel an chinois.
customs of Chinese New Year.
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Patrick Agot • Diane Félix, ill. Ernest, chercheur d’or [Ernest, Gold Searcher] APEG, 2005 • ISBN 2951991401 In early 20th century Guyane, Ernest, the eldest
Guyane, début du xxe siècle. Ernest, fils aîné d’une
son of a large family, joins the gold searcher
famille nombreuse, rejoint le chercheur d’or Adolphe
Adolphe, after his father’s death. They discover a
après la mort de son père. La découverte d’un filon
vein which brings them wealth, but also exposes
leur apporte la richesse, mais les expose aussi à la
them to the greed of Amédée. Ernest manages
convoitise du cupide Amédée. Ernest saura déjouer
to foil Amédée’s plans, and Nature itself punishes
ses plans et la nature se chargera de punir Amédée.
him. The simple, naïve story, enhances traditional
L’histoire, simple et naïve, reprend les valeurs
moral values such as courage, kindness, family,
traditionnelles de courage, de bonté, de famille, de
justice and piety. The text and the illustrations
justice et de piété. Texte et illustrations valent surtout
are interesting for their documentary value on
par leur valeur documentaire (coutumes, quotidien,
customs, everyday life and nature etc and there
nature…). Un lexique de mots créoles est proposé
is a lexicon with Creole words at the end of the
en fin d’ouvrage.
book.
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Ketty Bunch • Elsa Faure Maraké et les chercheurs d’or [Maraké and the Gold Searchers] Caraïbéditions, 2014 • ISBN 9782917623695 Maraké, a boy aged 10, lives on the edge of the
Maraké, un jeune garçon de dix ans vivant au bord du
Maroni river. A monkey’s shout announcing
fleuve Maroni en Guyane, se met en route après avoir
a change encourages him to leave. He meets
entendu le cri d’un singe qui annonce un changement.
animals, a speaking tree and an imaginary
Au fil de ses rencontres avec des animaux, avec
creature, and we learn that it is his mission to
un arbre qui parle et avec une créature imaginaire,
save his land, threatened by the devastating
on découvre qu’il s’agit pour lui de sauver sa terre,
actions of those searching for gold. Some phrases
menacée par l’exploitation dévastatrice des chercheurs
in the Creole and Wayana languages appear
d’or. Quelques expressions en créole ou en wayana
in the dialogue and are translated into French
ponctuent le dialogue et sont traduites en français
at the end of the book. This picture book raises
à la fin. Cet album sensibilise le jeune lecteur à la
awareness among young readers of the need
protection de la faune et de la flore et favorise la
to protect the fauna and flora and helps them
découverte de la culture amérindienne.
discover the culture of Native Americans.
the world through picture books • books from guyane (france) • 70
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Caroline Boutard • Anne-Cécile Boutard, ill. Les animaux de la Guyane racontent… 7 histoires du soir [Guyanian Animals tell… 7 bedtime stories] Plume Verte, 2014 • ISBN 9782915678512
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Done in the style of Rudyard Kipling’s famous
Un peu à la manière de Rudyard Kipling avec ses
Just so stories, each of these sketches and poems
célèbres Histoires comme ça, les saynètes ou
by Caroline Boutard is written around a physical
poèmes créés par Caroline Boutard mettent en scène
feature of an animal of the Guyanian forest.
une caractéristique physique de sept animaux de la
Anne-Cécile Boutard’s illustrations are both
forêt guyanaise. Anne-Cécile Boutard les accompagne
sensitive and humorous. Children from the age
par son trait délicat et plein d’humour. Les deux sœurs
of 4 and their parents will enjoy this collection
réussissent un beau recueil qui ravira les enfants
very much.
dès 4 ans et leurs parents.
Thierry Montford • Julien Salaud, ill. L’Odyssée d’Oscar, petit jaguar [Oscar the little jaguar’s Odyssey] Plume verte, 2011 • ISBN 2915678278 Thanks to Oscar’s adventures, the reader
Cet album nous emmène à la découverte des jaguars
discovers the world of the jaguars and the jungle
et de la jungle guyanaise au travers des aventures
of Guyane. The text is long and printed over an
d’Oscar. Le texte imprimé sur un fond illustré est long
illustrated background which can make it a bit
et quelque peu difficile à lire, mais les illustrations
difficult to read, but the illustrations which are so
sont étonnantes de réalisme.
realistic, are amazing.
the world through picture books • books from guyane (france) • 71
Books from
Contact: Lourdine Altidor [email protected]
Haiti Lourdine Altidor, librarian in Haiti, made a choice of 30 picture books, particularly successful at “l’heure du conte” (storytime) and other reading programs. She sent this choice to other children’s librarians in Haiti, to arrive at a choice of ten titles. Three librarians were able to answer in time: Adelyne Pinchinat, librarian at the Institut Français d’Haïti and the person in charge of the Digital library of the Université d’État d’Haïti, in partnership with Bibliothèque Sans Frontières; Fleurette Tessono, former Director of Alliance française des Cayes library, founder of FONDART where she manages a book club for young people; Gessy Tessier, former Director of the children’s section of the Médiathèque de l’Institut Français d’Haïti, currently Library Assistant at Little River Library, Miami-Dade Public Library System, USA.
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Odette Roy Fombrun • Chevelin Djasmy Pierre, ill. Odette Roy Fombrun raconte Bouqui et Malice [Odette Roy Fombrun tells Bouqui and Malice] Editha, 2011 • ISBN 978-99935-95885-5
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Bouquin the naïf uncle and Malice the cunning,
Bouqui et Malice, l’oncle un peu naïf et le neveu rusé
teasing nephew are the most popular characters
et taquin, sont les personnages les plus populaires des
in Haïtian folktales. Tales were nourished by
contes haïtiens. Ce folklore s’est nourri de la culture
the cultures of the various peoples on the island:
des différents peuples qui ont habité l’île : Indiens,
Native Americans, Spanish, French, Africans…
Espagnols, Français, Africains… Les aventures des
The adventures of Bouqui and Malice are told
deux compères sont racontées de façon très vivante,
here in a very lively way, and dialogues are
avec beaucoup de dialogues brodés d’expressions
rich in Haitian Creole expressions. The author
créoles haïtiennes. Odette Roy Fombrun a ancré
has set her tales in daily life, the market, the
ses récits dans le quotidien des habitants, le marché,
celebrations… Lots of fun at the expense of
les fêtes… On s’amuse beaucoup aux dépens
poor Bouqui!
de ce pauvre Bouqui !
Clélie Aupont • Rodchield Lamothe, ill. Drôle de Ratutu! [Funny Ratutu!] Editha, 2011 • ISBN : 978-99935-95908-8 Rats have serious misgivings about the cats of
Les rats se méfient beaucoup des chats du village
the nearby town, who want to eat them. A young
voisin qui ne sont toujours pas satisfaits de leur repas
couple of rats return from their honeymoon with
et ont très envie de les manger. Un jour, un jeune
a baby, Ratutu, who is obviously not like other
couple de rats revient de voyage de noces avec un
little rats. His parents hide him under a big hat
bébé, Ratutu, qui, de toute évidence, n’est pas comme
– how strange! – and they cut off his whiskers
les autres jeunes rats. Ses parents le cachent sous
regularly… But instinct will eventually speak, and
un grand chapeau – comme c’est étrange ! – et lui
the hoax will be revealed. And if rats and cats
coupent régulièrement les poils des moustaches… Mais
learned to live together? A good story delivering
les instincts finiront par parler, et la supercherie par se
a message in a light hearted way, accompanied
révéler. Et si les rats et les chats apprenaient à vivre
by expressive illustrations.
ensemble ?… Une bonne histoire à message mais sans lourdeur, accompagnée d’illustrations expressives.
the world through picture books • books from haiti • 72
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Marlène Étienne • Chevelin Djasmy Pierre, ill. Bénisoit en vacances [Bénisoit on holidays] Editha, 2011 • ISBN 978-99935-95861-1 Bénisoit the donkey is the hero of several
Bénisoit, l’âne, est le héros de plusieurs histoires bien
amusing stories by Marlène Étienne. In this one,
amusantes écrites par Marlène Étienne. Cette fois,
Bénisoit goes with the children to the boat that
Bénisoit accompagne les enfants jusqu’au bateau
will take them to Gonâve island for their holidays.
qui va les emmener passer leurs vacances sur l’île de
But Bénisoit intends to go on holidays too.
la Gonâve. Mais il entend bien profiter des vacances,
He jumps on board and does one silly thing after
lui aussi. Il saute à bord et, ivre de liberté, fait bêtise
the other. Damage must be paid for. The children,
sur bêtise. Il faut payer les dégâts. Les enfants, se
remembering Bénisoit’s gift for dancing, put up
souvenant des talents de danseur de Bénisoit, décident
a show and give the donkey his stage name:
de monter un spectacle et donnent à l’âne son nom
Jackel Makson. Pictures of Jackel dancing in the
de scène : Jackel Makson. Les images de Jackel, dansant
famous Michael’s style, are irresistibly funny.
à la façon du célèbre Michael, sont irrésistiblement
Chevelin Djasmy Pierre, in his style reminiscent
drôles. Chevelin Djasmy Pierre, avec son style qui
of comics, has great talent for giving life to his
emprunte à la bande dessinée, a un talent fou pour
characters. A picture book exuding good humor.
donner vie à ses personnages. Un petit album à la
Other titles in the series: Bénisoit en tap tap
bonne humeur contagieuse. Les autres titres de cette
(2001); Bénisoit à Miami (2003); Bénisoit et le père
série sont aussi intéressants : Bénisoit en tap tap
Noël (2008).
(2001) ; Bénisoit à Miami (2003) ; Bénisoit et le père Noël (2008).
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Maël Fouchard • Chevelin Djasmy Pierre, ill. Le Loup et l’agneau [The Wolf and the Lamb] Editha, 2009 • ISBN 978-99935-95-71-7 Maël Fouchard gives a very free version of
Maël Fouchard donne ici deux versions « très libres »
La Fontaine’s fable “The Wolf and the Lamb”,
des fables de La Fontaine « Le Loup et l’Agneau »
spiced with some Creole words. It is a pleasure
pimentées par quelques mots de créole. On peut
to discover the beautiful paintings by Chevelin
s’interroger sur l’intérêt d’une adaptation des fables
Djasmy Pierre. By the same author, illustrated
mais on ne boudera pas le plaisir de découvrir les
by Stanley Leriche with montage and collage,
beaux tableaux peints par Chevelin Djasmy Pierre qui
a free version of “The Cicada and the Ant”.
viennent illustrer Le Loup et l’agneau. Stanley Leriche, lui, a fait le choix graphique de montages et de collages pour illustrer « La Cigale et la Fourmi ».
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Ilona Armand • Chevelin Djasmy Pierre, ill. La Folle poursuite [The Wild Chase] Editha, 2008 • ISBN 978-99935-95885-5 Christo has escaped his big sister’s surveillance :
Christo a échappé à la surveillance de sa grande
Poulette can only watch him disappear, carried
sœur Poulette qui peut seulement le regarder s’enfuir,
up in the air by a terrible malfini (a bird). She
entraîné dans l’air par un terrible malfini (un oiseau).
pursues him and is helped by a goat, an old man
Elle le poursuit et est aidée par une chèvre, un vieillard
and an old woman… Lots of humour in the text
et une vieille femme… Le texte et les illustrations
and in the images in this story. Lots of repetitions,
de cette histoire sont remplis d’humour et
plus surprising, colourful characters.
sont construit avec beaucoup de répétitions…
the world through picture books • books from haiti • 73
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Odette Roy Fombrun • Patrick Charles, ill. De surprise en surprise [Surprises] Hachette-Deschamps, 2001 • ISBN 99935-31-11-1 Ti dane and Mercilia go to town for the first time,
Ti Dane et Mercilia vont en ville pour la première fois
with their uncle who wants them to see what
avec leur oncle qui veut les faire découvrir le carnaval.
carnival is like. The children soon get lost in the
Bientôt, les enfants se perdent dans la foule. Alors
motley crowd. While looking for their uncle they
qu’ils essaient de rejoindre leur oncle, ils découvrent
discover the fascinating but also disturbing world
le monde fascinant mais aussi perturbant de la parade.
of the parade. They end up finding their uncle,
Ils finissent par retrouver leur oncle après s’être
after dancing to the catchy rhythm of meringue.
accrochés au rythme de la meringue. Les illustrations
Very colourful illustrations show the different
très colorées présentent les différents costumes
carnival costumes and other details of this
du carnaval ainsi que les autres détails de ce grand
important event.
événement.
Tamara Durand • Marc-Yves Deshauteur, ill. Tatézoflambo Hachette-Deschamps, 2005 • ISBN 99935-31-46-4 A very cruel man beats and starves his wife and
Tatézoflambo est un homme aussi cruel qu’un monstre
children. If only they knew this heartless man’s
qui fait continuellement des misères à sa femme
name, he would burst into pieces! One after
Célia et ses trois fils. Mais il porte un lourd secret
the other, the children find out his name but…
qui est, en même temps son point faible. Car le jour
they quickly forget it. Sito, the youngest child,
où le secret viendrait à être connu de sa famille, eh
does remember it. Coloured pencil illustrations,
bien Tatézoflambo exploserait en mille morceaux
expressive and with child-like grace for this well-
dans les airs! Célia et ses trois fils si souvent battus,
told folktale, on the subject of family violence,
parviendront-ils à percer ce secret…? Très bien illustré,
which happens in all social classes today.
ce conte aborde la violence familiale qui est présente dans toutes les classes sociale de notre temps.
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Dany Laferrière • Frédéric Normandin, ill. La Fête des morts [The Day of the Dead] Éditions de la Bagnole,2009 • ISBN 978-2-92342-27-6 Da, the wonderful grandmother of the small
Da, la merveilleuse grand-mère du petit garçon,
boy Vieux Os, has in her garden an old tomb.
Vieux Os, a dans son jardin une tombe ancienne où
There lies mister Labastère, who still takes part
repose monsieur Labastère, qui participe encore de
in everyday life: Marquis the dog takes his nap
la vie quotidienne : Marquis, le chien y fait sa sieste,
there, and the pot of good Haitian coffee, subtle
tandis que, sur la pierre tombale, fume la cafetière
and light, steams on the tombstone. There are no
emplie du bon café haïtien subtil et léger. Mais Vieux
frontiers between life and death, especially on the
Os, parti à la découverte du monde d’en-bas, trouvera
Day of the Dead. And when one thinks of dead
sur son chemin ce qui fait vivre et rend heureux dans
people with tenderness and affection, they go on
le monde d’en-haut : l’amour. Voilà pourquoi ceux qui
living in our hearts. A cheerful picture book, full or
s’aiment sont éternels… Autre titre du même auteur: Je
colour. Also by Dany Laferrière: Je suis fou de Vava
suis fou de Vava (Éditions de la Bagnole : 2010)
(Éditions de la Bagnole: 2010)
the world through picture books • books from haiti • 74
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Bernadette Saint-Paul • Réginald Nazaire, ill. L’Étrange maladie de Nicolas [Nicolas’s strange illness] Hachette Deschamps, 2006 • ISBN 99935-31-41-3 Nicolas who usually talks so much is no longer
Nicolas qui, d’habitude parle beaucoup, n’est plus
himself : he does not open his mouth whatever
le même: il ne s’ouvre pas sa bouche, peu importe
his teacher, the school headmaster, the doctor,
ce que dit le professeur, le directeur de l’école,
the psychologist, the soothsayer or the healer
le médecin, le psychologue, ou ce que fait le devin ou
might say or do… But one morning his problems
le guérisseur… Mais un matin ses problèmes ne sont
are over, in spite of a missing tooth… A well-
plus, en dépit de sa perte de dent… Un album bien
constructed picture book, with illustrations full
construit, avec des illustrations pleines de charmes
of charm and fine observation.
et d’observation.
Maël Fouchard • Bérénice F. Baussan, ill. La Grosse voix du rakbwa [Rakbwa’s gruff voice] Editha, 2009 • ISBN 978-99935-95-75-5 The three children are scared. From a very
Les trois enfants ont peur. Au fond du jardin, dans un
dark part of the garden, they hear a gruff voice
coin très noir, ils entendent une grosse voix qui hurle
howling, “spitting yellow sputter and green
« en crachant des postillons jaunes et des postillons
sputter”. They discover a kind toad that will
verts ». Le gentil crapaud qu’ils découvrent, finalement,
finally become their friend. Illustrations, in the
deviendra leur ami. Les illustrations, dans le style des
style of those made by children, are cheerful and
dessins d’enfants, sont amusantes et gaies. Elles sont
amusing, in line with a lively text, with welcome
au diapason d’un texte plein d’entrain, rythmé par
repetitions, playing with sounds and blending
des répétitions bienvenues, des jeux sur les sons, et
subtly French and an inventive and funny Creole.
un subtil mélange de français et d’un créole inventif et drôle.
All book reviews are adapted from those published in the journal Takam Tikou, http://takamtikou.bnf.fr
the world through picture books • books from haiti • 75
Books from
Contact: Agnes Hajdu Barat
Hungary
[email protected]
The Board of the Association of Hungarian librarians (AHL) chose 10 Hungarian children’s picture books, based on recommendations made by the librarians of the Children’s Section of AHL, the Hungarian School Librarians’ Association, and by 124 Library and Information Studies students from Eotvos Lorand University. They selected 142 titles from the rich breadth of Hungarian children’s literature. Ms. Agnes Hajdu Barat, Vice President of AHL co-ordinated the selection process and summarised the nominations. The chosen books are well illustrated, have an educational purpose and are designed to enrich the child’s imagination.
1
Bálint Ágnes • Bródy Vera, ill. Mazsola [Sultanas] Holnap, 2013 • ISBN 9789633466803 The most popular book of this well-known
Az ismert meseíró legnépszerűbb könyve, melyben
storyteller, in which the adventures of the
a szeretetreméltó, falánk és kissé lusta, de nagyon
adorable, ravenous, a bit lazy, but very sweet
kedves kismalac kalandjai elevenednek meg. Bálint
little pig come to life. This story by Ágnes Bálint
Ágnes története teli van szerény bölcsességgel, őszinte
is full of humble wisdom, honest love and
szeretettel és gyengédséggel, amivel az általa életre
tenderness and it is with these emotions that she
keltett szereplőket körülveszi.
surrounds the characters that she brought into
2
existence.
Boldizsár Ildikó • Szegedi Katalin, ill. Boszorkányos mesék [Witch Tales] Móra, 2014 • ISBN 9789631195736 This book introduces Amelia, the beautiful witch
A könyv Amália szépséges boszorkányról szól, aki
who can understand the language of animals and
érti az állatok és növények nyelvét. A szomorkás
plants. The melancholic witch tells stories about
boszorkány mesél a csillagokról, a Napról, a virágokról,
stars, the Sun, the flowers, the colours and about
a színekről és a körülöttünk lévő dolgokról. Szegedi
the things around us. The delicate drawings of
Katalin finom rajzai tökéletes összhangban állnak
Katalin Szegedi are in perfect harmony with the
az eredeti hangú történetekkel, melyeket érdemes a
unique stories that are worth sharing with many
gyerekek széles körében ajánlani.
children.
the world through picture books • books from hungary • 76
3
Csukás István • Sajdik Ferenc, ill. Pom pom meséi [Tales of Pom Pom] Könyvmolyképző, 2014 • ISBN 9789632452227
Pom Pom, the kind and helpful hairy creature, is
Pom Pom, a kedves és segítőkész mesefigura nemcsak
not only able to change his form, but can also tell
alakját képes változtatni, de érdekes történeteket
interesting stories. He tells these stories every
is tud. Nap, mint nap miközben a kislányt kíséri az
day while he is escorting a little girl to school. The
iskolába ezeket meséli el. A történetek főszereplői
main characters of the stories are all created with
sziporkázó szellemességgel megalkotott figurák, mind-
bubbling witticism. They all have human features,
mind emberi tulajdonságokkal bíró, jellemük kisebb-
they fight against their minor or major character
nagyobb gyengeségei ellen küzdő, esendő és szeretni
faults, they are fallible and adorable creatures.
való lények. A remek humorban oldott, tanulságot sem
The humorous tales are never without a moral
nélkülöző mesék főszereplői Sajdik Ferenc zseniális
lesson. Ingenious drawings by Ferenc Sajdik give
rajzai nyomán kelnek életre.
life to the characters.
4
Fazekas Anna • Róna Emy, ill. Öreg néne őzikéje [The Old Lady and the Fawn] Móra, 2014 ISBN 9789631196344 This story was first published in 1952 and since
Az Öreg néne őzikéje először 1952-ben jelent meg,
then, there is hardly a child in the kindergartens
és azóta alig akad óvodáskorú gyermek, aki ne
who has not got acquainted with it. This rhyming
ismerkedett volna meg vele. A hallatlanul népszerűvé
story, which has gained unbelievable popularity,
vált verses mese igazi klasszikus gyermekirodalmi
is a real classic of children’s literature. It is about
alkotás. Egy sérült őzgidáról szól, akit meggyógyít
a wounded little deer that is nursed back to
a jólelkű, idős asszony, majd idővel visszatér a faluszéli
health by a good-natured old lady. Later in the
házba, amikor gyermekének is szüksége lesz ápolásra.
story the deer comes back to her when her
Egyike azon kevés alkotásnak, amelyeket a szülők és
fawn needs the care of the lady, too. This is one
gyermekek, nagymamák és unokák egyaránt szeretnek.
of a few stories that are popular with parents,
5
children, grandparents and grandchildren as well.
Gazdag Erzsi • K. Lukáts Kató, ill. Mesebolt [Shop of Fairy Tales] Móra, 2012 ISBN 9789631190915 Generations have grown up on the children’s
Gazdag Erzsi gyermekköltészetének darabjain mára
poems of Gazdag Erzsi. The impressive simplicity
már generációk sora nőtt fel. A versek megkapó
of the poems, the pictures that are inspired by
egyszerűsége, a népköltészet naiv bájától ihletett
the naive beauty of folklore, fit to the fantasy
képsorok hangulatukban és tematikájukban is
world of children in atmosphere and theme.
megfelelnek a gyermekkor fantáziadús világának.
Thischarming book is illustrated by the colourful,
A bájos kötetet Lukáts Kató színes, derűs rajzai
cheerful drawings of Lukáts Kató.
illusztrálják.
the world through picture books • books from hungary • 77
6
Janikovszky Éva • Réber László, ill. Ha én felnőtt volnék [If I were a Grown-up] Móra, 2013 • ISBN 9789631195026
’It is deadly boring to be good all the time’, says
“Folyton jónak lenni iszonyúan unalmas” – fogalmaz a
this book. The constant warnings (’How many
könyv. A számos intelem (“Hányszor mondtam, hogy
times should I tell you to wash your hands!’
mosd meg a kezed! Ne rágd a körmöd! ...) megkeseríti
’Do not bite your nails!’…) make life miserable.
az életet. Egészen más lenne a világ, ha ezek az
The world would be so different if these warnings
intelmek így hangzanának: “Egyél ebéd előtt lehetőleg
would sound like this: ’Eat a lot of chocolate
sok csokoládét” …. A kitűnő és roppant mulattató
before lunch if possible…’. Children will relate to
történetek megértésre találnak a gyerekeknél és
the outstanding and highly entertaining stories,
komoly tanulsággal szolgálnak a felnőtt olvasónak.
adults will learn serious lessons from them. The
Réber László rajzai teszik teljessé a méltán népszerű
drawings of László Réber make this very popular
mesekönyvet.
story-book complete.
7
Kormos István • Reich Károly, ill. Mesék Vackorról [Tales about Vackor] Osiris, 2006 • ISBN 9633898935
8
In this rhyming story, the adventures of Vackor,
Vackor a kismackó mulatságos kalandjait a gyerekek
the little bear, take place among children. These
között éli meg a verses elbeszélésben. Az óvodai, majd
stories about kindergarten and school help
iskola történetek segítenek feloldani az ismeretlen
children to overcome the fear of the unknown.
környezettől való félelmet. Csetlései-botlásai, a
Vackor’s mishaps and his desire to see the
világlátás iránti vágya mind-mind olyan kérdések,
world are all topics that are constantly present
melyek foglalkoztatják a kis olvasókat is. A Reich
in the mind of small readers. This book, which
Károly hangulatos rajzaival illusztrált kötet a magyar
is illustrated by the friendly drawings of Károly
gyermekirodalom legjobb, legnépszerűbb alkotásai
Reich, belongs to the best and most popular
közé tartozik.
writings of Hungarian children’s literature.
Marék Veronika Kippkopp és Tipptopp [Two chestnut children: Kippkopp and Tipptopp] Ceruza, 2014 • ISBN 9789638874580 The main characters of the Kippkopp series are
A Kippkopp sorozat a főszereplői gesztenyegyerekek.
chestnut children. The stories are simple everyday
Egyszerű és zseniális történetek, kézzelfogható és
tales. As the location is the forest and the animals
mégis mesebeli, könnyen lehet velük azonosulni, mivel
living there are all familiar, it is easy for children
a közeg az erdő, és a benne élő állatok ismerősek,
to identify with the characters. The author
a főhősök mégis nagyon egyediek. Értékeket
conveys values, writes about thoughtfulness,
közvetítenek, gondoskodásról, barátságról, egymás
friendship, attention toward each other, all in
iránti odafigyelésről ír a szerző, mindezt, izgalmasan,
an exciting way.
érzékletesen teszi. A sorozat könyveinek erénye, hogy maga a szerző illusztrálta őket.
the world through picture books • books from hungary • 78
9
Szegedi Katalin Lenka [Lenka] Csimota, 2012 • ISBN 9789639768352
This book describes an autumn day of an
A könyv egy különleges kislány őszi napját mutatja
extraordinary girl. The main character is a bit
be. A főszereplő kicsit más, mint a többi gyerek, de
different from the other children, but she would
szeretne játszani, ugróiskolázni, karikázni lányokkal,
still like to play hopscotch and play with the
akik nem fogadják társaságukba. Egyedül rajzolgat,
hoop. However, the other girls do not accept her
amikor megpillant egy kisfiút, akiről a legkevésbé
in their company. She is drawing alone when
gondolta, hogy játszana vele. Palkóban végül barátra
she catches a glimpse of a boy that she did not
és játszótársra talált.
think would be willing to play with her. She finds
Minden kisgyerek számára tanulságos lehet ez
in Palkó a friend and a playmate. This story with
a pozitív kimenetelű kis mese, akik egy kicsit is
its positive ending has a good message for all
magányosnak érzi magukat. A szerző saját művészi
children who feel a bit lonely. The author’s own,
igényű képeivel illusztrálja a Tolerancia-sorozat
artistically designed pictures illustrate the book
részeként megjelent kötetet.
which was published as part of the Tolerance series.
10
Szepes Mária • Anna F. Győrffy, ill. Pöttyös Panni [Pottyos Panni] Móra, 2013 • ISBN 9789631194289
Almost half a century has gone by since the
Közel fél évszázad telt el a Pöttyös Panni könyvek
Pottyos Panni books were first published.
első megjelenése óta. Az egyszerű történet, a kedves
The simple story, the adorable characters have
figurák nem véletlenül váltak az olvasók kedvenceivé.
rightfully become favourites with the readers.
Panni nem csupán piros pöttyös ruhája után kapta
Panni got her name not just after her polka
nevét, hanem mert átesett a bárányhimlőn, és így
dotted clothing but for the chickenpox that she
lett Pöttyös Panni. A türelmes, találékony nagymama
went through: so she became Pottyos Panni.
cserfes unokájával együtt olvasóját is eligazgatja a
The patient, resourceful grandmother helps her
hétköznapokban: s mire eljutnak az óvodáig, már
talkative granddaughter and the reader as well
sok-sok dolgot megtanulnak a világról. Győrffy Anna
in everyday life and by the time they reach the
színes, derűs rajzai illusztrálják a kötetet.
age when kindergarten begins, they know much about the world. The book is illustrated by the colourful, cheerful drawings of Anna Győrffy.
the world through picture books • books from hungary • 79
Books from
Contact: Sushma Arora [email protected]
India CBT’s elegant picture books with bright, rich illustrations are meant for children below eight years. The bold text and simple, creative story lines revolve around subjects a young child can identify with delight The Children’s Book Trust (CBT) library for Children and Young Adults selected 10 Indian children’s picture books based on their popularity among children in the library and their demand in other Indian languages. The CBT has the biggest public children’s library in India with more than 15000 children’s books. For the ‘World through Picture Books’ project, the library staff chose 20 titles of quality children’s picture books and a notable children’s literature editor Ms. Navin Menon with her more than 35 years of experience in CBT selected 10 picture books for the project.
1
Asha Nehemiah • Subir Roy, ill. Mrs. Woolly’s Funny Sweaters Children’s Book Trust, 2005 • ISBN 81-7011-971-5 Mrs. Woolly’s passion for knitting nearly gets her ‘entangled’, but not for long. Soon she is sold out and there are enquiries for more! Available also in Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telgu, Urdu
2
Devika Rangachari • Ankur Mitra, ill. The Weather And I Children’s Book Trust, 2007 • ISBN 81-7011-981-2 A fascinating concept book, teaches children the various aspects related to the four seasons. Available also in Hindi
the world through picture books • books from india • 80
3
Shankar • Pulak Biswas, ill. Mother is Mother Children’s Book Trust, 1968 • ISBN 81-7011-043-2 Ravi takes home a little squirrel he wants as a pet. This tender tale tells what makes him restore it to its mother. Available also in Hindi.
4
Lois Hamilton Fuller • Anil Vyas, ill. Little Tiger Big Tiger Children’s Book Trust, 1970 • ISBN 81-7011-068-8 The tiger cub follows his mother about as she hunts for deer and pigs in the jungle. But when he grows up, he has to learn to hunt for himself. Available also in Bengali, Hindi
5
Santhini Govindan • Saurabh Pandey, ill. Counting Clouds Children’s Book Trust • ISBN 81-7011-982-0 This concept book, besides telling them how rain is formed, teaches children to count. Available also in Hindi.
6
Devika Rangachari • Sanjay Sarkar, ill. Colours in My World Children’s Book Trust, 2009 • ISBN 978-93-80076-16-4 The varied images and simple text lures children to relate to the array of colours around them. Available also in Hindi.
the world through picture books • books from india • 81
7
Benita Sen • Saurabh Pandey, ill. Oly and Owly Children’s Book Trust, 2007 • ISBN 978-81-89750-41-1 Owly, the little owl, and Oly, the little girl, want to meet each other. But how? Available also in Hindi. Kannada, Tamil, Telgu
8
Asha Nehemiah • Subir Roy, ill. The Runaway Wheel Children’s Book Trust, 1999 • ISBN 81-7011-846-8 Ramu and Kamala are off to see the circus in their father’s tractor when the wheel rolls away! Available also in Hindi, Bengali.
9
Navin Menon • Viky Arya, ill. Balloons For Me Children’s Book Trust, 1996 • ISBN 81-7011-744-5 A little boy buys a balloon and plays all kinds of games with it. Available also in Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telgu.
10
Sigrun Srivastava • Subir Roy, ill. All Fools’ Day Children’s Book Trust, 1988 • ISBN 81-7011-410-1 Topsy-turvy adventures of a little girl on a topsy-turvy April Fools’ Day! Available also in Hindi.
the world through picture books • books from india • 82
Books from
Italy
Contact: Antonella Lamberti [email protected]
During the 80th international IFLA Congress in Lyon, the development of a new edition of The World through Picture Books catalogue was presented. Italy hadn’t participated in the first edition but we considered it very important to be included in the second edition, to introduce Italian publishing – even if just a limited sample – to an attentive and interested international public and to make Italian librarians aware of such an interesting initiative that engages so many collegues from many countries in the world. The choice of the best 10 Italian picture books has been done through a survey among Italian children’s librarians, with a call asking them for a list of their favourite picture books that satisfied the IFLA criteria. The call was sent out through the mailing list of AIB (Italian Libraries Association), through the libraries networks and among the library members of the Italian association Nati per leggere (Born to read). More than 50 responses were received from all over the country, with 200 picture books being voted for, creating a magnificent tableau of Italian publishing in this sector. The choice of the 10 most voted books was made freely and not based on a limited pool of options. Many librarians sent explanations of why they were voting for a particular title and some of these explanations have been included in the reviews below. As the difference in numbers of votes cast for each title was quite small, the Italian list is being presented in alphabetical order so that they are displayed with an equal value and present an intriguing window on the richness and variety of Italian picture book publishing.
the world through picture books • books from italy • 83
1
Roberto Innocenti • Roberto Piumini, ill. Casa del tempo [House of the time] La Margherita, 2010 • ISBN 9788887169959 A house in the country is at the centre of the
Una casa in campagna è al centro della narrazione,
narrative. The house is witness to the most
condotta dal testo e dalle immagini, grandi scenari a
significant events of the 20th century and these
colori in cui campeggia lei, la protagonista, testimone
are told through large, color scenarios, rich in
immobile e vibrante al tempo stesso degli eventi più
detail and which bring meaning to the text.
significativi della storia del ventesimo secolo. La lettura
Careful observation of the scenes, enable the
ad alta voce del testo si riempie di significato
reader to explore new details of the story and
attraverso quella delle immagini, ricche di particolari.
feel the emotion. Gradually we discover that
L’osservazione attenta delle scene permette, ogni volta
the house, far from being just a passive witness,
che si sfogliano le pagine, di cogliere nuovi dettagli
is charged with emotional meanings, reflected
del racconto e di sentirne l’emozione. Così, via via che
through the transformation of social change and
si legge, la casa, lontana dall’essere solo testimone
the everyday moments, cheerful, dramatic and
passiva, si carica di significati emotivi, riflette nelle
sad of the life of a family, which is then the life of
sue trasformazioni i mutamenti sociali, i momenti
the country.
quotidiani allegri, drammatici e tristi della vita di una
House of time is a timeless book and one for all
famiglia, che è poi la vita del nostro paese.
ages and is presented here in this list as a fitting
Casa del tempo è un libro eterno, un’opera adatta
tribute to one of the leading figures of Italian
dagli 0 ai 99 anni, e non poteva non essere presente
illustration, award winning Roberto Innocenti,
in questa lista, doveroso omaggio a una delle figure
and a much loved great Italian writer for children,
di spicco dell’illustrazione italiana, Roberto Innocenti,
Roberto Piumini, who accompanies the pictures
vincitore.... , e a un grande scrittore italiano per
with his beautiful and imaginative words
bambini, molto amato, Roberto Piumini, che lo accompagna con il suo bel testo poetico.
2
Beatrice Alemagna Che cos’è un bambino? [What is a child?] Topipittori, 2008 • ISBN 978-88-89210-25-3 “A child is a small person. He lingers small just
“Un bambino è una persona piccola. E’ piccolo solo
for a while, then he becomes an adult. He grows
per un po’, poi diventa grande. Cresce senza neanche
up without even noticing it.” The book tells us
farci caso.”. Questa e molte altre cose è un bambino, ci
that a child is all this and more and it describes,
dice il libro, che ci presenta, in una specie di catalogo,
as a sort of catalogue highlighting the various
le molte facce dei bambini, le loro speranze, le
faces of children, their hopes, their doubts, their
perplessità, i problemi di tutti i giorni, lungo il percorso
daily problems as they are growing up. The book
della crescita. Il libro sa introdurci all’essenza della
introduces us to the core of a child’s life through
vita di un bambino attraverso la poesia delle cose
the poetry of their daily life and it is also able to
quotidiane e sa alludere con delicatezza ai piccoli
sensitively refer to the small and bigger dramas
grandi drammi della vita adulta.
of adult life. Intense, deep and thoughtful, the
Intenso, profondo, delicato, parla ai bambini e agli
book reaches out to children and to adults who
adulti che li accompagnano con immagini a tutta
share with children the pictures and the simple
pagina e un testo poetico e semplice solo in
imaginative style of writing. The story extends
apparenza, che si presta a diversi livelli di riflessione
an invitation to respect diversity and to also
e di approfondimento: un bell’invito al rispetto di
recognise what makes children (but also adults!)
ciò che rende diversi e al riconoscimento di ciò che
alike: the desire of “a small light at night and kind
invece accomuna i piccoli (ma anche i grandi!), ovvero
eyes”, or in other words the need for love and
“una lucina di notte e occhi gentili”, cioè, in definitiva,
solace when one is scared or in trouble.
il bisogno di essere amati e di avere conforto nei momenti di paura e di difficoltà.
the world through picture books • books from italy • 84
3
Antonella Abbatiello La cosa più importante [The most important thing] Fatatrac, 2011 • ISBN 9788882222451 The most important thing for the rabbit is having
Per il coniglio la cosa più importante sono le orecchie
long ears, but the giraffe doesn’t agree: it is
lunghe, ma la giraffa non è d’accordo: non è forse
better to have a long neck to reach the most
meglio aver il collo lungo, per raggiungere le foglie
supple leaves on the top of the trees, isn’t it?
più tenere in alto sugli alberi? Così prende il via
That’s how a passionate discussion among the
una’appassionata discussione tra gli animali del
animals of the forest starts, during which each
bosco, in cui di volta in volta uno di loro afferma
one of them celebrates their own main feature
che la propria caratteristica principale è quella più
as the best that one could have. Meanwhile the
importante, mentre le illustrazioni modificano di
pictures consequently modify the appearance of
conseguenza l’aspetto degli animali presenti in base
the participating animals bestowing the praised
alla caratteristica decantata in quel momento. Ci
feature to each of them. It is only thanks to a
vuole un gufo saggio per spingere tutti a smetterla
wise owl that the animals are persuaded to
con la loro folle immaginazione di vedersi tutti uguali
stop their crazy game of imagining themselves
e riconoscersi invece importanti ciascuno per ciò che
all the same, and each one finally starts to feel
possiede di diverso.
important for their own peculiarities.
Un albo già in commercio da anni, che non perde la
This picture book has been published for years
capacità di catturare l’attenzione dei bambini. Perfetto
but it hasn’t lost its talent for capturing children’s
per la lettura ad alta voce e condivisa, sia per la sua
attention. It’s perfect for reading aloud or for
struttura semplice, con le accattivanti ripetizioni, che
sharing, because of the plain structure, with its
per la sorpresa provocata dall’apertura delle pagine
charming repetitions, and for the surprise caused
ripiegate e la scoperta delle scene che vi si nascondono,
by opening the folded pages and discovering the
rappresenta un invito a guardare la diversità come
scenes hidden inside. It represents an invitation
ricchezza.
to look at diversity as a richness.
4
Gek Tessaro Il fatto è [The matter is...] Lapis, 2010 • ISBN 9788878741614 The duckling won’t make up his mind to plunge
Il fatto è che la paperetta non si è ancora decisa a
in the pond. The duck, standing on the shore, first
tuffarsi nello stagno. Così l’anatra, sul bordo dello
patiently explains the idea of swimming and then
specchio d’acqua, le spiega con pazienza i vantaggi
pushes him toward the water using his beak!
del nuoto e poi le dà una spinta con il becco! Ma la
But the duckling doesn’t want to take a bath and
paperetta non ne vuol sapere e resiste, immobile sul
stays motionless, resisting the pressures of all
bordo, agli inviti e alle spinte dei vari animali che
the animals who one after the other, arrive and
arrivano uno dopo l’altro, provano a spingerla e poi
try to coax him into the water. This is a board
finiscono in acqua. Libro di piccolo formato, quasi
book with thick pages suitable for little hands
quadrato, con pagine cartonate, spesse e adatte
and fingers. It was described by Italian librarians
anche a piccole mani, così descritto dai bibliotecari
as “A tribute to the achievement of autonomy,
italiani: “un inno al raggiungimento della propria
to courage and to the revenge of the small one
indipendenza, al coraggio, alla rivalsa del piccolo
over the big, of the weak over the strong” and
sul grande, del debole sul forte”, e anche “una storia
also “a cheerful and fun story, particularly for
allegra e divertente, perfettamente accessibile anche
very young readers, which talks about children’s
ai più piccoli , racconta la cocciutaggine dei bambini
obstinacy and adults’ pedantry”. It won the 2011
e la pedanteria degli adulti”. Ha vinto nel 2011 il
Nati per leggere (Born to read) prize in the best
Premio Nati per leggere per il miglior libro 6-36 mesi
book for 6-36 months category for the following
con questa motivazione: “Utilizzando il simpatico
reasons: “By using the cute character of a
personaggio di un anatroccolo ostinato, e avvalendosi
stubborn duckling and using a graphic collage
di una grafica fatta di collage a colori forti, rassicura i
made of strong colors, it re-assures young
più piccoli sul loro diritto a prendersi i propri tempi nel
children about taking their own time in the
processo di crescita”.
growth process.”
the world through picture books • books from italy • 85
5
Alessandro Sanna Fiume lento [Slow river] Rizzoli, 2013 • ISBN 9788817066730 A wordless picture book that crosses over the
Un silent book e un cross-over: un libro fatto
age range, the story is told through the pictures.
esclusivamente di immagini per raccontare una
Life along the Italian river Po is described in four
storia senza età. In quattro episodi, uno per ogni
episodes, one for each season of the year: the
stagione dell’anno, la vita lungo il Po: la tragedia
tragedy of the flood during autumn; in winter
dell’alluvione in autunno, la nascita notturna di un
time the night birth of a calf in a warm stable;
vitello in inverno nel calore di una stalla che brilla di
in springtime the village celebration for the
luce propria nel paesaggio bianco di neve; una festa
rebirth of nature, and the magic beginning of a
di paese in primavera, che celebra il rinascere della
love story; and finally, in summer, the escape of
natura e l’inizio di una storia d’amore; infine, in estate,
a tiger from a circus and its unbelievable meeting
la fuga di una tigre dal tendone di un circo e il suo
with a painter, in a sort of magic moment out
incredibile incontro sospeso nel tempo con un pittore.
of time. Through the use of pictures the book
Attraverso le immagini il libro permette a ciascuno
allows everyone to discover their own words and
di trovare le proprie parole e immergersi nelle proprie
emotions, celebrating with poetry the flowing
emozioni, evocando con poesia lo scorrere del fiume
of the Po river and recalling the cycle of nature
Po e nello stesso tempo celebrando il tempo circolare
and rural life, in its alternating of night and
della natura e della vita rurale, nel suo susseguirsi di
day, of death and life. The choice of this book
notte e giorno, morte e vita. La scelta di questo libro,
by Italian librarians, confirms the recognition
oltre a confermare e riconoscere la grande maturità
of the great artistic maturity of the author and
artistica dell’autore, sembra anche sottolineare una
the acceptance of universal works without any
tendenza nelle preferenze dei bibliotecari italiani, che
language or age limits as magnificent examples
rifuggono le gabbie delle fasce d’età e non trascurano
for an ideal borderless museum of picture books.
opere “universali”, quelle senza limiti linguistici e di età, proposte magnifiche per un ideale museo senza frontiere dei picture books.
6
Davide Calì • Maurizio A.C. Quarello ill, Mio padre il grande pirata [My father the great pirate] Orecchio Acerbo, 2013 • ISBN 9788896806630 A child tells about his faraway father, a pirate,
Un bambino racconta del padre lontano, che torna
who comes back home only once a year, in
a casa solo una volta l’anno, d’estate, profumato di
summer, bringing with him the sea water smell.
mare perché è un pirata... Mentre il testo dà voce al
The text gives voice to the child, and the pictures
bambino, le illustrazioni ricostruiscono le immagini
re-create the sunny images taking shape in
solari che gli si formano nella mente ai racconti
his mind as his father talks, telling him about
del padre: le mappe del tesoro nascosto, i visi degli
hidden treasure maps, the faces of the other
altri pirati, la bandiera che sventola sulla nave, fino
pirates who are his companions, the black flag
al triste e grigio giorno in cui parte con sua madre
waving on the ship... all this until the sad, grey
e raggiunge il padre ferito e ricoverato in ospedale.
day when the child and his mother have to travel
Un incidente è accaduto, non durante un arrembaggio
to another country to his father who is hurt and
ma mentre lavorava. E la realtà allora si fa strada,
hospitalised. The child finds out that his father
amara e difficile, dopo le affascinanti e amorevoli
has been in an accident but it didn’t happen to
bugie. Il bambino deve fare ora i conti con la delusione
him boarding an enemy ship but just working in
ma anche con la capacità di comprendere il significato
a mine. The child finds the reality hard to accept,
di “speranza”, che può prendere la forma di in una
after the fascinating and loving tales that his
bandiera pirata issata in un luogo inatteso. Un libro
father has told him in the past and must now find
che cattura, conquista e commuove, che sa aprire
a way to overcome his disappointement. This is
con delicatezza e poesia una pagina tragica della
a book that captures the emotions and touches
storia italiana, assumendosi con fantasia la funzione
the heart. It opens a page of Italian history with
di memoria nazionale, e che può avvicinarci ad altre
sensitivity and poetry, and makes it possible for
tragedie attuali, ad altri padri e figli tra loro lontani.
us to feel closer to other contemporary tragedies, to other faraway fathers and their sons.
the world through picture books • books from italy • 86
7
Nicola Grossi Orso, buco! [Bear, a hole!] Minibombo, 2013 • ISBN 9788898177066 Bear got lost and now he’s looking for his den.
Un orso si è perso e deve cercare la sua tana ma
During his research he falls into the dens of
durante questa ricerca cade nelle tane di altri animali
other animals and one by one they decide to
che, uno alla volta, si accodano a lui. La storia è
follow him. The story is very simple and uses the
semplice e usa il meccanismo tanto amato dai più
mechanism of repetition which children love. The
piccoli della ripetizione ma la novità di questo albo sta
originality of this book is in the use of a very short
nell’utilizzare per il racconto un testo brevissimo che
text, that works perfectly with the few lines and
lavora perfettamente con le linee e le forme colorate
coloured shapes that are the only illustrations.
elementari che sono le uniche illustrazioni. Ne hanno
Librarians said about the book: “It has the power
detto i bibliotecari: “ha la capacità di raccontare con
of telling a story using just colour spots, without
macchie di colore pur mantenendo ritmo e vivacità
losing the rythmn and the liveliness of the story,
di presentazioni e rivelazioni, fino al colpo di scena
until the final “coup de théâtre”. It catches
finale. Riesce a catturare l’attenzione dei più piccoli e
children’s attention and encourages them to join
a richiederne l’interazione. Arguto e spassoso. Qual è
in! It is fun and gives a positive message that
il messaggio? Stando insieme anche i piccoli imprevisti
even the small bad things that happen in life can
possono diventare divertenti!
be reasons to laugh if you stay together with your friends!
8
Iela Mari Il palloncino rosso [The red balloon] Babalibri, 2004 • ISBN 9788883621116 A book without words, with the story told just
Un libro senza parole, con il quale si può raccontare
through the pictures. It tells the adventures of
la storia a partire dalle immagini, che presentano
a red balloon. This one turns into an apple, then
le avventure di un palloncino rosso: pagina dopo
a butterfly, a flower, an umbrella... into a bustle
pagina questo si trasforma in una mela, in una
of astonishment and transformation. The book
farfalla, in un fiore, in un ombrello, in un andirivieni
brilliantly celebrates the idea of representing the
di sorpresa e novità. Celebra l’idea geniale e semplice
complexity of reality through the simplicity of
di rappresentare la complessità della realtà attraverso
wordless, high impact pictures. First published in
la semplicità di un testo senza parole, di grande
1967 by Emme, it has recently been re-published,
impatto grafico, che procede come il pensiero dei
proving that it is a classic that is still relevant
piccoli, cioè per associazione. Pubblicato per la prima
and able to reach out to children today.
volta nel 1967 dalla casa editrice Emme, che ha segnato la storia dell’editoria italiana per l’infanzia, riedito di recente, si è rivelato capace di parlare ai bambini di allora come di adesso: un vero classico che non teme il passare del tempo.
the world through picture books • books from italy • 87
9
Francesca Pardi • Altan, ill. Piccolo uovo [Small egg] Lo Stampatello, 2011 • ISBN 9788890579929 Small Egg doesn’t want to come into the world
Piccolo Uovo non vuole nascere perché non sa dove
because he doesn’t know yet where he will turn
va a finire. Non conosce il concetto di famiglia e decide
up. He doesn’t know what a family is and so
di intraprendere un viaggio per scoprirlo.Conosce
decides to make a journey to find out. He starts
così i più diversi tipi di famiglie: quella di due mamme
by learning that there are different kinds of
gatte con il loro gattino, dell’ippopotamo solo con il
families: one made by two mother cats with their
suo piccolo, dei canguri con i loro cuccioli orsi e molte
kittens; another one made by a hippopotamus
altre. Stanco ma soddisfatto dell’indagine, constatata
alone with his child; a family of two Kangaroos
la felicità che ha origine da ogni famiglia, è adesso
with their two children who are two young
pronto per andare a conoscere la propria! L’albo parla
bears as well as many others. Tired but satisfied
per la prima volta a bambini molto piccoli di famiglie
about his investigations, Small Egg discovers the
diverse da quella tradizionale, composta da un papà,
happiness coming from these families and feels
una mamma e I loro bambini. Altan, l’illustratore che
ready to go and discover his own family. This
ha creato l’amatissima Pimpa, la cagnolina a pois, offre
picture book talks for the first time to very young
i suoi coloratissimi animali alla narrazione semplice
children about families that may be different
e immediata. Le scelte linguistiche e l’integrazione
from the traditional one i.e. a mother, a father
perfetta fra testo e immagini rendono la storia adatta
and their children. Altan, the Italian illustrator
anche ai più piccoli, offrendo la possibilità agli adulti
who created the very beloved Pimpa, the “dog
di parlare con loro di temi non facili, come la varietà
with red spots”, gives his colourful animals to
possibile delle famiglie esistenti e aldilà di moralismi e
this simple and immediate story. The language
pregiudizi, dei tanti modi che esistono per essere felici.
combined with the perfect integration of text and pictures make it suitable even very young children. It also gives adults the chance to talk with them about subjects that are not always easy, such as the range of possible existing families and to look beyond prejudices at the various ways to be happy.
10
Emanuela Bussolati Tararì Tararera... [Tararì Tararera] Carthusia, 2009 • ISBN 9788895443263 We haven’t forgotten the translation of the title
Non abbiamo dimenticato la traduzione del titolo di
of this book: the translation just doesn’t exist!
questo albo: la traduzione infatti non esiste! La lingua
The Piripù language is a fictional language. Very
Piripù è infatti una lingua inventata. Con le illustrazioni
colourful pictures and a text with a sense and
coloratissime e il testo, sensato pur senza significato,
without a meaning, often onomatopoeic, follow
spesso onomatopeico, si seguono un gruppo di
some characters and their adventures in a forest,
personaggi e le loro avventure in una foresta dove uno
where one of them, a very young one, gets lost.
di loro, un piccolino, si perde. C’è la disobbedienza, la
The book explores disobedience, the wish to
voglia di esplorare, la paura, l’incoscienza, l’allegria,
explore, fear, recklessness, joy, the redeeming
l’incontro salvifico, il rimprovero, il piacere di ritrovarsi
encounter, the reproach, the pleasure of meeting
e anche altre cose, in questo albo dal linguaggio
each other again and many other things. This is
universale, capace di raggiungere e affascinare i
a picture book with a universal language, able
bambini di ogni lingua e di tante età.
to reach and fascinate children of many ages
Contraddistinto da immagini efficaci, comicità e
and any language. Wonderful pictures, full of
divertimento, e’ stato scelto anche per quella che viene
amusement and comic sense, the book has been
definita: “l’originalità dell’idea, tanto semplice quanto
chosen also for “the originality of the idea, simple
eccezionale, che avvicina in modo giocoso e divertente
and fascinating, and which closes the distance
il lettore adulto al lettore bambino” lasciandoli al
between the adult reader and the child”, giving
piacere autentico di raccontare storie e giocare allo
both an opportunity to enjoy the pure pleasure of
stesso tempo.
telling stories and playing at the same time.
the world through picture books • books from italy • 88
Books from
Contact : Chantal Kouamé [email protected] and [email protected]
Ivory Coast
This selection was made by librarians working at the Children’s Library of the National Library of Ivory Coast and co-ordinated by the Children’s Library Director, Chantal Kouamé. Over different sessions, librarians presented thirty-two picture books to children; the books in the following list are those children preferred, because of their attractive covers, their stories and their illustrations. Some book reviews are adapted from those published in the journal Takam Tikou, http://takamtikou.bnf.fr
1
Muriel Diallo Bibi n’aime pas la pluie [Bibi doesn’t like the rain] Les Classiques ivoiriens, 2011 • ISBN 978-2-916472-67-6 “I don’t like the rain” says Bibi. “When it rains,
« Moi je n’aime pas la pluie ! » dit Bibi. « Quand il pleut,
the garden has a stomach ache because it drinks
le jardin a mal au ventre parce qu’il boit trop d’eau.
too much water. And I get bored because I
Et je m’ennuie parce ce que je ne peux pas sortir… »
cannot go out…”. This is one of the eight books
Voici l’un des huit titres de cette série qui remporte
in the “Bibi” series, all built following the same
un grand succès auprès des enfants et qui sont tous
principle: the rain, the market, school, vegetables,
construits sur le même principe : la pluie, le marché,
the witchdoctor etc that Bibi does not like at
l’école, les légumes, le guérisseur… que Bibi n’aime
the beginning become pleasant over the pages.
pas au départ, deviennent rapidement agréables au
Muriel Diallo has created a character both a little
fil des pages. Muriel Diallo crée un personnage à la
rebellious and funny, with whom any child can
fois un peu rebelle et drôle, auquel chaque enfant
identify. Bibi’s opposition simply shows small
peut s’identifier. Cette réaction d’opposition traduit
children’s fear of new, unknown things. The
simplement la peur des plus petits face à la nouveauté
very colourful illustrations are made of paper
et à l’inconnu. L’illustration, très colorée, propose des
and tissue collage, in a variety of styles and
collages de papier et de tissu dans une variété de styles
composition, that bring vitality and movement.
et de cadrages qui apportent vitalité et mouvement.
The text, brief and in familiar language, suits
Le texte, bref, dans une langue familière convient bien
small children from the age of 3.
aux petits enfants, à partir de 3 ans.
the world through picture books • books from ivory coast • 89
2
Fatou Keïta • Lassane Zohoré, ill. Le Chien qui aimait les chats [The Dog that liked cats] CEDA, Nouvelles Éditions Ivoiriennes, 2009 • ISBN 978-2-84487-402-3/ 978-2-86394-622-0 Walouba, a strong, imposing dog, with a loud,
Walouba, un chien fort, imposant, à la voix grosse et
scary voice, terrifies everybody. Everybody except
effrayante, terrifie tous ceux qui le rencontrent. Tous,
a tiny cat, Djakoumani, his best friend. “Dogs
sauf un tout petit chat, Djakoumani, son meilleur ami.
don’t like cats”, Walouba’s parents say when
« Les chiens n’aiment pas les chats », affirment
they discover this friendship. Walouba, docile,
durement les parents de Walouba lorsqu’ils découvrent
will try to learn the lesson, but how to resist the
cette complicité. Walouba, docile, va tenter de retenir
humour of this little, funny cat? And why, finally,
la leçon mais comment résister à l’humour de ce petit
wouldn’t cats like dogs? Laughs beat grunts and
chat si drôle ? Et pourquoi, finalement, les chiens
soon all the dogs and cats in the village will be
n’aimeraient-ils pas les chats ? Le rire l’emporte sur
contaminated! But will Walouba’s father change
les grognements et, bientôt, tous les chiens et chats
his mind? Fatou Keïta, acclaimed author of
du village vont être contaminés ! Reste à savoir si le
numerous children’s books, creates here a simple
papa de Walouba changera d’avis… Fatou Keïta, auteur
story that subverts well-known animal behavior:
de très nombreux livres pour enfants qui remporte un
an appeal to open-mindedness? Illustration
grand succès, crée ici une histoire simple en renversant
is expressive, lively, full of movement, in Walt
un comportement animalier bien connu : un appel
Disneyish style – but the drawing of the cat is
à l’ouverture d’esprit ? L’illustration est expressive,
not, in fact, frightening at all…
vivante, en mouvement ; elle emprunte au style des dessins animés Walt Disney – mais le chien dessiné n’a, en fait, rien d’effrayant…
3
Rustom Hayat • Koué Noël Koko, ill. Axe et Dam, les deux écureuils [Axe and Dam, the two squirrels] Éburnie, 2013 • ISBN 978-84770-218-7 Axe is a miserly squirrel, Dam is a generous
Axe est un écureuil avare ; Dam est un écureuil
one. In spite of this difference, both share a
généreux. Malgré leurs différences, les deux écureuils
sincere friendship. One long and hard winter,
partagent une amitié sincère. Lors d’un hiver long
Axe’s schemes provoke the exodus of the whole
et rude, les agissements d’Axe entraînent l’exode de
squirrel colony to another hazelbush wood. Soon,
toute la colonie d’écureuils vers une autre noiseraie.
Axe feels lonely, he misses friendship… The text,
Bientôt la solitude pèse à Axe, l’amitié lui manque...
in a polished style, teaches that miserliness
Le texte, dans un style soigné, enseigne que l’avarice
and greed do not bring happiness, whereas
et la passion du gain ne font pas le bonheur, alors
friendship and sharing are sources of infinite
que l’amitié et le partage sont des sources de
richness. The illustrations, in bright colours, much
richesses infinies. Les illustrations, de couleurs
appreciated by children, depict characters in
vives, très appréciées des enfants, présentent des
cartoon style; they agree well with the text and
personnages proches du dessin animé. Elles servent
help to understand it. This book was awarded
bien le texte, aidant à sa compréhension, et le rendent
the Best Picture Book prize at the 2nd National
particulièrement vivant. Cet ouvrage a reçu le prix du
Festival of Children’s Books in 2013. Readers also
meilleur album lors de la deuxième édition des Journées
like another book by the same author, Le Papillon
nationales du livre pour enfants, en 2013. Un autre
qui voulait changer des couleurs [The Butterfly that
titre du même auteur est très apprécié des enfants,
wanted to change its colours].
Le Papillon qui voulait changer des couleurs.
the world through picture books • books from ivory coast • 90
4
Michelle Tanon-Lora • Assi Sébastien, ill. Le Bébé de Madame Guénon [Mrs Monkey’s Baby] Les Classiques ivoiriens, 2009 • ISBN 978-2-916472-56-0 A monkey mother worries about her friends’
Une mère guenon s’inquiète des réactions de ses amis
reactions to the beautiful baby she has just
face au bébé - très beau - qu’elle vient de mettre
given birth to. Will their compliments be sincere?
au monde. Leurs compliments seront-ils sincères ?
And will their judgment be fair? Visits and
Et d’ailleurs, leur jugement est-il si sûr ? Visites et
compliments do not appease her anxiety: she
compliments s’enchaînent sans que s’apaise l’angoisse
must do everything to make her baby even more
maternelle… Il lui faut parfaire la beauté de l’enfant
beautiful! The title and the cover illustration
par tous les moyens. Le titre et l’illustration de la
make a strong impression on children, who
couverture impressionnent les lecteurs et les motivent
cannot wait to read the book. The story plays
à découvrir le livre. Le nœud de l’histoire, jouant sur
on the animal’s parade and the repetition of visit
le défilé des animaux et la répétition des scènes, est
scenes, but its gist is indeed the terrifying anguish
bien la terrifiante angoisse des mères qui se rêvent
of mothers who dream of an ideal child. However
un enfant idéal. Mais on peut rester sur une lecture
one can read this picture book in a light way and
plus légère qui ne manquera pas de faire sourire tant
smile with the exuberant, striking illustrations
l’illustration débordante a un grand impact et les
and the very funny animals’ expressions. Another
expressions des animaux sont comiques dans leur
book by the same author and illustrator is
outrance. L’auteur et l’illustrateur ont signé un autre
much appreciated by children, Les Larmes en or
album très apprécié des enfants, Les Larmes en or.
(Golden Tears).
5
6
Gina Dick Boguifo • Ernest Teki Mossoun, ill. Le Chien et le poisson – Mister Dog and Mister Fish Les Classiques Ivoiriens, 2012 • ISBN 979-1090625-11-2 What can be expected of the great friendship
Que peut-on attendre d’une grande amitié entre un
between a dog and a fish in a land of dreams?
chien et un poisson dans un pays de rêve ? La solidarité
Will there be solidarity or will selfishness prevail.
existera-t-elle ou est-ce l’égoïsme qui prévaudra ?
A bilingual book French-English by Gina Dick,
Un livre bilingue français-anglais de Gina Dick, auteur
author of several books for children.
de plusieurs ouvrages pour la jeunesse.
Édoukou Adou • Ernest Teki Mossoun, ill. Attauba, le petit malin devenu roi [Attauba, the smart young boy who became King] Nouvelles Éditions Ivoiriennes, 2002 • ISBN 2-84487-157-7 Attauba is small but very astute! His tricks, full
Attauba est petit mais très astucieux ! Ses ruses,
of imagination and boldness, will change his life
pleines d’imagination et d’audace, vont complètement
completely. In fact the title sums up the story
transformer sa vie… Le titre de cet album résume bien
well! Readers are attracted to this book because
l’histoire ! Les lecteurs sont attirés par ce livre à cause
of the story – a well-known folktale –, which
de son histoire – un conte traditionnel bien connu –
is fascinating.
qui est très captivante.
the world through picture books • books from ivory coast • 91
7
8
Marie-Danielle Aka • Les Studios Zohoré, ill. Mificao [Mificao] Nouvelles Éditions Ivoiriennes, 2002 • ISBN 2-84487-160-7 Underwater, a little carp watches the village
Sous la surface de l’eau, une petite carpe regarde
children play, and wants to join them. A good
jouer les enfants du village. Un poisson bon génie
genie fish changes her into a little girl and
la métamorphose en petite fille et la voilà aux côtés
there she is, Mificao, with her new friends Yaro
de Yaro et Ziza. Mificao –c’est le nom de l’enfant-
and Ziza who guide her in her discovery of
carpe – guidée par ses nouveaux amis, découvre
the daily life of the village. She also discovers
alors la vie quotidienne du village. Elle découvre aussi
garbage heaps, the technique of scorched
le tas de détritus, la technique de la terre brûlée…
earth… and gives lessons for better hygiene and
et dispense des leçons pour une meilleure hygiène et
the protection of nature. But can Mificao stay
pour la protection de la nature. Mais Mificao pourra-
forever far from her own people? The text is long;
t-elle rester toujours loin de siens ? Le texte est long ;
colourful illustrations give a good idea of life in
les illustrations, colorées, donnent une bonne idée
the village.
de la vie au village.
Serge Grah • Annick Assemian, ill. Kolou le chasseur [Kolou the Hunter] Les Classiques ivoiriens, 2007 • ISBN 978-2-916781-03-7 Kolou the Hunter saves the life of a man, a rat
Kolou le chasseur sauve la vie d’un homme, d’un
and a snake that had fallen into a hole. The
rat et d’un serpent, tous les trois tombés dans un
animals keep their promise to make Kolou rich,
trou. Mais alors que les animaux s’emploient à tenir
immortal and invulnerable but the man betrays
leur promesse de rendre Kolou riche, immortel et
Kolou in front of the King… A folktale whose
invulnérable, l’homme trahit Kolou auprès du roi…
moral, as often, is just as topical as ever. Well-
Un conte du répertoire traditionnel bien troussé,
constructed, written by Serge Grah, journalist
dont la morale, comme souvent, est de toute actualité.
and poet, this book is illustrated by Annick
Écrit par Serge Grah, journaliste et poète, cet album
Assemian who signed several classics of Ivory-
est illustré par Annick Assemian qui a signé plusieurs
Coast children’s literature; she offers here some
classiques de la littérature ivoirienne pour la jeunesse ;
beautiful images. Kolou le chasseur was awarded
elle offre ici quelques très belles pages. Cet ouvrage
the Best Picture Book prize at the 1st National
a reçu le prix du meilleur album lors de la première
Festival of Children’s Books in 2011.
édition des Journées nationales du livre pour enfants, en 2011.
Some book reviews are adapted from those published in the journal Takam Tikou, http://takamtikou.bnf.fr
the world through picture books • books from ivory coast • 92
Books from
Contact: Kazuko Yoda [email protected]
Japan
When selecting 10 Japanese picture books, the Children and Young Adults Section of the Japan Library Association (eleven members in all, most of them are active in public libraries and others were once librarians) discussed selection criteria and decided not to select new books but ones which have been read by many children over many years. In the 1960s, librarians, writers, illustrators, and publishers were eager to distribute quality books to children. Eight out of the ten books in this list were published during the 1960s. Picture books, especially by native authors, are the best tool for understanding countries. There are many good books published after the 1970s: we hope this project will grow and another ‘Ten Picture Books’ list will be published in the near future.
1
Ken Kawata • Masayuki Yabuuchi, ill. しっぽのはたらき [Animal Tails] Fukuinkan Shoten, 1969 • ISBN 4-8340-0315-9 This book presents the motions and roles of
さまざまな動物のしっぽの動きと役割を紹介する
various kinds of animals’ tails. After a questioning
絵本。めくったページの前後で「なんのしっぽで
page of, “Whose tail is this?” comes the answering
しょう？」の問いかけと答えとなっている。前後
page. Making use of animals’ upper bodies and
のページの絵の位置を合わせることで、動物の体
lower bodies, readers match the pictures to make
の上半身と下半身のつながりをうまく表現してい
a complete animal. The warm and realistic style
る。写実的ながら温かみのある画風でそれぞれの
of the paintings exactly catches the distinctive
動物の特徴をよくとらえており、読み聞かせに向
features of each animal. This science picture book
く。就学前の幼い子も興味を持って参加できる科
is good for reading aloud, and preschool children
学絵本。
will readily participate and enjoy it.
2
Eriko Kishida • Chiyoko Nakatani, ill. かばくん [Hippopotamus] Fukuinkan Shoten, 1962 • ISBN 4-8340-0081-8 This book is about one day in the lives of two
動物園のかばの一日を、遊びに行った男の子がか
hippopotamuses in a zoo. The storyteller is a boy
ばに語りかける形で描いている。
who went to the zoo for his own enjoyment.
リズミカルな言葉が耳に心地よい。かばの大きさ
Rhythmical expressions and words charm the
をうまく印象づけた構図や、布地
reader. The layout makes for a big impression.
を生かし，かばの重量感や質感を表した油絵が魅
The drawings express massiveness and a
力的である。
substantive feel making an appealing story.
the world through picture books • books from japan • 93
3
Satoshi Kako だるまちゃんとてんぐちゃん
[Little Daruma and Little Tengu]
Fukuinkan Shoten, 1967 • ISBN 4-8340-0124-5 Little Daruma and Little Tengu are good friends.
だるまちゃんとてんぐちゃんは仲のいい友だちで
Little Daruma asks his father, Darumadon, to
す。だるまちゃんはてんぐちゃんと同じ物を身に
let him put on the same things as Little Tengu.
付けたいと、お父さんのだるまどんにおねだりし
However, it’s not possible to have exactly the
ますが、ぴったり同じ物はありません。そこで、
same things. So, Little Daruma works out
だるまちゃんはなんとか工夫して、そっくりの物
a way to make similar things and becomes
を作って大満足。でも、てんぐちゃんの鼻と同
deeply satisfied. However, is it possible to make
じ、長い鼻を作ることはできるでしょうか。仲の
the same long nose as Little Tengu’s?
いい友だちの真似をしたい、同じ物を身に付けた
This book clearly represents the psychological
いという、幼い子どもの心理を鮮やかに表現し
characteristics of a little child who wants to have
た作品。
the same things as his friend.
4
Noboru Baba １１ぴきのねこ
[Eleven Hungry Cats]
Koguma Publishing, 1967 • ISBN 4-7721-0004-0 Eleven cats that are always hungry send a big,
いつもはらぺこの11匹の猫たちは、遠くの湖で怪
strong, and monstrous fish to sleep with a lullaby
物のように大きくて強い魚を、なんと子守唄で眠
and catch it in a remote lake. However, the big
らせて捕まえる。ところが、いかだに繋いだ大き
fish, which is tied up to a raft, becomes a mere
な魚は、闇夜が明けた時には骨だけになってい
bone when the dark night is over. On the other
て、その代わり、猫たちのお腹はタヌキのように
hand, the cats’ stomachs become completely full
まんまるに！思ったままに行動する猫たちのおお
and round like the stomachs of raccoons.
らかな物語は子どもたちの共感を呼ぶ。加えて漫
The broad-minded story about cats who act as
画家が描く猫たちの絵は親しみやすく、愛嬌たっ
they wish, gets children’s sympathy. Additionally,
ぷり。全６冊あるシリーズはどれも子どもたちに
the attached pictures have been attractively
広く支持されている。
drawn by a cartoonist. Consisting of six volumes, the stories are widely appealing to children.
5
Rieko Nakagawa & Yuriko Omura ぐりとぐら [Guri and Gura] Fukuinkan Shoten, 1967 • ISBN 4-8340-0082-6 Two field mice, Guri and Gura, are fond of
お料理と食べることが大好きな、野ねずみのぐり
cooking and eating. They find a big egg in the
とぐらは森で大きな卵を見つける。相談した結
forest. After talking, they decide to make a
果、かすてらを作ることになった。かまどを作
sponge cake. Gathering twigs, they build a fire
り、まきを集めて大きな鍋を火にかけて･･･。す
place, and put a big pan on the fire. Then, a nice
ると森の中にいいにおいが広がって、動物たちが
smell wafts into the forest and various kinds
集まってきた。ふんわりや
of animals gather around the fire. All the animals
けたかすてらをみんなで食べる。幼い子が大好き
eat the softly baked cake.
な「食べる」というテーマや読者に語りかけるよ
The theme of “eating”, which children like,
うな文体は、子どもの共感を誘い、リアリティの
and the conversational style of the book arouse
ある絵本の世界に引き込む。
children’s sympathy and lead them into the world of this picture book.
the world through picture books • books from japan • 94
6
Masamoto Nasu • Shigeo Nishimura, ill. 絵で読む広島の原爆 [Hiroshima: a tragedy never to be repeated] Fukuinkan Shoten, 1995 • ISBN 4-8340-1265-4 This diverse book tells of the dropping of the
1945 年8月6日の原爆投下を、縦27㎝横31㎝の大
atomic bomb on August 6th, 1945 using large
画面で多角的に伝える。連合国の原爆開発から投
27 by 31 centimeter pictures. Considering
下までの進捗状況など戦争に至る前史から、戦後
the pre-history of the war, which includes
の軍拡競争までを視野に入れて、歴史の事実を攻
explanations of the development of the atomic
守さまざまな角度から解説している。記述は 61
bomb and the process of the dropping of the
人の被爆体験者の証言を積み重ねて、当時の人々
bomb, it explains the history from both offensive
の暮らしぶりを描き、広島における被爆の惨状
and defensive perspectives. It is composed using
を、鳥瞰する手法で丹念に再現している。巻末
evidence as told by 61 survivors of the atomic-
に、50年にわたる平和関連年表や 18 枚の画面に
bombing of Hiroshima. The pictures illustrate
ついて、詳細な解説がある。
the everyday lives of people at that time and elaborately reconstruct a bird’s-eye view of the horrific disaster of the atomic bomb. A chronological table of peace related matters and detailed explanations of the 18 pictures attached at the back of the book are included.
7
Miyoko Matsutani • Yasuo Segawa, ill. やまんばのにしき [The Witch’s Magic Cloth] Poplar Publishing, 1967 • ISBN 4-591-00375-2 A mountain witch who lived in Chofuku
ちょうふく山のやまんばが子どもを産み、ふもと
Mountain had a baby. The witch asked the village
の村人に餅をついて持って来いという。‘あかざ
people to pound steamed rice into cakes and
ばんば’が先導して若者二人に餅を運ばせる。若
bring them to her. Two young men, led on the
者はやまんばが恐ろしくて途中で逃げ帰る。‘あ
way by an old woman “Akazabanba”, carried
かざばんば’は村に災がふりかからないように、
the rice cakes to the witch. During the journey,
ひとりで登って行く。やまんばは、‘あかざばん
the young men scared the witch and ran off.
ば’に21日間手伝ってくれと頼み、お礼に使って
Akazabanba went up the mountain alone to
も使っても減らない錦をくれる。‘あかざばん
prevent a disaster to the village. The witch asked
ば’はその錦を村人にわけ与える。‘あかざばん
Akazabanba to lend her a hand for 21 days. As a
ば’の村人への愛と勇気が村を救い、村人を幸せ
reward she gave Akazabanba a magic cloth that
にする秋田の昔話。絵は日本画風の美麗なタッチ
would not diminish even if used continuously.
で描かれ、明るく楽しい雰囲気を伝えている。
Akazabanba gave the magic cloth to the village people. Akazabanba’s love and courage towards the villagers helped the village and made the people happy. This story has been told for many years in the Akita district of Tohoku. The pictures have been created with a beautiful and elegant touch like Japanese-style paintings, evoking a bright and happy atmosphere.
the world through picture books • books from japan • 95
8
Tadashi Matsui • Suekichi Akaba, ill. だいくとおにろく [Oniroku and the Carpenter] Fukuinkan Shoten, 1962 • ISBN 4-8340-0085-0 A Japanese folktale picture book. A skilful
日本の昔話絵本。腕のいい大工が流れのはやい川
carpenter, who had been asked to build a bridge
に橋をかけるように頼まれる。大工が川を見なが
over a rapid river, was watching the stream and
ら考えていると、鬼が川の中から現れる。鬼は、
pondering his task when an ogre appeared in
大工が目玉をよこせば橋をかけてやるといい、あ
the water. He offered to do the task in exchange
っというまに橋をかけてしまう。大工が目玉をと
for the carpenter’s eyeballs. The bridge was
らないでくれと頼むと、鬼は自分の名前を当てた
completed in a flash. When the carpenter begged
ら許してやる、という。グリム昔話の「ルンペル
the ogre not to take his eyes, he said he would let
シュティルツヘン」に似た話。子ども達は鬼と大
him go if the carpenter could guess the ogre’s real
工のやりとりをどきどきしながら楽しむ。日本
name. A similar story to ‘Rumpelstiltskin’, children
画の技法を生かした絵が、お話の雰囲気にあっ
age 4 to 8 can enjoy the thrill of the conversation
ている。
between the ogre and the carpenter. Pictures drawn using traditional Japanese techniques complement the atmosphere of the folktale.
9
10
Akiko Hayashi おつきさまこんばんは
[Good evening, dear moon]
Fukuinkan Shoten, 1986 • ISBN 4-8340-0687-5 ”It’s nighttime. / Look, the sky is really, really dark.
「よるに　なったよ／ほら　おそらが　くらい　
/ Now look above the roof. / There’s a light. / It’s
くらい／おや　やねのうえが　あかるくなった／
the moon! / Good evening, dear Moon!” Two cats
おつきさまだ／おつきさま　こんばんは」屋根に
on the roof are cheerfully greeting the beautiful,
のぼった二匹のねこは、きれいなお月さまにあい
rising moon. However, a big cloud passes, hiding
さつします。けれど、おおきなくもがあらわれ
the moon’s face behind it. “Please move, Cloud, we
て、お月さまをかくしてしまいました。「くもさ
can’t see the Moon’s face,” the two cats cry. Then
ん　どいて／おつきさまの　おかおが　みえな
the cloud gradually passes over, and the smiling
い」ねこたちが大きな声でさけぶと、くもは静か
moon comes out again... The moon’s grace and
に去り、ふたたびきれいなお月さまのお顔があら
its bright face are beautifully depicted in warm
われました。やさしく輝くお月さまの顔が、あた
and soft strokes. Each illustration in this handy,
たかく柔らかな筆致で描かれている。子どもが手
square format abundantly describes the gentle
に取りやすい大きさの四角の版型に、あたたかな
atmosphere of the night.
夜の雰囲気がおさめられている。
Minami Nishiuchi • Seiichi Horiuchi, ill. ぐるんぱのようちえん [Grumpa’s Kindergarten] Fukuinkan Shoten, 1966 • ISBN 4-8340-0083-4 Grumpa, the young elephant, was ordered to
ぐるんぱはさびしがりやの象。ぐるんぱは働きに
start work. He went to work for a biscuit maker,
出たけれど、大きすぎるビスケットを作って追い
a shoe maker, a car maker, and so on. However,
出され、大きすぎる靴を作って追い出され、どこ
his efforts were in vain because all he could make
へ行っても失敗ばかり。追い出されてしょんぼり
were jumbo-sized goods that nobody would buy.
していると、子だくさんのお母さんに、子どもた
Grumpa was very disappointed and began to think
ちの世話を頼まれる。
that he would never be able to work properly. Just
ぐるんぱは幼稚園を開き、特大のビスケットや靴
then, he happened upon a busy mother with 12
で子どもたちと遊ぶ。ぐるんぱは幸せな象。子ど
children, and so found a job which would make
もたちは、象のサイズの大きな道具やおもちゃが
him the happiest elephant in the world. He set to
大好きで、ぐるんぱの成功を一緒に喜ぶ。元気な
work creating a wonderful playground with the
雰囲気の素朴な絵は、小さな子どもに人気。
huge things he had already made. Children love the elephant-sized things and enjoy Grumpa’s success story. Simple pictures and a cheerful atmosphere attract little children.
the world through picture books • books from japan • 96
Books from Korea (Republic of) Contact: Yunmee Jang [email protected]
The National Library for Children and Young Adults chose 10 Korean children’s picture books based on recommendations made by 19 members of the Children’s materials section which is the subcommittee of the National Library Service Council for Children in Korea. The Children’s materials section is made up of 19 librarians who serve children and young adults in public libraries and children’s libraries and write children’s book reviews, which are shared by children’s librarians nationwide. For the ‘World through Picture Books’ project, the members chose 25 titles of quality children’s picture books and a notable children’s literature author Ms. Ji Eun Kim finally selected the following 10 titles.
1
Dong Soo Kim 설빔(남자아이멋진옷/ 여자아이고운옷
[How I Caught a Cold]
Borim Press, 2008 • ISBN 978-89-433-0479-9 The book How I Caught a Cold is about childhood behavior. What does a flock of featherless ducks have to do with a little girl catching a cold? It all begins with a new down winter jacket. One day, she discovers a feather emerging from it. That night, she goes to sleep wondering about the feather and begins dreaming of featherless ducks who feel cold. The girl distributes the feathers from her jacket. Finally, all the ducks feel warm but the girl doesn’t. This book displays a child’s imagination and love of animals.
2
무엇보다 이 책의 그림은 대단히 정답다. 마치 수업시간 에 딴 짓하며 쓴 낙서 같은 책 표지는 손때까지 덕지덕 지 묻어 있어서인지 연필심 냄새가 나는 것만 같다. 책 표지를 넘기면 내복바람의 어린이가 깃털 바구니를 머 리에 이고 씽씽이를 타며 어디론가 달려가고 있다. 깃털 을 줄줄이 흘리는 모습이 꼭 무슨 짓을 하면 흔적을 남 기는 어린이의 행동을 보는 것만 같아 미소 짓게 된다. 감기에 걸린 현실과 오리를 염려하는 아이의 상상력이 결합되어 새로운 이야기를 도출해 낸 책이다. 어린이 의 순수하고 엉뚱한 면에 대해 생각해 볼 수 있는 계기 를 마련해 준다. 누구나 한 번은 걸려서 고생해 봤을 ‘감기’라는 소재를 일상적이지만 어린이 특유의 동물을 사랑하는 마음과 독특한 상상의 논리가 담겨져 있다는 점에서 특별한 인 상을 주는 그림책이다. 작가 김동수는 2009년 도쿄 국제 도서전에서 이 책을 소개하여 큰 호응을 얻은바 있다.
Jae Soo Ryu 십장생을찾아서 [Yellow Umbrella] Borim Press, 2007 • ISBN 978-89-433-0691-5 Like a sonata, this book is enjoyed with music instead of words. It is written without words. On the book readers will see the yellow umbrella that a student would hold on a rainy day. There is a harmony of colors and rhythm made by the yellow umbrella together with other colorful umbrellas. In the attached CD, there are 14 short pieces of piano music in accordance with the illustrations. This book has no text but it talks about the beauty of a rainy day. In 2002, the New York Times selected Yellow Umbrella as the ‘Book of the Year’.
비가 오는 풍경을 위에서 아래로 내려다보는 독특한 시 선처리가 눈길을 끄는 작품이다. 그림 속에서 경쾌하게 움직이는 우산들의 움직임은 비 오는 날의 생동감을 즐 기는 어린이들의 마음을 보여준다. 빗줄기를 그려 넣지 않았음에도 마치 빗방울이 떨어지는 것 같은 느낌을 주 는 수채화풍의 그림구성이 돋보인다. 또한 책에 함께 수록된 CD에 실린 음악은 ‘톡.톡.톡’ 빗줄기가 떨어지는 소리와 함께 빗속에서 책을 읽는 것 같은 기분을 불러 일으켜 준다. 비 오는 날의 정취와 내음을 담뿍 담아 감성을 깨우는 이 책은 그 예술성이 뛰어나다고 생각되어 추천하였다. 2002년 뉴욕타임즈에서 ‘올해의 우수 그림책’으로 선 정된바 있다.
the world through picture books • books from korea • 97
3
Hee Kyung Kim • Iwona Chmielewska, ill. 마음의 집 [A House of the Mind: MAUM] Changbi, 2010 • ISBN 978-89-364-5431-9 “A House of the Mind: Maum” invites readers into a philosophical dialogue with the self through three questions: “Where is the mind?” “What is the mind?” and “Who owns the mind?” Readers can learn how to understand and communicate with others through poetic texts and images. In addition to the self-reflective text by Kim Hee-kyung, Polish artist Iwona Chmielewska
이 책은 ‘마음’이라는 철학적 주제어를 누구나 알기 귀 운 ‘집’의 구조와 특성에 빗대어 나타낸 그림책이다. 나 의 마음과 다른 사람의 마음을 이해하고 소통하는 법 을 아름다운 시적 언어와 따뜻한 그림을 통해 배울 수 있다. 이책의 콜라주 기법은 하나의 기억에 새로운 생각이 덧 대어지면서 점점 커지는 우리의 마음을 인상적으로 설 명해주는 표현방식이다. 2010년 볼로냐 국제아동도서 전에서 라가치상 노픽션 부분 대상을 수상하였다.
illustrated the work with abstract geometric forms and movable images. This book won the Bologna Ragazzi Award for non-fiction in 2010. The critics praised the work for being like “a short elegant poem,” and imbued with a “vision of the world.”
4
Yoon Duck Kwon 만희네 집 [Man-Hui’s Home] Gilbut, 1995 • ISBN 978-89-86621-10-X This book shows that ‘home’ is not simply the place you live but a place connected to your history, heritage, friends, family and memories. Man Hui’s family lived in a small town house and then moved to his grandparents’ house where they have many rooms, a spacious backyard and three dogs. He finds a lot of enjoyment in living together as an extended family. Readers can have a better understanding of the daily life of a Korean family in the 20th century. Though we
집을 보면 그 곳에 사는 사람이 보인다. 집은 거처 가는 곳이 아닌 머무르는 곳, 가구는 곳, 이 야기가 있는 곳이라는 것을 그림이 말해준다. 이 책에서 보여주는 만희네 집은 살기에는 조금 불편해 보이지만 사람살이 냄새가 나는 사람 중심의 집이다. 이 곳에서 할아버지, 할머니의 사랑을 받으며 마음껏 뛰어 놀던 만희는 지금쯤…. 그 곳에서 아이를 키우며 아이와 함께 집을 가꾸어가는 사랑 가득한 아빠가 되었을 것이다. 20세기 한국 도시 가정의 전형적인 모습을 보여주는 섬세하고 따뜻한 그림이 돋보인다.
may take home for granted, readers will realize the most essential embodiment of life is ‘home’.
5
Hyun Ju Bae 설빔 [New Clothes for New Year’s Day] Sakyejul, 2006 • ISBN 978-89-5828-139-1 This story demonstrates how important Lunar New Year’s day is in the Korean culture. It takes you through the experience of wearing traditional Korean clothes called “Hanbok”, a glorious costume complete with embroidered socks, rainbow-striped jacket and a crimson skirt, a warm furry vest, embroidered shoes, lucky charm, red and gold hair ribbons, bag and black satin hat for New Year’s Day. The reader can sense how excited the little girl is to have
설은 새 해를 맞는 첫 날로 한국에서는 아주 큰 명절 중 하나이다. 설빔은 이 날 입는 새 옷으로 집안의 여자들 이 온 가족의 행복과 건강을 비며 전통적인 방식에 따 라 한 땀 한 땀 바느질로 떠가며 만든다. 한국이 새해 첫날은 추운 겨울이다. 눈도 내려 찬 기운 이 알싸한 설날 아침 아이들은 정해진 순서에 따라 한 복을 입으며 오랫동안 전해 내려온 가족의 문화와 사 랑을 배운다. 영어, 일본어, 프랑스어로 판권이 수출되었고, 작가 배 현주는 제27회 한국어린이도서상 일러스트레이션 부 문 상을 수상했습니다
new clothes for New Year’s day. There are many wonderful cultural details throughout the book. The details are beautifully drawn and the text flows smoothly.
the world through picture books • books from korea • 98
6
Hyang Rang Choi 십장생을 찾아서 [Looking for the Ten Symbols of Longevity] Changbi, 2007 • ISBN 978-89-364-5414-5 A young girl spent a lot of time together with her grandfather. One day, he became very ill and was hospitalized. As the girl prays for his good health, she begins her journey to collect 10 symbols of longevity which include the sun, mountains, water, rocks, pine trees, clouds, magical mushroom, tortoise, white crane, and deer. These symbols are well demonstrated through illustrations featuring Korean traditional furniture and colors. In particular, it is interesting to see
설은 새 해를 맞는 첫 날로 한국에서는 아주 큰 명절 중 하나이다. 설빔은 이 날 입는 새 옷으로 집안의 여자들 이 온 가족의 행복과 건강을 비며 전통적인 방식에 따 라 한 땀 한 땀 바느질로 떠가며 만든다. 한국이 새해 첫날은 추운 겨울이다. 눈도 내려 찬 기운 이 알싸한 설날 아침 아이들은 정해진 순서에 따라 한 복을 입으며 오랫동안 전해 내려온 가족의 문화와 사 랑을 배운다. 영어, 일본어, 프랑스어로 판권이 수출되었고, 작가 배 현주는 제27회 한국어린이도서상 일러스트레이션 부 문 상을 수상했습니다
each symbol shown using different subjects like fabrics, paintings, chest inlaid with mother of pearl, embroidery, quilting and so on.
7
Young Kyung Lee 아씨방 일곱 동무 [The Seven Friends in a Lady’s Chamber] BIR, 1998 • ISBN 978-89-491-0020-7 The setting of this story is a Lady’s Chamber where a young woman sews clothes. The Lady has seven friends for her needlework: Ruler, Scissors, Needle, Thread, Thimble, Small iron with a long handle, and Iron. When the lady dozes off one day, the seven friends argue about who is the best part of sewing. Later, they all realize that all of them make sewing possible and they cannot carry out the needlework without the help of friends. Readers can realize that
한국 옛 여인의 방에서 만날 수 있는 아기자기한 바느 질 도구를 주인공으로 삼아 세상 모든 존재의 가치와 중요성을 표현한 그림책이다. 아씨방의 바느질 도구인 자, 바늘, 실, 골무,가위, 인두, 다리미를 의인화하여 아씨의 오랜 친구를 표현하고 있 다. 이 일곱 친구들이 입고 있는 한복은 한국 전통이 아 름다운 선과 색의 아름다움을 전해준다. 본문 첫 페이지 아씨의 방안에 걸린 족자 그림은 조선 시대 풍속화가 신윤복의 미인도 그림으로 한국의 대표 적인 문화재이다. 한국의 생활모습을 살펴보면서 이야 기의 재미도 느낄 수 있는 책이다.
everything existing has its own value and better understand a Korean woman’s daily life and traditional clothes of Hanbok.
8
Tae Joon Lee • Dong Sung Kim, ill. 엄마 마중 [Waiting for Mama] Hangilsa, 2004 • ISBN 978-89-356-5712-3 A little boy is waiting for his mama on the streetcar platform. As each streetcar arrives with passengers, he asks the driver if his mama is coming. Finally, one driver warns the boy he will get hurt if he stands so close to the streetcar and tells him to stand still until his mama comes. Time passes, the wind blows and snow falls as the child waits patiently without moving until his mother arrives. The muted watercolors capture people and scenery as they might have appeared in Seoul in 1938. A perfect union of text and illustration tells a simple but moving story.
이 책에서는 엄마를 기다리는 아이의 간절한 마음이 추 워서 코가 새빨개진 아이의 모습으로 잘 표현되었다. 따뜻한 모자를 쓴 노란 소년의 캐릭터는 1900년대 초 반 서울에서 만날 수 있었던 친근한 보통아이의 모습 이다. 어린 아이의 눈으로 바라본 세상은 커다란 기차와 말없 는 나무처럼 무심하고 냉정하다. 어두워지는 하늘에 눈까지 내려 아이는 두려움을 느 끼지만 한 전차 차장의 다정한 도움말에서 용기를 얻 는다. 20세게 초 근대화의 초입에서 바쁘고 어렵게 살아가는 한국 서민들의 모습과 콧날 시큰한 어린 아이와 엄마의 사랑이 아름답게 묘사된 작품이다.
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9
Suzy Lee 파도야 놀자
[Wave]
BIR, 2009 • ISBN 978-89-491-1205-3 This wordless picture book perfectly captures a child’s day at the beach. Followed by a flock of seagulls, a girl runs delightedly to where waves break on the shore. Loosely rendered charcoal and acrylic images curl and flow like water and reflect playfulness, especially in the facial and bodily expressions of the child and seagulls. The use of blue in an otherwise graytoned world calls attention to the ocean, which rivals the girl as a main character in this story.
그림책과 놀이의 만남이 무엇인지 잘 보여주는 그림 책이다. 2~3가지의 컬러만 사용하며 배경을 과감히 생략한 그 림음 독자들이 등장하는 아이와 파도에 집중하게 한다. 아이와 파도의 밀고 당기는 게임은 어린이가 바다를 보 고 느끼는 감정을 솔직하게 드러내는 명장면이다. 화면 가득하게 그려진 아이의 표정에서는 물놀이에서 오는 즐거움이 충분히 전해진다. 이수지 작가는 ‘그림자 놀이’ ‘거울 속으로’ 등의 거울 3부작이라 불리는 작품을 통해 아이들의 생활 속 상상 놀이를 다양하게 그려내고 있다.
The New York Times selected Wave as one of ten best illustrated children’s books in 2008.
10
Dae In Cho • Sook Hee Choi 팥죽 할머니와 호랑이 [The Red Been Porridge Granny and the Tiger] Borim Press, 1997 • ISBN 978-89-433-0259-2 One day, a tiger appears before a granny and it tries to eat her. She begs the tiger to make him one bowl of red bean porridge before she dies. The old woman makes a big pot of red bean porridge and cries in front of it fearing her death. At night, the tiger comes back, and the small and weak objects like an egg, straw mat, turtle and gimlet join together to fight off the tiger. Readers are overjoyed when the scary tiger is beaten by small objects. The moral of the story is that those who are bad are punished one way or another.
한국의 옛이야기 ‘팥죽 할머니와 호랑이’는 위기에 처 한 할머니를 구하는 사회적 약자들의 단결에 대한 것 이다. 힘 없고 약한 존재들이 자신이 가장 잘 하는 것을 내세 워 호랑이를 물리치는 이야기가 바른 호흡으로 전개되 어 재미를 더한다. 이야기를 읽는 어린이들도 자신들이 할 수 있는 작은 실천에 대한 자신감을 얻을 수 있다. 한국은 오천 년의 역사를 지니고 있다. 수 많은 침략과 전쟁이 있었지만 꿋꿋하게 나라를 지켜 왔다. 그 원동력은 이야기 속 개똥, 알밤 같은 보통 사 람들이 힘을 합해서 위기를 극복해왔기 때문이다. 팥죽, 자라, 지게, 멍석, 절구 등 한국의 전통 생활 문화 를 느길 수 있는 이미지가 가득한 책이기도 하다.
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Books from
Contact: Hala Bizri– [email protected] Michèle Abi Raad – [email protected]
Lebanon This list is built on the investigations made by Maha Alwan* in public libraries in Lebanon. Forms were sent to one hundred public libraries in all parts of Lebanon and responses were received from 30 libraries. The result, based on the project’s criteria for selection, reflects the preferences of readers. Sadly Maha Alwan has since died after an accident. We honour her memory, her enthusiasm and her commitment to children and their books, through this list. Her colleagues Hala Bizri and Michèle Abi Raad have accepted to become coordinators of this project for Lebanon.
1
Samar Mahfuz • Baraj Lena Merhej, ill.
‫مل اكن اقصد‬
Lam akoun aqsid [It was not my intention]
Assala, 2007 • ISBN 9953470065
‫قصة فتاة ترتكب اهلفوة تلو األخرى مما يتسبب هلا‬ ‫ تتعمل يف لك مرة من أخطاهئا لكن‬.‫بعض العواقب‬ ‫ يف آخر‬،‫البصيص الذي يف عينهيا جيعلنا نفرتض‬ ...‫ أن مثة هفوات أخرى تفكر بارتاكهبا‬،‫القصة‬
The story of a girl who does stupid things that carry consequences. But each time she learns from her own mistakes. A glimmer in her eyes is reminiscent at the end of this album that she thinks about another stupid thing...
2
Amal Ayoub • Frayji Michèle Standjofski, ill.
‫آخ رجيل‬
Akh rijli [Ouch my leg]
Dar al-ilm Lilmalayin, 2006 • ISBN 9953633762 Jad, a young boy keeps moving, but one day he falls and breaks his leg. A story that softens the pain of children’s everyday life.
3
.‫ساقه‬ ‫ دامئ احلركة يقع يو ًما ويكرس‬،‫ صيب صغري‬،‫جاد‬ ‫إهنا قصة ختفف من وطأة آالم احلياة اليومية لدى‬ .‫األطفال‬
Fatima Charaf Al-Din • Hiba Farran, ill. ‫ نورا وقصهتا‬Nura wa qissatouha [Nora and her History] Assala, 2008 • ISBN 9789953488578
Illustrations that are full of details, and a beautiful calligraphy, recount the life of the ant Noura. A fable about the life of ants which reflects the formative experience of Noura. After saving her friends and family from a terrible flood she regains confidence in herself and returns to her family.
‫تشلك الرسوم التوضيحية اليت تزخر بالتفاصيل‬ ‫باإلضافة إىل اخلط الفين امجليل إطا ًرا لقصة حياة‬ ‫ فهي بعد إنقاذ اصدقاءها وأهلها من‬.‫“نورا” المنلة‬ ‫ تكتسب ثقة بنفهسا فتقهم أن ماكهنا هو‬،‫طوفان خطري‬ .‫بني أهلها‬ ‫حاكية عن حياة المنل وعن ماكنة لك فرد ودوره يف‬ .‫جممتعه‬
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4
Nadine R.L. Touma • Lana Khayat, ill.
‫القمر والوروار‬
Al-Qamar wa-l-wirwar [The Moon and the bird]
Dar Onboz, 2006 • ISBN 9953465037 The moon and the bird are close friends, they eat and play together all day long. A rhythmic lullaby introduces the reader into a gentle drowsiness. A CD accompanies the book.
5
Rania Saghir • Samar Ziadeh, ill. ‫ العمالق العمالق‬Al-imlaq el imlaq [The great giant] Turning point, 2005 • ISBN 9953000204
A child feels his “big” hands, his “big” feet, his “big” eyes. Beside his mother he discovers his real size.
6
‫ رجاله الكبريتان‬،‫صيب صغري يتحسس يداه الكبريتان‬ ...‫وعيناه الكبريتان‬ .‫يكتشف جحمه احلقييق عندما يكون إىل جانب أمه‬
Caroline Hemadeh
‫يامسينة والمسكة‬
Yasmina wa essamaka [Yasmina and the fish]
Assala, 2007 • ISBN 9953470804 A part of learning Arabic language series. The letter and the sound ”S“ are often repeated throughout the text.
7
‫ يألكان ويلعبان م ًعا طيلة‬.‫القمر والوروار أع ّز األصدقاء‬ .‫اليوم‬ ‫عد ّية مقفاة لألطفال الصغار تدخلهم هبدوء إىل عامل‬ .‫النعاس‬ .‫قرص مدجم يرافق الكتاب‬
.‫هذا الكتاب هو جزء من سلسلة تعمل اللغة العربية‬ ‫يتعرف القارئ عىل حرف السني “س” من خالل تكراره‬ .‫يف أغلب لكامت النص‬
Samah Idriss • Yasmin Nachabeh Taan, ill.
‫قصة الكوىس‬
Qissat el-Koussa [The History of zucchini]
Dar al-adab li-sighar, n.d. • no ISBN Oussama does not like zucchini, but his mom invented a trick to make him eat more zucchini. A book that breaks the taboo of using colloquial Arabic in children’s book. Illustrations are innovative and feature rich details.
‫ إبتكرت أمه حيلة جتعله يألك‬.‫أسامة ال حيب الكوىس‬ .‫البعض مهنا مث املزيد‬ ‫سامه هذا الكتاب يف كرس احمل ّرمات من خالل‬ ‫إستخدام لغة قريبة من العامية العربية يف كتب‬ ‫ الرسوم التوضيحية مبتكرة وتمتزي بوفرة‬.‫لألطفال‬ .‫التفاصيل‬
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8
Rania Zaghir • Racelle Ishak, ill.
‫من حلس قرن البوظة؟‬
Man lahassa qarn al-bouza? [Who ate my ice cream ?] Khayyat saghir, 2009 • ISBN 9789953013473 This witty girl must make a decision. She is wondering about the best way to enjoy her icecream cone without getting her clothes dirty. Imaginary creatures, reflecting her thoughts and fears, suggest different solutions. By the end, the smart girl learns her lesson: the best way to enjoy your ice-cream is your own way. This “refreshing” picture book helps the young reader value his own instinct and trust his own decisions. It is available in many languages.
9
Nabiha Mhaidli • Hassan Zahreddine, ill.
‫احزر يا يارس‬
Ihzar ya Yasser [Can you guess, Yasser?]
Dar Al-Hadaek, 2008 • ISBN 9953496269 Yasser, the famous little hero of several picture books, has always found the solution to all of his grandfather’s riddles except for this one. He starts looking for a solution at home, in the garden, everywhere… till he finds it when he least expects it. The reader will find himself caught in this search until he finally finds, with Yasser, the solution.
10
‫ يه تتساءل‬.‫هذه الفتاة الصغرية علهيا أن تتخذ قرا ًرا‬ ‫عن أفضل وسيلة للحس قرن البوظة من دون أن‬ ‫ أفاكرها وهواجهسا جتسدت عىل شلك‬.‫تتسخ ثياهبا‬ .‫ خرافية لتقرتح علهيا حلولًا خمتلفة‬،‫خملوقات أسطورية‬ ‫تتعمل الفتاة الذكية يف آخر القصة أن أفضل طريقة‬ ‫للحس قرن البوظة يه الطريقة اليت ختتارها يه‬ .‫بنفهسا‬ ‫هذا الكتاب املنعش يساعد القارئ الصغري عىل تقيمي‬ ‫ ترمج هذا الكتاب إىل لغات‬.‫غرائزه والوثوق بقراراته‬ .‫متعددة‬
‫ اكن يف لك مرة جيد‬،‫ البطل الصغري املعروف‬،‫يارس‬ ‫ إىل أن‬،‫اجلواب الصحيح عىل أحايج جده بهسولة‬ ‫ بدأ يبحث عن احلل يف‬.‫أىت دور احلزورة الصعبة‬ ‫ريا يف‬ ً ‫ فوجده أخ‬...‫ يف لك ماكن‬،‫ يف احلديقة‬،‫البيت‬ .‫حلظة غري متوقعة‬ ‫جيد القارئ نفسه مأخوذًا يف رحلة البحث هذه حىت‬ .‫يصل مع بطل القصة إىل املاكن حيث يتضح لك يشء‬
Nabiha Mihaydli • Loujaina |Al Assil, ill.
‫غسان أيم يه املؤلف‬
Ghassan Ummi hiya el Mu allif [Ghassan, my mother, is the author] Dar al-hadaeq, 2006 • ISBN 9953464014 How to write a book? Ghassan’s mother is a writer, she tells him how to make books, from the idea until the printing. In class, Ghassan is very proud of his mother who wrote the book chosen by the teacher.
‫ ترشح لولدها‬، ‫كيف تؤلف كتا ًبا؟ أم غسان مؤلفة‬ ‫كيف يصنع كت ًبا بد ًءا من الفكرة األساسية وصولاً إىل‬ ‫ يفخر غسان بأمه اليت ألفت الكتاب‬،‫ يف ص ّفه‬.‫الطباعة‬ .‫الذي أختارته املعملة‬
* Maha Alwa (1962-2012) was the founder and Director of Mtein Library and a member of the Standing Committee of IFLA Section Libraries for Children and Young Adults.
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Books from
Contact: Reyna Josvah Rubiaza [email protected]
Madagascar Each book on the list from Madagascar was chosen for a slightly different reason. These reasons are included as part of the review of each book.
1
Razanadriaka Vololomampisa Lalao Elina • Rivo Randremba, ill. I Tita sy ny boky [Tita and her book] Tsipika, 2009 • ISBN 978 2 912290 96 0 Tita is a young girl of 3 years old. She does not
Tita dia tovovavy kely 2 taona. Tsy mbola mahay
yet know to read. But she already likes to look
manoratra izy kanefa efa tia mijery ireo boky natokana
at books for her age. Finally, she can write
ho an’ny ankizy mitovy taona azy. Taty aoriana, mahay
and read books. Tita encourages her friends
mamaky teny sy manoratra i Tita. Mamporisika ireo
to read because it helps everybody to develop.
namany izy hamaky boky satria manampy ny tsirairay
Her ambition when she will be an adult is to
hivelatra izany. Ny faniriany rehefa lehibe dia ny
print books for young children. This book was
hanonta boky ho an’ny ankizy kely.
chosen for the quality of its images and the story itself and especially as promoting reading is one of IFLA’s aims. It provides an opportunity to encourage young children to continue to read, especially for undeveloped countries like Madagascar.
2
Esther R. Randriamamonjy • Rainivato Rakotomalala, ill. I Trimobe sy Fara, vadiny [Trimobe and Fara, his wife] Trano, 2009 Trimobe is Fara’s husband. Fara is a young pretty
Trimobe no vadin’i Fara izay tovovavy mbola tanora
girl who serves her husband well. But Trimobe
sy tsara tarehy. Manompo tanteraka ny vadiny izy.
is not only a bad and ugly husband, but he is
Saingy, i Trimobe dia sady ratsy tarehy no ratsy
very greedy. He always asks for something to
toetra. Fanampin’izay, mbola tenda-kanina koa izy.
eat. He has finished poultry, pig and duck, but he
Tsy mitsahatra ny manontany sakafo hohanina foana
is never satisfied. Finally, Fara has an idea to get
i Trimobe. Notamperiny nohanina daholo ny vorona
rid of her husband...
sy ny kisoa tao antrano. Farany moa dia nitady hevitra
This book was chosen because it is one of the
i Fara hialàna aminy….
famous tales parents often tell to children. Most Malagasy young people know this story. We wish to share it with other children around the world and to show that we have similar little stories. The book shows Malagasy culture and fashion.
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3
4
Cryber Mananto, Razanadriaka Lalao-Elina • Rivo Randremba, ill. Ikelimahiratra [The little intelligent boy] Tsipika, 2009 • ISBN 978 2 912290 97 7 This book is about a very cute and intelligent
Zazalahy kely maranitra sy kinga saina i Ikelimahiratra.
young boy. The King does not believe in the
Saingy, tsy mino zany fahaizany sy hakingantsainy
boys’ intelligence, so he asks him to achieve
izany ny Mpanjaka. Indray andro ary, te hitsapa ny
the unachievable like laying an egg. The boy
fahaizan’Ikelimahiratra ny Mpanjaka. Hafetsena anefa
shows the King, that it is never possible to
no nampiasain’ity zazalahy kely. Nasainy nanafina
achieve the unachievable. This book was also
atody tany anaty lambany avy ireto lehilahy lehibe
chosen because it is one of the famous tales
telo. Dia mody atao hoe “mahalatsaka atody toy ny
parents often tell children, and most Malagasy
reniakoho izy ireo!”, izay zavatra tsy ho tanteraka
young people know it.
mihitsy eo amin’ny olombelona.
Alison Jolly, Hantanirina Rasamimanana • Deborah Ross, Mélanie Mcelduff, ill. Tsambiky. Ilay Sifaka Fotsy [Bounce the White Sifaka] Durell Wildlife Conservation Trust, 2009 • ISBN 978 0 955903 4 1 The Sifaka, or the white lemur, likes to bounce.
Anisan’ny gidro lehibe sy mahatalanjona indrindra ny
And it is very funny and wonderful to look at
sifaka, milanja 5 hatramin’ny 8 kilao. Misy karazany
him bouncing to the forest. Lemurs have a
maro ny sifaka arakaraky ny ala misy azy: ao ny jobo,
particular voice to talk to each other. Madagascar
ao ny mivolom-bitsika misy hetra fotsy, ao ny mainty
is known by its biodiversity. The “Great Island”
lamosina sahala amin’ny harina fa ny sandry sy ny
(the third biggest island in the world) is especially
ranjo kosa mivolom-boasary. Manana feo mampiavaka
represented by lemurs. Sifaka is one of the
azy ny andiana sifaka rehefa hiresaka miaraka, ary feo
biggest and most spectacular lemurs. This book
hafa rehefa mikiaka.
can show other young children around the world how lemurs live in the forest..
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Razanadriaka V. Lalao-Elina • Magnolia Buisson, Patricia Ramahandry, ill. Ikelimahihitsy tao Ambohitsoa [Ikelimahitsy at Ambohitsoa] Tsipika, 2010 • ISBN 978 2 912290 98 4 The village where the two children lived was
Tsara mahafinaritra ny tanàna nipetrahan’i Lema,
a beautiful village. All people who passed there
zazalahy kely 9 taona, sy Ikelimahitsy, namany, 7
called it “Ambohitsoa”, city of happiness. This
taona. Ambohitsoa, tanànan’ny fahasambarana no
village was situated in the suburbs of the city.
hiantsoan’ny olona mandalo eo ny tanàna misy azy
One day, when the children were playing, a little
ireo. Somary mihataka kely ny renivohitra no misy
car passed from the North…
an’Ambohitsoa. Indray andro, nisy fiara avy any
This book was chosen because it tells stories set
avaratra nandalo ny tanàna…
in one of Malagasy landscapes where we can see the endemic plant Ravinala, also representing the “Great Island”. This book is illustrated by watercolor paintings.
the world through picture books • books from madagascar • 105
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Lucie Razafintsalama Rabenjamina • Honoré Benjamin Andrianifahanana, ill. Angano! Angano! Contes et Légendes de Madagascar [Tales and legends of Madagascar] Tsipika, 2010 • ISBN 978 2 36076 004 6
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Madagascar has its own tales and legends.
Maro ireo ANGANO navelan’ny razan’ny
In this book, the author has especially chosen
Malagasy. Lalina ny hefitra fonosin’izy ireny fa
tales about nature and animals. The tales in
sady hampihomehy sy hahavariana no hananarana
this book recount and perpetuate the history,
koa. Nofidiana ireo angano tsotsotra antonona ny
beliefs and customs of the Malagasy ancestors.
ankizy. Nangonina avy amin’ny lafy valon’ny Nosy izy
They contain profound ideas, to entertain and
ireo. Manana ny toerany lehibe eo amin’ny angano
captivate and show Malagasy morality and
Malagasy ny olombelona, ny masoandro, ny volana, ny
values. This book is nowadays in Malagasy and
kintana, ny rahona ; ary koa ireo karazana biby maro
French languages.
tahaka ny sahona, voalavo, omby, lambo voay…
Esther R. Randriamamonjy • Rainivato Rakotomalala, ill. Te hianatra I Bota sy Kinga [Bota and Kinga want to go to school] FLM, 2010 • ISBN 978 2 36076 004 6 Kinga and Bota are Mamy’s cat and dog.
Kinga sy Bota dia saka sy alikan’i Mamy, zazavavy kely
Mamy is a little girl of 7 years old. She goes
vao 7 taona monja. Rehefa mandeha any antsekoly i
to school and her animals envy her and want
Mamy dia te hanaraka azy ireo bibiny ireo. Mitantara
to follow her to school. The book tells Bota
araka izany famisavisan’i Bota sy Kinga ny mety ho
and Kinga’s journey in imagining what school,
fiaianany any antsekoly: tahaka ny ahoana izany
reading, listening and learning good manners
mamaky teny sy manoratra izany, ary mianatra ireo
in life is like. (Kinga means “quick”, and Bota
fomba tsara eo amin’ny fiaraha-monina.
“large”) The author published many books like this for young Malagasy children. These books are simple to read and to be understood and deserve to be included in this list from Madagascar.
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Marie Michèle Rakotoanosy • Soimanga, ill. Maria. Vakansy any Alaotra [Marie and her holidays in Alaotra] Jeunes Malgaches, 2005 Maria is a girl who has a different childhood
I Maria dia vavimatoa ary manana zandry efatra,
because she does not live with her parents.
vavy telo ary lahy iray. Any Antananarivo any amin’ny
She has to study in town. However, when the
rahavavin-dreniny i Maria sy ny zandriny vaviaivo
school year ends in June, she returns to her
Domoina no mipetraka mandritra ny taom-pianarana.
parents for her holidays. Many young Malagasy
Rehefa andro fialan-tsasatra vao mody any amin’ny
people study in town. Most of Malagasy localities
ray aman-dreniny. Faly ery izy mirahavavy fa tapitra
or regions have still a lack of infrastructure.
ny taom-pianarana ka handeha hiala sasatra any
So parents have to send their children to study in
Alaotra, toerana hipetrahan’ireo Ray aman-dreniny,
town. The book shows the difference of the two
izay toerana mamokatra vary be indrindra eto
ways of living, in town and in the countryside.
Madagasikara.
the world through picture books • books from madagascar • 106
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Joseph Betalata • Patou, ill. Lasa mpiandry omby i direktera Tsipika Editions & Dika Printy, 2002 • ISBN 978 2 36076 000 8 This book (for junior children) tells the story of
Tao amin’ny sekoly iray Analanjozoro no niasa i
a bird called Vorompotsy (white bird) who is the
Vorompotsy. Izy no Direktera tao. Ao amin’io sekoly
director of a primary school. One of the students
io no mianatra ny zanak’i Ramalona atao hoe
is the frog, an intelligent student who practices
“Sahomailaka”. Anisan’ny zaza azo lazaina fa mba
French language whereas Vorompotsy teaches
mahiratriratra i Sahomailaka. Tena manavanana azy
in Malagasy. He is impatient to teach…
ny miteny frantsay. Saingy tsy manampaharetana
The zebu is part of Malagasy culture. It is in our
I Vorompotsy mampianatra manisa amin’ny teny
society and represents many things. This book
Malagasy an’i Sahomailaka ka niafara tamin’ny
shows also that Malagasy society opens to other
fikapohana azy izany.
cultures, for instance using foreign language and transforming it in Malagasy (like “Direktera” which comes from “Directeur” in French.
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Geneviève Ramakavelo • Nicolas Randrianarisoa, ill. Haja sy Hasina [Haja and Hasina] Megaprint, 2011 • ISBN 978 2 917367 25 4 This book tells Haja and Hasina‘s journey.
Mitantara ny fiainan’i Haja sy Hasina ny boky. Milalao
They play in the garden every morning.
eo anjaridaina matetika izy mianadahy kely ary niafara
But they finally spoil the flowers.
tamin’ny fanimbana ny voninkazo.
As Malagasy primary and secondary schools are bilingual (French and Malagasy), most of Malagasy authors try to print their book in those languages. This book shows not only how Haja and Hasina play in the garden, but is also a kind of guide for young children to learn about their general culture.
the world through picture books • books from madagascar • 107
Books from
Contact: Viviana Quiñones [email protected]
Mali
These books were chosen by librarians of the Children’s Library in the Centre National de la Lecture Publique – National Centre for Public Reading – in Bamako: Head children’s librarian Abdoulaye Doumbia, and the Director of the Centre, Siaka Coulibaly, and by Viviana Quiñones.
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Moussa Konaté • Aly Zoromé ill. La Fileuse [The Spinster] Le Figuier, 2003 • ISBN: 978-2-84258-081-0 Published in a series on traditional crafts,
Publié dans une collection consacrée aux métiers
together with The Potter, The Dyer, The Weaver,
traditionnels, avec La Potière, La Fileuse, La
The Miners of the desert, this large picture book
Tenturière, Le Tisserand, Les Mineurs du désert,
shows the spinster’s work. The reader follows
ce bel album montre le travail de la fileuse. Nous suivons
her different tasks, from the purchase of cotton
ses diverses taches depuis le moment où elle se rend
flowers in the market to the delivery of reels to
au marché pour acheter les fleurs de coton, jusqu’à
the weaver. Every successive task is clearly and
la remise au tisserand des bobines de fils. Les taches
simply depicted in a double-page illustration
successives sont clairement et simplement décrites par
and a short text describing tools and gestures
l’illustration en double page et un texte très simple en
in a colloquial manner.
cursive décrivant les outils, les gestes sur un ton familier.
Ina Keïta • Karim Diallo, ill. Des jambes pour Aliou [Legs for Aliou] Donniya, 2006 • ISBN 978-2-911741-41-8 What an adventure! Tidiane and Djénéba have
Quelle aventure ! Tidiane et Djénéba ont décidé de
decided to take care of Aliou, a disabled boy.
prendre en charge Aliou, un enfant handicapé. Une
Thanks to their support, Aliou can start attending
belle entreprise de solidarité qui mènera l’enfant sur
school. A very good story set in the city of Bamako,
le chemin de l’école, avec pour cadre Bamako, rendue
very well depicted in Karim Diallo’s full page
bien présente par les illustrations couleur pleine page
illustrations. Three other stories with the same
de Karim Diallo sur chaque page de gauche. Trois
characters in Les Aventures de Tidiane et Djénéba.
autres aventures avec les mêmes personnages dans Les Aventures de Tidiane et Djénéba.
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Modibo Sidibe • Svetlana Amegankpoé, ill. L’Epopée de Soundjata : d’après la tradition orale malinké [Sundiata Epic: from Malinke oral tradition] ISBN 978-2-911741-42-5 Sundiata Keita, founder of the Empire of Mali in
Soundjata Keïta, fondateur de l’Empire du Mali au XIIIe
the XIII century, is undoubtedly the most popular
siècle est sans doute le personnage historique le plus
historical figure of West Africa. In addition to its
populaire en Afrique de l’Ouest. Cette remarquable
introductory page and the essentials of the tale
édition malienne en album grand format présente le
itself, this remarkable Malian large picture book
grand intérêt, outre la page d’introduction historique
has the big advantage of being richly illustrated
et le récit même dans ses grands traits, d’être
by S. Amegankpoé, with great historical accuracy.
richement illustré par S. Amegankpoé avec un réel
By the same author and illustrator, the excellent
souci documentaire. Par le meme auteur et la meme
La Légende du Ouagadou-Bida.
illustratrice, l’excellent La Légende du Ouagadou-Bida.
the world through picture books • books from mali • 108
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Moussa Konaté, Aly Zoromé, ill. Tombouctou [Timbuktu] Le Figuier, 2006 • ISBN 978-2-84258-096-4 Tombouctou, as well as Djenné and Le Pays Dogon
Tombouctou, comme Djenné et Le Pays Dogon
published in the same series, make children
dans la même collection, propose aux jeunes enfants
discover, in an adapted, simple, attractive way,
une découverte adaptée, simple et séduisante de
cultures and places that UNESCO has included
ces cultures et de ces lieux classés par l’UNESCO au
in its World Heritage List. Tombouctou begins
patrimoine mondial de l’humanité.
with a map and historical information on this
Tombouctou démarre avec une carte et quelques
city of the desert, known all over the world since
rappels historiques sur cette cité du désert, connue
the 14th century. Illustration takes a large place;
du monde entier dès le xive siècle. Une place très
it is full of significant details that the simple text
abondante est donnée à l’illustration, pleine de détails
takes up, inviting the reader to watch and explain
significatifs repris par un texte très simple qui invite,
them. Architecture, crafts, feasts, drought… The
dans une démarche pédagogique directe, à observer
past and the present are linked naturally.
ce que dit l’image et à l’expliciter. Architecture, savoirfaire, fêtes, sécheresse... Passé et présent se relient tout naturellement.
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Isabelle Revol Cadou [Cadou] Donniya, 2009 • ISBN 978-99952-0-048-0 The beautiful yellow shades of the cover make
Un album que la couverture aux belles couleurs jaunes
one want to open this picture book. And one
donne aussitôt envie d’ouvrir. Et on n’est pas déçu.
is not disappointed. The illustration, pretty and
L’illustration, jolie et originale, avec sa technique
original, in collages of tissue and paper, tells in a
de collages, en tissu et papier, raconte, sous un air
childlike way the hard story that so many women
enfantin, une histoire dure qui est celle de tant de
live, in Africa and elsewhere. Cadou, an African
femmes en Afrique et ailleurs. Cadou, une mère
mother, leaves her children to work far away for
africaine, part travailler loin de ses enfants pendant
many years, so that the children can eat properly
de longues années pour qu’ils aient de quoi manger
and can go to school. Her suffering from being
et puissent aller à l’école. Sa souffrance d’être séparée
separated from them is constant, as is their
d’eux est constante, comme leur présence dans son
presence in her heart. Almost chanted, the text
coeur. Presque scandé, le texte va à l’essentiel et
goes to the essential and renders, at child level,
transmet, à hauteur d’enfant, avec pudeur, le ressenti
with restraint, Cadou’s heart-rending feelings.
déchirant de Cadou. Son sacrifice sera récompensé,
A great book.
dans une fin apaisante. Un grand livre.
Halima Hamdane • Isabelle Calin ill. Sarraounia, la reine magicienne du Niger [Sarraounia, Niger’s magician Queen] Cauris, 2004 • ISBN 978-2-914605-13-7 Told simply to young children, the life of the
A la portée des jeunes enfants, simplement racontée,
beautiful Sarraounia, born in present-day Niger
la vie de la belle Sarraounia née au Niger à la fin
at the end of 19th century. The daughter of a
du xixe siècle. Fille du roi d’une peuple d’origine
Haoussa king, she was soon initiated to magic
haoussa, très tôt initiée à la magie et au maniement
and to hunting and war weapons. She was
des armes de chasse et de guerre, elle est reconnue
recognized by her neighbour enemies as a
dans des conflits avec ses voisins comme une
formidable warrior, but she mostly distinguished
redoutable guerrière, mais surtout elle s’illustrera
herself in the resistance to the European
dans la résistance au conquérant européen. Une
conquerors. Good illustrations and some
belle illustration bien servie par la mise en page et
historical information complete this portrait of
quelques repères historiques complètent ce portrait
a great heroine of Niger. Published in the “Lucy”
d’une grande héroïne du Niger. Ce livre fait partie de
series of biographies of Black outstanding figures.
la collection « Lucy » de biographies de personnages du monde noir.
the world through picture books • books from mali • 109
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Marlène Anna Amegankpoé • Svetlana Amegankpoé, ill. Petit Poussin veut… grandir [Little Chicken wants… to grow up] Donniya, 2009 • ISBN 99952-0-054-6 A picture book on an universal question: every
Cet album nous offre l’histoire d’un problème universel :
child’s wish to grow up and surpass his father
le désir que tout enfant nourrit de devenir grand sur
or his mother. This is Little Chick’s wish. He’ll
le champ et de surpasser son père ou sa mère. C’est
have to endure some setbacks before learning
aussi le souhait de Petit Poussin. Il lui faudra essuyer
patience and finding himself, one day, almost as
quelques déconvenues avant d’apprendre la patience
beautiful as his father. Svetlana Amegankpoé’s
pour se découvrir enfin, le jour venu, presque aussi
humoristic drawings show a terribly expressive
beau que son coq de père. Le dessin humoristique
chicken – curious, tender, ridiculous, sad or
de Svetlana Amegankpoé nous offre un poussin
impatient. Images are as colourful as a backyard
terriblement expressif – tour à tour curieux, tendre,
poultry, as joyous and lively as the story.
ridicule, triste ou impatient. Le dessin est coloré, à l’image de la basse-cour, gai et enlevé, comme cette histoire.
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Ousmane Diarra • Massaré Tounkara, ill. La Princesse capricieuse [The Capricious Princess] Balani’s, 2006 A version of the well-known story of the girl
Une version du conte bien connu de la jeune fille
who puts an impossible condition on her
qui met une condition impossible à son mariage.
marriage. This time, it is because she likes
Cette fois-ci, parce qu’elle aime trop l’argent et veut
money too much and wishes to get rich thanks
s’enrichir sur le dos des prétendants… L’être qu’elle
to her suitors… The man she marries is in fact
épouse finalement se révèle être un python, et
a python, but with the help of her sister who
ce n’est qu’avec l’aide de sa petite sœur qui a des
has witch powers she escapes her husband and
pouvoirs de sorcière qu’elle échappera à son mari
goes back home. The text by Ousmane Diarra,
et retournera chez elle. Le texte d’Ousmane Diarra,
writer and storyteller, flows nicely; expressive,
écrivain et conteur, coule avec la fluidité de sa parole ;
colourful illustrations are as lively as the text.
les illustrations expressives, colorées, soulignent la
The story is told in French and in Bambara in
vivacité du texte. Le texte est raconté en français
the accompanying audio cassette.
et en bambara dans une cassette audio.
Moulaye et Zakaria Traoré • Nafogo Coulibaly, ill. • Ismaïla Samba Traoré, adapt. Nabi mon frère La Sahélienne, 2010 • ISBN 978-99952-54-14-8 The protective and affectionate relationship
La relation protectrice et affectueuse d’un garçonnet
between a young boy and his toddler brother.
envers un petit frère qui tient tout juste sur ses
A brief, simple text; illustration – somewhat
jambes. Un texte court, simple ; des illustrations dont
clumsy and naïve, but with a certain charm –
la maladresse et la naïveté ne sont pas dénuées d’un
stages the two boys in a relationship of play and
charme particulier, met en scène les deux enfants dans
laughter but also of “education” that works well
une relation de jeu, de rire, mais aussi d’ « éducation »,
beyond language. And to grow up, nothing better
qui passe bien au-delà du langage. Et pour grandir,
than good stories… The Father is kindly asked to
quoi de mieux que de belles histoires à écouter ? Le père
bring back, from Bamako market…picture books!
est ainsi gentiment sommé, lorsqu’il ira au marché
Links between children are finely depicted, and
de Bamako, de rapporter des livres avec des images !
the message is touching and lively. Some small
Une juste observation en finesse des liens entre
punctuation and orthographic problems are to
enfants et un message touchant et plein de vitalité.
be regretted.
Dommage pour les petits problèmes de ponctuation et d’orthographe...
All book reviews are adapted from those published in the journal Takam Tikou, http://takamtikou.bnf.fr
the world through picture books • books from mali • 110
Books from
Contact : Anny Désiré [email protected]
Martinique (France)
This selection was made by librarians working at the “Bibliothèque départementale de prêt” of Martinique and at the Public Library in the town of Le Lamentin, with the aim of showcasing quality books for children, about their environment. This choice highlights several aspects of this French island in the Caribbean, where about twenty authors write for children. Some of them specialize in literature for young people, others write for a wider audience. Books for babies and toddlers are very rare in the Martinique publishing landscape. Authors and illustrators chosen here are Martinicans living on the island or elsewhere. There are few publishers in Martinique, therefore many authors are published out of the island (in Reunion Island or in Paris, for example). Children’s book publishing is quite recent in Martinique. It is a small island and the sales opportunities are narrow: this explains why only a small number of books are published per year. The first to create picture books in Martinique were teachers. Faced with the lack of books set in the children’s own environment, they had to create their own pedagogical material themselves. They wanted to offer children reading material about local traditions, about the fauna and flora. Over the years a collection of picture books for children, closely related to their daily life has built up. Thanks to this, children can now read about their customs, for example celebrating Christmas in a landscape with no snow, as in Le Noël de Rosie [Rosie’s Christmas], or they can explore Martinique’s various eco-systems, as in Petit Manicou [Little Manicou].
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Ina Césaire • Isabelle Malmezat, ill. Ti-Jean des villes [Town Ti-Jean] Dapper, 2005 • ISBN 2915258112 Variations on a legendary Caribbean hero, these
Variations sur un héros légendaire des Caraïbes,
adventures tell how Ti-Jean, a boy who wanted
ces tribulations de Ti-Jean racontent comment un
to conquer the world for his mother, faces
garçon, parti conquérir le vaste monde pour sa mère,
despotism before liberating his people. Rooted
est confronté au despotisme avant de devenir un
in traditional Martinique, the story condemns
héros libérateur. Ancrées dans une Martinique de
oppressive tyrannies which support slavery and
tradition, ces aventures se veulent une condamnation
pays tribute to freedom. The style of Ina Cesaire’s
des tyrannies esclavagistes et oppressantes et un
(the daughter of Aimé Césaire) follows the
hommage à la liberté. L’écriture d’Ina Césaire, fille
pattern of the tale and is very concise. Dynamic
d’Aimé Césaire, se conforme au schéma du conte dans
and original illustrations strongly echo the text
un style très ramassé. La force des illustrations vient en
and enhance the story with fabrics and papers
heureux contrepoint rythmer le récit et rehausser, avec
set inside ochre or turquoise backgrounds drawn
originalité, l’imagerie du conte, par des incrustations de
in pastel. The book is accompanied by a bilingual
tissus et de papiers, sur fond de camaïeux d’ocre et de
French – Creole CD. The oral and musical
turquoise au pastel. Le livre est accompagné d’un CD
storytelling of the text on the CD is classic.
bilingue français-créole, qui offre un “dit” du texte avec un habillage musical conventionnel.
the world through picture books • books from martinique • 111
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Sandy Fiol Le Grand voyage de Petit Manicou [Little Manicou’s great journey] Orphie, 2005 • ISBN 2877633098 Little Manicou (a small marsupial) is getting
Poussé par l’ennui et par son envie de voir la mer,
bored by everyday life and wants to see the sea,
Petit Manicou (un petit marsupial) décide de quitter
so he decides to leave his family and to venture
sa famille pour partir à l’aventure. Bouleversant son
away. This upsets his nocturnal rhythm and way
rythme nocturne et ses habitudes, il découvre la
of life as he discovers daylight, threatening cars,
vie diurne, la menace des voitures, la mangrove, les
the mangrove, the animals of the island, and,
animaux de l’île, et, enfin, la mer… avec ses coups de
last but not least, the sea… which also means
soleil, son eau trop salée, et ses châteaux de sable
sunburn, too much salted water and difficult
pas si simples à construire. Cette histoire classique
sand castles. This classic story deals with freedom
d’une émancipation qui permet à l’enfant de réaffirmer
and love for one’s family. It is well told and offers
son amour pour les siens est bien menée et donne
nice and numerous pictures. At the end, non-
une belle place aux images. À la fin, un complément
fiction pages give information about the rich
documentaire sur les richesses de l’écosystème invite
eco-system and invites the reader to look back
le lecteur à se plonger une nouvelle fois dans les
at the pictures in order to discover new aspects.
images pour y découvrir de nouveaux éléments.
Henri-Laurent Gusto Les Noces de Monsieur Anoli [The Wedding of Mister Anoli] Orphie, 2010 • ISBN 9782877635592 This picture book presents Henri-Laurent
Henri-Laurent Gusto donne, dans cet album,
Gusto’s version of the origin of the West Indian
sa version de l’origine de la très célèbre comptine
very famous nursery rhyme “Zandoli mandé
antillaise : « Zandoli mandé mayé, Mabouya dit non… ».
mayé, Mabouya dit non…”. Blézando and his
Blézando et son copain Jolikeur, deux beaux anolis
friend Jolikeur are two beautiful anolis (small
(petits lézards), l’un vert et l’autre bleu, ont rendez-
lizards), one green while the other is blue. They
vous dans le sapotillier pour se régaler des poulbwas
meet on the sapodilla tree to eat the delicious
(termites) qui grouillent sous son écorce. Une belle
“poulbwas” (termites) which the tree is teeming
mabouya aux yeux roses y est déjà installée. Jolikeur
with under its bark. A beautiful “mabouya” (gecko
en tombe amoureux et veut l’épouser. Le jour où la
lizard) with pink eyes is already there. Jolikeur
belle doit essayer sa robe tissée par l’araignée, elle dit
falls in love and wants to marry it. The day the
non ! Les illustrations réalisées sur palette graphique
lizard lady is to try on her dress woven by the
jouent habilement des couleurs, des effets de matière,
spider, she says No to the wedding! Very clever
et des découpages du récit en images séquentielles
illustrations, made with a creative pen tablet,
à la manière de la bande dessinée.
organize the text in a comic strip format.
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Michelle Houdin • Sylvie Agat-Zéphir, ill. Madou siwo épi bon zépis = Madou sirop et bons épices [Madou syrup and good spices] L’Harmattan, 2002 • ISBN 2747523756 This delicious story displays numerous appetizing
Cette histoire à croquer dispose sous les yeux du
local sweets, cakes and fruits whose names are
lecteur un éventail de sucreries appétissantes, dont
explained in notes on the pages. But balance is
les noms sont précisés et expliqués en note. Mais
necessary to life, and soon this ideal situation
rien ne dure sans un minimum d’équilibre, et bientôt,
crumbles… The solution of the crisis is found by
tout se délite… C’est une petite fille, Marmelade, qui,
a little girl called Marmelade, with the help of a
passant d’une frontière à une autre avec l’aide d’une
fantastic creature. The text is bilingual (Creole-
créature fantastique et d’un précieux cadeau, saura
French). Illustrations are simple and gentle.
trouver la clé de l’énigme et l’apporter à son village. Le texte est bilingue (créole-français). Les illustrations sont simples et douces.
the world through picture books • books from martinique • 112
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Nicole Noizet • Javie Munoz, ill. Le Noël de Rosie [Rosie’s Christmas] PLB Editions, 2006 • ISBN 2912300991 Illustrated by very endearing, brightly coloured
Éclairée par des images très attachantes qui offrent
images which highlight Christmas, this book
des couleurs ensoleillées à la fête de Noël, cette
tells the story of Rosie, a little girl who wants
histoire met en scène Rosie, une fillette qui, alors
to prevent her beloved pig from being killed
qu’elle cherche à éviter à son cochon préféré d’être
for Christmas so she questions the customs
tué pour les fêtes, s’interroge sur les coutumes et leur
and traditions.
transmission.
Anique Sylvestre Twapat: le cheval à trois pattes [Twapat: the three legs Horse] Jasor, 2007 • ISBN 9782912594642 Justin and Virginie are very scared, after their
Justin et Virginie ont trop peur ce soir, après l’histoire
father told them the story of Manfifine and
de Manfifine et de l’homme sans tête racontée par
the Man with no head. Even more scary is
papa. Et le comble, voilà maintenant un « cheval
the “Twapat horse”, who comes to their
twapat » à leur porte qui les embarque dans la nuit
door and carries them away toward the big
vers le grand fromager... Un album pour déjouer la
ceiba… This picture book helps children to
peur des créatures surnaturelles, à l’illustration d’une
overcome their fear of supernatural creatures.
fantaisie débridée qui ajoute du piquant à l’histoire
Imaginative illustrations spice the story.
Some book reviews are adapted from those published in the journal Takam Tikou, http://takamtikou.bnf.fr
the world through picture books • books from martinique • 113
Books from
Contact: P Hauroo [email protected]
Mauritius Ten illustrated titles from different Mauritian authors were selected and the hope is that these titles will help project the new generation of our local writers and illustrators on the international scene.
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Pushpa Lallah • Bernadette Mok Tsze Chung, ill. Marde so Zardin – Marde’s garden [Marde’s garden] Federation of Pre-school playgroups, 1999 • ISBN 9990361061 Marde is a gardener; he wears a hat, has
Marde li enn zardinier. Li ena enn zoli zardin. Enn
a moustache and comes to work by bicycle.
zur enn grup zanfan al vizit so Zardin, zot poz li buku
His garden was very beautiful. One day a group
kestion lors so zardin. Marde repon ban zanfan la
of children come to visit his garden and asks him why he has put a fence around his garden. He tells them how, after working so hard in his garden, the dogs came and crushed all his plants, so he had to protect the garden. Bilingual Creole-English.
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Amarnath Hosany • Thierry Permal, ill. Le Paradis des oiseaux [Birds’ paradise] Bartholdi, 2007 • ISBN 9789990386097 An island was inhabited by different kinds
paradise into hell. Hopefully, they realised their
of tropical birds staying together in harmony. The
mistake and could get out of the hell with the
island was filled with vegetation and fruit trees.
help of the neighbouring island’s birds.
When the fruits were ripe, they attracted the bats but the birds did their best to protect their island.
Le Paradis des Oiseaux est un conte pour enfants,
The bats stayed in the nearby island. A bat was
avec une histoire captivante. L’action évolue dans
sent to spy, but it was ill. The birds took care of it.
un décor exotique, mettant en garde toute une
When the bat recovered, it influenced each group
population, qui vivait jusque-là en parfaite harmonie,
of birds and divided them to break their strength.
contre le danger de la division.
Then the bats invaded the island and made their
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D. Vina Balgobin • Madvee Armoogum Sundhoo, ill. Our musical instruments: history of the Republic of Mauritius Dehoutee Balgobin, 2009 • ISBN 9789990341584 The first Frenchmen arrived in 1715. The French
lands. In 1810, there was a naval war and the
people used many musical instruments in their
French gave up the island to the British. In 1835,
parties. Slaves and indentured labourers came
there was abolition of slavery. Many types of
to Mauritius and worked on the sugar estates.
instruments used by slaves, Indian immigrants
They came from different countries of the world
and Chinese were introduced to the island.
and enjoyed the music and songs of their native
the world through picture books • books from mauritius • 114
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Amarnath Hosany • Thierry Permal, ill. Contes de Noel [Stories for Christmas] Bartholdi, 2005 • ISBN 9990386056 “Letter to Father Christmas” is the story of a
feeling of satisfaction and joy upon its realisation.
postman who had a difficult childhood. Thus
On that day, he even believed in the magic
he never believed in Father Christmas. On his
of Christmas.
last day at work, he met a little girl from a poor village, who pleaded with him to write a letter
Le livre contient deux histoires. La première intitulée
to Father Christmas on her behalf. It can be seen
« La Lettre du Père Noël » et la seconde « Et si le Coq
in the story, that the determination with which
ne Chantait pas ». Dans ces contes, l’auteur invite
the postman tried to fulfil the dream of that little
ses jeunes lecteurs à rêver.
girl and all the children of that village and the
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Alain Gordon Gentil • Henry Koombes, ill. Mystère à la Citadelle [Mystery at the Citadelle] Vizavi, 2001 • ISBN 9990337268 The Citadelle is an ancient fortress in Port-Louis,
room. Many other good picture books featuring
the capital of Mauritius. In the colonial period,
Tikoulou, illustrated by Henri Koombes.
soldiers were living there and guarded the port against intruders. Tikoulou likes the place very
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much as he can see the whole city and play with
C’est l’histoire de Tikoulou qui vient passer quelques
his friend and cousin during the summer holiday.
jours de vacances de Noël chez son cousin Gromarto.
They hear about the mysterious disappearance
Tikoulou passe des moments agréables à Port-Louis
of bicycles and plan to catch the thief. They go
et aime aller jouer à La Citadelle, une ancienne
to the Citadelle to execute their plan and luckily
forteresse où vivaient les soldats à l’époque où l’Ile
they find the stolen bicycles hidden in a dark
Maurice était une colonie anglaise.
Shenaz Patel • Joelle Maestracci, ill. La Toile bleue [The blue cloth] Vilaz metis, 2010 • ISBN 9789990338287 A little girl sat in front of the sea and wanted to
C’est une fable, que l’auteur a nourrie dans son
animate the dull, big blue cloth in front of her. She
imaginaire poétique. Une petite fille contemple la mer
stood up, approached the water and grabbed the
et le ciel. Une toile bleue, trop immobile a son goût,
blue cloth with both hands. The sea came with her
qui va cependant s’animer d’une vie particulière quand
followed by the sky. She put the cloth to dry on
elle décide de la décrocher pour l’épingler sur une
a wire. People were very angry about her action
corde à linge.
but were surprised to see garbage falling from the cloth. Finally, the cloth became clean and white.
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Centre Nelson Mandela pour la Culture Africaine • Stanley Harmon, ill. Zistoir Ze ek Melia: lepok esklavaz – moris 1834 [Story of Ze and Melia : slavery period – Mauritius 1834] Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture, 2006 • ISBN 9990310122 It is a story about Ze and Melia, brother and
Ze ek Melia zot 2 zenfan esklav. Gras a zot creativite
sister during the slave period. They had to
ek imazination zot resi sap depi lenfer system esklavaz.
wake up early in the morning and go to work. Melia worked as helper and Ze as Cartwright. They worked till late and did not have time to play. They had to wait for their lunch time to play but were scolded and beaten by their masters. In Creole.
the world through picture books • books from mauritius • 115
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Shakuntala Halwoldar • Priska, Shaoling & Clarel, ill. Stories for Moksha: adapted for parents Cathay, 1999 • ISBN 9990341133 The book consists of stories which are narrated
convey messages which centre around the
by a grandmother (author) to her grand-child,
family and core values and end with reflections
Moksha. Moksha is 4 years old. The author has to
for thought. The author believes that each story
go to her world to narrate her stories. The stories
should be a source of inspiration for parents.
Sedley Richard Assonne • Catherine Servan-Schreiber, ill. Tizann [Medicinal plants] Editions de la Tour, 2006 • ISBN 999492219X A little girl was named Tizann (medicinal plant)
Tizann est une petite fille qui aide sa mère dans la
by her aunt as Tizann’s mother used to sell
vente des plantes médicinales. Un jour elle va à la
medicinal plants. Tizann helped her mother
Plaine Champagne pour la cueillette des feuilles
before going to school. As Tizann was familiar
médicinales en compagnie de son amie, Yann. Elles
with the medicinal plants, her mother asked
étaient préoccupées dans leurs tâches et ne se
her to gather some medicinal plants from the
souciaient pas de la tombée de la nuit. Elles s’étaient
forest. She was accompanied by her friend Yann.
égarées et c’est Ton Singaron, un chasseur qui les
They took the bus to Plaine – Champagne. They
a aidées à rentrer chez elles.
were so busy in the forest that they did not notice the night and had to sleep in the forest. Ton Singaron, a hunter helped them reach home safely. In Creole.
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Meeteelah Devi Purmah • Karishma Devi Purmah, ill. Have you ever imagined? From human to alien Woochit, 2008 The story is about the consequences that
we can save our planet and we do not end up
human beings may face in the future. So before
being named Aliens, Aliens with numbers.
it is too late, let us all reduce pollution so that
the world through picture books • books from mauritius • 116
Books from the
Contact: Ingrid Bon [email protected]
Netherlands The National Children’s Librarian Council requested all contacts within the twelve provinces to send their favourite 2 titles.
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Rindert Kromhout van der Meer • Annemarie van Haeringen, ill. Kleine Ezel en jarige Jakkie [Little Dunkey and the birthday present] Leopold, 2001 • ISBN 978 90 258 3067 0 Lovely story about Little Dunkey who buys a
Lief verhaal over Kleine Ezel die een verjaardagscadeay
birthday present for his friend Jakkie. It is very
koopt voor zijn vriendje Jakkie. Omdat het erg moeilijk
difficult to give such a lovely present away so
is om zo’n mooi cadeau weg te geven verzint hij allerlei
he tries lots of excuses. Luckily his mother has
smoezen. Maar gelukkig heeft zij moeder een hele
a good solution.
goede oplossing.
Annemarie van Haeringen De prinses met de lange haren [The long-haired princess] Leopold, 1999 • ISBN 9789025836085 A princess is not allowed to cut her hair. Finally
Een prinses mag haar haren niet afknippen. Uiteindelijk
she needs to be carried around because of the
moet ze overal naar toe gedragen worden omdat
weight of her hair. A strong man from the circus
het haar veel te zwaar geworden is. Een sterke man
is her assistant. When she grows up a lot of
uit het circus is haar assistant. Als ze volwassen wordt
young men with golden brushes want to marry
dingen veel mooie jonge en rijke mannen om haar
her but she chooses love over money.
hand maar ze verkiest liefde boven geld en trouwt met haar circusman.
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Max Velthuijs Kikker is kikker [Frog is frog] Leopold, 1996 • ISBN 9789025860202 Frog feels sad because all his friends have
Kikker voelt zich verdrietig omdat al zijn vriendjes
something special and he is just green. Great
iets specials Hebben of kunnen. Kikker is alleen
story about self acceptance and friendship.
maar groen. Prachtig verhaal over zelfbewustzijn en vriendschappen.
the world through picture books • books from the netherlands • 117
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The Tjong Khing Waar is de taart? [Where is the Cake?] Lannoo, 2004 • ISBN 9789020956924 Two little rats steal a pie. A wild chase is the
Twee kleine ratten stelen een tart. Een wilde
result. Finally the pie falls into a pond and a
achtervolging is het resultaat. Uiteindelijk valt de taart
frog saves it. Everybody gets a piece except for
in een vijver en een kikker redt hem. Iedereen krijgt
the two little thieves. Great large picture book
een stukje behalve de twee kleine dieven. Prachtig
without words but a huge amount of details and
groot formaat prentenboek zonder woorden maar
jokes in the illustrations.
met een enorme hoeveelheid details en grapjes in de tekeningen.
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Dieter Schubert Monkie [Monkey] Lemniscaat, 1986 • ISBN 9789060696408 A young boy loses his toy monkey. The story tells
Een klein jongetje verliest zijn knuffel aapje. Het
the adventures of the toy and how the young boy
verhaalt vertelt de belevenissen van het aapje en
is re-united with his toy again. Great picture book
hoe het jongetje zijn aapje weer terugvindt. Mooi
without words. Lovely full-colour illustrations will
prentenboek zonder woorden. Prachtige full colour
plenty of detail.
illustraties boordevol details.
Lida Dijkstra • Marije Tolman, ill. Schattig [Cute] Lemniscaat, 2006 • ISBN 9789056378615 Rabbit Tijn does not want to be cute! He wants
Konijn Tijn wil niet langer schattig zijn! Hij wil sterk
to be tough, strong, and have a tattoo and
en dapper zijn, neemt een tattoo en een piercing, maar
piercings – but will that help?
of dat helpt?
Sylvia van den Heede • The Tjong King, ill. Wat een kou, Vos en Haas! [Isn’t it cold, Fox and Hare!] Lannoo, 2009 • ISBN 9789020984101 It is a very cold winter so what do you do? Make
Het is een erg koude winter duswat ga je doen? Een
a snowman and lots of others things. Very large
sneeuwpop maken en een heleboel andere tupische
picture book, ideal for group presentations.
winterspelletjes. Extra groot prentenboek dat zich bijzonder goed leent voor groepspresentaties.
the world through picture books • books from the netherlands • 118
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Hans de Beer Ijsbeer in de tropen [Little Polar Bear] De Vier Windtreken, 1987 • ISBN 9789055791859 A little polar bear drifts out to sea and floats to
Een kleine ijsbeer verdwaalt op 33 en drijft naar de
the tropics.
tropen.
Imme Dros • Harrie Geelen, ill. Het boek van Ella [The book about Ella] Querido, 2011 • ISBN 9789045112763 Several stories about a toddler with a very strong
Enkele korte verhaaltjes over peuter Ella, met haar
opinion of her own. Stories about daily life and
eigen mening. Dagelijkse belevenissen en emoties
the emotions Ella is facing.
die Ella beleeft en ervaart.
Karel Eykman • Patsy Backx, ill. De K van Kasper De Harmonie, 2008 • ISBN 9789061698470 Five stories about a very normal boy who is also
Vijf korte verhaaltjes over een jongen die heel
very special.
erg normal is maar ook heel heel erg bijzonder.
the world through picture books • books from the netherlands • 119
Books from
Contact: Frances Plumpton [email protected]
New Zealand New Zealand has a small children’s publishing industry with approximately 130 trade books published each year, ranging from picture books through to young adult titles published each year. For this selection, curated by Frances Plumpton, chair of IBBY New Zealand, children’s librarians from public libraries in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington and from National Library Services to Schools, contributed their favourite titles, which were then whittled down to the final ten. This was quite a challenge, as there was a core of titles on everyone’s list, and the final selection was chosen to represent our very unique perspective which we hope will be enjoyed by children internationally.
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Lynley Dodd Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy Penguin NZ, 2010 (Originally Mallinson Rendel, 1983) • ISBN 9780143306153 It was just over 30 years ago that this beloved
back home to safety. Lynley Dodd’s effortless
dog stepped jauntily into the lives of New
rhyme and rhythm is matched by her skillful
Zealand children. After Hairy Maclary slips out
illustrations capturing the personality of each
his front gate seeking adventure at the far end
dog and the drama of the event perfectly. She
of town, he is joined one by one, by his doggy
has written and illustrated over 20 further titles,
mates, when suddenly they are confronted by
many starring Hairy Maclary and his friends,
Scarface Claw, the toughest Tom in town, whose
as well as a series relating the adventures
confronting “yeowl” sends the pack scurrying
of a devious cat, Slinky Malinky.
Margaret Mahy • Selina Young, ill. A Summery Saturday Morning Penguin NZ , 2010 (Originally Hamish Hamilton, 1998) • ISBN 9780143504528 A family’s walk with their dogs, down the
verse and inventive vocabulary are irresistible
grassy slopes to the beach below, turns into
and Selina Young’s landscape is redolent of the
a glorious romp when the dogs, thrilled with
hills surrounding Lyttlelton harbour where they
chasing cats and a boy on a rattly bike, turn
both lived, and captures the chaos deliciously.
their attention on a goose and her goslings who
A Summery Saturday Morning was awarded the
immediately retaliate. Margaret Mahy’s cheerful
New Zealand Book of the Year, 1999.
the world through picture books • 120
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Betty Gilderdale • Alan Gilderdale, ill. The Little Yellow Digger Scholastic NZ, 1992 • ISBN 9781869432126 One wet day a little yellow digger gets stuck in
mud. The Little Yellow Digger received the 2002
the mud on a construction site and a sequence
Storylines Gaelyn Gordon Award for a much-
of bigger and yet bigger diggers succumb to the
loved book. Betty Gilderdale, an ardent children’s
same fate. Two days later when the weather has
literature advocate, and her husband Alan,
eased, it’s only the little yellow digger that can
have produced other titles featuring the little
be manoeuvered and is instrumental in releasing
yellow digger.
all the other bigger machines from the viscous
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Patricia Grace • Robyn Kahukiwa, ill. The Kuia and the Spider Penguin NZ, 1982 • ISBN 9780140503876 Two revered Maori artists, writer Patricia
and flax mats for sitting and sleeping. When the
Grace and illustrator Robyn Kahukiwa have
children arrive they are too busy treasuring their
collaborated on this witty tale of an old woman
own kits, gathering kumara (sweet potatoes)
and spider arguing companionably about
and seafood, relaxing and finally sleeping on the
whose weaving is superior. The two decide to
mats and the spiderlings energetically climbing,
let their grandchildren decide, and while the
swinging and catching flies for a decision to
spider weaves webs for swinging, climbing and
be made. The Kuia and the Spider was awarded
capturing flies, the kuia (the old woman) skilfully
the New Zealand Government Picture Book
makes flax kits for gathering food and for gifts
of the Year, 1982
Peter Gossage How Maui Slowed the Sun Penguin NZ, 2011 (Originally Reed, 2005) • ISBN 9780143505181 When the sun raced across the sky and the days
would rise and when he signaled they would
became so short that there was not enough
throw the magic ropes to harness it. This story,
time for the people to finish their work, Maui
first published in 1982, is one of the traditional
persuaded his brothers to help him slow it down.
Maori legends retold by Gossage and illustrated
Taking strong ropes they made from flax, Maui
in his distinctive style using the Maori colour
led his brothers to the great pit where the sun
palette of red, ochre, yellow, brown and black.
Jennifer Beck • Robyn Belton The Bantam and the Soldier Scholastic NZ, 1996 (Reissued new cover 2014) • ISBN 9781775432074 100,000 New Zealanders were sent from
was adopted as a mascot, her eggs a solace for
New Zealand (population just over 1 million)
the men coping in treacherous conditions in the
across the world between 1914 and 1918 to fight
trenches. Robyn Belton’s delicate watercolours
for “King and Country”. A postcard sent home
depict both the camaraderie of the soldiers and
from the warfront was the inspiration for this
the confined conditions of the trenches. The
poignant story of a young soldier adopting a stray
endpapers have an intriguing array of ephemera
bantam hen, which he named Bertha. Despite
relating to the story. Awarded 1997 New Zealand
initial derision from the other soldiers, Bertha
Post Children’s Book Awards: Book of the Year.
the world through picture books • 121
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Eve Sutton • Lynley Dodd, ill. My Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes Penguin NZ, 2014 (Originally Hamish Hamilton, 1973, Mallinson Rendel,1984) • ISBN 9780143506072 This simple rhyming picture book, featuring
complement Eve Sutton’s cheerful rhyming
cats from around the world in extraordinary
couplets. This is the first picture book illustrated
situations, followed by the mantra “… but My
by Lynley Dodd, who was soon to follow with her
cat likes to hide in boxes…” has been a favourite
own titles, while Eve Sutton’s subsequent books
since it was first published in 1973. Although
were historical fiction for older readers. My Cat
very much a product of its time in design, the
Likes to Hide in Boxes won the LIANZA Esther Glen
captivating humour of Lynley Dodd’s illustrations
Award, 1975
Joy Cowley • Sarah Davis, ill. The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked Pirate Gecko Press, 2010 • ISBN 9781877467417 The fierce little woman lived in a house at the
he finally capitulates and admits that his boat
end of the jetty, playing her bagpipes, knitting
has sailed and he’s scared of the dark. Children
socks for sailors and fishing through a trapdoor
delight in the actions of the fierce little woman
in the floor. When her solitude is disturbed one
repelling the pirate, and enjoy the eventual
stormy night by a pirate tapping on the window
happy outcome. Sarah Davis’ lushly coloured
and demanding to come inside, she refuses
illustrations add wonderful drama.
him entry and a battle of wits takes place, until
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Jenny Hessell • Trevor Pye, ill. Grandma McGarvey Scholastic NZ, 1992 (Originally Oxford University Press, 1990) • ISBN 9781869431112 This initial rhyming story of the madcap
the zoo, camping, going to school, to sea, to
adventures of Grandma McGarvey cheerfully
computer class - all with outrageous outcomes
loading her car and trailer with rubbish to take
that delight the readers. Trevor Pye’s cartoon
to the dump has been followed by eleven others
style illustrations are a perfect match. Winner
that explore the psyche of New Zealand life
of the 2014 Storylines Gaelyn Gordon Award for
with hilarity. They include Grandma McGarvey
a Much-Loved Book
playing rugby, painting the shed, going to
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Gavin Bishop The House That Jack Built Gecko Press, 2012 (Originally Scholastic NZ, 1999) • ISBN 9781877467790 Gavin Bishop gives the historical background to
the history of the colonial settlers of New Zealand
his masterful picture book with his subheading
slowly overwhelming the indigenous Maori
“…being the account of Jack Bull Esq who sailed
people, from both perspectives, with carefully
from these shores to a land far away to live there
crafted illustrations and superb draughtsmanship.
and trade with the natives of that said land 12th
This is an exceptional account of the early history
day of September 1798…” Using the traditional
of New Zealand, with each rereading revealing
nursery rhyme of the title for text, he juxtaposes
additional elements.
the world through picture books • 122
Books from
Contact: Virginia Dike
Nigeria
[email protected]
Books from Nigeria were selected by Virginia W Dike against the criteria set for the project. These are exacting criteria for picture books in a country like Nigeria, which has published few picture books and fewer of good quality. Moreover, there is little tradition of keeping books in print. For this reason, it was difficult to completely meet some criteria. It is difficult to talk of classics, and those one might consider are unlikely to still be in print. I have included one older title (at the end) that is still available. The content (text, illustration, message) of these are of high quality, though the physical quality in some cases is less so. The others are very recent titles and are by one of two new Nigerian publishers producing picture books of high quality, including high physical quality: Cassava Republic and Farafina. The selection may seem lopsided, but this is what is currently available. It may also be surprising that all titles are in English, but this is another Nigerian reality. Very few children’s books are published in Nigerian languages. I have listed the titles in order of year of publication, beginning with the most recent.
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Virginia W. Dike • Robin Gowen, ill. Birds of Our Land: A Child’s Guide to West African Birds Cassava Republic, 2011 (Rev. ed.) • ISBN 978-978-9060-900 Poetic descriptions and vivid illustrations introduce
to lead children beyond the content of the book
children to 25 notable birds of West Africa, both
to a lifetime of scientific awareness and discovery.
common ones and more unusual species. The
The book is envisaged as the first title in a nature
book is designed to encourage careful observation,
series focusing on West Africa.
scientific inquiry and appreciation of the natural
Originally published in 1986 by Fourth Dimension
world. It begins with an introduction to birds
Publishers of Enugu, an early leader in picture
that brings out basic features and hints on how
book publication, with different illustrations
to observe birds and ends with activities intended
by the same artist
Lola Shoneyin • Francis Blake, ill. Mayowa and the Masquerades Cassava Republic, 2010 • ISBN 978-978-48518-8-6 Mayowa is reluctant to leave his computer
the dancing that they temporarily lose their
games to join his parents on a trip to visit Granny
way, but all ends well. Finally a tired but happy
in a village in Western Nigeria. However, Granny
Mayowa is on his way home, now convinced that
teams him up with a neighbor boy who shows
the village offers even more excitement than his
Mayowa the sights, including a festival of colorful
room in the city.
masquerades. The two are so carried away with
the world through picture books • books from nigeria • 123
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Simidele Dosekun • Rosalie-Ann Modder, ill. Beem Explores Africa Farafina, 2009 • ISBN 978-978-079-003-9 In this vividly illustrated introduction to the
She explores ancient places in Egypt, Mali and
African continent, a young girl, Beem, guides
Zimbabwe; the modern cities of Cairo, Lagos
readers in exploring a varied geography of
and Johannesburg; rivers, lakes and mountains;
cities and cultures, wildlife and landscapes.
rain forests, savannah and deserts.
Ifeoma Okoye • Segun Adejumo, ill. Only Bread for Eze Farafina, 2009 • ISBN 978-978-48012-1-8 Eze is so enamored with bread that he wants
similar in theme to the American picture book,
to eat nothing else. After repeated refusal to
Bread and Jam for Frances.
eat the nutritious and varied dishes prepared
Originally published by Fourth Dimension
by his mother, Eze’s parents determine to teach
Publishers of Enugu in 1980, with different
him a lesson, putting him on a diet of nothing
illustrations, this is the best known of three Eze
but bread. He quickly weakens and tires of the
books, all originally published by Fourth
monotonous diet, thereby learning his lesson and
Dimension in 1980 and in a revised edition
starting to enjoy other food as well. This book is
by Farafina in 2009.
Fatima Akilu • Alexander Amulu, ill. Kitwa Plays the Drums Cassava Republic, 2009 • ISBN 978-978-903-751-3 This and the next three titles are in a series
treatment is just the way things are. However,
of eight books highlighting the Millennium
things change when the family visits cousins who
Development Goals. In this title Kitwa is a girl
take a very different view. There, everyone joins
thoroughly fed up with the favored treatment
in the housework and plays musical instruments.
received by her brother. Kitwa’s mother and
A family band is formed, with Kitwa playing
grandmother pronounce her dream of playing
the drums and her grandmother realizing her
the drums unladylike and say differential
childhood dream of playing the flute.
Fatima Akilu • Alexander Amulu, ill. Preye and the Sea of Plastic Cassava Republic, 2009 • ISBN 978-978-48943-8-8 Preye is completely upset over the rubbish taking
they research and produce a film that is shown
over the environment around him, especially
all over the country and begins to effect changes
discarded plastic bags. He determines to do
in their community and beyond. It even takes
something about it and together he and his
them to meet the President and to realize that
friends mobilize to raise awareness. Together
they too might one day lead the country.
the world through picture books • books from nigeria • 124
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Fatima Akilu • Mustapha Bulama, ill. Aliyyah Learns a New Dance Cassava Republic, 2009 • ISBN 978-978-48943-9-5 In this title centering on developing global
to participation in an international competition
partnerships, Aliyyah enters a regional
in Sweden. With the support of her brother
dance competition. With helpful hints
and classmates, and indeed the entire nation,
and encouragement from her brother,
she ties with a Serbian girl for first place and the
she perfects her steps and wins at the
two are rewarded with exchange visits to each
African regional level in Tanzania. This leads
other’s countries.
Chinua Achebe and John Iroaganachi, with The Lament Of The Deer by Christopher Okigbo • Adrienne Kennaway (1979, Nwamife Ed. and 1989 East African Educational Publishers), Mary Grandpre (2011, Candlewick Press in US), ill. How the Leopard Got its Claws Nwamife, 1972, 1979 • ISBN 978-124-007-5 • East African Publishing House, 1976 • East African Educational Publishers, 1989 • Candlewick Press, 2011 • ISBN 978-9966463647 and 9780763648053 Previous edition: Originally published by
other until the dog spoils this peaceable kingdom.
Nwamife, Enugu, one of the first indigenous
With his sharp teeth, he seizes control, drives
Nigerian publishers, in 1972 with black and white
out king leopard and soon has the fickle animals
illustrations by Per Christiansen and in 1979 with
singing his praises. Disillusioned, the leopard
coloured illustrations by Adrienne Kennaway.
goes in search of weapons that will enable him
This edition is available only in occasional old
to regain his kingdom—sharp teeth and claws
stock, but there have been later editions, in
and a terrifying roar. He succeeds but ever
Nigeria, Kenya and the United States, that are
after rules by force, while the dog becomes the
still in print. In this tragic mythic tale of a world
servant of man. The 1979 edition had evocative
gone wrong, kind king leopard rules without
impressionistic illustrations, but those in the new
force and the animals co-operate with each
edition appear computer-generated.
the world through picture books • books from nigeria • 125
Books from
Contact: Leikny Haga Indergaard
Norway
[email protected]
The Norwegian Library Association’s Section for Children and Young Adults co-operated with Norwegian IFLA members on this project in our country. The project was announced with information and publicity in Norwegian library and literature periodicals, on the internet via blogs and discussiongroups for librarians and people interested in literature. Children’s librarians sent their suggestions to the Norwegian Library Association, and more than 100 picture books were nominated. The final list of picture books consists of titles that both met the IFLA criteria and got the largest number of votes. The librarians say that these books are excellent stories to promote in their work with story-telling for children in kindergarten and primary schools. These books are highly recommended by the librarians, and we are proud to send this list to an international selection of the world’s best picture-books.
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Bjørn F. Rørvik • Gry Moursund, ill. Bukkene Bruse på badeland [The Billy Goats Gruff in Waterworld] Cappelen Damm, 2010 • ISBN 9788202295882 One day the three Billy Goats Gruff set off to
En dag de tre Bukkene Bruse skal til seters å gjøre seg
the hills. Suddenly they notice a sign that shows
fete, ser de plutselig et skilt som viser vei til Badeland.
them the way to Waterworld. “Ohhh, please!”
“Åhh, please!” sier den minste Bukken Bruse. Han vil
begs the littlest Billy Goat Gruff. He would rather
mye heller dra på Badeland denne sommeren. “Da
go to Waterworld this summer. “And then we
trenger vi jo ikke gå over brua. Det er så skummelt
don’t have to cross the bridge either. It’s so
med det trollet,” sier den mellomste Bukken Bruse.
scary with that troll” says the youngest goat.
Den største Bukken Bruse lar seg overtale og de drar
The big Billy Goat Gruff gives in and off they go
avgårde til Badeland. Siden de tre Bukkene Bruse ikke
to Waterworld. But when the three Goats don’t
dukker opp på brua, kommer trollet heller til Badeland,
cross the bridge the troll comes to Waterworld.
og trollet er virkelig sint!
And the troll is really angry!
the world through picture books • books from norway • 126
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Stian Hole • Stian Hole, ill. Garmanns sommer [Garmann’s Summer] Cappelen, 2006 • ISBN 9788202259228 Garmann is anxious about starting first grade
Garmann gruer seg til å begynne i første klasse. Han
as he is not ready. He cannot cycle, he does
er ikke klar: Ikke kan han sykle, han tør ikke stikke
not dare to put his head under water and none
hodet under vann og ingen av tennene hans er løse
of his teeth are loose yet. It’s urgent – school
ennå. Det haster – skolen starer i morgen! Det er siste
starts tomorrow! It’s the last day of summer
sommerdag og Garmanns tre eldre tanter kommer på
and Garmann’s three old aunts come to visit.
besøk. Garmann oppdager at også voksne av og til
Garmann discovers that adults are also scared
er redde. Tantene hans er redde for å måtte gå med
sometimes. His aunts are afraid of having to
gåstol, for strenge vintre og å måtte forlate alt når
use a walker, harsh winters and of having to
døden kommer. Til slutt er ikke Garmann lenger så
leave all behind when death comes. In the end
nervøs for å begynne på skolen, men han har erfart at
Garmann isn’t any less nervous about starting
det å være redd er en del av livet.
school, but he knows anxiety is a part of life. 2007 Bologna Ragazzi Award winner.
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Lisa Aisato • Lisa Aisato, ill. Odd er et egg [Odd is an egg] Gyldendal, 2010 • ISBN 9788205399204 Imagine that your head is an egg. It can break
Tenk deg at hodet ditt er et egg. Som kan knuse når
any minute. What would PE (Physical Education)
som helst. Hvordan tror du gymtimene med ballspill
lessons and ball games be like? How do you think
hadde vært da? Hvordan tror du en tur i kongleskogen
you would enjoy a walk in Pinecone Forest? Or
hadde føltes? Eller en sykkeltur i den farlige trafikken?
riding your bike in dangerous traffic? Not much?
Ikke noe særlig, nei. Alt dette vet Odd, for hodet hans
7 years old Odd is fully aware of all those things,
er nemlig et egg. Hver morgen pakker han det inn med
because his head is an egg. Every morning he
håndklær og tevarmere så det ikke skal knuse.. Men så
carefully covers his head in towels to keep it safe.
møter Odd Gunn.
Then one day Odd meets Gunn.
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Gro Dahle • Svein Nyhus, ill. Snill [Nice] Cappelen, 2002 • ISBN 9788202221324 Little sweet Lussie is so nice, so nice. So nice that
Lussi er så snill, så snill. Så snill at hun en dag
one day she just disappears. No one noticed her:
blir borte. Og ikke bare litt borte, men helt
“Her mother forgot that she was there.
bortebortebortevekk borte. Faktisk helt inn i veggene
Her father forgot that she was there.
vekk. Lussi er så stille og snill og flink og ren og pen
The teacher forgot that she was there.
at ingen ser henne lenger. Ikke moren, ikke faren, ikke
And all the pupils forgot that she was there”. When no one sees or hears her, she slips into the wall. Will she ever be able to find the
læreren og heller ikke de andre barna. Ikke engang den store vaktmesteren kan finne henne …
way out? This book received the Brage Prize 2002.
the world through picture books • books from norway • 127
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Henrik Hvoland • Torill Kov, ill. Johannes Jensen føler seg annerledes [Johannes Jensen Feels Different] Cappelen, 2003 • ISBN 9788202224462 Johannes Jensen is a crocodile that works in a
Johannes Jensen er en krokodille som jobber i
tax office. He feels different and tries to find out
skatteetaten. Han føler seg annerledes og prøver å
why. Could it be that he wears a bow tie? Is he
finne ut hvorfor. Kan det være fordi han broker sløyfe?
adopted? Or is it because he has a tail? He ties up
Er han adoptert? Eller er det fordi ha har hale? Han
his tail but this leads to trouble balancing. He falls
binder halen opp på magen, men det gjør at han får
and hits himself and ends up at the emergency
problemer med balansen. Han faller og slår seg og
ward. There he meets Doctor Fjeld. This is a
ender opp på legevakten. Der møter han Doktor Fjeld.
turning point for Johannes Jensen.
Det blir et vendepunkt for Johannes Jensen.
Tore Renberg • Øyvind Torseter Gi gass, Ine [Step On It, Ine] CappelenDamm, 2010 • ISBN 9788202325626 This is an imaginative and playful story about
Dette er en fantasifull og leken fortelling om søsknene
the siblings Ine and Hasse. Ine is the oldest. She
Ine og Hasse. Ine er eldst. Hun har mistet en tann,
has lost one tooth, is light on her feet and tough
er lett på foten og tøff i hjertet. Hasse er Ines lillebror.
in her heart. Hasse is her baby brother with
Han bruker smokk og bleie. Når Hasse blir spurt om
a pacifier and diapers. Whenever he is asked
noe, svarer han enten “ja” eller “traktor”. Ine og Hasse
a question, he replies with either a “yes” or a
skal hugge et tre. De tar med seg en øks ut i skogen.
“tractor”. Ine and Hasse are going to chop down
Etter en stund dukker alle dyrene i skogen opp for å se
a tree. They bring an axe into the forest. But after
hva de gjør. Og så vil alle dyrene bli med dem hjem!
a while all the animals in the forest come out to watch them. And then the animals want to come home with them!
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Trond Brænne • Per Dybvig Venner [Friends] Aschehoug, 2005 • ISBN 9788203246906 Five animals, who live on a farm, decide to get
Fem dyr, som alle bor på en bondegård, bestemmer seg
to know each other. They invite each other home
for å bli bedre kjent. De inviterer hverandre hjem til seg
and try to eat each other’s food. This is a lovely
og prøver å spise hverandres mat. Dette er en skjønn
story which in very few words tells a lot about
fortelling som med svært få ord forteller svært mye
how friendship works.
om vennskap og hvordan det fungerer.
Kari Stai Jakob og Neikob [Yesper and Noper] Samlaget, 2008 • ISBN 9788252170870 Jakob and Neikob live together and are good
Jakob og Neikob er to gode venner som bur i lag, men
friends even though they are very different. Jacob
dei er veldig forskjellige. For mens Jakob seier JA til alt,
says YES to everything and Neikob says NO. “Hey
seier Neikob NEI til alt. “Hei, Neikob! Du seier vel ikkje
Neikob. You wouldn’t say no to a road trip?” “NO”,
nei til ein biltur?” “Nei”, svarar Neikob. På vegen møter
responds Neikob. On the road they meet a thief!
dei ein tjuv. Han tar muffinsen deira og seier han har
He takes their muffins and says he wants to steal
tenkt å stele bilen deira òg. ‘Ja,’ svarar Jakob, litt for
their car. ‘Yes,’ replies Jacob, a little too fast. After
fort. Etter fleire tankelause svar, endar dei opp som
several thoughtless YES answers, they end up
krokodillemat. Vil dei nokosinne greie å komme seg ut
being swallowed as crocodile food. Will they ever
av magen til krokodilla?
be able to escape from the crocodile’s stomach?
the world through picture books • books from norway • 128
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Tor Åge Bringsværd • Thore Hansen, ill. Ruffen, sjøormen som ikke kunne svømme [Ruffen, the sea serpent who couldn’t swim] Gyldendal, 2005 (1st ed. 1977) • ISBN 9788205313255 This is a timeless story about Ruffen who is
Dette er en tidløs historie om Ruffen, sjøromen som
an outsider and cannot swim and play with
ikke kunne svømme. Han sitter alene og er aldri
the other young sea serpents. He is in fact afraid
med de andre sjøormene og leker. Han har faktisk
of water. Ruffen is afraid of water, but when
vannskrekk. Men da Ruffen hjelper Blekkspruten 1030
the Octopus becomes stuck, Ruffen helps free
å komme løs fra der han har satt seg fast, lærer 1030
him and in return the Octopus teaches him
ham å svømme. Ruffen blir etter hvert den beste
to swim. Ruffen becomes the best sea serpent
sjøormen til å svømme. Når et stort skip kommer
at swimming, and when a ship is wrecked in
i havsnød, er det kun Ruffen som våger å svømme
a storm, it is only Ruffen who dares to swim out
ut for å redde det store amerikaskipet
and save the big American boat.
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Alf Prøysen • Vivan Zahl Olsen, ill. Geitekillingen som kunne telle til ti [The kid who could count to ten] Gyldendal Tiden, 2003 (1st ed. 1975) • ISBN 9788205278943 This is a classic story about a young goat who
Dette er en klassisk regle-fortelling om den lille
can count – until ten. He counts all the animals
geitekillingen som kunne telle til ti. Han teller alle
he meets. The other animals become angry and
dyrene han møter. De andre dyrene blir sint når han
afraid when he says he is going to count them,
sier han skal telle dem, og en etter en begynner de å
and one after another they run after the kid.
løpe etter geitekillingen. Til slutt havner de alle på en
In the end they all enter a boat. But the boat
ferje. Det er kun lov å være ti dyr om bord i ferjen. Når
is only classified for ten animals. When the crew
mannskapet skjønner at geitekillingen kan telle, roper
discovers that the kid can count, they scream:
de: “Skynd deg og tell oss!” Heldigvis er de akkurat
“Hurry up and count us!” Luckily they are exactly
ti. Geitekillingen får jobb ombord for å telle alle
ten. The young goat remains at the boat to count
passasjerer.
passengers.
the world through picture books • books from norway • 129
Books from the
Contact: Melanie Abad [email protected]
Philippines The favourite books from the Philippines were chosen on the basis of their literary and artistic worth; suitability of content and vocabulary to the age of the readers; accuracy and clarity; positive reviews; high interest/ low vocabulary items which satisfy the needs of reluctant readers.
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May Tobias-Papa • Isabel Roxas, ill. Araw sa Palengke Adarna House Inc., 2008 • ISBN 978-971-508-317-1 “Listen well,” her mother tells her. “Hold on to
wrapped in newspaper at the bottom, it’s her joy
me tightly, ha? So you won’t get lost. And don’t
we feel in the little dance that she does. Market
point at things that you want me to buy for
Day! is a true marriage of text and visual image.
you.” And so the story begins with a promise:
The result is a lighthearted picture book that is
“Yes, Nanay, I promise.” Early one morning, a
nuanced, controlled, and thoroughly engaging.
little girl accompanies her mother to the market.
A really good read.
They take readers with them. The market is
hot and noisy, smelly and muddy, but it’s also
Sasama ako kay Nanay! Pupunta kami sa palengke.
fascinating and colorful, because it’s seen from
Ano-ano kaya ang makikita namin doon? Sino-sino
a point of view that’s only about three feet
kaya ang makikilala ko? Tara, sama ka. Ngayon
tall. When they arrive home, and our little girl
ay araw ng palengke!For 3-6 årige.
unpacks the bayong (bag) to find a surprise
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Kristin Canon • Leo Alvarado, ill. Si Pilong patago-tago Adarna House Inc., 2004 • ISBN 971-508-240-8 “Bulaga! You didn’t see me, did you?”
“Bulaga! Hindi ninyo ako nakita, ‘no?”
This Pilo! He really loves hiding.
Hay, si Pilo! Mahilig magtago.
Won’t he get tired of this kind of game?
Hindi kaya siya napapagod sa ganitong paglalaro?
Jose Miguel Tejido Ang Pambihirang Sombrero Adarna House Inc., 2003 • ISBN 971-508-181-9 Mia found a strange hat in Lola’s old trunk.
Nakahalungkat si Mia ng kakaibang sombrero
What wonders is the hat hiding and why are
sa lumang baul ng kaniyang Lola. Ano kaya ang
her neighbors drawn to it?
hiwagang itinatago ng sombrero at bakit maraming tao sa kanilang pamayanan ang naaakit nito?
the world through picture books • books from the philippines • 130
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Annie Denise, Angelika Lumbao • Liza Flores, ill. But that won’t wake me up Adarna House, Inc., 2010 • ISBN 978-971-508-356-0 Tomorrow is a school day. Maya is worried that
May pasok bukas. At nag-aalala si Maya: baka hindi
she won’t wake up early. But Nanay has some
siya magising nang maaga! Pero may magagandang
wonderful ideas on how to wake her up.
naiisip si Nanay kung paano siya gigisingin.
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Renato C. Vibiesca • Ray-Ann Bernardo, ill. Taho, Taho, Taho… Tahoooieyy! Lampara Books, 2009 • ISBN 978-971-518-213-3 Of all the taho vendors, Tere’s father is the one
Sa lahat ng mga magtataho ay ang tatay ni tere ang
with the highest and sharpest voice. When
may pinakamatinis na boses. Parang mababasag ang
he hollers, it can almost shatter the glass in
mga salamin sa bintana ng mga kapitbahay kapag
the neighbors’ windows. He has many regular
sumisigaw ito. Maraming suki ito dahil aliw na aliw
customers because they’re entertained by the
ang mga ito sa kakaibang tono nito.
unique sound of his voice.
Ngunit isang araw, nagkasakit ang tatay ni tere
But one day, Tere’s father falls ill and cannot
at hindi makasigaw. Pumalit ang kanyang kuya
holler. Her brother takes over in vending taho.
sa pagtitinda. Mukhang mauubos ang buong
It looks like the whole day will pass without her
maghapon na hindi makakabenta ng maski isang
brother being able to sell a single glass of taho.
basong taho ang kanyang kuya.
Until Tere hollers in the highest sharpest voice:
Hangang sa pinakawalan ni Tere ang matinis na:
“Taho! Taho! Taho... Tahoooieyy!”
“Taho!Taho!Taho...Tahoooieyy!”
Danilo Consumido • Hubert B. Fucio, ill. Si Pagong at si Matsing Adarna House, 2006 • ISBN 971-508-282-3 Matsing is known for his intelligence and cunning
Kung anong hina raw ni Pagong ay siyang tuso ni
but Pagong also has his wit and cleverness. When
Matsing. Magsisimula ang kuwento nila sa paghati
they both find a banana tree, the match begins.
ng puno ng saging. Alamin sa kuwento kung sino
Find out who triumphs in this classic tale that has
sa kanila ang mananaig.
amused generations.
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Rene O. Villanueva • Jo Ann Bereber-Gando, ill. Ang Barumbadong Bus Adarna House, 1999 • ISBN 971-508-051-0 A reckless bus is acting like he is the king of the
Isang bus na kaskasero ang naghahari-harian sa
road. He doesn’t care what happens to others.
kalsada. Wala siyang pakialam sa kapakanan ng iba.
Read what happens to the unruly bus because of
Basahin sa kuwentong ito ang sinapit ng barumbadong
his arrogance.
bus dahil sa kaniyang kayabangan.
the world through picture books • books from the philippines • 131
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Rebecca T. Anonuevo • Ruben De Jesus, ill. Ang Mahiyaing Manok Adarna House, 2000 • ISBN 971-508-074-X Onyok is a young rooster who cannot crow as
Sa lahat ng mga manok ni Mang Oca, itong si Onyok
good and as loud as the others, so he spends
ang mukmok nang mukmok. Paano’y hindi niya
most of his time sulking. How can a shy rooster
magawang tumilaok tulad ng ibang mga kapuwa
prove his worth?
manok. Paanong palalakasin ang loob ng isang
mahiyaing manok?
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Maria Corazon Remedio • Roland Mechael Ilagan, ill. Bru-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha… Bru-hi-hi-hi-hi-hi… Adarna House, 1995 • ISBN 971-508-139-8 Should one judge a person based on their
Dapat bang husgahan ang tao batay sa kaniyang
physical appearance? Learn about the sad life
panlabas na anyo? Alamin ang malungkot na buhay ng
of an old lady and how she was accepted by
isang matandang babae at kung paano siya tinanggap
our young protagonist in this story of laughter
ng ating batang bida sa kuwentong puno ng tawanan
and understanding.
at pag-unawa.
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Rene O. Villanueva • Alfonso Onate, ill. Si Emang Entankada at ang Tatlong Haragan Adarna House, 1980 • ISBN 971-508-257-2 Three naughty children refuse to care for their
Tatlong pilyong bata ang nasisiyahan sa pagputol ng
environment: they destroy plants, waste water
mga halaman, pagsasayang ng tubig at elektrisidad,
and throw garbage just about anywhere!
at pagtatapon ng basura kahit saan. Si Emang
One day, an enchantress decides to teach them
Engkantada ang maguturo sa kanila ng kahalagahan
a lesson they will never forget.
ng pangangalaga sa balanse ng kalikasan.
the world through picture books • books from the philippines • 132
Books from
Contact: Maria Kulik
Poland
[email protected]
The selection was prepared by Maria Kulik, librarian and Polish IBBY Chairperson and Małgorzata Cackowska, PhD, academic from Gdańsk University, Chairperson of the jury for the Graphic Book of the Year Award. The initiative came from Mrs. Maria Witt, a librarian born in Poland but living in France and keen to ensure that Poland was represented in The World through Picture Books project. A list of over 40 picture books, recently published in Poland was prepared, sent to librarians who were encouraged to vote for their favourites. Information about the project was also published on the Polish Library Association’s website. 26 papers were received, votes were counted. Some books received the same number of votes, which meant for example a joint 5th position. In these cases we chose another book which had not yet been represented. Some artists specialize in picture books, as do publishers (Wytwórnia, Dwie Siostry). It is not surprising, then, that some names were repeated many times (Marta Ignerska, Iwona Chmielewska). The Polish Library Association and the Book Institute found the results of voting very interesting and published the final list on their websites.
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Jan Bajtlik Auto [Automobile] Dwie Siostry, 2013 • ISBN 9788363696245 The tradition of Polish poster art, especially
Jury zostało usatysfakcjonowane przez Jana Bajtlika
inspired by the art of Jan and Peter Młodożeniec
i Wydawnictwo Dwie Siostry, że tradycja polskiej
is timeless and once again finds itself in the
szkoły plakatu, szczególnie inspirowana sztuką Jana i
hands of young readers. Using simple concepts
Piotra Młodożeńców jest ponadczasowa i kolejny raz
the book affirms everyday reality and shows
może trafiać w książkowej formie w dziecięce ręce.
the world of the automobile – tyres, mechanic,
Arcyprosta, dla najmłodszych dzieci koncepcja książki
petrol, lights, wash, etc. These are shown within
afirmującej codzienność, zawiera automobilowy
the microcosm of the family, through the text
kosmos (w takich pojęciach jak: auto, opony,
and bright primary colour illustrations. The
mechanik, benzyna, światła, myjnia itp.) osadzony w
characters are presented concisely, comically
mikroświecie rodziny (w słowach: tata, ja, mama) – co
and picturesquely.
urzekająco zostaje wyeksponowane w wyróżniającej
się typografii i akcencie barw podstawowych. Skrótowo i komicznie, a jednocześnie bardzo malarsko przedstawieni bohaterowie i ich rekwizyty stają przed dzieckiem niczym realne. W narracji całej książki jest zatem przestrzeń i swoboda dla identyfikacji oraz własnej interpretacji tego co w książce i tego, co przez odbiorcę doświadczone.
the world through picture books • books from poland • 133
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Iwona Chmielewska Cztery zwykte miski [Four Ordinary Bowls] Format, 2013 • ISBN 9788361488293 This book is about everything you can think
“Książkę można wymyślić o wszystkim” – mówi Iwona
of - even four ordinary bowls. It has minimalist
Chmielewska w pierwszych słowach swej ostatniej
illustrations and a simple, but important text.
książki. I tak też sama czyni, bo pretekstem do jej
The bowls can do everything - a baseball cap,
powstania są najzwyklejsze przedmioty codziennego
dark sunglasses and a pinwheel for a child, but
użytku – cztery małe miski. Naczynia są zwykłe, ale
can also be used to learn counting, the alphabet,
książka o nich – zupełnie niezwykła. Autorka (znana
or to create your own compositions. The bowls
i nagradzana na świecie, m.in. w Korei Pd., Japonii,
can also talk about something more important
Chinach, Portugalii, Polsce i Niemczech) zachwyca
than just fun, they can talk about emotions and
wyważonym połączeniem minimalistycznego tekstu
about social injustice. They can show the beauty,
z piękną w swej prostocie ilustracją. I przekazuje
but also the cruelty of the world and the need
głęboką refleksję: o niesprawiedliwości społecznej i
to pay attention to the great power of creation.
sile tworzenia. Książka w całości powstała w duchu
The book encourages children to open their
recyclingu – z używanych, nikomu już niepotrzebnych
imagination and to use their own interpretation.
materiałów.
3
Maria Ekier Kocur mruży ślepia złote [The Tomcat Narrows His Golden Eyes] Hokus Pokus, 2008 • ISBN 97883360402153 An interesting idea for young readers providing
Niebanalna propozycja dla najmłodszych, inspirująca
inspiration for their own attempts at painting.
do swobodnych prób malarskich.Bardzo precyzyjnie
The precisely added touches of colour work in
dodawane akcenty kolorystyczne oraz biel i czerń
harmony with black and white to create a story
współgrają ze sobą, tworząc historię zagadkową od
that is mysterious from the very start right
samego początku aż do przewrotnej puenty. Zabawa
through to the twist at the end. Playing with the
skalą podkreśla rytm wiersza. Oszczędność słów
scale adds emphasis to the rhythm of the poem.
zachęca do wspólnej słowno-graficznej zabawy.
Words are used sparingly to encourage verbal
Wyróżnienie za piękne, swobodnie malowane
and graphic play.
obrazy, które dopowiadają historię o niewielu celnie
dobranych słowach.
the world through picture books • books from poland • 134
4
Marta Ignerska • Przemyslaw Wechterowicz Alfabet [Alphabet] Znak, 2011 • ISBN 9788324015320 These are very simple texts but at the same time
Teksty są proste, ale niezwykłe, a Marta Ignerska
very unusual ones and Marta Ignerska adds to
dokłada do nich trafioną interpretację wizualną.
them adequate visual interpretation. In the book
Połączenie słowa i obrazu niekiedy urasta nieomal do
we find a distinctive mix of artistic techniques (ink
rangi poezji Mirona Białoszewskiego.
and pencil on yellowish paper). On a dark greyish
W książce znajdujemy charakterystyczny miks technik
background striking colours are composed into
(tusz i ołówek na pożółkłym papierze). Na zgaszonym,
the shape of letter – a kind of dab of the brush
szarawym tle wybijają się soczystej barwy, układające
or the stains of spilled inks. The same letters are
się w zarys litery: ni to maźnięcia pędzlem, ni plamy
repeated in classic typeface on the left page, for
rozlanych kolorowych tuszy. Dla większej czytelności
better readability. Examples of sentences show
– powtórzone są na lewej stronicy jako grzeczne,
that the association between a person and the
układne wersaliki. I dopiero przykłady w zdaniach –
letters goes quite far. The way that Ignerska/
jak w prawdziwych elementarzach – pokazują nam, że
Wechterowicz defy convention shows in the
skojarzenia między osobą a literą idą całkiem daleko.
unusual connections: for example a dancing lady
Przekora propozycji duetu Ignerska/Wechterowicz
and gentleman are associated with X and Y (male
objawia się w nieoczywistych połączeniach: przy
and female chromosomes). The entire concept of
brzuszku – wizerunek D, B znajdujemy zgoła gdzie
the book is completed by witty end pages – on the
indziej, a gdy tańczyć mają pani z panem, widzimy X i
last page many characters from the book come
Y (chromosomy tancerzy?).
together in a kind of genre painting. The book
Swoboda, śmiałość kompozycji zagęszczona jest
leaves much space for one’s own interpretations,
niby-wycinankami, liniaturą papieru, udawaną
comments, creative activities, anecdotes.
monochromią całości – na tym tle barwne plamy liter aż świecą! Całości dopełnia dowcipna końcówka – na ostatniej stronie spotyka się wielu bohaterów książki w swoistej scence rodzajowej. Książka zostawia sporo przestrzeni dla własnych przemyśleń, komentarzy, poszukiwań twórczych, anegdot.
5
Aleksandra Mizielińska • Daniel Mizieliński Miasteczko Mamoko [The Small Town Mamoko] Dwie Siostry, 2010 • ISBN 9788360850138 A new Polish wordless picture book to connect
Nowy polski pomysł na książkę bez słów. Propozycja
the generations. Each reader is able to create
wydawnicza, która może łączyć pokolenia: każdy
his/her own story based on the characters in the
czytelnik (oglądacz) najpierw uważnie śledzi
pages. It’s obvious that the authors had great
losy poszczególnych bohaterów, a potem tworzy
fun when creating this book and that the readers
własną opowieść o licznie zapełniających jej strony
will enjoy discovering all its hidden secrets. Each
zwierzątkach. Widać, że autorzy doskonale się bawili
spread shows a number of parallel stories about
przy tworzeniu, a widzowie mogą cieszyć się książką,
the different inhabitants of the city. The pictures
stopniowo odkrywając wszystkie jej zakamuflowane
all work together to make an interesting whole
smaczki. Duże, kolorowe strony zawierają kilkanaście
story. It’s a delicious treat for the careful and
równolegle toczących się historii różnych mieszkańców
observant reader and it encourages re-reading.
miasteczka o znaczącej nazwie (Mamoko = mam oko,
A subdued palette of colours, with images rich
jestem spostrzegawczy). Panoramiczne plany, śmiała
in detail, though with a distinctive feature, invite
kompozycja, płasko kładziony kolor, drobiazgowy, a
you to return and decipher the multiple artistic
przy tym swobodny, rysunek - wszystko to składa się
and cultural puzzles. The book is published
na efektowną całość. Gratka dla spostrzegawczych
in board format which ensures its durability.
i uważnych, zachęcająca do wielkrotnego oglądania. Książka ma strony z grubego kartonu, co z pewnością przedłuży jej żywot. Przygaszona paleta barw, ilustracje bogate w szczegóły, acz z wyraźną dominantą, zapraszają do wielokrotnych powrotów i rozszyfrowywania zagadek artystycznych i kulturowych.
the world through picture books • books from poland • 135
6
Joanna Olech • Edgar Bąk, ill. Kto ty jestes? [Who Are You?] Wytwornia, 2013 • ISBN 9788364011016 The graphic design of the book Who are you? is very
Szata graficzna książki,Kto ty jesteś? przyciąga
attractive. The book is designed with a respect for
zdecydowaną, syntetyczną formą. Książka
the child reader. It is a picture book that relies on
zaprojektowana z szacunkiem dla dziecka, bez zbędnej
the interplay of short texts on the right side of the
infantylizacji. Wpisuje się w gatunek książki obrazkowej:
spread and the illustrations, a series of posters,
kompozycja opiera się na współgraniu krótkich tekstów
presenting the issue to be discussed. The text
umieszczonych z prawej strony rozkładówki i ilustracji
itself is located on a white page with one style of
- właściwie serii plakatów – obrazujących omawiany
typeface and it is easily readable.
problem. Tekst umieszczony na obszernej bieli kartki za pomocą dużej jednoelementowej czcionki, daje się łatwo przeczytać. Na dodatek ilustracja wyrazista, centralna, poprzez użycie prostych atrybutów podpowiada, że patriotyzm nosi znamiona powszechnie znanych codziennych sytuacji i na pewno nie jest wyłącznie biało-czerwony i odświętny. Płaska plama barwna podkreśla poczucie ładu, porządku, pozostawia w swojej graficznej przestrzeni miejsce dla własnych przemyśleń. Czerwono-różowa energetyczna okładka jest jak rumieniec na twarzy zaaferowanego ważną sprawą dziecka. Zaczepnie pyta: A Ty?
7
Paweł Pawlak Czarostatki i Parodzieje [Steam Wizards] Tatarak, 2012 • ISBN 9788363522025 A picturesque story about little Sophie and Tosia,
Zosia mieszka z mamą, ma Tosię – umiłowaną pluszową
her beloved plush lamb, who one day suddenly
owieczkę, którą dostała od taty, mama wychodzi na
fell out of the window. The whole book is
pół godzinki do apteki… plus oczywiście wiele znaczący
dominated by the images. But for the reader it
tytuł – to właściwie jedyny tekstowy przekaz, który
is not only about losing and finding something,
książka ta zawiera. Nad pozostałą narracją, stanowiącą
but also abut the aura of magic places: peaceful,
niemal całość książki dominują obrazy. Jury doceniło, że
lazily flowing, sometimes full of hustle and bustle
z taką spójnością i doskonałym warsztatem malarskim,
and filled with a variety of human behavior.
z oryginalną i cudowną, konceptualną naiwnością ma
Sophie looks for the lamb in good and bad
do czynienia po raz pierwszy pośród polskich książek
weather, during the day and night, in time of war
obrazkowych (również beztekstowych). Tym samym
and peace, in space, over the cities of modern
oglądamy jedną z najlepszych książek, powstałych w
and historical cities, in a tropical forest and in
naszym kraju, snujących narrację wizualną, której obrazy
the desert. The book inspires, helps develop
każą się czytać.
vocabulary, and helps a child learn to look,
Artysta oryginalnie wyodrębnia światy umieszczając
comment and reflect.
dziejącą się tu i teraz rzeczywistość już na kilku stronach przedtytułowych. Zabieg taki, oraz przypis do tytułu, w którym zamieścił zapewnienienie, że oto odsłania się przed nami historia oparta na prawdziwych wydarzeniach, zdaje się być świadomym upełnomocnieniem potęgi dziecięcej wyobraźni, tak często postponowanej przez dorosłych…
the world through picture books • books from poland • 136
8
9
Janusz Stanny O Malarzu rudym jak cegła [About a Painter Redhead Like a Brick] Wytwornia, 2013 • ISBN 9788364011009 The book was first published in 1961 and highlights
Oto wydana po raz pierwszy w roku 1961 książka
the fame of Janusz Stanny as an illustrator as well
Janusza Stannego, która utrwaliła jego ilustratorską
as revealing his great literary talent. The story
sławę i ujawniła, obok plastycznego, także wielki
is full of poetic charm and demonstrates the
literacki talent. Pełna poetyckiego wdzięku opowieść
author’s artistic manifesto. It tells the story of a
stanowi manifest artystyczny autora, który
Painter who creates his world by brush and paint.
opowiada historię Malarza tworzącego świat farbą
The book is simple and witty, perfectly composed
i pędzlem. Książka prosta i dowcipna, perfekcyjnie
as each double page forms a clear visual story
zakomponowana - każda rozkładówka to przejrzysta
drawn by synthetic lines. The book was remains
fabularna sytuacja, nakreślona jak najoszczędniej,
as modern today as it was when it was first
syntetyczną kreską. Książka była bardzo nowoczesna
published 50 years ago.
z góra przed 50 laty... i taką pozostała.
Józef Wilkoń Psie Zycie [A Dog’s life] Hokus Pocus, 2011 • ISBN 9788360402573 For ages Joseph Wilkoń has painted and sculpted
Tego jeszcze nie było! Autorska książka Józefa Wilkonia
animals. In his great work he shows their nature.
zilustrowana rzeźbami psów.
The book A Dog’s Life is very personal. It is a
Józef Wilkoń od lat maluje i rzeźbi zwierzęta. W swych
monologue of a dog, illustrated by sculptures.
pracach świetnie potrafi uchwycić ich naturę.
We see dogs of various breeds, dachshunds,
Książka Psie życie jest bardzo osobista.
wolfhounds, schnauzers and others. Although they
To wzruszający monolog psa, zilustrowany
are carved in wood, they look at us as if they were
charakterystycznymi rzeźbami Wilkonia. Widzimy psy
living and speaking to a human being. I’m speaking
różnych ras, jamniki, wilczury, sznaucery i kundelki.
to you. yes, it’s me, the dog, your very best friend.
Mimo że wyrzeźbione są w drewnie, patrzą na nas
This book is a very important voice – it is the voice
jak żywe.
of all dogs in the world. A dog’s life tells us about
Czasem mówimy, że pies jest przyjacielem człowieka,
the relationship between man and dog in a very
a człowiek jego panem. Pies jest w swojej miłości i
simple but moving way. It reminds us that dogs
przywiązaniu wierny, z człowiekiem bywa różnie.
needs our love and care. This book encourages
W książce “Psie życie” Józef Wilkoń przypomina nam,
children and parents to discuss the relationship
że powinniśmy być odpowiedzialni za to, co oswoiliśmy.
between people and animals. Sometimes we say that the dog is the friend of man and a man of his master. The dog is loyal in his love and affection but the man is sometimes different. In the book A Dog’s Life Joseph Wilkoń reminds us that we should be responsible.
the world through picture books • books from poland • 137
10
Aleksandra Woldańska-Płocińska Pierwsze [The Piglet’s First Birthday] Czerwony Konik, 2010 • ISBN 9788392672623 This board book for very young readers, is
Książka dla najmłodszych odbiorców, pełna humoru,
filled with humour, excellent to look at, to read
do oglądania, czytania, nauki liczenia. Prosta historyjka
and to learn to count. The simple story about
o prosiaczku-jubilacie nawiązuje do rozmaitych
piglet’s birthday refers to different sayings and
powiedzeń i skojarzeń, także z klasykami literatury
associations (also to classics of children literature
dziecięcej (niedźwiedź przynosi w prezencie „pół
– the bear brings “a half of the jar of the hunny”
słoiczka miodku” – to nam chyba coś przypomina…).
– which reminds us of something, doesn’t it?) The
Bezpretensjonalny styl Aleksandry Woldańskiej-
unpretentious style of Aleksandra Woldańska-
Płocińskiej jest już rozpoznawalny – uproszczone
Płocińska is already recognizable: simplified
postaci zwierząt, ciekawy dobór płaskich plam koloru,
silhouettes of animals, an interesting choice of
niebanalna typografia. Artystka szuka własnego
flat stains of colours and unusual typography. The
sposobu pokazania stworzonego przez siebie świata, z
artist searches for her own way of displaying the
dala od Disneyowskich skojarzeń.
world she has created.
the world through picture books • books from poland • 138
Books from
Qatar
Contact: Amira Abed [email protected]
Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing was established as Qatar’s first publishing house to publish books of excellence and originality in English and Arabic. They are dedicated to cultivating new literary talent especially in Arabic by organizing events to support the development of aspiring new literary talent and running creative writing workshops. In the schools community, their fast growing role has gained them a lot of recognition among teachers, librarians and parents as they build a literary culture in Qatar and the Middle East through reading events and other initiatives such as World Book Day. Through Reading and Writing Development (RWD) they aim to give Arabic literature the importance it deserves by creating content for librarians/ teachers and literary resources such as the annual Children’s Book Guide with readers looking to RWD for quality book recommendations, book resources, and a community with whom to share their passion. They are also working on establishing a BQFP standard for libraries that local Independent Schools will aspire to meet. They provide readers with a well-rounded list of children’s books in a combination of literature in translation and original writing and a variety of illustration styles, subject matters, and cultures. For example, Hamda and Fisaikra and Victory Over Abu Derya are retellings of old folk tales from the region which expose Qatar’s diverse ex-patriate community to the Gulf’s rich heritage. They aim to bring children in the Arab world closer to books on relevant themes such as tolerance, unconditional love, and fun and to give the message that good pleasurable books and active child-friendly libraries should be accessible to each and every child in school.
the world through picture books • books from qatar • 139
1
Kaltham Al Ghanem • May Al Mannai, ill.
‫محدة وفسيكرة‬
Hamda wa Fisaikra [Hamda and Fisaikra] Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation, 2011 • ISBN 9789992178881 (Arabic edition) • ISBN 9789992178874 (English Edition) Hamda is the Cinderella of the Gulf. The story takes place on the Gulf shores where Fisaikra, the fairy fish rescues poor Hamda from the wicked step mother and brings her together with the charming Sheikh’s son. A tale that is living proof of the power of popular fairytales to reinvent themselves in different cultures. Told by Kaltham Al Ghanim whose work vastly covers areas of anthropological research in the Arabian Gulf, paired up with a Qatari illustrator who works in Al Jazeera Children’s Channel in Qatar. The book is available separately in English
‫ وتدور قصهتا عىل‬،‫“محدة” يه سندريلال اخلليج‬ ‫شواطئ اخلليج حيث تنقذها مسكة الفسيكرة الحسرية‬ ‫ريا بفارس‬ ً ‫ ومجتعها أخ‬،‫من زوجة أبهيا الرشيرة‬ .‫أحالمها‬ ‫تربهن هذه القصة عىل إماكنية إعادة إنتاج القصص‬ ‫ ولتحقيق ذلك‬.‫اخليالية مبا يتوافق مع الثقافات املختلفة‬ ‫جيمتع قمل لكمث الغامن اليت هلا عدة أمعال يف جمال‬ ‫ مع رسومات‬،‫البحث األنرثوبولويج يف اخلليج العريب‬ ‫الفنانة القطرية يم املنايع اليت تعمل يف قناة اجلزيرة‬ .‫لألطفال بقطر‬
and Arabic
2
Mohamed Ali
‫االنتصار عىل أيب دريا‬
Al Intisar ala Abi Derya [Victory Over Abu Derya] Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation, 2010 • ISBN 9789992142240 (Arabic edition) • ISBN 9789992142233 (English edition) A Gulf legend that lives on from one generation to another about the history of pearl diving where the pearl fleet returns from another hard season at sea after a terrible defeat by the legendary guardian of the sea kingdom Abu Derya. Many ships and sailors have been lost; but when the grandmother of little Rashid has a dream in which her grandson’s hands are filled with pearls, the villagers vow to reverse their fortune. Down
‫أسطورة خليجية تتناقلها األجيال تدور أحداثها حول‬ ‫تارخي صيد اللؤلؤ ؛ وفهيا يعود أسطول صيد اللؤلؤ من‬ ‫مومس آخر صعب بعد هزميته عىل يد حارس مملكة‬ .‫البحر األسطوري أبو دريا‬ ‫ُيفقد عدد من السفن والبحارة؛ لكن حني حتمل جدة‬ ‫الصغري 'رشيد' حبفيدها حملا ترى فيه يده ممتلئة‬ .‫ يممص أهل القرية عىل تغيري حظهم العرس‬،‫بالآليلء‬ .‫ولكن يف هذه األثناء يستعد أبو دريا إلظهار قدراته‬
there, Abu Derya however is prepared to unleash his powers. The book is available separately in English and Arabic.
the world through picture books • books from qatar • 140
3
Kaltham Al Ghanim • Khaled Al Fahd and Tomader Al Esseiry, ill.
‫األغاين الرتاثية لألطفال‬
Al Aghani Al Toratheya Lel Atffal [Traditional Children’s Songs] Qatar Museum Authorities – National Museum of Qatar, 2013 • ISBN 9992161213 A bouquet of folk songs and nursery rhymes from the Qatari heritage, educating children about environmental phenomena, and family bonds and reinforcing traditional and religous values. The songs are about everything – from the moon
‫باقة من األغاين من الرتاث تنقل األطفال يف رحلة‬ ‫اىل املايض من خالل أغاىن املطر والقمر والطبيعة‬ ‫والتقاليد الدينية واألرسية وحىت ألعاب األطفال واحلنة‬ .‫اليت تنتظرها البنات يف االحتفاالت‬
and desert rain to children’s games and the festive henna that girls love so much.
4
Kaltham Al Ghanim • National Museum of Qatar production team, ill.
)‫الفارسان (سباق املسيلة‬
Al Farisan – Sibaq Al Messila = The 2 Knights – Al Messial horserace Qatar Museum Authorities – National Museum of Qatar, 2013 • ISBN 999216123X The traditional Al-Masila annual race is a day of challenge, as the story starts with a cloud of dust that kicks off the race between the white horse Al Na’ama, and the brown horse, and the knights battle for the title and impress their
‫تصور القصة سباق املسيلة السنوي الذي يعترب من‬ ‫التقاليد اهلامة حيث يتنافس الفارسان عىل اللقب‬ :‫ نعمة واحلصان البين‬:‫مبساعدة احلصان األبيض‬ ‫سودة امام مجهور مىلء بامحلاس‬
eager audience. The book is available separately in English and Arabic.
5
Kaltham Al Ghanim • Tomader Al Esseiry, ill.
‫بوابة القرص‬
Bawabet Al Qasr [The Palace Gates] Qatar Museum Authorities – National Museum of Qatar, 2013 • ISBN 9992161248 Khalid falls asleep reading a book about the history of Qatar. He opens his eyes to find himself in the past when the people of Qatar relied on the treasures of the sea and, together with his friend they enter through the gates of the glorious palace of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassem who ruled the land and witness how he manages the country and the people.
‫يغمض خالد عيناه وهو يقرأ كتابا عن تارخي قطر‬ ‫فينطلق يف رحلة اىل املايض حيث يتعرف عىل‬ ‫غواصني بيحثون عن الآليلء وجيد نفسه أمام الشيخ‬ ‫عبداهلل بن جامس آل ثاين مؤسس دولة قطر وحامك‬ ‫ فنعيش مع‬،‫البالد وهو يف جملسه يدير شؤون بالده‬ ‫خالد وصديقه رحلة داخل القرص الذي حتول فميا بعد‬ .‫إىل متحف‬
the world through picture books • books from qatar • 141
6
Asma Al-Kuwari • Jawaher Ahmed, ill.
‫مملكة القرنقعوة‬
Mamlaket Al Garangao = The Garangao Kingdom Literature Centre for Training and Consulting, 2013 • ISBN 9789927400919 Garangao is the traditional children’s festival day in the middle of the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan during which children roam the neighbourhoods singing traditional songs, as they fill their bags with sweets and nuts from the neighbours. Noura dreams of building an entire kingdom out of her Garangao candy. She soon finds herself in a land full of talking sweets and nuts and embarks on a delicious journey. It all starts with a little voice coming from her bag.
‫قرنقعوه هو احتفال األطفال بنصف هشر رمضان‬ ‫املعظم حيث يقوم األطفال بغناء أغاين القرنقعوه‬ ‫الفللكورية مع أكياهسم املليئة باحللوى واملكرسات من‬ .‫اجلريان‬ ‫نورة عازمة عىل بناء مملكة من حلوى ومسكرات‬ ‫ وجفأة جتد نفهسا يف عامل ميلء باحللوى‬، ‫القرنقعوه‬ ‫الناطقة حيث تنطلق يف رحلة ممتعة و لذيذة تبدأ‬ .‫بصوت صغري من كيس احللوى‬
The book is bilingual in Arabic and English.
the world through picture books • books from qatar • 142
Books from
Contact: Marie France Genest [email protected]
Quebec
(Canada)
The “Association des Bibliothèques publiques du Québec” in collaboration with “Bibliothèques de Montréal” asked librarians from all around Quebec to choose their top ten favourite picture books of all time. A selection committee of nine children’s librarians came together to analyse the top choices derived from the survey and decide upon the top ten picture books which are recommended for children all around the world.
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Ginette Anfousse La Chicane [The Fight] La Courte échelle, 2009 • ISBN 978-2-89651-103-7 First published in 1978 and now available in
Un classique de la littérature québécoise pour la
several languages, this story has become a classic
jeunesse, publié originalement en 1978 et qui met en
in Quebec. The title of the story ‘la chicane’ is
scène une fille très dynamique Jiji, et son Pichou, bébé
a unique Quebec French expression meaning a
tamanoir chéri. Jiji est très en colère contre son ami
quarrel. In this story, Jiji, who is known for her
Cloclo Tremblay. Il a osé toucher à son Pichou chéri !
outspoken personality throughout the series ‘My
C’est une grosse « chicane » comme on dit au Québec.
friend Pichou’, is very upset with her friend Cloclo
Une chicane est une très grosse dispute.
for daring to pet her baby aardvark Pichou. Will
Est-ce que c’est la fin d’une amitié entre les
she ever forgive him? An amusing picture book
deux enfants ?
that touches on the importance of friendship.
Un album drôle et touchant qui ne vieillit pas.
Danielle Simard • Geneviève Côté, ill. La Petite rapporteuse de mots [The Little Word Catcher] Les 400 Coups, 2007 • ISBN 9-78-2-895-401-483 Elise’s grandmother has an illness that is making
La grand-mère d’Élise souffre d’une maladie qui lui
her lose her words. Naturally, Elise tries to bring
fait perdre ses mots. Tout naturellement, l’enfant
them back to her. What if grandma’s words are
les lui rapporte. Mais s’ils étaient simplement usés,
not lost, but simply used up? Or what if grandma
plutôt que perdus? Ou si mamie les donnait à sa
is giving her words to Elise which would explain
petite-fille et ne pouvait alors plus les utiliser ? Autant
why she can’t use them anymore? This book
de manières pour l’enfant de s’expliquer la maladie
introduces ways in which children might explain
d’Alzheimer. Une tendre histoire sur l’immense amour
Alzheimer’s disease to themselves. This tender
qui unit la petite à sa grand-maman, et qui se déploie
story focuses on the love between grandmother
en douceur dans des illustrations aux teintes pastel
and grandchild and the soft, pastel illustrations
tout en transparence, faisant écho aux mots qui
successfully represent the words that are slowly
s’effacent peu à peu de la mémoire. Un texte où poésie
being erased from grandma’s memory.
et naïveté charment sans lourdeur.
the world through picture books • books from quebec (canada) • 143
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Élise Gravel La Clé à mollette [The Wrench] La Courte échelle, 2012 • ISBN 978-2-896-951-826 Bob breaks a wheel on his tricycle and in order to
Bob, un étrange animal rose, brise la roue de son
fix it, he needs a wrench. Since his own wrench
tricycle et pour le réparer il a besoin de sa clé
is nowhere to be found, he decides to go to the
à molette. Comme il ne la trouve pas, il se rend chez
Mégamart department store where he comes
Mégamart, un immense magasin à rayons. Là-bas,
across so many amazing, incredible tools that
il se laisse séduire par plusieurs produits plus inutiles
he completely forgets about buying his wrench.
les uns que les autres jusqu’à n’avoir plus d’argent
When he returns home, he realizes that not
pour acheter le précieux outil. Comment Bob résoudra-
only has he has forgotten to buy his wrench, he
t-il son problème ? Dans cet album, qui aborde la
now has no money left over to buy it. How will
surconsommation de manière comique, on retrouve
he fix his bike? This story addresses the topic of
avec bonheur les illustrations toujours originales
overconsumption in an age-appropriate manner.
et colorées d’Élise Gravel.
Marie-Louise Gay Stella, étoile de la mer [Stella, star of the sea] Saint-Dominique et compagnie, 1999 • ISBN 2-895-512-0749 While spending the day at sea for the first time,
Se promenant pour la toute première fois au bord de
Sasha has many questions for his big sister Stella
la mer, Sacha interroge sa sœur Stella sur l’origine des
about sea-shells, fish and sea-horses. Sasha
étoiles de mer, des coquillages et des poissons. Sacha
wants to know everything about the ocean
veut tout connaître et, par chance, Stella sait tout ! Cet
and luckily, Stella has all the answers. Marie-
album, ancré dans la réalité, pose les grandes questions
Louise Gay, who has become one of the most
que les tout-petits se posent. Marie-Louise Gay, une
internationally recognized author-illustrators,
des auteures jeunesse les plus appréciées et reconnues
has created a magical story filled with bright,
à l’échelle internationale, a su créer un univers
vibrant watercolours. This story was awarded the
empreint de poésie et de magie remplie d’illustrations
Mr Christie’s book prize and the Ruth Schwartz
lumineuses. Elle a reçu, pour ce livre, le Prix du livre
award in 2000.
M. Christie et le Prix Ruth Schwartz en l’an 2000.
Dominique Demers • Stéphane Poulin, ill. Vieux Thomas et la petite fée [Old Thomas and the little fairy] Dominique et compagnie, 2000 • ISBN 2-895-512-1389 Winner of several children’s literature prizes,
Lauréat de plusieurs prix littéraires, Vieux Thomas
this story brings together two extraordinary
et la petite fée rassemblent un duo de créateurs
characters. Children are introduced to a crabby,
exceptionnels. Les illustrations à couper le souffle de
old fisherman named Thomas whose life changes
Stéphane Poulin donnent vie au texte poétique de
when finding a little fairy washed up onto shore.
Dominique Demers, nous offrant un récit magnifique
The breathtaking illustrations bring to life a
et émouvant, empreint de merveilleux et porteur
wonderful story which is a magical tale full of
d’une grande douceur. « Vieux Thomas était en
love and wonder. ‘’Old Thomas was angry at the
colère contre le monde entier. Un soir qu’il arpentait
whole world. One evening when he was pacing
la plage en lançant des injures aux étoiles et aux
the beach and shouting insults at the stars and
vagues, il découvrit une fillette minuscule échouée
the waves, he discovered a tiny little girl who had
sur le sable... »
been washed up on the sand…’’
the world through picture books • books from quebec (canada) • 144
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Lili Chartrand • Rogé, ill. Le Gros monstre qui aimait trop lire [Taming Horrible Harry] Dominique et compagnie, 2005 • ISBN 978-2-895-124-542 A horrible monster who lives in the woods scares
Le Gros monstre qui aimait trop lire raconte
away anyone who dares to enter the forest.
l’histoire d’un affreux monstre qui vit dans la forêt et
One day, he finds a little girl reading by a tree
qui s’amuse à terroriser les gens en poussant de gros
trunk. After scaring her off, he realizes that in her
hurlements. Un jour, il croise une jeune fille qui est
fright, she has left her book behind. The horrible
fascinée par l’histoire d’un livre, et il doit s’y prendre
monster, with his newfound book, quickly learns
à deux reprises pour réussir à la faire fuir. Elle laisse
how to read. He becomes so fascinated with
son livre derrière elle. Le gros monstre, le livre entre
reading books, that he forgets to scare people
ses mains, apprend rapidement à lire et prend goût
away from the woods. However, isn’t a monster’s
à la lecture au point d’oublier de hurler à l’approche
job to scare people? Is the joy of reading the
d’un humain dans la forêt. Mais le devoir d’un monstre
reason why monsters don’t scare humans
n’est-il pas d’effrayer les gens, non de lire des livres ? Le
anymore? Children and parents alike will enjoy
plaisir de la lecture serait-elle la raison pour laquelle les
this colourfully illustrated tale.
monstres ne font plus peur aux humains, de nos jours ?
Melanie Watt Frisson l’écureuil [Scaredy Squirrel] Scholastic, 2006 • ISBN 978-043-994-0474 Scaredy Squirrel is petrified of leaving his beloved
Frisson est un adorable écureuil qui redoute plus
tree in fear of the unknown. Tarantulas, poison
que tout de quitter son arbre et d’affronter l’inconnu.
ivy, aliens and killer bees are only some of the
Les tarentules, l’herbe à puce, les extraterrestres et les
things Scaredy suspects could be waiting for him
abeilles meurtrières sont autant de choses dont Frisson
away from his home. As a result, he has made
a peur. Il s’est donc constitué un horaire routinier sans
himself a minute-by-minute schedule to follow,
risques, une trousse d’urgence et un plan d’évacuation.
an emergency kit and an evacuation plan. One
Un jour, en faisant le guet dans son arbre, Frisson
day, while keeping watch, Scaredy spots a killer
aperçoit une abeille meurtrière. Il panique et laisse
bee! He panics and drops his emergency kit !
tomber sa trousse! En plongeant pour la rattraper,
What will he do ? This first book from the Scaredy
il fait face à une situation nouvelle et inconnue.
Squirrel series is perfect for young children who
Ce n’est pas si terrible ! Depuis sa sortie, l’écureuil
are facing scary, unknown situations for the first
a conquis les cœurs avec ses illustrations simples et
time. The simple, colourful illustrations that are
colorées, son style télégraphique et son exagération
used throughout the series further enhance the
hilarante. C’est le premier album d’une série qui relate
hilarious adventures of Scaredy Squirrel.
les aventures de Frisson. Un album parfait pour les petits qui ont peur de l’inconnu.
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Louis Émond • Philippe Béha, ill. Le Monde de Théo [The World of Theo] Hurtubise, 2011 • ISBN 978-2-89-647-4394 Theo is alone in the world after surviving a
Théo est seul au monde, le seul survivant d’un
disaster that has wiped out everyone on Earth.
événement catastrophique ayant décimé la Terre
One day, he decides to go on an adventure to
entière. Un jour, alors que sa solitude lui pèse plus
look for another person to keep him company.
qu’à l’habitude, il décide de partir à la recherche d’une
He builds a flying machine out of used parts and
autre personne. Il construit une machine volante avec
begins his voyage. This story touches on the
des pièces usagées. Et c’est le début d’un long voyage.
themes of solitude, hope and perseverance and
Théo est une fable moderne sur la solitude, l’espoir
warns the reader of the impact of human nature
et la persévérance. L’album met en garde contre
in a subtle and successful manner. The wonderful
les ravages causés par l’humain à l’environnement
illustrations loaded with vibrant colours do well
de façon subtile et réussie. Les illustrations exquises
to contrast the devastated world in which Theo
aux couleurs vives contrastent avec le monde dévasté
lives. The open ending allows for interpretation
dans lequel Théo vit. L’album, avec sa fin ouverte,
and can lead to many discussions.
laisse place à l’interprétation et aux discussions.
the world through picture books • books from quebec (canada) • 145
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Dominique Jolin Attends une minute! [Wait one minute!] Les 400 Coups, 1999 • ISBN 978-289-540-4392 Camilien is very thirsty so he asks his mother
Camilien a très soif. Il demande un verre d’eau
for a glass of water. ‘’One minute!’’ responds
à sa mère.
his mother. While he is waiting, hisimagination
« Attends une minute ! » lui répond sa mère. Il doit
begins to run wild and he pretends that he is
patienter, mais son imagination, elle, s’envole dans
being attacked by monsters, then he finds himself
le désert, sur un bateau volant, dans un aquarium
flying in the sky attached to a pirate boat before
et pour finir dans une mer peuplée de monstres.
being trapped in an aquarium, among other
Quelle aventure!
creative scenarios. What an adventure - all in
Un texte rythmé, drôle avec des illustrations originales,
what seems to be a very long minute! A simple,
colorées et expressives.
funny picture book with colourful and expressive
Un classique de notre littérature, réédité depuis 1999,
illustrations that is sure to amuse children and
a fait rire bien des enfants et leurs parents.
their parents. A classic, always in print since 1999.
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Marianne Dubuc Devant ma maison [In front of my house] La Courte Échelle, 2010 • ISBN 978-2-89-651-2751 A circular story that begins and ends in front of
Un imagier pas comme les autres! Un voyage
a tiny house. This inventive tale takes the reader
à travers une maison, un environnement rassurant
on a voyage that explores everyday items in a
pour le tout-petit, mais combien aussi mystérieux.
creative way, especially with the discovery of a
Sous le lit, un livre de contes égaré permet la rencontre
fairy tale book hidden under the bed ! The pencil
de plusieurs personnages connus des enfants :
crayon illustrations and simple text work well
princesses, pirates, loups et bien d’autres. Le plaisir de
to create anticipation and keep children guessing
l’album pour le jeune enfant réside dans l’anticipation
as they wonder what will be hiding behind the
de ce qui se cache derrière les objets qu’il rencontre
next object. A mysterious adventure perfect
tout le long du livre.
for younger children who enjoy using their
Les illustrations, dessinées à crayon de bois, donnent
imagination.
une vie poétique à cette mystérieuse promenade du quotidien et de l’imaginaire.
the world through picture books • books from quebec (canada) • 146
Books from
Contacts: Linda Koo Seen Lin – [email protected] Anne-Christelle Tiverne – anne-christelle.t[email protected]
Reunion Island (France)
This selection of picture books, made by librarians of the “Bibliothèque départementale” of Reunion, says many things about this small French island situated in the Indian Ocean (21°09 S, 55°30 E). In all these books, children are invited to glance into their natural and cultural heritage (Reunion Island from A to Z, 100 words about Reunion Island). Reunion is a preserved area where nature, through rupture in the earth’s crust, has given birth to the island (The Small Volcano) and has developed some very extraordinary living birds such as shown in The Paille en queue bird or extinct ones like the dodo bird (The Bird Dodo’s take off). This nature must be protected: ecology, recycling and sustainable development are to be taught (Velocity). The island is very much concerned about its cultural identity; people from Europe, Africa and Asia have met there and created an extraordinary melting pot: this multiethnic population has merged in a unique society living together in peace and harmony but some questions have to be asked (She knows from whom she inherited it). Different religions co-habit and due respect is paid to each of them (The Mixing up of Religions). We also have examples of traditional tales with the mythical animal, the cunning hare who is always trapped in the end (Hare is going to the Ball) together with nursery rhymes and Creole songs (Ticoulitintin). Creole is the popular spoken language and how it should be written is much of an issue. Some tales are drawn from old native stories or from neighbouring Madagascar, whose history has been quite close to Reunion’s (In my basket). All these books are remarkably illustrated, some can be considered as art books. Publishing for young children has increased these last years both in number and in quality, perhaps thanks to the work done by children’s libraries. The municipal library of Saint Pierre hosts a contest every three years; a prize is offered to the best illustrator of a picture book, chosen by children among a short list made by librarians, of recent picture books; the “Bibliothèque départementale” gives every newborn baby a book and a leaflet on how to read to babes together with an invitation to a show for young children. Moreover most libraries throughout the island have social and cultural activities with books especially for children and teenagers. This has boosted publishing. Reunion is only a small island and the sales opportunities are narrow, this explains why such a small number of books are published each year.
the world through picture books • books from reunion island (france) • 147
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Fabienne Jonca • Hélène Moreau, ill. La Réunion des religions [The Mixing up of Religions] Océan éditions, 2010 • ISBN 978-2-36247-003-5 The better you know about the various religions
Mieux connaître les différentes religions, c’est cultiver
that exist, the better you become tolerant and
la tolérance pour mieux vivre ensemble.
make it easier to live together. This book is
Destiné aux enfants dès leur plus jeune âge, ce livre
accessible to children from very young age, it
propose un tour d’horizon de huit grandes religions :
offers an abstract for the eight most popular
l’hindouisme, le bouddhisme, la religion populaire
religions in the world such as: Hinduism,
chinoise, le judaïsme, le catholicisme, l’orthodoxie,
Buddhism, the popular religion of China that
le protestantisme et l’islam. Bassam vit à La Réunion,
include Confuciusm, Taoism and Buddhism, the
une petite île de l’océan Indien dans laquelle se
Judaism, the Catholicism, the Orthodox, the
côtoient des fidèles de très nombreuses religions. Il se
Protestants, and Islam. Bassam lives in Réunion
réjouit de cette diversité, il est en effet régulièrement
Island, a small island in the Indian Ocean where
invité à de grandes fêtes par ses amis. Une partie
people about various religions live together. He
documentaire permet de répondre aux grandes
is happy about this diversity; in fact he is often
questions que l’on se pose souvent sur les religions :
invited to big celebration parties by his friends.
Quelles sont les principales croyances ? Les grands
One part of the book could be classified as a
événements ? Les pratiques importantes ?
documentary book which is useful for the reader
Nous avons choisi ce livre car il donne une image
because it gives answers to questions that are
positive de la Réunion et son peuple. En fait, il donne
frequently asked about religions such as: What
des informations sur leurs croyances religieuses,
are the most popular religions? What are the big
la culture et des pratiques et comment les gens vivent
events associated to these religions? And what are
ensemble en paix avec leurs différences. Ce livre
the most important practices of each of them?
est accessible aux enfants à partir de 8 ans, c’est un
We have chosen this book because it gives a
beau livre avec des images multicolores et peut être
positive image of Réunion Island and its people.
utilisé pour lire à haute voix. À la fin du livre, il y a un
In fact, it gives information about their religious
glossaire qui explique tous les termes et les expressions
beliefs, culture and practices and how people
religieuses. Cet album aide les enfants à comprendre
live together in peace with their differences.
la diversité des religions qui existent dans un même
This book is accessible to children from the age
pays et à les respecter.
of 8; it is a beautiful book with multicoloured pictures and could be used to read aloud. At the end of the book there is an index which gives explanation for all the religious terms and expressions. It helps children learn about the variety of religions that does exist in a same country and respect them.
the world through picture books • books from reunion island (france) • 148
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Robi • Maîté Chaveron, ill. Elle a de qui tenir [She knows from whom she inherited it] Océan éditions, 2009 • ISBN 978-2916-533-72-8 Who are you? Where are you from? You are the
Qui es-tu ? D’où viens-tu ? Tu es le fruit de tes racines,
fruit of your own roots, a new growing plant
Une pousse toute neuve qui suivra son propre chemin…
that will have its own way… The members of an
Les membres de la famille métissée d’un Africain
African’s crossbreed family want to find a trait
veulent trouver un trait de ressemblance de caractère
of their own in a new born baby girl. This book is
chez une petite fille qui vient de naître Ce livre traite
about people from crossbreed origin and it was
du métissage et il a été inspiré par une chanson
inspired by a song from the singer Robi. Who has
du chanteur Robi. Qui ne s’est jamais interrogé sur
never questioned himself about the similarity
la similitude d’un trait de caractère que son enfant
in a trait of characters that his child could have
pourrait avoir hérité de lui-même ou d’un membre de
inherited from himself or from a member of his
sa proche famille ? C’est précisément à cette question
close family? The book attempts to answer these
que ce livre tente de répondre. Beaucoup d’authenticité
questions. Through the illustrations and the
et de sincérité pour ce livre avec ses illustrations et ses
beautiful rhymes the album becomes very sincere
belles rimes. En outre, l’alternance entre la peinture
and authentic. Furthermore the alternative
pour représenter les membres de la famille proche
between pictures that are painted and used to
et le dessin pour représenter la jeune fille qui grandit
represent the members of the close family and
est un excellent choix graphique, parce qu’il renforce
those that are drawn and used to represent the
la cohérence entre un texte basé sur la comparaison
growing girl are an excellent graphics choice
des personnes. C’est une sorte de célébration
because it reinforces the coherence between
du métissage.
a text based on comparison of people and it is a
Ce livre a été choisi pour son originalité, c’est un livre
kind of celebration for the crossbreed identity.
agréable et coloré, Le sujet du livre pourrait paraître
The book has been selected for its originality.
banal mais il est traité d’une manière originale, il est
The topic it covers is a common subject but it is
facile à lire à haute voix avec des enfants de moins
treated in an original way which makes it easy
de 3 ans.
to read aloud with children from the age of three.
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Baptiste Vignol, Jean-Claude Vignol • Elsa Lauret, ill. La Réunion de A à Z, 100 mots sur la Réunion [Reunion Island from A to Z, 100 words about Reunion Island] Les Éditions du Boucan, 2007 • ISBN 978-295248362-9 It is an alphabet primer of 100 words that
Il s’agit d’un abécédaire de 100 mots qui décrivent
describes Reunion Island, its history, the most
l’île de la Réunion, son histoire, la faune et la flore,
famous spices found and used in this country,
les épices les plus célèbres du pays, les maisons
the typical houses of Réunion Island called “cases”
typiques de l’île de la Réunion appelé “case”
(huts), the rainfalls, the banana, the mosquitoes,
(hutte), la pluie, la banane, les moustiques, la danse
the traditional dance called “maloya”, but also
traditionnelle appelée “maloya”, mais aussi avec
details about Madagascar Island, etc…
des détails sur l’île de Madagascar, etc ...
This book is an invitation to discover Réunion
Ce livre est une invitation à découvrir l’île de la Réunion
Island in an attractive and intelligent way,
d’une façon attractive et intelligente, en utilisant
by using 100 famous words that will relate
100 mots célèbres qui par le biais d’énigmes et de
to the island in the most beautiful way through
devinettes renvoient à la Réunion. Les illustrations
riddles and games. The illustrations use lots
sont très colorées il y a de l’humour de l’imagination,
of colours, humour and imagination in order to
qui reflètent le charme, la richesse et l’atmosphère
reflect closely the charm, the richness and the
agréable de cette île. C’est un vrai succès de librairie
atmosphere of this Island. This book is a real
pour les jeunes lecteurs, il est accessible à partir
success amongst literature for young people
de 6 ans.
and is accessible from the age of 6.
the world through picture books • books from reunion island (france) • 149
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Arius and Mary Batiskaf • A class of year 5 from the primary school of Champcourt, le Tampon, ill. Dododékol [The bird Dodo’s take off] Dodo vole, 2007 • ISBN 978-2-952204-3-1 This hardback square book deals with frequently
Cet album cartonné relié répond aux questions
asked questions, anecdotal and metaphysical
fréquemment posées qu’elles soient anecdotiques ou
ones that could be asked at any age from
métaphysiques de 0 à 6 ans. Là, les dodos posent des
age 0 to 6. Here there are some dodo’s birds who
colles à leur professeur et tout le monde décolle ! Les
asked funny questions to their school teacher and
oiseaux philosophes s’en laissent conter pour notre
all of them will take off! These philosopher birds
plus grand plaisir... Ce livre a été sélectionné pour ses
speak for the pleasure of the readers. This book
qualités artistiques. On peut le considérer comme un
has been selected for its lovely artistic illustration,
livre d’art pour les enfants.
it could be classified as a book of art for children.
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Axel Gauvin • Fabrice Urbatro, ill. Liev i sava bal… [Hare is going to the Ball] Tikouti, 2007 • ISBN 2-916401-04-0 The King of animals organised a big ball where all
Le roi des animaux organisa un grand bal où tous les
the animals were invited, except those who do
animaux furent invités, excepté ceux qui n’avaient pas
not have horns. A hare wanted to go so decided
de cornes. Un lièvre voulut y aller et décida de se faire
to make some false horns and finally was able
de fausses cornes et put entrer dans le bal et fit la fête
to enter the ball and enjoy the party until the
jusqu’au matin. Les cornes fabriquées en cire d’abeille
morning. The horns were made with honeycomb
fondirent au soleil. Quand le lièvre fut sorti, donc il ne
and melted under the sun when the hare got
put y entrer de nouveau ... Il s’agit d’un conte célèbre
out and so he couldn’t enter the ball again. This
dans l’île de la Réunion que les conteurs racontent
is a famous story in Reunion Island used by
aux enfants à la veillée. L’auteur est un conteur
storytellers to tell to children in reading aloud
très célèbre dans l’île et il conte généralement en créole
circles. The author is a very famous story teller in
(qui est un dialecte français parlé dans l’île). Par le biais
Reunion Island and he generally speaks in Creole
de la langue créole le livre utilise des blagues et des
(which is a French dialect spoken in the Island).
expressions mais cela se perd dans la traduction
By using Creole language the book uses funny
française
jokes and expression, however this is not visible when translated into French.
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Florette Ratiazandry • Anny Grondin, Sully Andoche, ill. Dans mon soubik [In my Basket] Epsilon jeunesse 2010 • ISBN 978-2-912949-35-6 This book is a collection of beautiful tales from
Ce livre est une collection de belles histoires de l’île
Madagascar Island and Reunion Island. They
de Madagascar et l’île de la Réunion.
are in French and Sakalave (a Malagasy dialect
Celles-ci sont en français et en Sakalave (un dialecte
spoke in the north of Madagascar) for the tales
Malgache parlé dans le nord de Madagascar) pour
of Madagascar, and the tales of Reunion Island
les contes de Madagascar et les contes de la Réunion
are in French and Creole (a French dialect
sont en français et en créole (un dialecte français parlé
spoken in Réunion Island). This book is the result
à la Réunion). Ce livre est le résultat d’une coopération
of a co-operation between two authors, one
entre deux auteurs, l’un de l’île de Madagascar et
from Madagascar Island and the other from
l’autre de l’île de la Réunion et il montre les différences
Reunion Island and it shows the differences and
et les similitudes de culture entre les deux pays
similarities of cultures between the two countries
à travers leurs littératures et des contes traditionnels.
through their literature and traditional tales.
Le livre est multilingue et est accompagné d’un CD.
The book is multilingual and is accompanied by a CD.
the world through picture books • books from reunion island (france) • 150
7
Christophe David • François Carage, ill. Le Petit Volcan [The Small Volcano] Hi-Land, 2005 • ISBN 2-910822-00-1 This book is about the birth of the Island, in fact
Ce livre parle de la naissance de l’île, en fait, c’est
this is the story of the union of the sea to the
l’histoire de l’union de la mer et du volcan qui a fait
volcano which has made this beautiful island.
cette belle île, puis de beaux oiseaux sont venus y vivre,
Then beautiful birds came to live there, and
et de beaux poissons sont arrivés dans la mer autour.
beautiful fishes came to live in the sea around it.
Tout ceci a créé un paradis où il fait bon vivre. Ce livre
All this has made the Island a paradise where it is
personnifie la mer et le volcan qui sont généralement
good to live. The book uses the famous character
utilisés en littérature comme des personnages célèbres
of the sea and the volcano which are commonly
dans la littérature pour les enfants. En effet, dans l’île
used in literature for children. Indeed in Reunion
de la Réunion, nous avons un volcan qui est toujours
Island we have a volcano which is still alive and
actif et se réveille une fois par an ou une fois tous
does wake up once a year or once every two
les deux ans. Les enfants dans ce pays ont grandi avec
years. Children in this country grew up with
la nature qui les entoure, la montagne, les rivières, les
nature around them, mountain, rivers, falls and
cascades et le volcan ce qui fait qu’ils en sont habitués
the volcano which makes them get used to it
et ils ne s’en effraient pas dans leur vie quotidienne.
so they don’t become frightened about it in their daily life.
8
Joëlle Écormier • François Gonthier, ill. Ticoulitintin [Ticoulitintin] Océan éditions, 2007 • ISBN 978-2916-533-34-6 A collection of traditional nursery rhymes
Ce livre est un recueil de comptines traditionnelles
of Réunion Island; these songs are in both
de la Réunion, ces chansons sont à la fois dans
languages Creole and translated into French, and
la langue créole et traduites en français, et ceux-ci
these are still in use in nurseries or sung at home
sont toujours en usage dans les chambres d’enfants
nowadays. At the end of the book the author
ou chantées à la maison de nos jours. À la fin du
has put a list of instruments that are commonly
livre, l’auteur a mis une liste d’instruments qui sont
used with these songs. The book is accompanied
généralement utilisés avec ces chansons. Ce livre
with a CD audio. We have selected this book
est accompagné d’un CD audio.
because it contributes to the folklore of Réunion
Nous avons choisi ce livre parce qu’il contribue
Island and particularly to the children’s patrimony
au folklore de la Réunion et particulièrement
and culture that children are taught from a very
au patrimoine et à la culture de l’enfant et tout cela
young age. The book is very well illustrated and it
est appris aux tout-petits. Le livre est très bien illustré
gets good feedback in the Island.
et il est très apprécié dans l’île.
the world through picture books • books from reunion island (france) • 151
9
Aurélia Moynot Vélocité [Velocity] Epsilon, 2010 • ISBN 978-2-912949-36-3 The author and illustrator of this book
L’auteur et l’illustrateur de ce livre est un modeleur
is a modeller, She always makes the models,
elle fait toujours des modèles et les photographie puis
takes photos of them and uses them for
elle les utilise pour illustrer de son livre. Le résultat
the illustrations in her book. As a result the
est que les illustrations apparaissent comme si elles
illustrations appear as if they are in 3D and it is
étaient en 3D c’est une très belle combinaison d’images
a very nice combination of picture and drawings.
et de dessins. De plus ce livre traite les thèmes de la
Further this book is about biodiversity and
biodiversité et du recyclage. Il montre bien comment
recycling things. It gives a good image of how life
la vie pourrait être belle quand nous nous soucions
could be beautiful when we care for the nature
de la nature autour de nous en utilisant la bicyclette
around us by using a bicycle instead of an engine
au lieu d’un moteur ou d’une voiture.
or a car. We have selected this book because
Nous avons choisi ce livre parce qu’il donne une
it gives a good image about the protection
bonne image de la protection de la nature, la politique
of nature, the politics of recycling things and
de recyclage des objets et le développement durable.
and sustainable development. This book was
En février 2011, ce livre reçut le prix de «La Réunion
granted the prize “La Réunion des livres” for its
des livres» pour ses illustrations. Tous les modèles
illustrations in February 2011. All the models used
utilisés en illustrations sont vendus sur les marchés
in the illustrations are sold in the markets as toys
comme des jouets pour des jeunes enfants et cela les
for young children and they encourage them
encourage à apprécier le jeu avec des objets recyclés.
to appreciate playing with recycled things.
10
Marie Winter Le Paille en Queue [The Paille en Queue Bird] Editions Azalées, 1993 • ISBN 2-908127-18-0 This book is a documentary book for children
Ce livre est un livre documentaire pour les enfants
dealing with a typical bird that lives in Réunion
qui traite d’un oiseau typique qui vit dans l’île nommé
Island named “Le Paille en Queue”. The book is
« Le Paille en Queue ». Le livre est très bien illustré
very well illustrated and gives minute details
et donne les moindres détails de la vie de cet oiseau.
about the life of this bird. The young reader will
Le jeune lecteur appréciera les belles images de l’île,
appreciate the beautiful images of the island that
qui sont des lieux qu’il a pu visiter personnellement.
are real places that he could have visited during
Nous avons choisi ce livre parce que l’auteur-
his own life in this island. We have selected
illustrateur du livre a été le premier à sortir des albums
this book because the author is one of the first
documentaires sur la faune et la flore pour les enfants.
authors to write documentaries books about
Ses livres ont un vrai succès auprès des enfants
wildlife and flora for children in Réunion Island.
qui apprennent ainsi la vie des animaux typiques
Her books are a real success with children as they
qui ne vivent que sur leur île et nulle part ailleurs,
help children to know about the typical animals
cela s’appliquant aussi à la flore.
that live on their Island, and probably nowhere else in the world, the same as for the typical plants that grow up here.
the world through picture books • books from reunion island (france) • 152
Books from
Contact: Ruxandra Navarre [email protected]
Romania An initial consultation was undertaken with colleagues from the Children and Young Adults department of the Public Library of Brasov and an initial list of the picture books was agreed. Secondly, a search for the titles was carried out in many bookshops and online in order to see them, to verify if they are eligible, appreciate them and to know if they are in stock. Afterwards, ten titles were established and the proposition was submitted to IBBY National Section Romania and to librarians from the Children and Young Adults departments belonging to all Romanian public libraries via e-mail. The Romanian National Section of IBBY operates within the Romanian Union of Publishers which means that the response of IBBY Section Romania also includes the editors’ response. A response was received from IBBY National Section as well as suggestions for new titles. Further searching and verifying of titles took place and finally the ten picture books for Romania were chosen based on the co-operation of IBBY Romania and librarians.
1
Petre Ispirescu • Walter Riess, Mihaela Paraschivu, Valeria Moldovan, Raluca Ilie, ill. Basme [Fairy tales] Corint Junior, 2010 • ISBN 978-973-128-346-3 The anthology includes the most beautiful
Antologia cuprinde cele mai frumoase şi apreciate
and appreciated Romanian fairy tales, read
basme populare româneşti, citite de copii şi adulţi
by children and adults as well, generation after
deopotrivă, generaţie după generaţie: Tinereţe fără
generation: “Youth without Age and Life without
bătrâneţe, Sarea în bucate, Prâslea cel voinic şi
Death”, “Aleodor the King”, “The Salt in the Food”,
merele de aur. Poveştile au fost culese şi publicate de
“Praslea the Sturdy and the golden apples”.
Petre Ispirescu, tipograf, folclorist şi scriitor interesat
All these tales were collected and published
de moştenirea literară a poveştilor tradiţionale
by Petre Ispirescu, a writer mostly interested
româneşti. Cu timpul, ele au devenit poveştile tuturor
in the literary traditional heritage of Romanian
copiilor, spiritul copiilor fiind fermecat de lumea
tales. With time, they became the tales of all
magică a poveştilor.
the children, charming children’s spirit by their imaginative world.
the world through picture books • books from romania • 153
2
Ion Creangă • Valentin Tănase, ill. Harap Alb [White Moor] Flamingo GD, [2009] • ISBN 978-973-1896-13-7 The White Moor is the King’s son, the youngest
Harap Alb este cel mai tânăr şi curajos dintre cei trei fii
and most courageous one, who leaves the
ai regelui, care părăseşte familia, plecând să îşi înfrunte
family, and is forced to face many challenges
destinul şi trebuind să facă faţă multor provocări şi
and difficulties. In spite of his father’s advice, the
dificultăţi. În ciuda sfatului părintelui său de a evita
prince was tricked by the Spân (the Beardless
Omul Spân şi Omul Roş, prinţul este păcălit de Spân,
Man) who turns him into a slave and gives him
care îl înrobeşte şi îi dă să facă cele mai grele sarcini,
dangerous tasks that put his life at risk. Helped
dorindu-i să-şi piardă viaţa şi să îi ia locul. Ajutat
by Holy Friday and his horse, and also having
de Sf. Vineri şi de calul său cu puteri supranaturale,
supernatural powers, the White Moor succeeds
precum şi de o serie de personaje fantastice, Harap
in all his missions. Finally, the White Moor defeats
Alb reuşeşte să ducă la bun sfârşit fiecare misiune grea
his master and regains his freedom, finding his
încredinţată de stăpânul său. În final, Harap Alb îşi
place and true love.
înfrânge stăpânul şi îşi recâştigă libertatea, descoperind adevărata dragoste şi locul său propriu în lume.
3
Mihai Eminescu • Anamaria Smigelschi, ill. Făt-Frumos din lacrimă [Prince Charming from the Tear] Gramar, 2007 • ISBN 978-973-591-570-4 Born from his mother’s tears, the Prince Charming
Născut din lacrimile mamei sale, Făt Frumos din
from the Tear left his home, in search of glory. He
Lacrimă părăseşte casa părinţilor lui, în căutarea
saves his neighbor’s kingdom from the curse of a
gloriei. El salvează împărăţia vecină de blestemul
witch, called Muma Pădurii (The Forest Witch),
unei vrăjitoare, numită Muma Pădurii, descoperind în
finding love with her beautiful daughter. At the
frumoasa ei fiică adevărata dragoste a sa. La cererea
request of his blood brother, he accepts the
fratelui său de sânge, el acceptă misiunea de a-i aduce
mission of bringing his brother’s future bride, the
acestuia viitoarea mireasă, fiica unui prea puternic
beautiful youngest daughter of the most powerful
stăpân al locului, Genarul. După o mulţime de greutăţi,
leader, Genar. After a lot of difficulties, he
el izbândeşte în lupta sa. Aventurile, atmosfera
succeeds in his mission. The adventures, romantic
romantică, personajele magice şi limbajul poetic
atmosphere, magic characters and very poetic
expresiv conferă un aer special acestei poveşti care
language give a special flavour to this tale, which
captivează orice cititor.
captures any reader.
4
Elena Farago • Anamaria Smigelschi, ill. Căţeluşul şchiop [The Lame Puppy] Gramar, 2006 • ISBN (10) 973-591-537-5, (13) 978-973-591-537-7 Elena Farago (1878-1954) was a well known and
Elena Farago (1878-1954) a fost o cunoscută şi
appreciated Romanian poet. This is the story of
apreciată poetă română. Poemul intitulat Căţeluşul
a puppy badly hurt by a cruel boy and as a result
şchiop este povestea unui căţel rănit grav de un băiat
becomes lame and is unable to play with other
crud. Din cauza acelui accident nefericit, căţeluşul
puppies or children. The boy’s regrets are useless,
devine şchiop şi nu se mai poate juca cu ceilalţi
and the kind-hearted puppy did not punish
căţeluşi sau cu copiii. Regretele băiatului sunt inutile,
him, being more generous than a human being
dar generosul căţel nu îl pedepseşte, dovedindu-se mai
could ever be. The poem, carrying a clear moral
generos decât a fost băiatul. Poemul, cu un evident
message, is one of the best poems known by
mesaj moral, este unul dintre cele mai cunoscute
children and it is often used as a nursery rhyme
creaţii ale poetei de către copii, folosit adesea în
in schools, kindergartens and library reading
activităţie pedagogice din grădiniţe, şcoli şi biblioteci.
activities.
the world through picture books • books from romania • 154
5
Otilia Cazimir • Anamaria Smigelschi, ill. Baba Iarna intră-n sat [The Winter Old Woman enters the village] Gramar, 2006 • ISBN (10) 973-591-539-1, (13) 978-973-591-539-1 Many of the poems written by Otilia Cazimir
Multe dintre poemele scrise de Otilia Cazimir (1894-
(1894-1967) were dedicated to children. The
1967) sunt dedicate copiilor. Autoarea a surprins
author has always appreciated their tenderness
întotdeauna expresiv candoarea copiilor în creaţiile
and innocence. She used to tell them stories or
ei, descriind lumea particulară a copiilor ori universul
write happy lyrics for them, describing either
micilor şi nevinovatelor gângănii şi animale. Poezia
their world or the universe of the harmless
Baba Iarna intră-n sat evocă anotimpul rece, care este
insects or animals. The poetry The Winter Old
imaginat sub chipul unei bătrâne mohorâte. Cuvintele
Woman enters the village is about the cold season,
şi imaginile sunt foarte sugestive şi poemul a devenit
which is imagined like an old and gloomy woman.
repede una dintre cele mai iubite şi cunoscute poezii de
The words and images are very suggestive and
către copii.
it quickly became a beloved and well-known children’s poem.
6
Ioana Nicolaie • Mihail Marian, ill. Aventurile lui Arik [Arik’s Adventures] Corint Junior, 2008 • ISBN 978-973-128-174-2 It is the best and the most successful book of
Cartea Aventurile lui Arik de Ioana Nicolae este unul
the last years, written by a very gifted poet. Arik
dintre cele mai bune şi de succes volume ale ultimilor
is a little hedgehog, who has a lot of adventures
ani, scris de o poetă extrem de înzestrată. Arik este un
searching for his brothers and saving them from
micuţ arici, care are o groază de aventuri, în căutarea
the smoky hornets. He fights against them
fraţilor lui pe care îi salvează de Viespile de fum, cele
helped by his best friend, a little mouse named
care au furat timpul. El luptă împotriva lor ajutat
Nasuri Cârne [Snub Noses]. He is also helped by
de cel mai bun prieten al lui, un şoricel numit Nasuri
a wise mole named Santa Cârţ and a horse fly,
Cârne, precum şi de o înţeleaptă cârtiţă, Moş Cârţ şi
named Zum. The beauty of the lyrics, the exciting
de bondarul Zum. Frumuseţea versurilor, aventurile
adventures and the attractive illustrations,
magice şi ilustraţiile atractive, precum şi jocul de
including a puzzle game, make the reading a real
puzzle inclus, fac lectura o reală bucurie pentru copii.
delight for children.
7
Gellu Naum • Nicolae Vasilescu (First Volume), Gellu Naum (second volume), ill. Cartea cu Apolodor [The Book with Apolodor]; A doua carte cu Apolodor [The Second Book with Apolodor] Humanitas, 2008 • ISBN 978-973-50-2213-6; 978-973-50-2214-3 Both volumes relate the adventures of a
Ambele volume relatează aventurile pinguinului numit
penguin, named Apolodor, who goes through
Apolodor, care trece prin diverse aventuri împreună
all kinds of events along with his friends, Ilie the
cu prietenii săi, Ilie Cangurul şi Amedeu leul. Versurile
Kangaroo and Amedeu the Lion. Gellu Naum’s
lui Gellu Naum fac o puternică impresie asupra micilor
lyrics make a very powerful impression on young
cititori, iar lumea lui Apolodor, pinguinul care cânta în
readers and Apolodor’s world is full of humor
corul de la circul din Bucureşti şi care pleacă în lume
and surprises. At the same time, in these books,
să-şi revadă fraţii, este plină de umor şi surprise. În
children discover both a lot of useful experiences,
acelaşi timp, copiii descoperă în carte o sumedenie de
and a good model to be followed.
experienţe utile şi un model demn de urmat.
the world through picture books • books from romania • 155
8
9
10
Laura Cristinasărăcin • Cristina Pecherle, ill. Norocel Benefica, 2010 • ISBN 978-606-92754-3-6 Norocel (Lucky) is a nice dog who grows bigger
Norocel este un căţeluş drăgălaş care creşte din ce
and bigger. He eats more and more and there is
în ce mai mare. El mănâncă din ce în ce mai mult şi
a real danger to everything around him. Finally,
există o primejdie reală de a doborî totul în jur. În
Norocel demolishes his master’ house. The people
final, Norocel demolează casa stăpânilor săi. Aceştia
call the police and the dog has to run away, into
chiamă poliţia şi câinele trebuie să fugă în pădure,
the forest, causing a lot of damage there too.
unde continuă să facă pagube. Părăsit de toate
Left behind by all the animals scared by him,
animalele, speriate de el, Norocel decide să se predea
Norocel decides to surrender to the authorities.
autorităţilor. Pe drum, Norocel întâlneşte trei băieţi în
On the road to them, Norocel meets three boys,
pericol de a se înneca şi îi salvează, sorbind toată apa
in danger of drowning themselves and he saves
lacului. Astfel, devine eroul comunităţii şi este angajat
them, drinking the whole water and becoming
la pompieri, folosindu-şi abilităţile în slujba oamenilor
the hero of the community.
care l-au crescut.
Sándor Fodor • Lívia Rusz, ill. Csipike, az óriás törpe [Csipike, the Fierce Dwarf] ro-Print, 2007 • ISBN 978-973-8468-58-0 Csipike is a nice dwarf, sometimes grumpy, but
Csipike este un pitic drăguţ, uneori ţâfnos, dar de
trusted, and always available for his friends
încredere şi întotdeauna dispus să ajute pe prietenii lui
and animals of the forest where he lives, being
şi animalele din pădurea unde trăieşte, fiind absolut
absolutely convinced that the fate of the forest
convins că soarta pădurii depinde în întregime de
depends entirely on him. His experiences are both
el. În felul acesta el dă peste cap toată viaţa pădurii
funny and highly educational. Time after time,
prin ordinele lui. În timp, el devine conştient de rolul
he becomes aware of his real role and starts to
său real şi învaţă să respecte pe alţii. Experienţele
respect the others. Fodor Sandor’s book has won
lui sunt pline de umor, dar şi educative. Cartea lui
many fans among children by its fully imaginative
Fodor Sándor a câştigat mulţi fani printre copii prin
characters and events. The illustrations also have
personajele şi evenimentele ei pline de imaginaţie.
a large contribution to its success.
Ilustraţiile au contribuit la succesul cărţii.
Ricarda Maria Terschak • Mihaela Tivadar, ill. Die Bunte Omi [The Funny Grandmother] Sibiu, Hora Publishing House, fourth edition, 2004 • ISBN 978-973-8226-92-0 The book describes the imaginary travel
Cartea descrie călătoria imaginară în jurul lumii a
around the world of six children along with
6 copii însoţiţi de bunica lor. Călătorind şi jucându-se,
their grandmother. Traveling and playing,
copiii învaţă lucruri noi despre oameni şi obiceiurile
children learn new things about people and
lor particulare în diferite locuri ale lumii. Călătoria
their particular habits in different places of the
este o experienţă educativă şi morală, iar ilustraţiile
world, going through a real educative and moral
contribuie ca lectura să fie o reală plăcere.
experience. The illustrations are very real and convincing, making reading a real pleasure.
the world through picture books • books from romania • 156
Books from Russian Federation Contact: Irina Mikhnova
[email protected]
This list consists of books illustrated by the most impressive Russian painters of the present and past, which have been published in recent years. One top ten list can’t include all varieties of the Russian book art. However, the expert group of the Russian State Children Library, which is the federal methodological centre, have tried to find a balance between recognized classical artists among Russian-speaking children (Ivan Bilibin, Yuri Vasnecov, Vladimir Konashevich, Vladimir Suteev, Tatyana Mavrina) and the most impressive representatives of the Russian modern book graphic arts (Gennady Spirin, Nikolay Popov, Francheska Yarbusova, Kirill Chelushkin). Also, during the process of selection the best texts (books by Alexander Pushkin, Anton Chekhov, Korney Chukovsky, etc.) and the high printing quality have been taken into account by the experts.
1
Y. Vasnetsov, ill. Ладушки: русские народные сказки, песенки, потешки [Pat-a-cake: Russian folktales, songs, rhymes] Detgiz, Octopus, 2011 • ISBN 978-5-94887-086-1 Yury Vasnetsov is one of the most famous
Юрий Алексеевич Васнецов — одни из крупнейших
book illustrators in Russia. His works have
российских художников книги, признанный
been recognized as classics of Russian graphic
классик отечественной графики. Вершиной его
arts. This book is considered to be his very
творчества и главным итогом многолетней
best masterpiece (1964). Ornate, smart,
деятельности считается сборник русских
decorated illustrations by Vasnetsov naturally fit
народных сказок, песенок и потешек «Ладушки»
for the small forms of Russian folklore.
(1964). В нарядных, остроумных, «пряничных» рисунках Васнецова малые формы русского фольклора нашли своё едва ли не самое органичное воплощение.
2
I. Bilibine, ill. Русские народные сказки [Russian Folktales] Mescheryakov, 2009 • ISBN 978-5-91045-078-7 Russian folktales with classic illustrations
Русские народные сказки с классическими
by Ivan Bilibine, famous artist and participant
иллюстрациями выдающегося художника-
of the artistic group Mir Iskusstva (World of Art)
«мирискусника» Ивана Яковлевича Билибина
have been reprinted many times.
переиздаются в России постоянно. В сборнике Издательского Дома Мещерякова билибинские шедевры представлены на достойном полиграфическом уровне.
the world through picture books • books from russia • 157
3
Tatyana Mavrina, ill. Лукоморье: сказочные миры Татьяны Мавриной [Curved Seashore: Fantastic Worlds by Tatyana Mavrina] Moskovskiye Uchebniki, 2010 • ISBN 978-5-7853-1362-0 This book comprises not only folktales, but
Татьяна Алексеевна Маврина — единственная из
also all fairy tales in verse written by Alexander
русских художников, кто был удостоен «малой
Pushkin, such as “The Tale of the Priest and
Нобелевской премии» — Международной Золотой
of His Workman Balda”, “The Tale of Tsar
Медали им. Х.К.Андерсена, высшей награды в
Saltan”, “The Tale of the Dead Princess and the
области литературы для детей. Сказочная
Seven Knights”, etc. Tatyana Mavrina is the only
красота её кажущейся наивной, лубочной, но в
Russian artist to have been awarded the “Nobel
действительности изысканной художественной
Prize for children’s literature” – Gold Medal of
манеры получила широкое признание у нас и за
Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration.
рубежом. К сожалению, в последние годы книги в её
Her naïve, primitive but in fact very refined
оформлении почти не издаются. Этот сборник —
manner is widely recognized both in Russia
исключение. В него вошли не только фольклорные
and abroad.
тексты, но и все сказочные произведения А.С.Пушкина (вплоть до отрывков из «Сказки о медведихе»). Книга, вышедшая в издательстве «Московские учебники», небезупречна в полиграфическом отношении, однако даёт достаточно внятное представление об уникальном художественном мире этого удивительного мастера.
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Alexander Pushkin • К. Chyolushkin, ill. Сказка о рыбаке и рыбке [The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish] Azbuka, 2011 • ISBN 978-5-389-02463-2 This tale in verse is about a fisherman who
Пушкинская «Сказка о рыбаке и рыбке» издавалась
manages to catch a “Golden Fish” which promises
с рисунками самых разных художников. Мы
to fulfill any wish of his in exchange for its
остановили свой выбор на этом издании из-за
freedom. Pushkin wrote the tale in 1833 and since
графических работ Кирилла Чёлушкина, одного
that time it has been published with illustrations
из самых ярких, щедро одарённых современных
by very many artists. We have chosen this edition
иллюстраторов. Даже всем известное,
because of the graphics by Kirill Chyolushkin,
хрестоматийное произведение Кирилл способен
one of the most talented and bright modern
трансформировать в нечто совершенно новое,
illustrators.
странное, завораживающее.
Korney Chukovsky • V. Konashevitch, V. Suteyev, V. Duvidov, ill. Детям [For Children] Planeta Detstva, 2007 • ISBN 978-5-17-042973-8 Korney Chukovsky is one of the most popular
Корней Иванович Чуковский — создатель
children’s poets of the Soviet times in the Russian
российской детской литературы. Его сказки —
language. This book comprises his poems “Doctor
безусловная классика, так же как иллюстрации,
Aybolit”, “The Giant Roach”, “The Crocodile”,
украсившие этот сборник.
“Wash’em’clean”, etc., which have been favourites
Лиричный, игрушечно-декоративный Владимир
with many generations of Russian children.
Конашевич, бесхитростный и улыбчивый Владимир
Each of the three illustrators has his own manner.
Сутеев, искренний, музыкальный Виктор
Lyric and decorative style by Konashevitch, simple
Дувидов — каждый из этих художников в своей
and smiling pictures by Suteyev, sincere and
неповторимой манере раскрывает мир сказок
musical illustrations by Duvidov – all them show
Корнея Чуковского.
us the world of Chukovsky’s fairy tales.
the world through picture books • books from russia • 158
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Vadim Gusev Про что внутри — прочти, посмотри: рисунки со стихами ли, с рисунками стихи ли… [What is inside – read and look: either pictures with verses or verses with pictures…] Detgiz, 2010 • ISBN 978-5-8452-0434-9 Vadim Gusev illustrated his own poems
Стилистика иллюстраций художника Вадима
in the Russian constructivism manner of 1920s.
Гусева перекликается с работами русских
His poetry seems to be an integral part of his
конструктивистов 1920-х годов. Его поэзия
illustrations.
настолько органично вписана в картинки, что кажется их неотъемлемой частью.
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Nikolai Popov Зачем? [Why?] Ripol classic, 2010 • ISBN 978-5-386-02167-2 Nikolai Popov’s wordless, thought-provoking
В книжке-картинке замечательного художника
tale about a frog who sits peacefully on a rock
Николая Попова нет ни единого слова, но
smelling a flower and a mouse who aggressively
говорит она об очень важных вещах. О том,
snatches the flower away. The absurdity of
как легко поссориться со вчерашними друзьями
aggression and the inevitable consequences
и начать враждовать. История о войне мышей
of the violence that occurs teaches us the
и лягушек в исполнении Николая Попова признана
ugliness of war and that there are no winners.
лучшей книгой для детей в Германии, Австрии
This book was selected as the best book for
и Швейцарии.
children in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
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Sergei Kozlov, Yuriy Norshteyn • Franchesca Yarbusova, ill. Ёжик в тумане [Hedgehog in the Fog] Krasnyy Parokhod, 2011 • ISBN 978-5-386-02167-2 This is a story about a little hedgehog, who is on
Книжная версия знаменитого мультфильма,
his way to visit his friend the bear cub.Hedgehog
признанного на фестивале в Торонто в 2003
in the Fog is a 1975 Russian animated film directed
году лучшим анимационным фильмом всех времён
by Yuriy Norshteyn. The script was written by
и народов.
Sergei Kozlov and a book under the same name was published.In 2003 in Tokyo Hedgehog in the Fog was selected “No 1 Animated film of all the time”.
the world through picture books • books from russia • 159
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Junna Morits • Eugeny Antonenkov, ill. Крыша ехала домой: стихи-хи-хи для детей от 5 до 500 лет [The roof was going home: ha-ha verses for children from 5 to 500 years old] Vremya, 2010 • ISBN 978-5-9691-0507-2 Junna Morits has attracted many young
В лице художника Евгения Антоненкова Юнна
readers with her children’s poetry, some of
Мориц нашла такого замечательного соавтора,
which, like her adult work, became known
что и сама, кажется, обрела второе дыхание.
to mass audiences through guitar singers.
Их творческий тандем получился на редкость
Illustrations by E. Antonenkov make their creative
слаженным и удивительно органичным.
co-operation a real tandem.
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Anton Chekhov • G. Spirin, ill. Каштанка [Kashtanka] Ripol classic, 2010 • ISBN 978-5-386-01828-3 “Kashtanka” by Anton Chekhov is one of the most
«Каштанка» — пожалуй, самый известный рассказ
famous short stories for children.
А.П.Чехова из тех, что давно и прочно вошли
The dog Kashtanka lives in precarious
в детское чтение. По мнению специалистов,
surroundings, with a drunken master and the
иллюстрации Геннадия Спирина принадлежат
ever-present possibility that she’ll be beaten or
к числу лучших графических работ, когда-либо
neglected. Suddenly, she finds herself living the
сделанных к этому произведению.
good life; in so far as canine ideals go, she’s hit the jackpot. However, she rejects the good life as soon as her original master calls. Illustrations by Gennady Spirin, one of the top illustrators of children’s books, are considered the best graphics that have ever been created for this story.
the world through picture books • books from russia • 160
Books from
Contact: Viviana Quiñones – [email protected]
Senegal
Antoinette Correa – [email protected]
The selection was made by Mané Joséphine Diouf, in charge of reading activities at the Children’s library of Institut Français Léopold Sédar Senghor in Dakar, and coordinated by Antoinette Correa et Viviana Quiñones.
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Adapt. of the text by Léopold Sédar Senghor • Abdoulaye Sadji, Georges Lorofi, ill. Les Aventures de Leuk-le-lièvre [The Adventures of Leuk-the-Hare] Les Nouvelles éditions africaines du Sénégal, 2003 (1st ed. 1975) • ISBN 978-2-7236-1583-9 Resourceful Leuk-the-Hare has much to learn
Leuk-le-lièvre, débrouillard, a beaucoup à apprendre
from life, from other animals, from men, to
de la vie, des autres animaux, des hommes, pour
become as wise as he aspires to be… This picture-
devenir le sage qu’il aspire à être... Quelques unes
comic book tells, with jocular illustrations, some
des aventures de ce héros traditionnel de la savane
of the adventures of this traditional hero of the
africaine nous sont ici présentées dans la forme d’une
savannah and of other very human animals that
bande dessinée à l’illustration savoureuse dans laquelle
never lose their sense of humour. First published
les animaux évoluent à la manière des humains, sans
in 1975, it is based on L.S. Senghor and A. Sadji’s
jamais perdre leur humour. Réédition de l’ouvrage paru
classic book for children La Belle histoire de Leuk-
en 1975, inspiré du classique La Belle aventure de
le-lièvre.
Leuk-le-lièvre de L.S. Senghor et A. Sadji.
Fatou Ndiaye Sow • Moustapha Ndiaye, ill. Le Mouton d’Aminata [Aminata’s Lamb] Nouvelles Editions Ivoiriennes, 1996 • ISBN 978-2-910190-84-2 Aminata is delighted with the upcoming
Aminata se réjouit de la fête musulmane du Tabaski
Muslim Tabaski festival: the taylor has sewn
à venir; le tailleur lui a préparé une belle robe, la
her a beautiful dress, the braider has made her
tresseuse lui a fait de belles nattes... mais il manque
beautiful braids… but the main thing is missing,
l’essentiel : le mouton ! et Aminata s’inquiète...
the lamb ! Aminata is very concerned One of
Un récit de l’auteur sénégalaise Fatou Ndiaye Sow,
Fatou Ndiaye Sow’s great stories, with stylized
dont les illustrations stylisées de Moustapha Ndiaye
illustrations by Moustapha Ndiaye showing
réproduisent des scènes de la vie quotidienne.
everyday life.
the world through picture books • books from senegal • 161
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Lamine Diemé • Ndèye Daba Niane, transl. Nenne / Bébé Amine [Baby Amine] BLD, 2009 • ISBN 978-2-916859-07-1 When Baby Amine wakes up alone on a big bed,
Quand Bébé Amine se réveille seul dans un grand lit,
his eyes show perplexity, then anxiety and finally,
c’est d’abord la perplexité qui se lit dans ses yeux,
great anger… Fortunately, Mother is not far away.
bientôt relayée par l’inquiétude, pour finir par une
A small, square picture book, with expressive
très grosse colère. Heureusement, Maman n’est pas
illustrations, where the story is mostly told by the
loin. Dans ce petit album carré, aux illustrations très
image and its skilful framing. Other good simple
expressives, le récit est mené essentiellement par
picture books for very young children in this
l’image qui joue habilement sur les cadrages. D’autre
collection “Tété”: Dem Dikk on the blue and yellow
bons petits albums pour tout petits dans cette
Dakar mini-buses, and Colobane, on Colobane
collection « Tété » : Dem Dikk, sur les mini-bus bleu et
market in Dakar. Bilingual French-Wolof.
jaune de Dakar, et Colobane, sur ce marché dakarois. Bilingue français-wolof.
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Béatrice Lalinon Gbado • Moctar Ly, ill. Waali le petit Talibé [Waali the little Talibe] Bibliothèque Lecture Développement, Ruisseaux d’Afrique, 2005 Little “talibes” – children who attend Koranic
Dans les rues des grandes villes, des petits talibés
schools, led by a marabout – live and beg in the
– ces enfants de l’école coranique attachés à un
streets of big cities. Starving, they sometimes
marabout – vivent et mendient. Il leur arrive, affamés,
snatch a passer-by’s handbag and end up at
d’arracher le sac d’une passante pour un morceau de
the police station. This is what happens to little
pain et de se retrouver à la police. C’est ce qui arrive
Waali. It is Mister Ba the shopkeeper who tells
au petit Waali. Et c’est Monsieur Ba le boutiquier qui
this sad story to his family, that evening. What is
raconte cette triste histoire le soir à sa famille. Quelle
the best solution for these abandoned children?
solution pour ces enfants abandonnés ? Retrouver
To send them back to their home village? The
leur village natal ? Les illustrations fortes et chaudes
powerful, warm illustrations enhance a story
mettent en valeur une histoire dont il n’est pas sûr que
whose ending may not be a happy one.
la résolution soit heureuse.
Raphaël Ndiaye • Malang Sène, ill. Mariame Kanté, Antoinette Fall Corréa, adapt. La Lutte [Wrestling] BLD, 2007 • ISBN 978-2-9527685-8-0 In Fadiouth village, on the island of clam shells,
Au village, à Fadiouth, l’île aux coquillages, André
André explains to his cousin Leïty just arrived
explique à son cousin Leïty venu de France, tout sur la
from France, all about traditional Serer wrestling:
lutte traditionnelle sérère : les origines, l’apprentissage,
the origins, the training, the costumes, the
les tenues, les différentes prises, la lutte chez les
different techniques, women wrestling… A quiz
femmes… Un quizz et des charades complètent ce
and charades complete this non-fiction picture
documentaire conséquent, très illustré sur un sujet
book giving substantial information on a little
peu abordé, les arts de combat en Afrique.
treated subject, African martial arts.
the world through picture books • books from senegal • 162
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Awa Ndir Seck • Falilou Fall, ill. Awa et l’âne [Awa and the Donkey] BLD, 2006 • ISBN 978-2-916859-00-2 Awa, a very poor girl, meets a donkey at a rubbish
Awa, jeune fille très pauvre, rencontre un âne dans
dump. He is in a pitiful state and Awa takes
un dépôt d’ordures. Il est dans un piteux état et Awa
great care of him. One night, the donkey grants
s’en occupe avec grand soin. Une nuit l’âne exauce son
Awa’s greatest wish, to have a lavish home. But
souhait le plus cher : avoir une demeure somptueuse.
on one condition, the best room must belong
Mais à une condition, la meilleure pièce de la maison
to the donkey for ever. A tale on the importance
devra appartenir à son âne à tout jamais. Un conte
of keeping one’s promises, told by a concise text
sur l’importance de la promesse tenue, dit par un
and pleasant, meaningful illustrations.
texte concis et par des illustrations agréables et très parlantes qui occupent une large place.
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Malick Mayabé Fall • Abdou Karim Camara, ill. Oumar et Mariam [Oumar and Mariam] BLD, 2006 • ISBN 978-2-9527685-7-3 Oumar and Mariam go back to the village after
Oumar et Mariam rentrent au village après l’année
spending the school year at their uncle’s home in
scolaire chez leur oncle à Dakar. C’est une joie de
Dakar. It is a joy for them to see their parents again,
retrouver les parents et les activités de chaque été : aider
and take part in the activities of every summer:
maman à préparer et à vendre la bouillie de riz, attraper
help Mother cook and sell rice porridge, catch birds,
des oiseaux, récolter le riz… Les belles illustrations à
harvest rice… Beautiful watercolours give charm to
l’aquarelle sont pour beaucoup dans le charme de cet
the book, a book serene as good family holidays.
album serein, à l’image des bonnes vacances en famille.
Mariame Kanté • Pape Thierno Niang, ill. Moi, Sirou, chat sénégalais [Me, Sirou, Senegalese cat] BLD, 2007 • ISBN 978-2-9527685-6-6 Sirou, a kitten, tells the story. He’s just arrived in
La parole est à Sirou, petit chat tout juste débarqué
a family home with its order, its rules to respect,
dans une famille d’accueil avec son ordre établi, des
a little girl Soukeye who wants to pamper him…
règles à respecter, une petite fille Soukeye qui ne
and a sofa, forbidden to him but of course, soon
demande qu’à le chouchouter… et un canapé défendu
taken over. Sirou is punished and must go back
et bien sûr investi : la punition ne tarde pas et c’est le
to a stray cat’s life. But because he foils a thief’s
retour à la vie de chat errant. Mais pour avoir déjoué
plans, he is welcomed back into the family. A
les entreprises d’un voleur, le chat rentrera bientôt
lighthearted story, with humour and a peaceful
en grâce. Histoire légère, non dénuée d’humour et
vision of everyday family life. Cartoon speech
proposant une vision tranquille du quotidien familial.
bubbles , inserted into the illustrations , add to
L’inclusion de bulles dans l’illustration proche du style
the book’s playfulness.
BD, renforce le ton enjoué.
Hélène Ngone Diop, Moustapha Ndiaye, ill., Mame Daour Wade, transl. Jinne yu mel nune – Des djinns de toutes les couleurs [Djinns in all colours] BLD, 2008 • ISBN 978-2-916859-06-4 First published in 1997 together with two other
Paru en 1997 dans une édition qui regroupait trois
stories, this tale is published here alone, in a
histoires, cette nouvelle présentation du conte, seul, dans
square, smaller and better suited format. It is
un album carré plus petit, permet de mieux en goûter la
not easy for djinns and men to live together,
saveur. La cohabitation entre les djinns et les hommes
especially at siesta time when the little, invisible
n’est pas facile, surtout à l’heure de la sieste quand les
djinns make a racket… A very short text, in French
petits êtres invisibles ne cessent leur vacarme… Un
and Wolof; amusing, colourful illustrations by
texte très court, en français et en wolof ; d’amusantes
Moustapha Ndiaye in his recognizable style.
illustrations très colorées de Moustapha Ndiaye dans son style si reconnaissable que l’on a plaisir à retrouver.
All book reviews are adapted from those published in the journal Takam Tikou, http://takamtikou.bnf.fr the world through picture books • books from senegal • 163
Books from
Contact: Daniela Skoković [email protected]
Serbia The Children and Young Adults Section of the Serbian Library Association announced the project and call for voting on the internet via blogs, mailing list and Facebook group. A compiled list of 10 titles was made by multiplevote titles that were chosen by children’s librarians from 27 public libraries of different sizes from all around Serbia.
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Branko Ćopić • Dušan Pavlić, ill. Јежева Кућица [The Hedgehog’s Home] Kreativni centar, 2010 • ISBN 978-86-7781-278-2 Perhaps the most famous and most popular
Можда најпознатија и најпопуларнија поема за
children’s poem ever written in the Serbian
децу написана на српском језику, „Јежева кућица“
language, the “Hedgehog’s Home” by Branko
Бранка Ћопића својим магичним стиховима и
Ćopić still enchants readers of all generations
даље подједнако очарава све генерације. Јежурка
with its magic lyrics. Ježurka Ježić, the title
Јежић је ћудљиви усамљеник који више од свега
character, is a moody loner who loves his
воли свој дом, а прича о њему и његовим шумским
home more than anything else. The story of his
догодовштинама је прича о скромности и
adventures in the forest is a story of modesty,
храбрости, о стидљивости и мудрости.
courage, shyness and wisdom.
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Simeon Marinković • Tihomir Čelanović, ill. Мишко Нећејед [Miško Nibbling] Kreativni centar, 2009 • ISBN 978-86-7781-221-8 One of the picture books about the little boy
Једна од сликовница из серије о дечаку Мишку, коме
Miško who keeps getting into all kinds of trouble.
се стално дешавају неке невоље. Својеглави Мишко
The stubborn Miško finds a great way to attract
овог пута је пронашао сјајан начин да непрекидно
attention by rejecting everything he is offered,
држи пажњу своје околине тако што одбија све,
especially food. However, one day his breakfast
а пре свега – храну. Ипак, једнога дана, џем од
(jam, honey, milk and French toast) decides to
шљива, мед, млеко и прженице, уместо да чекају
abandon him instead of waiting for him to make
да се Мишко коначно смилује и поједе их, одлуче да
up his mind. This exciting book will tell you about
напусте малог размаженка. Како се Мишко снашао
how Miško handled this unusual situation.
у тој новој ситуацији, открићете на страницама ове веселе књиге.
the world through picture books • books from serbia • 164
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Dejan Aleksić • Boris Kuzmanović, ill. Девојчица И Плаво [Тhe Little Girl And Blue] Zavod za udžbenike, 2008 • ISBN 978-86-17-14624-3 The Little Girl and Blue, written by Dejan Aleksic
Књига Девојчица и Плаво писца Дејана Алексића и
and illustrated by Boris Kuzmanovic, is a book for
илустратора Бориса Кузмановића маштовитим
children which stands out among its kind because
и оригиналним текстом и илустрацијама које
of its unusual story, poetic style and great beauty.
продиру у душу испричаног, представља дечију
A highly imaginative book created in an original
књигу која се посебно издваја необичношћу,
style with numerous illustrations that in unison
поетичношћу и лепотом. Девојчица у свом
truly penetrate deep down to the very depths of
чудесном сну среће Плаво које на ливади лови
one’s soul. The main character, a little girl, meets
лептире са жељом да га они однесу на небо, јер
Blue in her enchanting dream. She sees him casually
свако нормално Плаво живи на небу...
catching butterflies in a beautiful meadow while he is hopeful that they will fly him up into the sky, because every normal Blue lives in that lofty place...
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Brana Crnčević • Dobrosav Bob Živković, ill. Љутито Мече [The Angry Little Bear] Kreativni centar, 2005 • ISBN 86-7781-297-0 The well known poem by Brana Crnčević about
Позната песма Бране Црнчевића о тврдоглавом
a stubborn little bear who refuses to sleep his
мечету које неће да спава зимским сном, већ хоће
winter sleep, and wants to play with cats, rabbits
да се „проводи“ заједно са мачкама, зечевима и
and birds instead. Crnčević was inspired to write
птицама, настала је после тешких борби које је
it when his little daughter refused to go to sleep
сам аутор имао са својом ћеркицом око одласка
on time. This poem has been very popular among
на спавање. Временом, ова песма је постала веома
children, and the angry little bear has become
популарна међу децом, а „љутито мече“ живи
a nickname for disobedient and feisty kids.
као препознатљив синоним за сву непослушну и храбру децу.
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Gordana Maletić • Ana Grigorjev, ill. Упознајте Породицу Леопардић [Let’s Meet The Leopard Family] Evro-Giunti, 2009 • ISBN 978-86-505-1383-5 In a nice quiet little town on the banks of the
У лепом градићу на обали мирне реке постоји много
river there are many houses and large buildings.
кућа и великих зграда. Оне чувају своје станаре,
They keep their tenants, residents of this pleasant
становнике овог места пријатног за живот.
place to live. In one of the newest buildings
У једну од тек сазиданих високих зграда на
high on a hill, surrounded by a park, unusual
брежуљку, окружену парком, недавно су се уселили
tenants have moved in recеntly. The whole
станари. Како је ту сада живо! Сваки спрат деле по
neighbourhood is full of life now! Each floor is
две необичне породице. Зато је и живот у овој кући
shared by two unusual families. That’s why living
весео у својој шароликости. Упознајте породицу
in this house is so cheerful for everyone. Let’s
Леопардић!
meet the Leopard Family.
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Brana Cvetković • Neda Dokić, ill. Прича О Ваљушку [The Story of a Noodle] Креативни центар, 2003 • ISBN 86-7781-152-4 The main character of this poem, written by the
Јунак ове приче у стиху, чији је аутор познати
famous 20th century Serbian poet and illustrator,
српски песник и илустратор с почетка 20. века,
is a noodle. He escapes through a kitchen window,
јесте ваљушак, једна врста јела од теста. Много
goes out into the world and has many adventures.
узбудљивих згода и незгода ће се десити кад
At the end of this book there is a recipe for making
ваљушак побегне са кухињског прозора и крене у
noodles, so you can try it out yourself!
свет. На крају књиге чека вас рецепт за прављење ваљушака, па изволите, опробајте се!
the world through picture books • books from serbia • 165
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Simeon Marinković • Dušan Pavlić, ill. Шта Све Ана Зна ...Добри Суседи [What Ana Knows…Good Neighbours] Креативни центар, 2008 • ISBN 978-86-7781-514-1 This series of lift the flap picture books “What
Серија сликовница – преклапалица „Шта све Ана
Ana knows” is made for the youngest readers.
зна...“, намењена најмлађим читаоцима, садржи
Together with little Ana, through ten everyday
девет наслова, од којих је „Добри суседи“ међу
situations, children will learn how to behave with
најпопуларнијим. Заједно са малом Аном, кроз десет
their neighbours, and why it is so important to
свакодневних ситуација, деца ће сазнати шта
treat others in the same way that you yourself
значи лепо понашање према суседима и зашто је
would like to be treated.
важно да се према другима понашамо онако како бисмо волели да се и они понашају према нама.
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Brana Cvetković • Biljana Labović, ill. Зунзарина Палата [The Blowfly’s Palace] Креативни центар, 2006 • ISBN 978-86-7781-056-6 This story, based on a Serbian folk tale, features
Весело испричана прича са елементима
as its characters a blowfly, a mosquito, a frog,
разбрајалице, у којој су главни јунаци једна мува
a rabbit and a bear. Its repetitive and exciting
зунзара, комарац, жабац, зец и меда, својим
rhythm will hypnotize the youngest readers and
ритмом и узбудљивом завршницом магнетски
make them want to hear the story over and over
привлачи најмлађе читаоце. Ова сликовница
again.
на најбољи начин подсећа на дечјег писца и илустратора Брану Цветковића, који је стварао у периоду између Првог и Другог светског рата.
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Arsen Diklić • Dobrosav Bob Živković, ill. Плави Кит [Blue Whale] Креативни центар, 2009 • ISBN 978-86-7781-047-4 As a child, the famous Serbian poet Arsen Diklić
Као дете, познати српски песник Арсен Диклић
loved spending time by the river Gacka, where
заволео је реку Гацку на којој је имао и свој скривени
he also kept his own boat hidden. When he grew
чамац, а када је одрастао, најлепше дане провео је
up, his love of the river inspired him to write
на Дунаву и Сави. Из те љубави и снова на рекама
many poems and stories. The Blue Whale, one of
поникле су многе његове приче и песме, а једна
his most beautiful poems, is a thrilling tale of a
од најлепших је поема „Плави кит“, узбудљива
grumpy sailor and a big blue whale who endures
приповест о морнару свађалици и великом, плавом
his taunting, until one day when he loses his
киту који трпи његова задиркивања све док једног
temper…
дана не изгуби стрпљење...
Gordana Maletić • Ana Grigorjev, ill. Јеж И Лисица [The Hedgehog and the Fox] Evro-Giunti, 2010 • ISBN 978-86-505-0535-9 Charming and amusing illustrations in this
Свет домаћих и дивљих животиња одувек је
illustrated book embellish the stories about the
омиљени амбијент дечје маште и интересовања.
adventures of those who inhabit the edge of
Преплићући познате народне мотиве са
the forest. These are the well known characters
савременим окружењем, аутори духовито и
from popular tales- the fox, the bear, the wolf
раскошно илуструју живот на ободу шуме и
and many others... As always, their encounters
сусрете становника са обе стране „златне капије“.
in tales finish with the victory of the weaker but wiser, so the children can learn that wisdom triumphs over force.
the world through picture books • books from serbia • 166
Books from
Contact: Ian Yap
Singapore
[email protected]
The books included in the top ten list for Singapore were chosen for inclusion because they are: – Books that feature Singapore and/or its diverse culture – Books with universal values such as friendship, love, family, etc. – Of good quality in writing and illustrations (not didactic in the telling) – Children’s perennial favourites (e.g. Mooty) Most of the books featured have received awards such as First Time Writers and Illustrators award, Hedwig Anuar award or in the case of Emily Lim’s book, Independent Publisher’s Book Award (“IPPY Awards”) – Bronze medal in the Children’s Picturebook category.
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Adeline Foo • Lee Kowling, ill. The beaded slippers Booksmith, 2008 • ISBN 9789810808044 Puteh lives in a huge house with her
room unlocked. As both Mama and Amah are
grandmother, Mama, and their servant, Amah.
busy, she sneaks into the room and discovers
There are 4 rooms in the house, one for each
something special about the room.
of them. But, the last room remains unoccupied.
Follow Puteh and learn about the “Peranakan”
Not only that, it is always locked. Amah calls
world through the illustrations and facts in
it the haunted room in the hope of scaring
this book. With the inclusion of a glossary of
Puteh but that only triggers Puteh’s curiosity
Peranakan terms used for a better understanding,
even more. One day, she chances on the
this will definitely be an informative read.
Shamini Flint • Alpana Ahuja, ill. Sasha visits Singapore Sunbear Pub, 2006 • ISBN 9789810565404 Sasha is in Singapore, and she is in for a treat.
Tag along with Sasha and you will get a chance
Follow her through a bumboat ride, the MRT
to visit Singapore’s famous attractions all in
and even a zebra-striped train! As she explores
one day. The illustrations capture the essence
vibrant Singapore, she meets the famous Merlion,
of Singapore very well.
the white tigers in the Singapore Zoo and even a Lion Dance.
the world through picture books • books from singapore • 167
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Belinda Chan • Lynette Long, ill. Ah Kong’s clock Straits Times Press Children, 2009 • ISBN 9789814266376 Ah Kong’s clock has been with the family for
family. But one day, the clock stops! Is it trying
many generations. It is a friend as well as a
to tell us something?
member of the family. Day after day, the clock
This is a great book, and also suitable for parents
ticks on faithfully, telling everyone the time and
to emphasize to their child on the importance
going through important occasions with the
of time.
Jin Pyn The elephant and the tree Epigram Books, 2006 • ISBN 9789810561024 This story features a unique relationship
playground to humans. The elephant is shot
between an elephant and a tree. They are the
and the tree chopped down. With one chained
best of friends. The story begins with a young
and the other bound, they recount the happy
elephant who loves wandering free. Yet he will
memories of the time they were both free.
always go back to the same tree. He goes to
This heart-warming adventure tells of how the
the tree to scratch his itching body and to share
friendship between the elephant and the tree
stories. As the years go by, they lose their natural
stands the test of time.
Lynn Lee • Phua San San, ill. I don’t want Mei Mei anymore! Straits Times Press, 2008 • ISBN 9789814266062 This book is about Mark and his baby sister
a baby factory where Mark gets to exchange Mei
whom he calls Mei Mei. One day, Mark gets very
Mei for another baby. Will he find the perfect
angry and declares that he does not want Mei
baby? A simple yet beautiful story about sibling
Mei anymore. They sit in Mark’s rocket and take
relationships.
off on an adventure. They land right in front of
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By Emily Lim • Neal Sharp, ill. Prince bear & pauper bear Mustard Seed Books, 2007 • ISBN 9789810590048 Prince Bear and Pauper Bear belong to the same
afterwards. Pauper Bear is given to a boy without
toy store but they look very different. While
much money. The grateful boy fixes his eyes and
Prince Bear has matching eyes and a mouth, an
mouth and plays with him daily.
armour with his name on it and wears a crown
A story that highlights the values of empathy,
and cape, Pauper Bear is plain with mismatched
compassion and friendship. It is accompanied
eyes and no mouth. Prince Bear is bought by
by child-like illustrations with gentle and
a girl who loves him initially but neglects him
cheerful colours.
the world through picture books • books from singapore • 168
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David Seow • Enrico Sallustio, ill. Blow a kiss Bonnie Books, 2010 • ISBN 9789810824938 This heart-warming story starts with a simple
much joy a blown kiss can bring to others.
thought: “Can you blow a kiss? Get ready, get set,
The illustrations are charming; colourful with soft
blow! Now let’s see where your little kiss will go.”
shades and full of expression! They enhance the
It then takes the reader’s imagination across
vivid pictures that come to mind when reading
various countries and cultures, following the
the verses. The kiss finally lands in Singapore
pathway of the blown kiss.
and it’s the reader’s turn to pass on the message
With rhyming text, this story shows how
of love and happiness - blow a kiss!
Sharon Ismail • Khairudin Saharom, ill. What Sallamah didn’t know Candid Kids, 2007 • ISBN 9789810589943 Set in early Singapore, this true story tells
when she found out, by accident, that she was
of a girl’s journey in discovering and accepting
in fact adopted and of Chinese heritage. Soon,
that she is an adopted child. It all began with
she learnt that some of her other siblings were
a Chinese baby girl who was given to a Malay
also adopted as babies and were also of different
family to raise as their own. The baby was named
races. This is a heartwarming story, beautifully
Sallamah and grew up happily amongst her
written by the protagonist’s daughter – of
many siblings in a close knit kampong (Malay
true love and kinship, regardless of the colour
for “village”). Her happiness finds an abrupt end
of one’s skin.
Jessie Wee • Kwan Shan Mei, ill. The adventures of Mooty Marshall Cavendish Children, 2009 • ISBN 9789814276559 Mooty is a mouse who lives in Grandma’s house
The whole set is entertaining with Mooty getting
but he is forced to move out when Grandma gets
married and having a baby at the end of the
a cat. He finds a big hollow tree and calls it his
series. The illustrations are cute and children
new house. He then makes friends with other
will especially get attracted to adorable Mooty
creatures – ants, lizards, birds and frogs. Mooty’s
in his sarong attire.
adventures come in five books with ten stories.
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Yixian Quek • Grace Duan Ying, ill. The Book that was Handed Down Straits Times Press, 2008 • ISBN 9789814266055 Ping is always getting hand-me-downs from
a highly original picturebook, simple yet brilliantly
her brother Ming, including this book. She does
put together to carry the story through its
not like the book at all, that is until her brother
illustrations. It won the inaugural Hedwig Anuar
shares the hidden wonders of stories. This is
Award in May 2011.
the world through picture books • books from singapore • 169
Books from
Contact: Darja Lavrenčič Vrabec – [email protected] Tilka Jamnik – [email protected]
Slovenia A shortlist of the ten most outstanding picture books from Slovenia has been drawn up by the staff of Ljubljana City Library (LCL), Pionirska – the Centre for Youth Literature and Librarianship and the Slovenian Section of the IBBY. The entries included in the shortlist have been carefully selected by experts in the field of youth literature and youth librarianship, tutors of reading and promoters of youth literature nationwide. It includes ten of the most original and timeless classics of this genre. Compiling the shortlist according to the highest professional standards proved to be a challenging and responsible task indeed. One of our guiding principles was to include one entry only for each author (a writer, an illustrator) so that the list includes a picture book that is most representative of their entire body of work and is significant within the system of Slovenian youth literature. It was our aim to present picture books that have gained a timeless eminence and popularity and many have been incorporated in the Slovenian hall of fame of folk-like tales and literary characters. The shortlisted picture books never cease to enrich and brighten the early years of Slovenian children, and have been an indispensable component of the childhood years of many generations. This makes them a vital part of Slovenian cultural and literary heritage passed from generation to generation. Every single one of them is a world unto itself and together they present a wide and diverse range of textual and visual styles and designs. The present selection includes the best of Slovenian picture books from the early 1900s (starting with The Bubbles by Oton Župančič) to the late 1970s. It is a pleasure to be part of this important international project which will place Slovenian picture books on the world map and also promote the best-quality Slovenian picture books. All of the shortlisted entries have won the Golden Pear token of recognition presented by the Ljubljana City Library, Pionirska. They carry many positive and life-affirming messages to make this world a better place. In terms of quality, they have been produced according to the highest standards of the Slovenian printing and publishing trade. Their textual and visual components supplement each other; and their rich interplay invariably succeeds in boosting the imagination and creativity of young readers. They are suitable for reading aloud in the context of a family (with an adult reading aloud), as well as for children in the early stages of their reading skills acquisition to read for themselves. In terms of age groups, they are aimed at pre-school children and at primary school children up to the age of 11. The short outlines presented below have been drawn up by the board members of the Guide for Reading High-quality Books for Young Readers, which is compiled nationwide by the Ljubljana City Library (LCL), Pionirska, The Guide acts an overview and a detailed assessment of books for children and young readers published in Slovenia during one year.
the world through picture books • books from slovenia • 170
It remains our aim to draw up a follow-up to the present shortlist which will include the ten best contemporary (post 1970-) Slovenian picture books to outline the development of Slovenian picture book output to the present day. The shortlisted entries will cover talented emerging authors of younger generations, a diversity of trends and tendencies, the richness of different visual vocabularies and idiosyncratic styles that go beyond a local context and carry a universal potential for the world at large. Note: The entries are listed in alphabetical order according to the last name of the writer and the translations have been done by Tina Mahkota.
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Niko Grafenauer • Marjan Manček, ill. Pedenjped [The Littleman] Mladinska knjiga, 1979 • ISBN 9789610117599 Ever since its first appearance, The Littleman,
Pedenjped Nika Grafenauerja (roj. 1940) je
brainchild of Slovenian poet Niko Grafenauer (b.
nedvomno eden najbolj znanih, že skoraj ponarodelih
1940), has enjoyed a massive popularity and has
likov slovenske poezije, razvejanost njegovega
become almost a folk-like character of Slovenian
zunajliterarnega življenja pa se verjetno lahko kosa
poetry for children. The richness and versatility
le še z Župančičevim Cicibanom ali Levstikovim
of his extra-literary life can be compared only
Najdihojco. Pedenjped se je od leta 1966 slovenskim
to Župančič’s character Ciciban and to Levstik’s
bralcem predstavil večkrat, v različnih prepletih izborov
Najdihojca. Following its first publication in 1966,
pesmi in ilustracij. Šesti ponatis zbirke iz leta 1979
The Littleman has appeared in many editions of
je najverjetneje najbolj znana kombinacija desetih
selected poems and illustrations. However, it is
pesmi o Pedenjpedu in ilustracij Marjana Mančka
the sixth edition, featuring ten poems about the
(roj. 1948). Pedenjpeda zaznamuje Grafenauerjev
Littleman, illustrated by Marjan Manček (b.1948)
značilni občutek za zven in pomen: domiselnim
that has gained a true nationwide appeal.
neologizmom (z imenom glavnega junaka na čelu)
The poems carry a quintessential signature
se občasno pridružijo posamezne pogovorne besede,
of Grafenauer’s subtle interplay between the
ki besedila obarvajo domače, vse pa povezujeta
word sound and sense. The poet’s idiosyncratic
stalna trohejska stopica in prestopna ali zaporedna
neologisms (starting with the very name of
rima, kar zagotavlja močan ritem in trdno strukturo
the character itself, Pedenjped, which would
besedila, ki sta še kako pomembna pri pesmih za
literally translate as ‘Nine-Inch Man’) are subtly
otroke. Pedenjped je predstavljen kot majhen pobalin
juxtaposed by colloquial expressions to give the
s prstom v nosu in razmršenimi lasmi, hkrati pa kot ne
poems a familiar and cosy local colour. In terms
povsem razumljen mali “umetnik” z veliko domišljije –
of form, a consistent trochaic verse pattern
njegovih glasbenih, slikarskih ali učenjaških poizkusov
follows either an alternate (ABAB) or a repetitive
doma ne razumejo/sprejemajo najbolje. Kot tak malim
(AABB) rhyme scheme, which makes the poems
bralcem še po skoraj pol stoletja ponuja tako možnost
very regular and firmly structured. Due to their
samoidentifikacije kot iztočnico za veliko smeha –
acoustic quality the poems are especially suitable
bodisi s Pedenjpedom ali o Pedenjpedu.
and appealing to young readers. The Littleman is visually represented as a brat with unkempt hair, picking his nose, but also as a precocious young “artist” with a vivid imagination. However, his nearest and dearest do not always understand or appreciate his musical, artistic and scientific experiments and antics. It is precisely these character features that allow young readers to easily identify with the Littleman almost 50 years after his first appearance, and provide many a cue to laugh with and about him.
the world through picture books • books from slovenia • 171
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Kajetan Kovič • Jelka Reichman, ill. Maček Muri [Muri the Cat] Mladinska knjiga, 1975 • ISBN 9788611122526 Kajetan Kovič is considered a contemporary
Kajetan Kovič (roj. 1931) se je med klasike slovenske
classic of Slovenian youth literature mainly due
mladinske književnosti zapisal s preprosto, hudomušno,
to his unpretentious, witty and evocative fairy
a sugestivno pravljico o Mačjem mestu in njegovem
tale of Kitty Town and its central character
junaku mačku Muriju. Optimistična meščanska idila se
Muri the Cat. This uplifting and optimistic idyll
začne z jutranjo kavico in pregledom novic v časopisu,
of small town life starts with an early morning
se nadaljuje v dopoldanski sprehod po mestu, polnem
coffee accompanied by a perusal of the latest
zanimivih obrti, uslug in prodajaln ter – z obveznim
newspaper, and is followed by a morning stroll
dodatkom vsakega zadovoljnega mesta – policajem,
through the town, bursting with interesting retail
ki pelje dva znamenita roparja počivat. Vrhunec dneva
and repair shops, and with an obligatory add-
je kosilo z mestno lepotico v odlični gostilni, popoldne
on in every idyllic town, two police officers who
pa se zadovoljstvo razdeli na dvoje: obisk nogometne
have captured an infamous robber and are taking
tekme za mačje gospode in prijeten prijateljski
him to jail. The highlight of Muri’s day out is his
klepet ob čuvanju otrok za mačje dame. Ker je Muri
lunch date with the famous belle of the town in
poleg kavalirja še mestni kronist in pisatelj, preden
a first-class restaurant. The ensuing afternoon is
zaspi, skrbno popiše vse, kar mesto doživlja in Muri
enjoyed in different ways: gentlemen of the feline
z njim. To mojstrsko besedilo je likovno ovekovečila
order attend a football match, while female cats
ilustratorka Jelka Reichman (roj. 1939). Čeprav je
spend it chatting away while kitten-sitting. Not
slikanica neke vrste hvalnica idiličnemu meščanskemu
only is Muri the Cat a true gentleman, but also a
življenju, idilo slika kot možnost in ne kot privilegij
writer and the town’s chronicler, so he ends his
elite, zato slikanica tudi sodobne otroke nagovarja kot
day writing down the events of the day. Kovič’s
domačine, ki naj mesto uživajo, če že v njem živijo.
story, which is a genuine masterpiece in its own
Od leta 1975, ko je slikanica prvič izšla, temeljni izbor
right, was given added value by the illustrator
knjig za otroke ni popoln brez te slikanice.
Jelka Reichman. Although it may appear at first glance a celebration of idyllic life in a small town, this is presented as a possibility and not as a privilege of a certain social elite. Consequently, Muri the Cat can address contemporary children as if they were the townspeople themselves, encouraged to enjoy living in their town. Ever since its first edition in 1975, no shortlist of Slovenian core texts for children has been complete without Muri the Cat.
the world through picture books • books from slovenia • 172
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Fran Levstik • Roža Piščanec, ill. Kdo je napravil Vidku srajčico [Who Made Videk’s Shirt] Mladinska knjiga, 1955 • ISBN 9789610117476 Fran Levstik published his fairy tale about a poor
Pravljico o revnem Vidku in prijateljicah živalih je
boy, Videk (Vitus) and his animal friends as early
Fran Levstik (1831-1887) prvič objavil leta 1877 v 3.
as 1877 in the third issue of a story paper, Vrtec
številki Vrtca, kot slikanica pa je prvič izšla šele leta
(Little Garden). As a picture book in its own right
1955 v zbirki Čebelica s čudovitimi litografijami Rože
it first appeared in 1955 in the popular story book
Piščanec (1923-2006). Od tedaj dalje je besedilo, ki
series Čebelica (Little Bee), accompanied by
ga je za Čebelico jezikovno posodobila in za zadnji
wonderful lithographs by Roža Piščanec. Levstik’s
odstavek, nekakšen modrostni zaključek Vidkove
original text was slightly altered and rewritten to
mame, skrajšala verjetno urednica Kristina Brenkova,
sound less archaic, by the series editor Kristina
doživelo številne ponatise v različnih izdajah, a vse z
Brenk who also deleted the final paragraph with
ilustracijami Rože Piščanec. Brez pretiravanja lahko
a rather didactic comment by Videk’s mother.
rečemo, da je Levstik, ki tudi sicer velja za našega
Since then, Who Made Videk’s Shirt has been
učitelja dobrega pisanja v slovenščini, s to zgodbo že
published many times and remains in print with
pred več kot 130 leti postavil zgled smotrnega pisanja
the original illustrations by Roža Piščanec. It
o ekologiji. Medtem ko se sodobno modno pisanje o
is hardly an exaggeration to claim that Levstik
okoljskih problemih v neekoloških količinah zadovoljuje
who rates as a role model of fine writing in
z neštetimi različicami premetavanja smetnjakov,
Slovenian, showed us how to address ecology
davečih štorkelj in računalniško bistrih otrok, ki lovijo
and environmental issues as early as 130 years
okoljske zločince, Levstik v nekaj potezah predstavi
ago. Being very much in vogue these days, such
bistvo: da smo brez sodelovanja z naravo še bolj revni
writing is too often reduced to trendy variations
kot sicer, saj je prav sleherno bitje pomemben člen
and countless versions of how-to-deal-with-
našega preživetja. In to mora vedeti mali Videk še pred
waste-bins, the predicaments of birds after an
vstopom v šolo!
oil spill, and computer-savvy kids chasing ecocriminals. Contrariwise, Levstik gets to the point in just a few masterful strokes: that mankind’s failure to conjoin with nature will make us even poorer than we are, should we fail to realize that every single creature is an indispensable link to our survival. And this is the message that Videk has to learn even before he starts attending school.
the world through picture books • books from slovenia • 173
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Svetlana Makarovič • Kostja Gatnik, ill. Pekarna Mišmaš [Mishmash Bakery] Mladinska knjiga, 2011 • ISBN 9789610114956 In addition to the Kosovirs (the Cosies) and
Poleg Kosovirjev in Sapramiške je pek Mišmaš tretji
Sapramiška (Sapramouse), Mishmash, the baker,
literarni lik Svetlane Makarovič (roj. 1939), ki se je
is the third of Svetlana Makarovič’s brainchildren
vključil med legendarne like slovenske literature
that ranks as one of the legendary characters
nasploh. Sama pripoved je od svoje prve izdaje
in Slovenian literature for children and adults
leta 1974 doživela kar nekaj preobrazb; od izdaje z
alike. The story which first appeared in 1974
avtoričinimi ilustracijami (1986), priredb za gledališče,
has undergone several changes, and has been
radio in zvočne posnetke (od leta 1975 dalje), do treh
adapted for stage and radio many times. In
pomembnih slikaniških izdaj z ilustracijami Marlenke
1986 it was published with the writer’s own
Stupica (1974), Gorazda Vahna (1997) in Kostje
illustrations. In terms of a picture book format,
Gatnika (2011). Omenjene tri slikaniške izdaje pomenijo
three versions are available, illustrated by
tudi tri besedilne različice zgodbe. Razlike sicer ne
Marlenka Stupica (1974), Gorazd Vahen (1997) and
spreminjajo bistvenih sporočil in podobe zgodbe,
Kostja Gatnik (2011) respectively. These include
spremenjeni so predvsem začetki in konci (enaka
three slightly different text versions which do not
začetka izdaj 1997 in 2011 se razlikujeta od izdaje
vary much in terms of the story’s key messages,
1974; enaka konca izdaj 1974 in 2011 se razlikujeta od
its appearance and a plotline. What differs,
izdaje 1997). Naj so te spremembe nastale kot poskus
though, are the openings and the endings. The
kritične aktualizacije trenutka, v katerem je besedilo
identical beginnings in the 1997 and 2001 editions
izhajalo, ali iz kakih bolj prozaičnih založniških potreb,
differ from the 1974 edition; the identical endings
v celoti Pekarna Mišmaš ves čas ostaja izvirna kritika
from the 1974 and 2011 editions differ from
pohlepa in nevoščljivosti, ki sta navadno glavna
the one published in 1997. It is fairly irrelevant
generatorja omejenosti in revščine vseh vrst. Odtenek
whether these changes were incited to provide a
časa, v katerem so izhajale izdaje, veje tudi iz ilustracij.
critical analysis of the context of their publication,
Marlenka Stupica se posveča zgolj estetski perfekciji
or whether they were driven by more prosaic
ploskev in barv, ki otrokom govorijo o dobroti peka in
pecuniary publishing business goals. Mishmash
neumnosti nevoščljivcev. Gorazd Vahen (v teh izdajah
Bakery remains a truly original and ingenious
je spremenjen zaključek besedila) ilustracijam doda
critique of greed and envy, two main causes
odrske luči in z njimi odrske poudarke karakterjev.
of small-mindedness and impoverishment.
Ilustracije Kostje Gatnika (roj. 1945) pa estetiko risbe
As far as the illustrations in different editions
razpnejo na veliko “kinematografsko” platno, na
are concerned, they bear a signature of their
katerem v novi perspektivi zaživita tako pravljičnost
publication time too. Marlenka Stupica focuses
kot satira, domačnost in občečloveškost – predstava
on the aesthetic perfection of colour surfaces and
torej za vse starosti in vsa “platna” po svetu.
colour schemes to convey the message of the baker’s generosity and the folly of the envious village folk. Gorazd Vahen (his is the edition with a different ending) upgrades his illustrations with stage lighting that adds many stage-like emphatic features to his characters. It is Kostja Gatnik (b. 1945), however, who transposes the aesthetics of a drawing to a big screen where new perspectives are added to the characters. Similarly, the story is given a new lease of life in terms of satire, familiarity and universal human condition. A picture book is thus turned into a proper visual spectacle for all age groups and big screens all over the world.
the world through picture books • books from slovenia • 174
5
Frane Milčinski-Ježek • Gorazd Vahen, ill. Zvezdica Zaspanka [Twinkle Sleepyhead/ Little Sleepy Star] Sanje, 2004 • ISBN 9789616767415 (Zvezdica Zaspanka) • ISBN 9789616767422 (Little Sleepy Star) Famously, Twinkle Sleepyhead is the first Slovenian
Zvezdica Zaspanka je prva slovenska radijska igra,
radio play. It was written in the late 1940s by
ki jo je v petdesetih letih prejšnjega stoletja napisal
Frane Milčinski-Ježek (1914-1988) and was first
Frane Milčinski – Ježek (1914-1988), premierno
broadcast nationally on 31 December, 1949.
je bila predvajana na sporedu Radia Ljubljana na
Directed by Jože Pengov in 1955, it was staged
silvestrovo leta 1949, leta 1955 pa so jo prvič uprizorili
at the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre. In 1959, Frane
v Lutkovnem gledališču Ljubljana, v režiji Jožeta
Milčinski-Ježek won the national Levstik award
Pengova. Avtor je leta 1959 za besedilo prejel tudi
for his Twinkle Sleepyhead. In terms of its visual
Levstikovo nagrado. Slikaniška izdaja Založbe Sanje je
and design features, the shortlisted edition of
na izvedbeni ravni (barvite, vitalne, a hkrati skrivnostne
Twinkle Sleepyhead, featuring colourful, spirited
ilustracije Gorazda Vahna, roj. 1969) zagotovo bolj
and yet somehow mysterious illustrations by
čarobna od svoje predhodnice iz leta 1992, ki jo je za
Gorazd Vahen (b. 1969), is far more fairy-tale like
založbo Mladinska knjiga ilustrirala Mojca Cerjak.
than its predecessor, the 1992 edition illustrated
Gre za priredbo oziroma skrajšavo originalne radijske
by Mojca Cerjak (published by Mladinska knjiga).
igre, v kateri je sicer umanjkala večina pesmi, pa
It is an adapted and abridged version of the
tudi nekateri prizori in liki, ki dajejo zgodbi posebno
original radio play (lacking most of the songs,
motivno svežino in jo bogatijo s humorno perspektivo.
as well as some scenes and characters that give
Kljub temu priredba uspešno zasleduje osnovni
the story its characteristic thematic brilliance
pripovedni lok tako, da je primerno branje za otroke
and a humorous slant). This notwithstanding, the
vseh starosti. Založba Sanje je ob daljši izdala tudi
presented adaptation follows the original plot
krajšo verzijo, namenjeno predšolskim otrokom in
line, which makes it suitable for readers of all
izdajo v angleškem jeziku. Zvezdica Zaspanka zaradi
age groups. In addition, the publisher Sanje put
svojega brezbrižnega odnosa do službe povzroči kup
out an even shorter version aimed at pre-school
težav na Zemlji (otroci ne morejo zaspati, mornarji ne
children, and two English language versions
najdejo poti domov in pesniki ne prave rime). Za kazen
(Twinkle Sleepyhead in 2004, and Little Sleepy
jo boter Mesec pošlje na Zemljo, s katere se lahko vrne
Star in 2009). It is due to her careless attitude
šele, ko opravi zares dobro delo: razbojnika Ceferina, ki
to her duties and responsibilities, that Twinkle
ima kamen namesto srca in ga mikajo njeni zlati lasje,
Sleepyhead causes many problems for people on
spreobrne v dobrega in čutečega človeka, ko ga nauči
Earth (children are unable to fall asleep, seamen
napisati besedo ljuba. Zgodba o Zvezdici Zaspanki
are unable to find their way home, poets are
je večplastna in simbolična, saj govori v poetičnem
unable to find words that rhyme). In his attempt
jeziku, ki se dotika bralčevega srca, njegovih čustev
to reprimand her, Uncle Moon sends her to Earth.
ter moralnih in vrednostnih stališč, ki so občečloveška.
She will be allowed to return to the sky after she
Nobeno presenečenje torej ni, da je večno zelena,
will have accomplished a good deed. She does so
vedno znova oživljena, in v različnih knjižnih in
by turning the robber Grovel, who has a heart of
neknjižnih oblikah, kot literarna dediščina številnih
stone and is after her precious hair of gold, into a
generacij, preživela več kot šest desetletij.
loving and sensitive person by teaching him how to spell the word beLOVEd. Twinkle Sleepyhead is highly evocative and works on several layers; speaking of symbolism, it uses a poetic language that will touch the readers’ hearts and feelings, and will address the moral and ethical attitudes shared universally by all human beings. Therefore it is no surprise that these popular and eternally revived stories for young readers have a massive appeal as a picture book, or when reincarnated in other media, even in its sixties, and will definitely continue to be passed from generation to generation as an essential item of Slovenian literary heritage.
the world through picture books • books from slovenia • 175
6
Tone Pavček • Damijan Stepančič, ill. Juri Muri v Afriki [Georgy Porgy in Africa] Miš, 2012 • ISBN 9789612720841 A tale “about a boy who loathed being washed”
“Zgodba o fantu, ki se ni maral umivati” je prvič izšla
was first published in 1958 with illustrations by
leta 1958 z ilustracijami Melite Vovk, leta 1988 jo je
Melita Vovk. The second edition, published in
ilustrirala Marjanca Jemec-Božič, v pričujoči izdaji pa
1988, was illustrated by Marjanca Jemec-Božič.
Damijan Stepančič (roj. 1969). Klasična mojstrovina
The third version, shortlisted here, was illustrated
Toneta Pavčka (1928-20111) je živa in radoživa tudi
by Damijan Stepančič. This classic verse tale by
danes: po več kot pol stoletja toplina pesnikove misli
Tone Pavček is still very much enjoyed even after
in lepota njegove pesniške besede prevzameta tudi
more than 50 years after its first appearance.
sodobne bralce, mlade in odrasle. Damijan Stepančič
The warmness of the poet’s expression and the
je to kanonsko – skorajda že ponarodelo besedilo
beauty of his wording continue to make a strong
– upodobil zelo prepričljivo, s spoštovanjem do
impression on young and adult readers alike.
pesnikovega občutenja in humorja, upoštevajoč tako
Damijan Stepančič illustrated this masterpiece
osrednje sporočilo kot številne podrobnosti. Obenem
with a great power of persuasion, pervaded by
pa je njegova ilustracija zelo izvirna in sodobna: izraža
his admiration of the poet’s sensitivity, and paid
občudovanje do afriške nature in kulture, upodablja
special attention to the story’s main message
širino afriške celine in njeno duhovno tradicijo.
and fine details. Having said that, Stepančič’s
Spremna beseda pesnikove hčerke, Saše Pavček,
illustrations are very original and contemporary,
O fantu, ki ... je prisrčna in prinaša nekaj zanimivih
and they evoke his respect and admiration of
dejstev o nastajanju in genezi Jurija Murija. Zgodba
African natural beauty and culture, and present a
v verzih je doživela številne ponatise in prenose v
depiction of the great size of the African continent
druge medije; ob njej je zraslo več generacij slovenskih
and its spiritual tradition. This verse tale has been
otrok, doživela je tudi nadaljevanje z naslovom Juri
reprinted many times and reincarnated in other
Muri drugič v Afriki (Mladinska knjiga, 2001) in v
media as well. Many a generation of Slovenian
zadnjih letih tudi tretji del stare zgodbe z naslovom
children grew up reading it.
Juri Muri po Sloveniji (Miš, 2011) in Juri Muri gre po srečo (Miš, 2012), ki ju je ilustriral Damijan Stepančič. Ilustrator pa se je lotil tudi nove podobe slikanice Juri Muri drugič v Afriki (Miš, 2013). Tako lahko prvo zgodbo o Juriju Muriju primerjamo v treh različnih ilustracijah, pa tudi s tremi naslednjimi zgodbami – oboje je v izziv ne le strokovnjakom, ampak predvsem tudi učencem OŠ (raziskovalno branje) in njihovim mentorjem.
the world through picture books • books from slovenia • 176
7
Ela Peroci • Lidija Osterc, ill. Hišica iz kock [The Little House of Blocks] Mladinska knjiga, 1964 • ISBN 9789610122159 The shortlisted version of The Little House of Blocks
To je 4., prenovljen natis slikanice, ki je prvič izšla
is the fourth and revised edition of a picture
leta 1964 – tedaj je bilo »zlato obdobje« slovenske
book which first appeared in 1964, during the
slikaniške produkcije. Besedilo je klasična tridelna
period that could be called “the golden age of
pravljica z linearnim potekom in konfliktom, ki se
Slovenian picture books”. The story is a classic
razreši z vztrajnostjo in iznajdljivostjo deklice Jelke.
fairy tale with a linear plotline told in three
Nastopajo pravljični čudežni predmeti in čarobnost,
parts, and a conflict which is resolved due to the
toda tudi resnična prijateljstvo in zvestoba; prisotno
little girl’s persistence and ingenuity. The main
je upanje in dobro tudi zmaga. Ilustracija je povsem
protagonists of the story are magical objects and
izvirna, dekorativna in poetična. Prepletanje besedila
their supernatural qualities, but the book also
in ilustracije nudi bralcu enkraten estetski užitek. Gre
addresses the issues of true friendship, loyalty
za vrhunski dosežek slovenske slikaniške produkcije;
and hope. Ultimately, good wins over evil. The
novo oblikovanje v pričujočem prenovljenem natisu
art of illustrations is idiosyncratic, decorative
je dognano, tako da je kanonsko besedilo oziroma
and poetic. The interplay between the text
slikanica, ki naj bi jo poznal sleherni slovenski otrok,
and the illustrations allows for readers’ reading
zagotovo privlačna tudi sodobnim (naj) mlajšim bralcem
and aesthetic pleasure, which is inimitable.
in njihovim vzgojiteljem. Slikanica je bila prevedena v
Undisputedly, The Little House of Block presents
več tujih jezikov. Obe ustvarjalki, tako pisateljica Ela
the peak of Slovenian picture book creativity.
Peroci (1922–2001) kot ilustratorka Lidija Osterc (1928–
Many revised and redesigned editions produced
2006) sta bili uveljavljeni ne le v slovenskem prostoru,
according to the highest standards of excellence
ampak sta bili deležni priznanja tudi v mednarodnem
make this picture book very familiar to Slovenian
prostoru – obe sta leta 1970 prejeli »visoko priznanje«
children. It has equal appeal for the emerging
Mednarodne zveze za mladinsko književnost (IBBY) za
generations of young readers and their teachers.
celotno ustvarjalno delo.
The Little House of Blocks has been translated into several languages. Ela Peroci, the writer, and Lidija Osterc, the illustrator, were wellknown and acclaimed not only in Slovenia, but internationally too. In 1970 they were awarded a token of high recognition by IBBY for the excellence of their work.
the world through picture books • books from slovenia • 177
8
Leopold Suhodolčan • Marjanca Jemec-Božič, ill. Piko Dinozaver [Piko the Dinosaur] Mladinska knjiga, 1978 • ISBN 8611169875 Leopold Suhodolčan ranks as one of the most
Leopold Suhodolčan (1928-1980) je tudi med
popular authors for children and young readers in
sodobnimi otroki zelo priljubljen mladinski pisatelj,
Slovenia. His work includes realistic fiction as well
katerega opus obsega tako realistične kot fantazijske
as fantasy tales, stage, radio and puppet theatre
pripovedi, gledališke, radijske in lutkovne igre ter
plays, and screenplays for television series. The
televizijske nadaljevanke. Večkrat nagrajeni avtor je
multi award winning author famously pioneered
bil tudi pobudnik za nastanek Bralne značke, (Slovene
the Slovenian Reading Badge Society movement
Reading Badge Society) gibanja, ki slovenske otroke in
which has promoted reading and encouraged
mlade spodbuja k branju kakovostne mladinske knjige
emerging readers in Slovenia for over fifty years.
že več kot petdeset let. To gibanje je bilo nominirano
One of Suhodolčan’s shorter works of fiction that
tudi v mednarodnem prostoru, za IBBY Asahi
has never lost its appeal is this modern fairy tale
Reading Promotion Award. Med njegovimi še posebej
about Piko the Dinosaur, a most unlikely pet. It
priljubljenimi krajšimi besedili, je tudi sodobna pravljica
was first published in 1978 as a picture book and
o Piku Dinozavru, neobičajnem hišnem ljubljenčku,
superbly illustrated by Marjanca Jemec-Božič.
ki je bila prevedena v številne tuje jezike. Prvič je bila
It has been reprinted many times and translated
objavljena v slikaniški izdaji leta 1978 z imenitnimi
into several languages. The protagonist, a boy
ilustracijami Marjance Jemec Božič (roj. 1928), od
called Benjamin, is desperate to become a pet
tedaj pa že večkrat ponatisnjena. Deček Benjamin si
owner. Alas, there is no room for a pet dog in his
neizmerno želi imeti psa, a zanj v stanovanju preprosto
family’s flat. So Benjamin is allowed only to dream
ni dovolj prostora. Zato Benjamin o svojem pasjem
of having a canine companion. However, one day
prijatelju lahko samo sanja, dokler nekega dne ne opazi
he comes across an abandoned dinosaur, a big
najdenčka, osirotelega dinozavra, prijaznega velikana,
and friendly giant that he adopts on impulse and
ki ga deček še isti hip posvoji in poimenuje Piko
names Piko the Dinosaur. The pet dinosaur is very
Dinozaver. A dinozaver je tudi precej radoveden, pa
curious, but also scarily large in size. Above all, he
nadvse strašljivo velikanski in seveda kar naprej lačen,
is constantly hungry, which leads to all sorts of
kar vodi v številne zadrege in peripetije , ko ga ponosni
embarrassing and funny situations while his proud
novi lastnik na vrvici vodi po mestu in se z njim važi
owner takes him for a walk on leash through his
pred svojimi vrstniki. A meščani imajo za dinozavra
hometown to show off in front of his friends. The
takoj celo goro načrtov: lahko bi ga koristno uporabili
townspeople gradually come up with ingenious
za mestne potrebe ali pa še bolje, razkazovali celemu
plans for the dinosaur: they could use him to meet
svetu in tako zaslužili na gore denarja. Benjamin zaradi
many of their needs, or, even better, put him on
svojega Pika postaja vse bolj zaskrbljen, dokler se
display for the whole world to see, and earn a lot
ne razkrije, da je njegov dinozaver v resnici muzejski
of money by doing so. Benjamin gets increasingly
eksponat, ki ga bo vsak dan zvesto čakal na svojem
anxious about his pal Piko, until we learn that
mestu. Preplet resničnosti in otroškega fantazijskega
the dinosaur is actually a museum exhibit, which
sveta, igre, dobrodušne hudomušnosti, vesele ter
will wait reliably for his owner in the same place
barvite likovne podobe Marjance Jemec Božič so
at the same time every day. This clever mixing of
zagotovo poglavitni razlogi, da je Piko Dinozaver
reality and the fantasy world of children, as well
že več desetletij še kako živ in zvest prijatelj
as the playful, warm-hearted, witty, cheerful and
slovenskih otrok.
colourful illustrations by Marjanca Jemec-Božič are the main reasons why Piko the Dinosaur has been a trusty companion of Slovenian children for decades and will continue to perform this role for many years to come.
the world through picture books • books from slovenia • 178
9
Josip Vandot • adapted by Andrej Rozman Roza • Zvonko Čoh, ill. Kekec in Bedanec [Kekec and Bedanec] Mladinska knjiga, 2001 • ISBN 9788611155142 The textual component of this picture book is
Slikaniško besedilo je nastalo po Kekčevih zgodbah,
based on several stories about a boy called Kekec,
Josipa Vandota (1884-1944), ki so v letih 1918-1924
written by Josip Vandot. They first appeared
izhajale v otroški reviji Zvonček in so v knjižni izdaji
between 1918 and 1924 in the story paper Zvonček
izšle šele leta 1952 z naslovom Kekec nad samotnim
(Little Bell), but were not published as a single
breznom. Odlično priredbo za slikanico je priljubljeni
volume until 1952 when Kekec above the Lonely
pisatelj in pesnik Andrej Rozman Roza pripravil že leta
Abyss finally appeared. A wonderful version of
2001, kasneje je izšla v več ponovljenih izdajah. Besedilo,
Kekec’s adventures was completed in 2001 by
ki so ga že pred desetletjem posvojili mladi in manj
a well-liked and versatile Slovenian author and
mladi bralci, je “akcijska” pustolovščina, ki se dogaja
poet, Andrej Rozman Roza. It has been reprinted
v slovenskem visokogorju in izpostavlja predvsem
many times. The Kekec tale that was embraced
klenost, dobrovoljnost in velikodušnost glavnega junaka
by the young and not-so-young readers many
Kekca, pravega slovenskega otroškega literarnega
years ago is an action-packed adventure set
junaka. Kekcu uspe s srčnostjo, zvijačnostjo in dobro
in the Alpine highlands of Slovenia. Kekec, the
voljo ugnati v kozji rog divjega lovca Bedanca, ki skuša
main protagonist, is a prototype of a sturdy,
najti skrivni vhod v bivališče starčka Kosobrina, da bi
good-hearted, cheerful and generous Slovenian
si ponovno prilastil deklico Minko, ki jo je stari zeliščar
literary child character. Kekec uses his open-
naskrivaj rešil iz Bedančevega ujetništva. Morda je
handedness, intelligence and good will to outwit
še več dinamičnosti kot v samem besedilu najti v
the evil poacher Bedanec, who is desperate to
imenitnih ilustracijah Zvonka Čoha (roj. 1956). Njegove
find a secret entrance to the abode of the old
ilustracije učinkujejo tako, kakor da se bodo vsak
herbalist Kosobrin, who has rescued Minka, a
trenutek spremenile v filmsko predstavo. Nedvomno je
girl kept in captivity in Bedanec’s cottage. In
bil ilustrator navdihnjen s prvim filmskim Kekcem, saj
terms of its inner dynamics, the illustrations by
poskuša »gibati« svoje ilustracije zlasti ob drznih prizorih
Zvonko Čoh actually outshine the text itself. The
akcije in panoramskih prikazih narave, ki spominjajo na
reader feels that they could become alive and
»široko filmsko platno«. Nič manj filmski niso približani
turn into a moving picture in no time. Clearly, the
prikazi mimike na obrazih knjižnih junakov, zlasti
illustrator was inspired by the first motion picture
Bedanca. Mladinski igrani črno-beli film z naslovom
based on Kekec stories, and tried to give a strong
Kekec, pod režisersko taktirko Jožeta Galeta, je nastal
‘momentum’ to his illustrations especially in the
leta 1951 in leta 1952 prejel tudi najvišje mednarodno
scenes of great danger or action. His wide views
priznanje na beneškem festivalu. Odlični slikaniški
of landscape painting suggest the width of a big
priredbi Vandotovega besedila je na zadnji platnici
screen. The close-up shots of the protagonists,
dodana tudi kitica iz Kekčeve pesmi Franeta Milčinskega
especially of Bedanec, have a film-like quality
- Ježka, ki jo otroci in starši poznajo tudi iz filmske
too. This comes as no surprise since the first
upodobitve. Z zanimivimi perspektivami, velikimi totali,
black and white film about Kekec, directed by
bližnjimi plani, detajli ter z izrazito filmskimi portreti je
Jože Gale, was made as early as 1951. In 1952 it
tudi slikanica pravo “filmsko branje. “
won the Golden Lion award for best children’s film at the Venice international film festival. As a special bonus, the shortlisted Kekec picture book features on its back cover lyrics from Kekec’s theme song by Frane Milčinski-Ježek that children and parents of many generations know from the film version. With its unusual angles, long shots, close-ups, details and film-like portraits, the picture book provides a genuine “motion picture” reading experience.
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Oton Župančič • Alenka Sottler, ill. Mehurčki [The Bubbles] Mladinska knjiga, 1995 • ISBN 8611169514 Oton Župančič is one of the greatest and most
Oton Župančič (1878–1949) velja za enega
important Slovenian authors and poets. His poems
najpomembnejših slovenskih literatov in njegove pesmi
for children clearly mark the very beginning
za otroke za začetek modernega slovenskega pesništva
of modern Slovenian poetry for children. His
za otroke. Zbirka, ki je prvič izšla šele po pesnikovi
shortlisted collection, The Bubbles, which was
smrti, vsebuje pesmi iz vseh njegovih zbirk za otroke.
first published posthumously, includes selected
Bogatile so otroštvo mnogih generacij vse do danes.
poems from all his previous poetry collections for
»Vsi« jo poznamo tudi iz šolskih obravnav, domačih
children. These have enriched many generations of
branj ali branj za Bralno značko. Naše doživljanje teh
children up to the present date. They are familiar
pesmi zato ni brez nekega privzgojenega – skorajda
to all from school, home reading assignments and
bi lahko rekli – »narodnotvornega« občutenja, tako da
reading lists for the Reading Badge competition.
jih je težko nevtralno vrednotiti, čeprav nas dejansko
The Slovenian reading experience of these poems
vedno znova pritegneta njihova ritem in melodija ter
is therefore pervaded by an acquired nationhood-
očara pesnikov optimizem. Vse to najbrž pri sodobnem
forming experience, which makes it more difficult
mladem bralcu prevlada, tako da si niti ne prizadeva
to assess them neutrally. This notwithstanding, we
razumeti motivnega sveta v pesmih. Upesnjujejo
are invariably attracted by their strong rhythmic
namreč radoživega otroka, cicibana, v idealnem svetu,
scheme and musicality, and fascinated by the
razumevajoči družini, pristnem stiku z naravo, pri
poet’s optimistic tone. These features prevail
veseli igri, v dogajalnem času in prostoru, ki je vezan
in the contemporary readers’ experience too,
na pesnikovo otroštvo v rodni Beli Krajini, a so pesniški
although they may not attempt to comprehend
motivi kljub temu še zmeraj blizu tudi sodobnim
all the thematic elements in the poems. These
otrokom. Najbolj nas očara zvočna lepota Župančičeve
revolve around a happy-go-lucky boy, called
otroške poezije, ki je že zaradi svojega glavnega
Ciciban, living in an ideal world, surrounded by
junaka cicibana namenjena predvsem otrokom v
his warm and understanding family, authentically
predšolskem in zgodnjem bralnem obdobju. Leta
in touch with nature. Ciciban plays merrily in a
1995 je zbirka pesmi Mehurčki izšla tudi z imenitnimi
temporal and spatial setting inspired by the poet’s
ilustracijami Alenke Sottler (roj. 1958), ki so barvite,
early childhood years in the region of Bela Krajina
polne prekipevajočega veselja, svetlobe, optimizma
where he was born. Nonetheless, Župančič’s
in zaupanja v življenje prav kakor Župančičeva poezija.
themes are equally familiar to the children of today. What attracts and impresses us most is the acoustic quality of Župančič’s poetry for children. Since their protagonist is a young boy, the target readers of The Bubbles are mostly pre-school emerging readers. The shortlisted collection of The Bubbles was published in 1995 with exquisite illustrations by Alenka Sottler (b. 1958). Brimming with colour, joyful cheerfulness, light, optimism, and an uplifting faith in life, they provide a perfect match for Župančič’s poems.
the world through picture books • books from slovenia • 180
Books from
Contact: Jay Heale [email protected]
South Africa The main deliberation was done by Jay Heale and Lona Gericke who are widely considered to be the top authorities on children’s literature in South Africa on (respectively) English and Afrikaans books. Additional input was received by a number of librarians in public and school libraries.
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Ingrid Mennen & Niki Daly • Nicolaas Maritz, ill. Ashraf of Africa Shuter & Shooter – Songololo Books, 1990 • ISBN 9781919888057 A bright picture book to correct the popular view
wild animals is inside books. So he walks through
of Africa as a vast savannah roaming with lions!
the streets to the public library, where he renews
Ashraf is an African boy of today. He lives in the
his favourite book – about wild animals. Bold,
city of Cape Town and the only place he has seen
simplistic pictures by a renowned local artist.
Christopher Gregorowski • Niki Daly, ill. Fly, Eagle, Fly! Tafelberg, 2000 • ISBN 9780624039037 A farmer finds an eagle chick and puts it with
not to the earth but to the sky.” Eventually
his chickens where it learns to live like a chicken
he takes the eagle (and the protesting farmer)
and, as the farmer insists, it even “thinks like a
up a mountain. There, the eagle sweeps
chicken”. A friend tries three times to persuade
up into the sky, “never again to live among
the young eagle to fly, urging it “You belong
the chickens”.
Antjie Krog (English text by Gus Ferguson) • Fiona Moodie, ill. Fynbosfeetjies [Fynbos Faeries] Umuzi, 2007 • ISBN 9781415200223 Totally different from the delicate Flower Fairies
sheer brilliance. Fiona Moodie has provided
of Cicely Mary Barker, these South African floral
our children with a pictorial encyclopedia
spirits are modern and with-it. The Erica fairies
of the fynbos: its inhabitants, its varied plants
wear jeans and Grandma Geranium smokes
and winged visitors. A storming, stunning book.
a pipe. The Afrikaans verses of Antjie Krog are
the world through picture books • books from south africa • 181
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Wendy Hartmann • Joan Rankin, ill. Just Sisi Human & Rousseau, 2010 • ISBN 9780798152198
Sisi is a small rabbit with floppy ears – but could
goodnight. Joan Rankin’s artwork is outstanding,
be any and every small girl. Five deceptively
with so much thought to space, page position,
simple stories: a journey past unseen African
character, humour, reader reaction. The text
dangers, a surprise party, painting the wall of
is minimal. The impact maximum.
Gogo’s house, welcoming Dad home and saying
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Maria Hendriks • Piet Grobler, ill. Makwelane En Die Krokodil [Makwelane and the Crocodile] Human & Rousseau, 2004 • ISBN 9780798144612 This is a big, bold, laugh-making, Africa-loving
there is the need to be wary of danger. Piet
picture book about a girl outwitting a crocodile.
Grobler’s exuberant artwork frolics around the
In amongst the everyday rural necessities
large pages with zest and skill, full of the flavour
of fetching water, washing clothes, pounding
and humour of Africa.
maize meal and, of course, making music,
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Wendy Hartmann • Marjorie van Heerden, ill. Nina and Little Duck Human & Rousseau, 2007 • ISBN 9780798148245 This is sheer pleasure. A large-paged picture-
The whole feeling is of life and love, personified
book collection of read-aloud stories interspersed
by two vigorous youngsters, Nina and Simon,
with rippling verses, all enlivened and enloved
but centred around the mother figure of
by Marjorie van Heerden’s illustrations.
Little Duck.
Sindiwe Magona • Paddy Bouma, ill. The Best Meal Ever Tafelberg, 2006 • ISBN 9780624042549 Siziwe is looking after her four younger brothers
younger ones gradually fall asleep as they wait.
and sisters in Guguletu, with both parents
Then Siziwe falls to her knees and prays: “Thank
away. There is no food in the house – nothing.
you, Father in Heaven, for the gift of hope. This
In desperation she heats up a pot of water,
was the best meal ever! But, Lord, can you send
and adds salt and pepper, stirring until the
us a different one, tomorrow?”
the world through picture books • books from south africa • 182
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Elinor Batezat Sisulu • Sharon Wilson, ill. The Day Gogo went to Vote Tafelberg, 1996 • ISBN 9780624035484 This heart-warming picture book records the
who has waited all her long life for this
occasion when a nation stood in line to vote
opportunity and insists in going to the ballot box
in South Africa’s first democratic election.
in spite of the problems of transport and old age.
Elinor Sisulu follows Gogo, a grandmother,
Illustrated in bold, impressive colour.
the world through picture books • books from south africa • 183
Books from
Contact: Ana Mª Cendán Doce [email protected]
Spain La Organización Española para el Libro Infantil y Juvenil (OEPLI), the Spanish section of IBBY, is formed of four language sections representing librarians, illustrators, authors, publishers and booksellers. Through a voting process, ten books in the four official Spanish languages were selected because of their literary quality, themes and topics, illustrations, and the recommended age of the readers
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Carlos Reviejo • Jesús Gabán, ill. Versos del bosque. [Verses from the woods] Ediciones SM, 2013 • ISBN 9788467552096 This book of poetry for early readers is a
Este libro de poesía para primeros lectores es
completely illustrated album. All of its pages,
totalmente un álbum ilustrado. Todas sus páginas,
including credits and the table of contents,
incluidas la de los créditos y el índice, ofrecen una
offer a full-page illustration on which Carlos
ilustración a toda plana que sirve de base a los poemas
Reviejo’s poems are written in calligraphic style.
de Carlos Reviejo, escritos en letra caligráfica sobre
They are poems describing environments and
las ilustraciones. Son poemas que describen ambientes
situations that are related to time and nature
y situaciones que guardan relación con el tiempo y
in the woods. Each page features a moment,
la naturaleza en el bosque. Cada página ofrece un
a place and an actor. The cover and the back
momento, un lugar y un protagonista. La portada y la
cover compose a single environment where one
contraportada componen un solo ambiente en el que
can perceive personified trees, elusive animals,
se adivinan los árboles personalizados, los animales
mysterious insects and the fantastic world of
huidizos, los misteriosos insectos y el mundo fantástico
elves and legends that inhabit every page. There
de duendes y leyendas que puebla cada una de las
are moments in this book that lead us to our
páginas. Hay en este libro momentos que nos llevan a
experiences of childhood, like the harmony of
nuestras experiencias de infancia, como la armonía de
autumn colours, the magic of trees in bloom or
los colores del otoño, la magia de los árboles en flor o
the fascination over a huge basket full of fruit.
la fascinación ante un enorme cesto repleto de frutos.
The best of this work is undoubtedly its setting.
Lo mejor de esta obra es sin duda su ambientación,
The way in which illustrations present the poetry
la forma en la que la ilustración presenta y envuelve
of the text and enhance its beauty and its magic.
la poesía del texto y realza su belleza y su magia.
The page with the elf - the final illustration -
La página del duende que es la ilustración final, resume
summarizes all the experience transmitted by this
la experiencia que transmite este libro. El duende,
book : the elf, studying flowers and plants, opens
estudiando las flores y las plantas abre a los niños a un
for children a new poem to imagine, to write or
nuevo poema que imaginar, escribir o vivir en sueños.
to live in dreams.
the world through picture books • books from spain • 184
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Ricardo Gómez • Tesa González, ill. El Sueño de Lu Shzu [Lu Shzu’s Dream] Edelvives, 2011 • ISBN 9788426381774 A cloth doll tells its story and the story of a
Una muñeca de trapo cuenta su historia y la de una
Chinese girl, a dagonme, a girl who has been
niña china, una dagonme, una niña trabajadora desde
working hard from her early childhood, an efficient
muy chica, una niña aplicada, eficiente pero que un
girl, who one day had a dream and bravely fought
día tuvo un sueño y valientemente luchó por él. La
for it. Life changed for her and her family. A
vida cambió para ella y las suyas.Un libro femenino y
feminist book, a book of denunciation and at the
de reivindicación, un libro de denuncia pero a la vez
same time of hope. A beautiful story by Ricardo
de esperanza. Una preciosa historia de Ricardo Gómez,
Gómez, of social commitment, consistent with
de compromiso social coherente con su pensamiento.
his thinking. Written in a concise and forceful
Un lenguaje conciso y contundente. Unas magníficas
language. There are some magnificent illustrations
ilustraciones de Tesa González que narran mil detalles.
by Tesa Gonzalez telling thousands of details. A
Un bello trabajo de diseño y maquetación. Un álbum de
work of beautiful design and layout. An album to
los de colección, para leer en solitario o en grupo. Un
be, read alone or in a group. An album to reflect,
álbum para reflexionar, discutir y hacer al lector tomar
discuss and improve the reader’s conscience and
conciencia y ser mejor.
make him/her become a better person.
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Gonzalo Moure Trenor • Javier Zabala, ill. El Arenque rojo [The Red Herring] Ediciones SM, 2012 • ISBN 9788467556858 A park filled with people coming and going.
Un parque lleno de gente que viene y va. Juegos,
Games, racing, readings, looks... a park with no
carreras, lecturas, miradas... un parque sin palabras
words because there is no text in the book to tell
porque no hay texto en el libro que narre lo que
what the characters say or feel. The reader has
los personajes dicen o sienten. El lector tiene que
to select their characters, follow them on each
seleccionar sus personajes, seguirlos en cada página e
page and make up stories, to find the relationship
inventarse las historias, jugar a encontrar la relación
between the characters on each page. Red
entre los personajes de cada página.El arenque rojo es
Herring is a mysterious balloon that flies over the
un globo misterioso que sobrevuela el lugar inflándose,
place inflating, growing up with these stories,
creciendo con esas historias cotidianas, de cada día,
every day, anywhere in the world. Solitude,
en cualquier lugar del mundo. Soledad, crueldad,
cruelty, fear, love, innocence and sensitivity...
miedo, amor, inocencia, sensibilidad… cualquier tema
anything that you are looking for will find its
que busquemos encontrará su historia en el libro, una
story in the book, a personal and different story
historia personal y diferente para cada uno. También
for each. Different also for the authors who, in
para los autores, al final, en un sobre secreto, cuentan
the end, in a secret envelope, give the reader the
la posible historia de siete de sus personajes. Un libro
possible story of seven of their characters. This
está abierto a la invención, al capricho, al dialogo. Muy
book is open to invention, to whims, to dialogue.
recommendable.
Highly recommended
the world through picture books • books from spain • 185
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Joxantonio Ormazabal • Iraia Okina Ilargia esnatu da [The Moon is up] Elkar, 2012 • ISBN 9788490270448 This album in the Basque language speaks about
Ipuin ilustratu honetan heriotzaz hitz egiten zaigu, tonu
death in a nostalgic and optimistic tone. One night
nostalgiko eta baikorrean.
Unai asks his mother about his grandmother.
Bertan kontatzen zaigu nola gau batean Unaik amari
Unai’s mother tells him about the moments that
amonari buruz galdetzen dion eta amak kontatzen
he spent with grandmother when he was a child.
dizkio umetan berarekin bizitako hainbat pasadizo, bere
She speaks to him about how she lived the death
heriotza eta dolua nola bizitu zituen,.. amonarekiko
and the mourning of her mother. She knows
maitasuna oraindik irauten duela nabarmenduz.
that the love she felt for her is still alive. The
Ilustrazioak narrazioaren bideari eusten dio eta giro
illustrations hold on the story of this album and
nostalgikoari eta oroimenezkoari indar handiagoa
intensify the nostalgic atmosphere. The steamed
ematen dio. Kolore lausoak erabiliaz, pertsonaien
up colours that are used by the illustrator, the
karakterizazioan eskultura diruditen aurpegiak erantsiz
protagonist’s faces alike sculptures and the
eta naturaren zikloetan oinarrituaz.
illustrations based in nature cycles intensify this atmosphere. This album is recommended for children that are more than 8 years old.
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Leire Bilbao • Maite Mutuberria, ill. Gerrak ez du izenik [War does not have a name] Pamiela, 2013 • ISBN 978-84-7681-802-2 War is the main topic of this album in the Basque
Kontakizuna 1937ko martxoan dago kokatuta,
language and the of the album is sad The story
Durangoko bonbardaketaren atarian. Gertaera horrek
takes place in March 1937, in the initial stages
eragindako tristura, samina eta isiltasuna azaleratu
of the Durango’s (Bizkaia, Spain) bombing. The
ditu narratzaileak neskatila baten begiak, oroimena
narrator notices about the sadness, the bitterness
eta sentimenduak agerian jarrita. Amaren berotasunak
and the silence that this fact created. A little girl
babestu du neskatila. Ilustrazioak indartsuak dira,
tells us about the feelings and the memories
argazkiak eta marrazkiak tartekatuta.
of this bombing. The album has both old
Album hau 10 urtetik gorako neska-mutilentzat
photographs about the bombing and illustrations,
da gomendagarria baina heldu baten bitartekaritza
so, we can see the contrast between the reality
lagungarri izango da beti.
and the little girl’s perspective. This album is recommended for children that are more than 10 years old. However, it is preferable to be read with the mediation of an adult.
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Marta Altès Sóc un artista [I am an artist] Blackie Books, 2014 • ISBN 9788494167607 Once again, Marta Altès seduces readers from
Marta Altés sedueix, un cop més, amb les seves històries
all ages with her stories and illustrations. In this
i il·lustracions a lectors de totes les edats. En aquest
book in the Catalan language, the main character
cas el protagonista és un joveníssim artista que, per
is a very young artist whom, to his mother’s
a desesperació de la seva mare, sempre troba motius
despair, is always able to find inspiration and
d’inspiració i espais on crear. Per a ell, la seva casa,
spaces to create his art. To him, his home and the
i el món sencer, són un llenç en blanc sempre a la seva
whole world are a clean canvas that is constantly
disposició; però de vegades les mares no entenen allò
available. However, mothers don’t always
que fan els petits ... Un divertidíssim àlbum que captiva
understand what children do…
el lector des de la primera pàgina.
An exciting book that captivates the reader from the very first page.
the world through picture books • books from spain • 186
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Tàssies Noms robats [Stolen Names] Cruïlla, 2010 • ISBN 9788466126984 The story of a boy with no name to whom good
Aquesta és la història d’un nen sense nom a qui no
things don’t seem to happen, like the smell of the
arriben les coses bones, com l’olor del forn, un somriure
oven, a smile or words being whispered. He is the
o les paraules dites en veu baixa. És l’incomprès, el
misunderstood one, the rejected, the pursued.
rebutjat, el perseguit, que es mira al mirall de l’ascensor
He looks in the elevator mirror and decides to
i decideix pujar a peu, o que s’aboca a la barana de
walk up the stairs, leaning on the railing without
les escales sense tenir vertigen. Un relat d’aquestes
feeling vertigo. A story that cries out for a blunt
característiques demana a crits un estil contundent,
style that Tàssies achieves by using the techniques
que Tàssies assoleix amb escreix servint-se de la tècnica
of linoleum and printmaking.
del linòleum i el gravat. Una obra com n’hi ha poques.
A work like few others. In the Catalan language.
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Xavier Salomó Quin caos d’habitació [What a chaotic bedroom] Cuïlla, 2014 • ISBN 9788466136914 Xavier Salomó presents this picture book which
Xavier Salomó ens ofereix aquest àlbum il·lustrat
is also a book-game. From Monday to Friday the
que alhora és un llibre-joc. De dilluns a divendres el
alarm clock sets the time and the rush to get to
despertador marca l’hora i comencen les presses per
school, to work, starts… From outside the room,
arribar a l’escola, a la feina... Des de fora de l’habitació
the father reminds our hero of all the things he
el pare va recordant al nostre protagonista totes aquelles
will need for his extracurricular activities, always
coses que necessitarà per a les activitats extraescolars
finishing with ‘’you must tidy your room’’. From
i sempre acaba amb un “has recollir l’habitació”. A partir
here on, the game starts: in the illustration on the
d’aquí comença el joc: en la il·lustració de la pàgina de la
right page we must find that which is highlighted
dreta hem de trobar allò que està destacat a la pàgina de
in the text on the left-hand page. Every day the
text de l’esquerra. Dia a dia creix la pressió i cada vegada
pressure grows and there are more and more
hi ha més coses que buscar en una habitació que ja és
things to look for in a room that is already a mess.
un caos, però arriba el dissabte i feliçment desapareixen
But come Saturday, all the stress and the hurry
la tensió i les presses. Comencen les rialles i els jocs entre
happily goes away. The laughter and the games
pare i fill. Un llibre per llegir i rellegir infinites vegades.
start for father and son. A book to read and reread countless times. In the Catalan language.
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Uxía Senlle et al. • Pablo Giráldez Río (P. Pastor) María Fumaça [María Fumaça] Galaxia, 2012 ISBN 9788498654493 A collaboration of many musicians and artists,
Ao contar coa colaboración de varios músicos e artistas,
who manage to create a festive atmosphere that
a obra crea unha atmosfera que non lle resultará
everybody will enjoy. María Fumaça is more than
indiferente a ninguén. María Fumaça é máis que un
a book and will ensure active participation of
libro e asegura a participación activa de calquera que
whoever has it in his/her hands, also because it
o teña nas súas mans, tamén porque ten unha maneira
has a special way to deal with functional diversity.
especial de abordar a diversidade funcional.
the world through picture books • books from spain • 187
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Paula Carballeira • Sonya Danowski O principio [The Beginning] Kalandraka, 2012 • ISBN 978848464779 The Beginning is a tribute to hope framed by the
A obra é un canto á esperanza enmarcada no peor
worst possible scenario: war. Both the poetry,
escenario posible: a guerra. Tanto a poesía , que emerxe
which emerges from the story, of a family starting
da historia dunha familia que empeza despois dun
again after a war conflict, and the hyper-realistic
conflito bélico, coma as hiperrealistas ilustracións que
illustrations included define an album dealing
se inclúen definen o contido dunha obra que aborda os
with books as tools for peace, the need of an oral
libros como ferramentas pacíficas, a necesidade dunha
narrative, and the strength of those children who,
narrativa oral e a forza dos nenos e nenas que, rodeados
surrounded by the cruelty of war, fight to live their
da crueldade da guerra, loitan por vivir a súa infancia
childhood the best way they can. In the Galician
da mellor maneira que poden.
language.
the world through picture books • books from spain • 188
Books from
Contact: Ingrid Kallstrom [email protected]
Sweden Children’s librarians nominated their favourite titles and a list was made of these nominations. Voting was then done by email and the ten titles with the most votes became the list from Sweden.
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Gunilla Bergström Raska på, Alfons Åberg [Hurry up Alfie Atkins] Raben & Sjöström, 1976 • ISBN 9789 12 967 1254 It is a busy morning. Alfie and daddy are doing
Det är morgon och Alfons och pappa har bråttom.
all the things you have to do before leaving your
Det är mycket som ska göras innan de kan ge sig av
home after breakfast. Hurry up Alfie, says daddy.
hemmifrån. Raska på, Alfons, säger pappa. Det är dags
It is time to go to pre-school. But Alfie just has
att gå till dagis. Men Alfons ska bara fixa några saker
to do a couple of things before they can go.
först. Raska på!
Hurry up!
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Elsa Beskow Sagan om den lilla, lilla gumman [The tale of the little, little old woman] Bonnier Carlsen, 1897 • ISBN 9789 16 385 8260 • ISBN 9789 16 381 2675 • ISBN 9789 18 563 3449 This is one of the classic Swedish picture books.
Det här är en svensk bilderboksklassiker. Berättelsen
The simple story is based on a rhyme the author
är enkel och bygger på en ramsa som författaren fick
heard as a child. It is about an old woman who
höra som barn. Den handlar om en liten, liten gumma
lives with her cow and her cat. It has easy
som bor i ett liten, liten stuga, med sin lilla, lilla ko och
repetitions and a slightly dramatic ending.
sin lilla, lilla katt. Upprepningarna är enkla –slutet är lite dramatiskt.
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Lotta Geffenblad Astons stenar [The stones of Aston] Bonnier Carlsen, 2005 • ISBN 9789 16 384 6052 • ISBN 9789 16 385 5016 • ISBN 9789 17 221 4897 Aston is a dog. He collects stones. He thinks the
Anton är en hund. Han samlar på stenar. Han tror
stones are lonely and cold. He feels sorry for them
att stenarna är ensamma och kalla. Han tycker synd
and brings them all to his home. After a while
om dem och tar med sig alla hem. Efter ett tag tycker
his parents think Aston has too many stones.
föräldrarna att Aston har för många stenar. Det
It gets too crowded. Here is a task to solve.
har blivit för trångt. Vad ska Aston göra med alla stenarna?
the world through picture books • books from sweden • 189
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Pija Lindenbaum Gittan och Gråvargarna [Bridget and the grey wolves] Raben & Sjögren, 2000 • ISBN 9789 12 965 5087 • ISBN 9789 12 964 8843 Gittans is taking a walk in the woods with her
Gittan är på utflykt i skogen med sitt dagis. Hon går
kindergarten. She gets lost and cannot find the
vilse och kan inte hitta varken fröken eller de andra
teachers and the rest of the children. But she
barnen. Istället hittar hon vargar som blir hennes vänner.
finds some wolves and makes friends with them.
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Barbro Lindgren • Eva Eriksson, ill. Mamman och den vilda bebin [The wild baby] Raben & Sjögren, 1994 • ISBN 9789 12 962 8593 The little baby is wild and doing crazy things
Den lilla bebin är vild och gör tokigheter hela tiden.
all the time. He makes up things and is very
Han hittar på saker och är full av upptåg. Hans
adventurous. His mummy is having a tough time
mamma har fullt upp att hålla reda på honom.
taking care of him. The story is written with
Berättelsen är på rim.
rhymes.
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Jan Lööf Sagan om det röda äpplet [The story of the red apple] Bonnier Carlsen, 1974 • ISBN 9789 16 382 6733 • ISBN 9789 16 386 5329 A man in a striped suit puts an apple in the
En man I en randig kostym lägger ett äpple i sitt
window. The apple falls out. The book tells the
fönster. Äpplet trillar ut. Boken handlar om allt
story about everything that’s happening to the
som äpplet ställer till med och allt som det får
apple and its escapades.
vara med om. Roliga äventyr, spännande händelser och fantastiska upplevelser.
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Ulf Nilsson • Anna-Clara Tidholm, ill. Adjö Herr Muffin [Goodbye, Mr Muffin] Bonnier Carlsen, 2002 • ISBN 9789 16 386 4681 • ISBN 9789 16 384 5939 An old guineapig looks back. He has had a long
Ett gammalt marsvin minns. Han har haft ett långt
and joyful life. He had a beautiful wife and nice
och lyckligt liv. Han hade en vacker fru och söta barn.
children. They were a happy family. In the end
De var en lycklig familj. Nu har marsvinet ont i magen.
he closes his eyes and his family arranges his
I slutet av berättelsen dör marsvinet och personerna
funeral.
som han bor hos ordnar hans begravning. Vackert och stämningsfullt.
the world through picture books • books from sweden • 190
8
Sven Nordqvist Pannkakstårtan [The birthday cake] Opal, 1984 • ISBN 9789 17 712 3354 The old man lives in a house in the countryside
Gubben bor på landet med sin katt. Katten är mycket
with his cat. The cat is very special. He wants to
speciell. Han vill fira sin födelsedag tre gånger om året.
celebrate his birthday three times a year. Here is
Det här är ett sådant speciellt tillfälle. Förberedelserna
one of those occasions. A lot of preparations have
är många. Tur att katten är så påhittig och finurlig.
to be done.
9
10
Anna-Clara Tidholm Knacka på [Knock, knock knock!] Alfabeta, 1992 • ISBN 9789 17 712 3354 Knock on the blue door and enter the house.
Knacka på den blåa dörren och kliv in I huset!
Together we knock on all different doors, open
Tillsammans knackar vi på alla de olika dörrarna,
them and see what is behind them. Together we
öppnar dem och ser vad som finns bakom. Tillsammans
say hello to the figures we find in the rooms. This
säger vi hej till de olika sakerna som finns i rummen.
is a story for young children.
Det här är en berättelse för de allra minsta.
Stina Wirsén Vem bestämmer? [Who is deciding?] BonnierCarlsen, 2006 • ISBN 9789 16 385 0905 The little teddy and the big teddy are having a
Lilla nallen och stora nallen har det mysigt och läser
good time reading a story. But soon they start to
saga. Plötsligt blir det bråkigt. Vem har rätt att
fuss. Who has the right to decide? Small teddy?
bestämma? Lilla Nallen? Stora Nallen? Det här är en
Big teddy? This is a story for young children.
berättelse för de allra minsta.
the world through picture books • books from sweden • 191
Books from
Contact: Ruth Fassbind [email protected]
Switzerland The selection of titles from all four language areas in Switzerland was chosen by Bibliomedia Switzerland and the Swiss Institute for Children and Youth Media, SIKJM. Bibliomedia Switzerland is a nationwide resource library for libraries and SIKJM supports libraries by offering courses and projects in the area of children’s and youth literature. At the basis of the choice of titles was a comprehensive knowledge of the Swiss children’s book literary scene in all four national languages as well as a good interconnection with public libraries in Switzerland. Both institutions collaborate closely with librarians of all four parts of the country. Many Swiss authors and illustrators rely on publishers abroad (Germany, France, and Italy). Since Switzerland is a small country, there are just very few publishers – and an even smaller number of them produce children’s books (in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland there is no publisher at all). This circumstance is thus reflected in this selection.
1
Käthi Bhend • Evelyne Hasler, ill. Im Traum kann ich fliegen [In my dreams I can fly] NordSüd 2008 • ISBN 978-3-314-01598-4 Autumn. A grub, two worms, a bug and a
Ein Engerling, zwei Würmer, ein Käfer und eine Raupe
caterpillar furnish their underground winter
richten im Herbst in der Erde ihr Winterlager ein.
quarters. Apart from the caterpillar, everyone
Ausser der Raupe haben alle Vorräte für den Winter
has collected supplies for the winter. “I don’t
gesammelt: “Ich brauche nichts zu essen, ich brauche
need anything to eat, the only thing I need are
nur Träume“, sagt diese und verpuppt sich. Die
my dreams” says the caterpillar and pupates. The
anderen Freunde spielen zum Zeitvertreib Karten und
other friends play cards to pass the time and they
kommen gut durch den Winter. Sollte das Futter knapp
get through the winter safely. If food became
werden, ist da ja auch noch die eiserne Reserve des
scarce they would still have the bug’s assets of
Käfers, eine riesige Zwiebel. An ihr nagt der Engerling
the last resort, a huge onion. Illicitly, the grub
eines Tages verbotenerweise und sie bricht entzwei.
gnaws at it one day, and the onion breaks in two.
Dennoch wächst im Frühling aus der Zwiebel eine rote
In springtime, nevertheless, a red tulip grows
Tulpe und die Raupe hat sich in einen wunderschönen
out of the onion and the caterpillar has turned
Schmetterling verwandelt.
into a beautiful butterfly. In my dreams I can fly
“Im Traum kann ich fliegen” erzählt von Geheimnissen
tells a story about underground secrets and the
unter der Erde und dem Erwachen der Natur im
awakening of nature in the spring. Illustrator
Frühling. Käthi Bhend zeichnet diese Welt in erdnahen
Käthi Bhend depicts this world in earthy colours
Farben und mit filigranem Strich. Sie reichert die
and with a delicate stroke of the brush. She
Geschichten dieser fantastischen Erdbewohner mit
enriches the stories of the fanciful underground
witzigen Details an und lädt so zu wunderbaren
animals with funny details and thus invites the
Entdeckungsreisen ein.
reader to wonderful voyages of discovery.
the world through picture books • books from switzerland • 192
2
Albertine Marta et la bicyclette [Marta and her bicycle] La Joie de Lire, 1999 • ISBN 978-2-88258-467-0 Cow Marta is orange instead of black and white,
La vache Marta est orange au lieu de l’habituel noir et
but that is not the only difference between her
blanc tacheté. Mais ce n’est pas la seule singularité qui
and her fellow cows in the meadow. She dreams
la distingue de ses collègues de l’alpage. Elle rêve de
about participating in the next bicycle race.
participer à la prochaine course de vélo. Mais pour cela
However, she needs a bike for that. Persistently,
elle a besoin d’un vélo. Marta poursuit obstinément
Marta pursues her goal, from old parts of metal
son but et bricole de vieilles pièces qu’elle assemble, et
she jury-rigs a bike and starts to exercise. All
commence à s’entrainer. Son apprentissage est difficile,
beginnings are difficult but very soon, Marta gets
mais elle prend peu à peu de l’assurance et tente ses
more confident and starts to practise her first
premières acrobaties. Au bout d’un an, elle s’inscrit à la
feats. One year later, she enrols for the big bicycle
grande course et dès le départ tourne frénétiquement
race and starts pedalling like crazy. She crosses
les pédales. Et c’est en vainqueur que Marta franchit la
the finish line with a huge head start. Albertine
ligne d’arrivée avec une grande avance sur le peloton.
is one of the most popular children’s books
Albertine est l’une des illustratrices de livres pour
artists in Western (francophone) Switzerland.
enfants les plus connues de Suisse romande. Pour son
In 1999, she received a “Golden Apple” for her
premier album avec sa vache philosophe, Marta et la
first storybook Marta and her bicycle featuring a
bicyclette, elle reçoit en 1999 une “Pomme d’or » de la
philosophising cow at the Biennale of Illustration
BIB (Biennale de l’illustration de Bratislava).
in Bratislava.
3
Vera Eggermann, Ulrich Kleb Das Buchstabenmonster [The Letter Monster] Atlantis im Orell Füssli, 2010 • ISBN 978-3-7152-0433-8 Mister Dot collects letters and words. If he
Herr Punkt sammelt Buchstaben und Wörter. Wenn
doesn’t know a word, he asks his friend Bird.
er ein Wort nicht kennt, fragt er seinen Freund Vogel.
For Bird knows all the letters and all the words.
Denn Vogel kennt alle Buchstaben und alle Wörter.
One day, however, the Letter Monster appears.
Doch eines Tages kommt das Buchstabenmonster.
Its appetite for letters and words of all kind
Sein Appetit auf Buchstaben und Wörter aller Art
is insatiable. It erodes all letters. Mister Dot’s
ist unermesslich. Es frisst alle Wörter weg. Herrn
collection of words is destroyed and the people
Punkts Sammlung ist zerstört und die Menschen
are left without language. Therefore, new words
bleiben ohne Sprache. Darum müssen neue Wörter
have to be invented and foreign words are
erfunden werden, Fremdwörter werden per Schiff
imported by ships.
geliefert. Aber alles nützt nicht, das Monster frisst
But it is no use, the monster keeps on eroding.
weiter. Was kann man da machen? Vogel weiss die
What can be done? Bird knows the answer: the
Lösung – das Monster muss gekitzelt werden, damit
monster has to be tickled in order to spit out the
es die verschlungenen Wörter wieder ausspuckt. Vera
swallowed words. Vera Eggermann’s letters are
Eggermanns Figuren agieren auf weissem Grund, die
acting on a white background. Thus, the black
schwarzen Buchstaben erscheinen so lebendig und
letters seems so vivid and whet the appetite for a
greifbar und machen Lust, Sprache spielerisch zu
playful discovery of language.
erkunden.
the world through picture books • books from switzerland • 193
4
Lorenz Pauli • Kathrin Schärer, ill. Pippilothek??? [Pippilothek ???] Atlantis im Orell Füssli, 2012 • ISBN 978-3-7152-0620-2 This wonderful storybook whets one’s appetite
Lust auf einen Bibliotheksbesuch, aber vor allem Lust
for reading. Kathrin Schärer’s expressive pictures
aufs Bücherlesen macht dieses wunderbare Bilderbuch
featuring a mainly red and black background
des bewährten Autoren-/Illustratorenduos. Die
tell a fox and mouse tale of a different kind: a
ausdrucksstarken Bilder Kathrin Schärers erzählen
hungry fox chases after a mouse – into a library.
vor einem vor allem in Rot und Schwarz gehaltenen
To distract the fox, the mouse brings him a
Hintergrund ein Fuchs- und Mausspiel der besonderen
picture book. The fox delves into the book and is
Art: Ein gieriger Fuchs schiesst hinter einer Maus her
all excited. The following nights the fox returns
in die Bibliothek. Um ihn von sich abzulenken, schleppt
to the library, crazy about reading new stories.
die Maus ein Bilderbuch an. Der Fuchs vertieft sich in
Pippilothek??? humorously portrays the magical
das Buch und ist begeistert. In den folgenden Nächten
attraction of a library. It is a declaration of love
kehrt er wieder, wild auf Geschichten. «Pippilothek???»
for reading and for places where undisturbed
porträtiert humorvoll die magische Anziehungskraft
reading is possible.
einer Bibliothek. Eine Liebeserklärung an das Lesen und an Orte, an denen dieses ungestört möglich ist.
5
Nicolas Robel Le Tigre bleu [The Blue Tiger] La Joie de Lire, 2002 • ISBN 978-2-88258-221-8 Geneva-based comics artist Nicolas Robel
L’auteur de bande dessinée genevois Nicolas Robel sait
knows how to tell great picture stories for young
s’y prendre pour raconter de belles histoires pour les
children. The story about Paul for instance, who
petits. Par exemple celle de Paul, qui se sent souvent
often feels lonely because his mother works all
seul, parce que sa mère doit aller travailler. Paul vous
day. He has to share his fears and sorrows with
fera partager ses peurs et ses angoisses au travers de
his stuffed animals and finger puppets.
ses animaux en peluche et marionnettes à doigt. Robel
Robel reveals Paul’s power and impotence
montre la puissance et l’impuissance de Paul avec des
with a constant change of perspective and the
changements de perspective et de couleurs d’arrière-
alteration of the background colours. The reader
plan. Il permet au lecteur de comprendre comment
comprehends how strongly Paul relies on his
Paul s’appuie sur ses amies marionnettes et à quel
puppet friends and what a huge step it is for him
point c’est une grande étape pour lui de laisser la fille
to let the girl next door take part in his games.
du voisin jouer à ses jeux. La mère de Paul soutient
Another strong point of the book is the fact that
son fils dans ce processus de maturation. Son théâtre
Paul’s mother supports her son in this maturity
de marionnettes vu à travers lui est toujours pris
process, sees through his puppet theatre, but
au sérieux. C’est un autre point fort de cet ouvrage.
still takes him seriously. For Le Tigre bleu, Nicolas
Nicolas Robel a reçu pour Le Tigre bleu le Prix suisse
Robel was awarded with the Swiss Children’s and
Jeunesse et Médias en 2005.
Youth Media Price in 2003.
the world through picture books • books from switzerland • 194
6
Peter Stamm • Hannes Binder, ill. Heidi Nagel & Kimche, 2008 • ISBN 978-3-312-00982-4 Johanna Spyri’s Heidi was published in 1879 and
Johanna Spyris Heidi erschien 1879 und hat sich
has since sold over 50 million copies. Heidi has
seither über fünfzig Millionen Mal verkauft. Heidi
become a film star, a comic figure, and a musical
ist ein Filmstar, eine Comic- und Musical-Figur
performer.
geworden. Der Autor Peter Stamm erzählt Spyris
In a straightforward language author Peter
Geschichte um das fünfjährige Waisenmädchen, das
Stamm narrates Spyri’s story about the five-
bei seinem Grossvater Öhi auf der Alp lebt, bis es ins
year-old orphan girl who lives on an alp with
Frankfurter Exil verschickt wird, in schnörkelloser
her granddad until she is sent away to Frankfurt.
Sprache nach. Sein Heidi ist kein Naturmädchen, das
Stamm’s Heidi is not a nature girl who suffers
an der Grossstadt leidet, sondern ein Kind, das in der
from living in a big city but a child that gets
Fremde an Heimweh erkrankt und darum verstummt.
homesick far away from her alp and subsequently
Auch Hannes Binders Illustrationen verweigern sich in
lapses into silence. With their documental
ihrem dokumentarischen Ansatz jeder Idylle. Er wählt
approach, Hannes Binder’s illustrations deny
für die Bergwelt weite, breite Ansichten, für Frankfurt
any idyll. In his pictures, Binder chooses wide,
vertikal, in Panels unterteilte Bildräume, die die das
broad frames for the mountains, vertical ones for
hektische Stadtleben draussen und Heidis Innenwelt
Frankfurt, and subdivided spaces to reflect the
spiegeln und schafft so mal um mal Gegenbilder zum
hectic city life as well as Heidi’s inner world. Thus,
gängigen, medial kolportierten Heidibild.
he constantly dissects the well-known, popular image of Heidi.
7
Selina Chönz • Alois Carigiet, ill. Uorsin (in Puter Rhaeto-Romanic) / Ursin (in Sursilvan Rhaeto-Romanic) [A Bell for Ursli] Lia Rumantscha, 1983 The internationally most renowned Swiss
Il cudesch illustrà svizzer il pli enconuschent sin plaun
storybook tells the story of ‘Bell-Ursli’ and his
internaziunal raquinta l’istorgia dad Ursin che va a
search for the biggest cow bell so he can march
la tschertga da la pli gronda plumpa. Quella dovra
at the front of the parade and banish winter
el per pudair star a la testa dal cortegi da primavaira
with the ring of his bell at the spring celebration
«Chalandamarz» che duai cun ses sclingiez stgatschar
“Chalandamarz”. To obtain the biggest cow bell,
l’enviern. Senza infurmar ses geniturs decida el dad ir
he secretly mounts to his parents’ chalet through
ad acla. El va tras naiv e glatsch e passenta ina notg
deep snow and spends a lonely night up there.
solitaria en la tegia da culm. Cura che Ursin returna
When Ursli returns the next day with his big bell,
l’auter di cun la plumpa, s’allegran ils geniturs che
his parents, who were worrying all night, are
n’han da spir quitads betg savì durmir.
relieved. In 1945, the story of “Uorsin”, written by
Il 1945 è cumparida l’istorgia dad « Ursin » da la
Selina Chönz from Engadine, was published. The
scriventa engiadinaisa Selina Chönz ch’è daventada
book that is illustrated by Alois Carigiet has come
grazia a las illustraziuns da l’artist Aluis Carigiet
to world fame. Ursli is the hero of this story about
enconuschenta en tut il mund. Ursin è l’erox da
departure and homecoming, about autonomous
questa istorgia davart il scappar e turnar a chasa,
actions and the proving of oneself. Due to Alois
l’agir autonom ed il sa cumprovar. Entras ils maletgs
Carigiet’s expressive images the story of Ursli and
expressivs dad Aluis Carigiet è l’istorgia dad Ursin in
his bell is a monument of Swiss artwork in the
monument da la grafica svizra dal 20avel tschientaner.
twentieth century. In 1996, the artist received the
Per sias illustraziuns da cudeschs d’uffants è
Hans Christian Andersen Award for his storybook
l’artist vegnì undrà il 1996 cun il Hans Christian
artwork.
Andersen Award.
the world through picture books • books from switzerland • 195
8
Hans Fischer Pitschi. Das Kätzchen, das immer etwas anderes wollte. Eine traurige Geschichte, die aber gut aufhört. [Pitschi. A kitten who always wanted something else. A sad story with a happy end] NordSüd, 1993 • ISBN 978-0-7358-2278-8 Pitschi is not only the smallest of the five kittens
Pitschi ist nicht nur das kleinste der fünf Katzenkinder,
living in old Lisette’s house, it also wants to play
die bei der alten Lisette wohnen, es will auch etwas
something completely different and test new roles.
anderes spielen, neue Rollen ausprobieren. Seine
Its attempts to be a different animal always fail
Versuche, ein anderes Tier zu sein, scheitern stets
according to the same pattern. These repetitions
nach dem gleichen Muster. Diese Wiederholungen
enable children to marvel at Pitschi’s untiring
ermöglichen Kindern, über Pitschis unermüdlichen
courage and, at the same time, they provide them
Mut zu staunen, und zugleich geben sie ihnen das
with previous knowledge that allows the reader to
Vorwissen, das Distanz erlaubt. Pitschis Missgeschicke
keep a certain distance. Pitschi’s mishaps are not
sind nicht einfach Leidensgeschichten, hier ist der
simply tales of woe – its deviations from the norm
Normbruch und das Grenz-Überschreiten auch Anlass
and transgression of limits bring fun and humour
zu Humor. Pitschis Geschichte ist kindernah, weil
into the story. Pitschi’s story is child-friendly
sie überschaubare Situationen vorführt. Sie ist aber
because it presents straightforward situations.
zugleich auch welthaltig, weil hier ein Künstler sich
It is also world-encompassing because there is
selbst bleibt und für konkrete Kinder arbeitet, für
an artist who remains true to himself and works
seine eigenen Kinder. Dass eine Katze das Spiel der
for a specific audience: his own children. It is not
Identitätssuche spielt, ist kein Zufall. Katzen sind ein
a coincidence that a cat is playing the game of
Urthema des Künstlers, das er in unzähligen Skizzen,
identity search. Cats are an abiding theme in Hans
Radierungen oder Lithographien umgesetzt hat. Das
Fischer’s works, he depicts them in numerous
1948 erstmals erschienene Bilderbuch zählt zu den
sketches, etchings, and lithographs. Pitschi, first
Klassikern des Schweizer Bilderbuchschaffens, mit dem
published in 1948, belongs to the classics of Swiss
Generationen von Kindern aufgewachsen sind – und
picture book writing. Generations of children have
immer noch aufwachsen.
grown up with it - and still are.
9
Azouz Begag • Catherine Louis , ill. Ma maman est devenue une étoile [My mother became a star] La Joie de Lire, 2007 • ISBN 978-2-88258-384-0 When mother was still alive, she promised her
Quand maman était en vie, elle a promis à sa fille de
little daughter that she would accompany her
l’accompagner où qu’elle aille. Maintenant, la petite
wherever she would go. Now the little girl is sitting
fille est assise avec son père dans l’église et supporte
in church with her father, enduring the funeral
avec résignation le service funèbre de sa défunte
service for her deceased mother. Both are crying.
mère. Les deux pleurent. Le prêtre parle de choses
The priest is talking about things the girl does not
que la petite fille ne comprend pas. Elle commence
understand. That is why she begins to explain to
alors à se raconter ce qu’elle voit, ce qu’elle ressent,
herself what she sees, what she feels, what she
ce qu’elle comprend, ce qu’elle imagine- et trouve des
understands and what she imagines – and she
explications pour toutes les choses, que les adultes
manages to find explanations for all the things the
ne peuvent lui donner: « Vos yeux sont rougis et
adults are unable to communicate. “Their eyes are
humides. Vous êtes tous fâchés. Vous n’arrêtez pas de
reddened and wet. They all have a cold. They won’t
pester … ». Dans sa pensée, la cérémonie funéraire se
stop blowing their noses…“. In the girl’s mind, the
transforme en une histoire fantastique et sa maman
funeral service becomes a fantastic story and her
en une étoile. À la fin des funérailles, la jeune fille
mummy becomes a star. At the end of the funeral
pense encore que sa maman va revenir. Mais maman
the girl still believes that her mother is going to
disparaît dans un cercueil et papa est toujours très
come back. But mummy disappears in a coffin and
triste.
daddy is still very sad. Catherine Louis, an illustrator from the French-speaking part of Switzerland, illustrates this sad and comical story by the French writer Azouz Begag by using colourful, abstract, impressionistic pictures that match the girl’s imagination: a blotch of colour here, a corner of a coffin or a piece of stained glass there.
the world through picture books • books from switzerland • 196
10
Valérie Losa Sapore Italiano. Piccole Storie di Pranzi domenicali [A taste of Italy. Little stories about Italian Sunday meals] ZOOlibri, 2010 • ISBN 978-88-88254-57-9 For several months, illustrator Valérie Losa
L’illustratrice Valérie Losa per alcuni mesi ha
visited Italian migrants living in Switzerland. She
frequentato famiglie di emigranti italiani che vivono
participated in their Sunday meals, she observed
in Svizzera, partecipando al pranzo domenicale; li ha
the families, took photos, and drew the people. In
osservati, disegnati, e fotografati. In “Sapore italiano”
the picture book Sapore Italiano she revives these
ha raccolto l’essenza di questi incontri. Ci conduce
meetings. She takes us along to a family home
in una famiglia intenta a preparare il pranzo
where the Sunday meal is being prepared, she
domenicale: una celebrazione della tradizione culinaria.
celebrates cooking traditions, she brings kitchen
L’illustratrice ci restituisce i profumi della cucina
smells alive, and depicts impressively how the
attraverso immagini evocative che mostrano come sia
families are trying to keep strong ties with their
importante per queste famiglie mantenere il contatto
native country and their country of origin by
con le proprie radici attraverso il rito del pranzo in
gathering at the table and sharing Sunday meals.
comune. Per valorizzare il ricordo del passato, Valérie
For the topic of memory, the artist chooses a
Losa ha scelto della carta trasparente color seppia
multi-layered sepia-coloured transparent paper,
che ha dipinto con diversi strati di colore. Una tecnica
a technique that corresponds with the nostalgic
che corrisponde appieno ai ricordi nostalgici degli
memories of the migrants and at the same
emigranti lasciando, nello stesso tempo, trasparire la
time shows their fragility. Losa does not only
loro fragilità. Losa, però, non ci racconta solo il lato
present idylls, however: the daily life in the new
idilliaco di queste famiglie. Raffigura anche le loro
home country and the often difficult process of
fragilità, la loro vita quotidiana a contatto con la realtà
integration is brought up as well as the fact that
di un nuovo paese, il processo a volte difficoltoso
social changes have taken place both in Italy and
dell’integrazione e i cambiamenti sociali intercorsi sia
in Switzerland and little has stayed the same.
in Svizzera sia in Italia. Per illustrare quest’aspetto
For this topic, Losa uses coloured pen and ink
l’illustratrice usa la colorazione a china; una tecnica
drawings that bridge past and present. The only
che fa da ponte tra passato e presente. Le ricette, alla
consistent things within all these changes are
base dei pranzi domenicali di queste famiglie, sono
the recipes for the Sunday meals that have been
tramandate di generazione in generazione e hanno
passed on from generation to generation.
trovato posto anche in questo libro..
the world through picture books • books from switzerland • 197
Books from
Contact: Edem K. Adjeoda [email protected]
Togo
This choice of picture books was made by all the members of “LIRE Togo”. “LIRE Togo” is a network of libraries located in the Lomé – the capital – area, and its goal is the promotion of reading in Togo, among children and young adults but also among the general public, without any distinction of age, sex or religious beliefs. “Lecture et Information en Réseau pour l’Education au Togo (LIRE) Togo” (liretogo.org) brings together seven libraries : STEJ (Sainte Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus), CKJ (Club Kisito Jeunesse), Étoile, Akplanu, Mytronunya, CCL (Centre Culturel Loyola) and Maison des Jeunes of Maison TV5 Monde. The list of picture books starts with the most voted for and reflects the preferences of young readers of the seven libraries in the network, which organized activities so that children could vote. Some of the chosen books, such as Le Caïman sacré and Le Bon, la bourse et le corrompu, reflect, in a way, Togoleses’ realities, our own realities.
1
Folika • Maxime Adoko, ill. Akuété mon frère [Akuété my brother] Graines de pensées, Ruisseaux d’Afrique, 2008 • ISBN 978-2-916101-13-2 and 978-99919-63-35-8 Akuété never parts from the statuette of Akuélé,
Akuélé ne se sépare jamais de la statuette de Akuété,
his twin brother who is dead. One day, his
son frère jumeau aujourd’hui décédé. Un jour, ses
parents take him for the first time to his home
parents décident de lui faire connaître son village
town, for the harvest feast. But on the way there,
d’origine où a lieu la fête des moissons. Mais en cours
the statuette mysteriously disappears. After the
de route, la statuette disparaît mystérieusement.
story, information is given on the cult of twins –
Dossier sur le culte des jumeaux, abordé ici plus
in particular regarding the Kabyè people in North
particulièrement chez les Kabyè du nord Togo, mais
Togo – which is widely spread in all the Gulf of
répandu dans tout le golfe de Guinée. Le thème du
Guinea. The cult of twins is the theme of picture
culte des jumeaux est présent également dans des
books from Ivory Coast too.
albums ivoiriens.
the world through picture books • books from togo • 198
2
3
Koffivi Assem • KanAd, ill. Haïti mon amour [Haiti my love] Ago, 2012 • ISBN 979-10-91810-00-6 P’tit Filou, a street child, survives peacefully
P’tit Filou, un enfant de rue, survit paisiblement dans
near a big market in Port-au-Prince. After the
les environs d’un grand marché de Port-au-Prince.
big earthquake on January 12, 2010, P’tit Filou
Après le grand tremblement de terre du 12 janvier
is kidnapped by a journalist wishing to offer
2010, P’tit Filou est kidnappé par un journaliste qui
him a chance for a better life, and sent on a
veut lui donner la chance d’une vie meilleure, et mis
boat to the USA, together with other children,
dans un bateau à destination des États-Unis, afin
to be adopted. A tragedy occurs that makes the
d’être adopté. Mais une tragédie survient, qui pousse
journalist understand the cruelty of his actions
le reporter à comprendre la cruauté de son action
even if they were well-intentioned. The last
pourtant motivée par les meilleurs intentions. Cette
pages of this graphic novel offer information
bande dessinée est suivi d’un dossier documentaire
on Haiti (geography, history, demographics).
sur Haïti (géographie, histoire, démographie).
Fabrice Alawoé, Koffivi Assem • KanAd, ill. Le Bon, la bourse et le corrompu [The Good man, the grant and the corrupted man] Ago, 2013 • ISBN 979-10-90810-04-4
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Kodjo, a radio presenter, an honest person, has
Kodjo, un animateur de radio intègre vient de gagner
obtained a grant for a training course in Candada.
une bourse pour un stage de perfectionnement au
But when he tries to complete the formalities
Canada, Mais quand il veut faire toutes les formalités
for his trip, he comes across an implacable world
nécessaires à son voyage, il se heurte à un monde
where bribery is almost mandatory, and then…
implacable où les pots-de-vin sont quasi obligatoires,
what is wrong with handing out some bank notes
et puis... Quel mal y a t’il à distribuer quelques billets
in order to be well served, and fast? A graphic
de banques pour être vite et bien servi ? Une bande
novel about corruption.
dessinée sur le thème de la corruption.
Fousséni Mamah • Kokou Tongnévi, ill. Le Soleil et l’Épervier [The Sun and the Sparrowhawk] Graines de pensées, Éburnie, 2013 • ISBN 978-2-916-01-44-16 and 978-2-84770-181-4 The Sparrowhawk agrees to lend money to
Par gentillesse et avec l’assurance d’être remboursé
the Sun on the promise that he will be paid
à la prochaine lune, l’Épervier accepte de prêter de
back when the next moon comes. But the Sun
l’argent au Soleil. Seulement ce dernier n’honore pas
does not fulfill his promise. The Cock helps
sa promesse. Le Coq donne à l’Épervier le moyen de
the Sparrowhawk to meet the Sun, but the
rencontrer le Soleil en lui faisant promettre de ne pas
Sparrowhawk must promise not to say how he
révéler comment il a su l’heure idéale de visite. Encore
knew the exact time when he could meet the
une promesse qui ne sera pas tenue : l’Épervier avoue
Sun. Yet another promise that is not fulfilled: the
qu’il a été aidé par le Coq... Une histoire pour expliquer
Sparrowhawk admits that he was helped by the
pourquoi l’Épervier est devenu le plus grand danger
Cock. A story to explain why the Sparrowhawk
pour le Coq mais aussi pour dire qu’« il faut continuer
became dangerous to the Cock, but also to say
à faire le bien même si on récolte l’ingratitude ».
that one must go on acting well even when one meets with ingratitude.
the world through picture books • books from togo • 199
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Koffivi Assem • KanAd, ill. Un intrus dans mon takyiènta [An intruder in my takyiènta] Graines de pensées, Ruisseaux d’Afrique, 2008 • ISBN 978-99919-63-34-1 and 978-99919-63-34-1 On a very hot night, N’Tcha dreams of a strange
Par une nuit de forte chaleur, N’Tcha rêve d’un
snake. Awakening suddenly he realises that the
étrange serpent… Réveillé brutalement, il réalise qu’un
snake is his pillow. The household is soon up in
serpent lui sert réellement d’oreiller. La maisonnée
arms but N’Tcha’s father welcomes the snake
est rapidement sur le pied de guerre mais son père
in a very unexpected way. A good nocturnal and
accueille le serpent de manière tout à fait inattendue…
dream-like atmosphere, in ochre tones. The last
Belle ambiance nocturne et onirique avec des
pages are dedicated to the Battãmmariba people
illustrations, dans des tons brun. Le dossier final est
in Togo and Benin, explaining their way of life,
consacré aux Battãmmariba du Togo et du Bénin et
their cult of the female snake and their “tatas”,
explique leur mode de vie, leur culte du serpent femelle,
earth-built fortresses.
ou encore leurs « tatas », forteresses en terre.
Tchotcho Ékué • Kokou Tongnévi, ill. Djanta [Djanta] Graines de pensées, Éburnie, 2013 • ISBN 978-2-916101-43-9 and 978-2-84770-184-5 The hero of this picture book is not a conqueror
Le héros de cet album n’est pas un roi de la savane
king but a lonely lion, no longer young, in search
conquérant, mais un lion bien seul, plus tout à fait
of a wife. True, he charms some ravishing females
jeune, parti à la recherche d’une épouse. Certes,
– gazelle, doe, hyena, snake, panther… – but
il séduit tour à tour de charmantes femelles – gazelle,
none of them wants him, and at last he meets a
biche, hyène, vipère, panthère… – mais aucune ne veut
young lioness as lonely as himself. In a repetitive
de lui jusqu’à ce qu’enfin il rencontre une jeune lionne
structure, each stage in the lion’s quest is an
tout aussi solitaire. Dans cette structure en randonnée,
excuse for speeches, reflections, great ideas
chaque étape de la quête du lion – histoire dans
that meet defiance every time. The author (also
l’histoire – est prétexte à discours, réflexions, idées
publisher) uses a lively style, rich vocabulary,
formidables chaque fois remises en cause. L’auteure
enumeration, alliteration, and offers an alert
et éditrice livre dans un style très vivant, travaillé,
tale that, through disappointment and regrets,
au riche vocabulaire jouant sur les énumérations, les
is full of wisdom and finally, is crowned by love.
allitérations, un conte alerte, non dénué d’humour qui
As the two lions are lonely because their lives
entraîne le lecteur dans un parcours, de déconvenues
are threatened, the story highlights the need for
en regrets, qui s’avère plein de sagesse et finalement
respect of sacred things, of nature and of the
couronné par l’amour. Au passage (nos deux lions
species that must be protected.
sont solitaires parce que menacés), il livre aussi une réflexion sur le respect des choses sacrées, de la nature, la protection des espèces.
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Messan Agbopletou • Adamah Hanvi, ill. Le Caïman sacré [The Sacred Caiman] Graines de pensées, Ruisseaux d’Afrique, 2008 • ISBN 978-99919-63-33-4 and 978-2-916101-12-5 Because King Akuamu is very cruel, the Adan
Parce que le roi Akuamu est très cruel, le peuple Adan
people decide to find a new homeland. But their
décide de chercher une nouvelle terre d’accueil. Mais sa
march is soon stopped by a gigantic river. The
marche est bien vite arrêtée par un gigantesque fleuve.
crossing will be possible thanks to a miraculous
Sa traversée sera rendue possible grâce à un pont
bridge made of tree trunks – in fact, caymans,
miraculeux de troncs d’arbres - en réalité des caïmans
to which a cult is born, in acknowledgment for
auxquels un culte sera rendu, en remerciement du
their help. This legend of the Adan people living
passage. Cette légende du peuple Adan, qui vit au Sud
in South Ghana, Togo and Benin, is completed
du Ghana, du Togo et du Bénin, est complétée par
by some pages of information on the cult of the
un dossier sur le culte du caïman sacré. D’autres titres
sacred cayman. Other titles in this collection
de la collection Cauris d’or, co-édité au Togo et au
Cauris d’or, co-published in Togo and Benin,
Bénin, proposent des fictions intéressantes complétées
provide interesting fiction with a supplement
de dossiers autour de traditions culturelles.
on cultural traditions.
the world through picture books • books from togo • 200
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Asim • KamAd, ill. À la recherche de ses origines [Looking for his origins] Graines de pensées, Ruisseaux d’Afrique, 2008 • ISBN 978-2-916101- 14-9 and 978-99919-63-36-5 A young boy survives a car accident and is taken
Un jeune enfant rescapé d’un accident de la route
in by nuns who bring him up with affection. But
est recueilli par des religieuses qui l’élèvent avec
Alfredo, as he is named by the nuns, wants to
affection; mais Alfredo, comme on l’a nommé, veut
know his origins. He will find them thanks to the
connaître ses origines. Il les retrouvera grâce à la
photograph that was in his small suitcase, of an
photo qui se trouvait dans sa petite valise, d’un vieil
old man with scars on his face. A beautiful story,
homme au visage scarifié. Une belle histoire, touchante
touching but discreet, revealing Togo realities,
mais pudique, imprégnée des réalités togolaises, que
enhanced by illustration. Excellent information
l’illustration très présente accompagne et enrichit.
pages at the end, on scarring practices of the
Excellent dossier documentaire illustré en fin de
Battãmmariba people in North Togo.
volume sur les scarifications chez es Battãmmariba du nord Togo.
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Fousséni Mamah • Kokou Tongnévi, ill. La Lune et le soleil [The Moon and the Sun] Graines de Pensées, Éburnie, 2013 • ISBN 978-2-916101-45-3 and 978-2-84770-182-1 Long, long ago, the Moon and the Sun lived side
Dans des temps très reculés, la Lune et le Soleil
by side, each of them so much attracted by the
vivaient côte à côte, chacun tellement attiré par le
aroma of the other’s cuisine that, as they never
fumet de la cuisine de l’autre que, ne s’invitant jamais
invited each other, they tasted the other’s meals
à partager leurs repas, ils les goûtaient en piochant
by digging left-overs. This situation lasted until
dans leurs restes respectifs. Ce manège dura jusqu’au
one day, the Sun tricked the Moon, emprisoned
jour où le Soleil piégea la Lune, l’emprisonna, et
her and bothered her so much that she fled up
la molesta si bien qu’elle s’enfuit haut dans le ciel.
to the sky. Not to be undone, the Sun also went
Pour ne pas être en reste, le Soleil se rendit également
up to the sky, but even higher… which explains
dans le ciel mais encore plus haut... ce qui explique
the reason of the position of the Moon and
la raison du positionnement de la Lune et du Soleil
the Sun in the sky.
dans l’espace..
the world through picture books • books from togo • 201
Books from
Contact: Muhittin Gurbuz [email protected]
Turkey The co-ordination of the top ten picture books for Turkey was undertaken by Muhittin Gurbuz. Initially, information about the project was sent to 12 major publishers, the Turkish Publishers Association, the Writers Union of Turkey and an author asking them to choose their top ten books. Unfortunately the majority did not respond, although a list was received from Bitlis Public Library. Then a search for the titles was carried out in bookshops and online in order to look at them, to verify if they were eligible, and to check if they were in stock. A list of 100 nominated picture books made up from mutiple voted titles was drawn up. These were a combination of classics and interesting contemporary authors and illustrators. An electronic voting form was sent with the information to all librarians who work at university, public, and school libraries. The form was also made available across Turkey in discussion-groups and posted on the Internet via blogs and Facebook groups. Turkish children’s classical books have been the most preferred by librarians. Two books written by the same author (Behiç Ak) were choosen for the top ten list. One of the books was eliminated and replaced with another book (Bahçıvan Köstebek ve Uçan Karınca Kıvırcık), a prize winner in the 2010 Tudem Literature Awards called “Write, Draw, Paint. Greeting to the Books!”. The final list consists of titles that both met the IFLA criteria and got the largest number of votes. In addition, the books included in the top ten list for Turkey were chosen for inclusion because they feature Turkey and/or its diverse culture, and also universal values such as friendship, love, family, etc. General information has also been included in the reviews. The books are listed starting from the highest voted.
the world through picture books • books from turkey • 202
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Melike Günyüz, Buket Topakoğlu • Ceyhun Şen, ill. Keloğlan Suskunlar Ülkesinde [Keloglan is in the Land of Silent] Sedir, 2013 • ISBN 9786058628403 Keloğlan is the most famous and the favourite
something at the same time? An entertaining
person of Turkish children’s tales. Keloğlan is a
fairy-tale about friendship, freedom and kindness…
hero who lives with his poor mother and who
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works in order to earn his living. Also he is a hero
Keloğlan, Türk Çocuk Masalları arasında çok sevilen,
who finds practical solutions to the problems
meşhur bir kişidir. O, fakir annesiyle birlikte yaşayan
and who achieves his goal in the end. Keloğlan is
ve hayatını kazanmak için çalışan bir kahramandır.
hardworking, determined, decisive, active, strong,
Ayrıca, sorunlara pratik çözümler bulan ve nihai hedefi
sworn enemy of injustice and the powerful
başarmak olan bir kahramandır. Keloğlan çok çalışkan,
defender of nature. He can have an optimistic
azimli, kararlı, aktif, güçlü, haksızlığın ezeli düşmanı ve
point of view even in the hardest situations.
doğuştan mücadelecidir. En zor durumlarda bile olumlu
He can smile, never stops laughing and singing.
düşünmeyi elden bırakmaz. Yüzünden gülümsemeyi
He never forgets about his mother, always
ve şarkı söylemeyi hiç ihmal etmez. Annesini hiç ihmal
helps his friends. In this book, one day Keloğlan’s
etmez, arkadaşlarına daima yardım eder. Bu kitapta,
Mother gave a book into his hand. This was the
bir gün anası Keloğlan’ın eline bir kitap verir. Bu,
only legacy his father had left him before he died.
rahmetli babasından ona kalan tek mirastır. Kitabı
Opening the book with curiosity, Keloğlan found
merakla açan Keloğlan, içinde ilginç bir harita ve bir
in it an interesting map and a message as well:
de not bulur: “Oğlum bu benim sana bırakabildiğim
‘My Son, the book is the only legacy that I could
tek hazine.Onun sahibi sensin. Nasıl istersen öyle
leave you. Only to you does this belong. Spend it
harca. Ama dikkat et de harcadıkça kazan. “Keloğlan
however you please. But take care that you gain
babasının bu bilmece gibi satırını tekrar tekrar okur.
something as you spend.” Keloğlan read these
“Harcadıkça kazan, harcadıkça kazan...” Düşünür
riddle-like words over and over. “Gain something
durur kafası olur bir kazan... Hem harcayıp hem nasıl
as you spend…” The more he pondered, the more
kazanır ki insan? Arkadaşlık, özgürlük ve yardımseverlik
he wondered… How could you spend and gain
hakkında eğlenceli bir masal...
Suat Karadağ • Mustafa Koç, ill. Karagöz ile Hacivat [Karagoz and Hacivat] Damla, 2008 • ISBN 9789753813676 Karagoz and Hacivat are an integral part of
Karagöz ve Hacivat Türk Kültürü’nün ayrılmaz bir
Turkish Culture. Karagoz and Hacivat are the
parçasıdır. Karagöz ve Hacivat, Osmanlı dönemi
lead characters of the traditional Turkish shadow
boyunca halka malolmuş geleneksel Türk Gölge
play, popularized during the Ottoman period.
Oyunu’nun önde gelen karakterlerindendir. Oyunların
The central theme of the play is the contrasting
ana temasını iki temel karakter arasındaki zıtlık üzerine
interaction between the two main characters.
kurulan etkileşim oluşturmaktadır. Birbirlerinin işine
They are perfect foils for each other: Karagoz
ustalıkla engel olurlar: Karagöz okuma yazma bilmeyen
represents the illiterate straightforward people,
ama açık sözlü, buna karşılık Hacivat eğitimli sınıftan,
whereas Hacivat belongs to the educated class,
Osmanlı Türkçesi konuşan, edebi ve şiirsel bir dil
speaking Ottoman Turkish and using a poetical
kullanır. Karagöz Türk köylü sınıfında daha çok popüler
and literary language. Karagoz is definitely
olmaya niyetlenmiş olmasına rağmen, aynı zamanda
intended to be the more popular character; he
patavatsız, daima yenilgiyle sonuçlanan, kandırmaca
always outdoes Hacivat’s superior education with
ile dolu entrikalarından hiç vazgeçmez. Hacivat,
his “native wit.” He is also very impulsive and his
Karagöz’ü ehlileştirmeye devam eder ama bu çabasında
never ending get-rich-quick schemes always
hiç ilerleme sağlayamaz. Karagöz dünya genelinde
results in failure. Hacivat continually attempts
çok meşhur bir gölge kukla oyunudur. En önemli
to “domesticate” Karagoz, but never makes
Türk Çocuk Klasikleri arasında yer alan bu kitap, altı
progress. Karagoz is a shadow puppet play, very
hikâyeden oluşmaktadır. Gölge oyunu konusunda
famous all over the world. The book consists of
çocukların anlayabileceği hikâyelerle desteklenerek
six short stories so that children can understand
rengârenk bir masal kitabı yapılmış.
about shadow play.
the world through picture books • books from turkey • 203
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Melike Günyüz • Ceyhun Şen, ill. Nasrettin Hoca ve Cimri Komşunun Hikâyesi [The Story of Nasrettin Hodja and Stingy Neighbour] Sedir, 2013 • ISBN 9786058628427 Nasrettin Hodja is one of the most loved and
Nasrettin Hoca, sadece Türliye’de değil, aynı zamanda
celebrated personalities not only of Turkey but
Orta Doğu’da da çok sevilen, meşhur bir kişidir. Hoca,
of the entire Middle East as well. Ever since early
çocukluğundan beri güldüren kişiliğinin yanı sıra, çok
childhood, Nasrettin Hodja was reputed to be
zeki ve kurnaz biri olarak da tanınmıştır. O’nun her
very clever, cunning, as well as humorous. He
duruma karşı hem komik hem de ders veren bir cevabı
seemed to have an answer for every situation
olmuştur. Dürüstlük ve yalınlık üzerine kurulu, mutlu
that was not only comical but also had a note of
bir hayat yaşamaya çalışmıştır. Özlü sözler olarak dile
encouragement. He tried to live a happy life of
getirilen bu hikâyelerin sonundaki ifadeler, Hoca’yı
honesty and simplicity. Nasrettin Hodja’s strories
nüktenin ustası yapmıştır. Zekice yaptığı şakalarla iyi
are told in succinct popular epigrams. It is obvious
bir konuşmacı olduğunu da göstermiştir. Nasrettin
that Hodja was a witty man, had a sense of humor
Hoca Masalları, en önemli Türk Çocuk Klasikleri
and was a good conversationalist. Nasrettin
arasında yer almaktadır. Bu kitap Nasrettin Hoca ile
Hodja’s tales are one of the most important
cimri komşusu arasında geçen olayları işlemektedir.
Turkish children’s classics. The book is about a
Hoca’nın bir komşusu varmış. Aynı bahçeye
man named Nasrettin Hodja and his neighbour.
bakıyormuş evleri. Bu sebeple Hoca’nın evine giren
Hodja’s front door is opposite his neighbour’s front
çıkan herkesten ve herşeyden haberi oluyormuş. Hoca
door with a small garden in-between. Therefore
yeni bir eşya alınca daha kendisi kullanmadan komşu
the neighbour knew whenever anybody visited
kapıyı çalıp ödünç istiyormuş. Eve yiyecek bir şey
Hodja and every time he had anything delivered
gelince daha Hoca’nın evinde sofra kurulmadan komşu
by somebody. One day a delivery brought food
kapıyı çalıyormuş. Hoca cömert olduğu için eşyasını
to Hodja’s home, but before Hodja had time to
ve yemeğini paylaşırmış. Sonunda Hoca zekâsıyla
eat any lunch or dinner his neighbour rang the
komşusuna cimriliğini hatırtlatır. Yazarın yirminin
bell. In order to show he was a generous person
üzerinde yayınlanmış masal kitabı bulunmaktadır
Hodja shared his items and food, and showed
ve bazıları Almanca’ya, Bulgarca’ya ve Çince’ye
his neighbour what a stingy person he was. The
çevrilmiştir.
author has written over twenty books, some of them were translated into German, Bulgarian and Chinese.
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Fatih M. Durmuş • Fatih M. Durmuş, ill. Dede Korkut Hikâyeleri [Dede Korkut Stories] Pan, 2011 • ISBN 9786054518098 The Book of Dede Korkut, also spelled as Dada
Kitabı-ı Dede Korkut, Dada Gorgud, Dede Qorqut
Gorgud, Dede Qorqut or Qorqit ata (Turkish:
veya Qorqit Ata olarak da yazılır (Türkçe: Dede
Dede Korkut, Azerbaijani: Kitabi Dədə Qorqud,
Korkut, Azerbaycan: Kitabi Dədə Qorqud, Türkmen:
Turkmen: “Gorkut-ata”) is the most famous
“Gorkut-ata”) Oğuz Türkleri (Türkmenler ya da Türko
among the epic stories of the Oghuz Turks
olarak da bilinirler) ’nin destansı hikâyeleri arasında
(also known as Turkmens or Turcomans). The
en meşhur olanıdır. Bu hikâyeler, Göçebe Türkler’in
stories carry morals and values significant to
önemli ahlaki kurallarını ve değerlerini ve İslam öncesi
the social lifestyle of the nomadic Turks and
inanışlarını sosyal hayatlarına taşırlar. Uluslararası
their pre-Islamic beliefs. The epic tales of Dede
bilim çevrelerince Dede Korkut’un destansı masalları
Korkut is one of the best known Turkic destans
Moğolca ve Türkçe diller ailesinde kaydedilmiş toplam
from among a total of well over 1,000 recorded
1,000 üzerindeki destan içerisinde en iyi bilinendir.
epics among the Mongolian and Turkic language
En önemli Türk Çocuk Klasikleri arasında yer alan bu
families by international scholars. In this book,
kitapta, çocuklar için renkli resimlerle desteklenmiş
which is one of the most important Turkish
12 adet hikâye bulunmaktadır.
children’s classic, there are 12 collected versions of the stories with colourful pictures for children.
the world through picture books • books from turkey • 204
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Fatma Kabadayı • Ayşegül Coşkun, Gülinaz Şafak, ill. Evliya Çelebi [Evliya Celebi] Şiir Çocuk, 2012 • ISBN 9786054594702 Evliya Celebi was an Ottoman Turkish gentleman
En önemli Türk Çocuk Klasikleri arasında yer alan
adventurer who travelled far and wide for many
Evliya Çelebi, uzun yıllar uzaklara seyahat eden
years. His observations on everyday life in the 17th
maceracı bir Osmanlı Türk Beyidir. 17. yüz yılda günlük
century are a unique record of his times. He left
hayatındaki gezip gördüklerini kaydetmesiyle oluşan
a record of his wanderings in 10 large volumes,
10 ciltlik bir Seyahatnâme ya da Seyahatler Kitabı adlı
the Seyahatname, or Book of Travels. In this
eser bırakmıştır. Bu kitapta, bir zamanlar Mehmet
book, which is one of the most important Turkish
isminde genç bir delikanlı varmış. Mehmet’in babasının
children’s classics, once upon a time, there is this
adı da Mehmet’miş. Her akşam dedesi, amcası ve
young boy called Mehmet. Mehmet’s father’s
babasıyla sohbet etmeyi çok sever, anlattıkları anıları
name is also Mehmet. He likes having a chat with
dikkatle dinlermiş. Onların gezip gördükleri yerleri
his grandfather, uncle and father every night and
çok merak eder, kendisi de gidip görmek istermiş.
attentively listens to what they tell him. He is quite
O yüzden bir an önce büyümek istiyormuş. Yirmi dört
curious about the places they have travelled and
yaşına geldiğinde kararını vermiş. “Ben gidip her yeri
seen and personally wants to go and see such
gezeceğim!” diyerek bütün sevdikleriyle vedalaşmış.
places. He therefore wants to grow up quickly. He
Yola çıkarken Vakkas Efendi “Gezip gördüğün
makes a decision when he is twenty-four years
diyarlarda gördüğün her şeyi yaz, iyi dost ol, kötülerle
old. He says to himself that “I am going to travel all
arkadaş olma! Sen dünyanın seyyahı ve meşhuru
around the world and see everywhere!” then says
olacaksın” demiş. Çelebi söz vermiş ve atına binip yola
goodbye to everyone he cares about. When he is
koyulmuş.
about to set off Vakkas Efendi advises him “Don’t forget to write down what you see in the lands you travel to, make good friends, don’t be friends with people with bad intentions! You will become a famous traveller of the world”. Celebi makes a promise and gets on his horse to set off.
6
Ömer Seyfettin Kaşağı [Currycomb] Timaş, 2012 • ISBN 9753628647 The “Currycomb” is one of the most famous
Türk öykücülüğü’nün önemli isimlerinden Ömer
stories of Ömer Seyfettin, a very well-known
Seyfettin’in en çok bilinen öykülerindendir Kaşağı.
story writer of Turkish storytelling. Ömer
Ömer Seyfettin, Kaşağı’da okurlara ama özellikle
Seyfettin wants to tell the reader, especially
de çocuk okurlara, basit bir yalan söylemenin bile ne
children, in his story “Currycom” how even a
kadar büyük zararlara neden olabileceğini anlatmak
simple lie can cause a great damage. The book
istemiştir. Kitapta, kendi yaptığı hatanın suçunu
tells the tearjerker of Ömer who puts the blame
kardeşine yükleyen ve onun ölümünden sonrada vicdan
of his actions on his brother and it pricks his
azabıyla hayatı altüst olan Ömeri’in dramı anlatılır.
conscience after his death. The book is one of
Bu kitap, en önemli Türk Çocuk Klasikleri arasında
the most important Turkish children’s classics.
yer almaktadır.
the world through picture books • books from turkey • 205
7
Serpil Ural • Serpil Ural, ill. Ali Baba’nın Çiftliği [Ali Baba’s Farm] Kök, 2013 • ISBN 9789754990591
This book is an educational book, that parents
Eğitsel öyküler dizisi kapsamındaki bu oku-boya kitabı,
can share with their children. It tells a story but
öykü ve boyama kitabı özelliklerini taşımaktadır.
the pictures are only in black and white, giving
Kitapta siyah beyaz çizimlere ek olarak tek bir renk,
a child the opportunity to colour the pictures in.
yeşil kullanılmıştır. Çocuk diğer renkleri kullanarak
It encourages children to develop their creative
resimlerin renksiz kısımlarını kendisi boyayacaktır.
skills and the end results are that they have a book
Böylelikle, eline aldığında tek renkli olan öykü kitabı,
that can be read out loud and has very colourful
sonunda çok renkli bir kitap olacak, çocuk bir öykü
pictures that they would have enjoyed doing.
öğrenmenin yanı sıra, resimleri boyarken oynayıp
In addition, this book which is educational and
eğlenecek ve yaratıcılığını geliştirecektir. Ayrıca bu
informative has been written to contribute to the
kitap, öykü ve boyama yoluyla okul öncesi çocuklarının
development of early childhood through story
gelişimine katkıda bulunmak için hazırlanmış, öğretici,
and painting. The author of the book obtained
eğitici ve yönlendirici bir kitaptır. Ebevenylerin
the 5th place in the NOMA Concours for Picture
çocuklarıyla sesli olarak okuyabileceği bir kitaptır.
Book Illustration Encouragement Prize (1986), the
Kitabın yazarı, Japonya’daki 5. NOMA Uluslararası
Bank of Children’s Literature Great Award (1997)
Çocuk Kitabı Resimleme Yarışması’nda teşvik ödülü
and The First Prize in Rifat Ilgaz Humorous Story
(1986), İş Bankası Çocuk Edebiyatı Büyük Ödülü
Competition (1997).
(1997), Rıfat Ilgaz Gülmece Öykü Yarışması Birincilik Ödülü (1997) sahibidir.
8
Behiç Ak • Behiç Ak, ill. Galata’nın Tembel Martısı [Lazy Sea Gull of Galata] Günışığı Kitaplığı • ISBN 9789944717656 Unlike her older brother Emre, Hülya is not
Ağabeyi Emre’nin tersine, Hülya’nın internetle
interested in either the Internet or technology.
de teknolojiyle de işi yoktu. Hayvanların dilinden
She has a way with animals and even sends
anlar, mesajlarını bile güvercinlerle iletirdi o. Komşu
any messages with pigeons. She becomes very
oldukları Galata Kulesi’nde onarım başlayacağını,
worried when she hears that the Galata Tower
kulenin çepeçevre bir inşaat perdesiyle kapatılacağını
next to her would be renovated and the tower
öğrenince, çok endişelendi. Çünkü, kulenin taşları
would be surrounded with a protective curtain
arasında ebâbil yuvaları vardı. Ebâbil yavrularını
for the construction, because there are nests
kurtarmak için el ele veren iki kardeş, belediyeye
of swifts in the gaps between the rocks of the
dertlerini anlatabilmek için çeşitli yöntemler
tower. The brother and sister join hands to save
düşündüler. Peki ya mahallenin martısı Murteza,
the baby swifts and think of various methods
yavruları kurtarmak için yerinden kıpırdayacak mıydı
to make themselves understood by the city
acaba?.. Yazar, yirminin üzerinde çocuk kitabı yazmıştır
hall. What about Murteza, the sea gull of the
ve bir çok ödül almıştır.
neighbor’s, they wonder if it would make a move to save the baby swifts... The author has written over twenty children’s books and received many awards.
the world through picture books • books from turkey • 206
9
10
Aytul Akal • Eren Dedeleroğlu, ill. Annem Neden Çıldırdı? [Why My Mom Went Mad?] Uçan Balık • ISBN 9789755871707 This book can be said to be a study of life itself.
Kitap, duygusallığı elden bırakmayan, samimi,
Making its presence felt throughout the book
hayatın içinden bir çalışma olarak nitelendirilebilir. İlk
and greeting the reader on the first pages of
sayfalarda okurlarını selamlayan hınzır kedinin, kitap
the book, the wicked cat is the evidence of that.
genelinde kendini hissettirmesi de bunun en belirgin
“Would you make a room in your lives for me?”
kanıtı. “Bana da hayatınızda bir yer açar mısınız?”
asks the author, who pretends to be this orange,
Yazar kendini bu sarı, sevimli, gururlu ve yaramaz
cute, high and mighty, and naughty cat to try to
kedi yerine koyarak evlerimize, hayatlarımıza girmeye
enter our lives and homes…Ticking vampire clocks
çalışıyor adeta... Gece boyunca tik taklayan vampir
throughout the night; Turkish coffee that Emel
saatleri, Emel Hanım’ın ilk iş gününde kıvamını bir türlü
fails to have its proper consistency on her first
tutturamadığı kahvesi, balkondaki saksılarda filizlenen
working day; flower bulbs shooting out in the pots
soğan çiçekleri, hızlı trendeki koltuk kargaşası ve daha
on the balcony; the seat chaos on the speed train,
niceleri... Gizli kapılardan birbirine açılan, zekâ ve oyun
and many more… The children will love these
pırıltılarıyla bezeli bu sımsıcak öyküleri çocuklar çok
warm stories. The author has written over one
sevecek. Yazarın yüzden fazla yayınlanmış kitabından
hundred books and 32 titles have been translated
otuz iki tanesi İngilizce, Almanca ve daha pek çok dile
into English, German, Spanish and more…
çevrilmiştir.
Aysun Berktay Özmen • Aysun Berktay Özmen Bahçıvan Köstebek ve Uçan Karınca Kıvırcık [The Gardener Mole and the Termite Kıvırcık] Tudem, 2011 • ISBN 9789944695312 This book was deemed worthy of the grand prize
2010 Tudem Edebiyat ödülleri Yaz, Çiz, Boya Kitaba
in the competition of 2010 Tudem Literature
Merhaba! yarışmasında birincilik ödülüne değer görülen
Awards called “Write, Draw, Paint. Greeting to
duygusal bir çalışma. Hayatında biraz değişiklik
the Books!” What would you think if a gardener
yaratmak için kartondan kelebekler, çiçekler yaparak
mole made butterflies and flowers from cartoon
duvarına asan bahçıvan bir köstebek, yeryüzüne
and put them on the wall to have a little change
çıkmaya pek cesaret edemediği için dışarıda gördüğü
in its life and what if it decided to bring the
güzellikleri cam bir kavanoz içinde bir bitki bahçesi
beauties of the outside world into its home?
yaparak yuvasına taşımaya karar verirse ne olur
Bringing a small model of the beauty that it sees
dersiniz? Yeryüzünde karşılaştığı güzelliklerin küçük bir
in the outside world into the terrarium, the Mole
modelini terraryumuna taşıyan Köstebek, gün boyu bu
daydreams in front of this small garden. One day,
minik bahçe karşısında hayallere dalıp durur. Günlerden
the Gardener Mole is woken from his daydream
bir gün, yine rüyalara dalan Bahçıvan Köstebek,
by the noise of a whirring termite. Well, how
kanatlı bir karıncanın pır pır kanat sesiyle rüyasından
could this termite called Kıvırcık manage to get
uyanır. Peki, karşısında beliren Kıvırcık adındaki
into the terrarium with the cork stopper closed?
kanatlı karınca, nasıl girmiş olabilir ki kapağı mantarla
This extraordinary friendship of a gardener
kapalı terraryumuna?... Bahçıvan bir köstebekle,
mole and a cute termite will both touch and
sevimli bir kanatlı karıncanın sıra dışı dostluğu
hearten you. The author establishes a warm
sizi hem duygulandıracak hem de yüreklendirecek.
relation with the reader through her story built
Tabiat sevgisi, dostluk, çalışma, yaratma, özgürlük ve
on the concepts of love of nature, friendship,
hayvan sevgisi kavramları üzerine kurduğu öyküsü ile
working, creativity, freedom and love of animals.
okuyucularıyla sımsıcak bir bağ kuran yazar, gerek
The author has made a book that will strike
anlatımı gerekse resimleriyle herkesi kalbinden vuracak
at the heart of everyone both with expression
bir kitap hazırlamış. Yazar on dört masal kitabına
and pictures. She has written fourteen books
sahiptir ve Gülten Dayıoğlu Resimli Çocuk Kitabı
and received the Gulten Dayioglu Illustrated
Ödülü’nü kazanmıştır.
Children’s Book Award.
the world through picture books • books from turkey • 207
Books from the
Contact: Eman Mohamed [email protected]
United Arab Emirates All the books nominated for this project are from Kalimat Publishing house. It is the first Emirati publishing house for children’s books in Arabic and known for its good quality in the book making process, from the text to illustration and finally production. Kalimat was the only publishing house to respond very quickly to our call. Sixteen titles were nominated and a committee of three people reviewed, discussed and selected the final list. These were Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the Emirati section of IBBY, International Board on Books for Young People, Eman Mohamed, Programs and Award Executive and Shada El Sayed, Planning and Development Executive. The selection was based on the criteria set by the project.
1
Rai Abdulal • Sophie Burrows, ill.
‫مشلكة صغرية‬
Mushkela Sagheera [A Little Problem] Kalimat, 2013 • ISBN 9789948202479 A little girl has a big problem. She is the youngest at home and her wish is to become a grown-up like everyone around her in her family so that she can sit in the front seat of a car, have a bigger sum of pocket money, and not get interrupted when she speaks. But as she ponders over her big problem, she realises that being a grown-up is
‫ صويف باروز‬:‫ ري عبد العال | رسوم‬:‫نص‬ .‫ يه أهنا صغرية‬،‫لدى البنت الصغرية مشلكة كبرية‬ ‫لكهنا حني تقارن لك األشياء املثرية اليت بإماكهنا‬ ‫ مبا سيكون علهيا من واجبات‬،‫القيام هبا ويه صغرية‬ ‫ وأهنا سعيدة‬،‫ تكتشف أن مشلكهتا صغرية‬،‫حني تكرب‬ ‫بأن تعيش لك املراحل يف وقهتا‬
not as much fun as she imagines. A Little Problem brings to light a universal problem young children experience among their older siblings and highlights the advantages of being a young child.
2
Cathy Khattar • Gustavo Aima, ill.
‫دامئا ميع‬
Daeman Mae [By My Side] Kalimat, 2013 • ISBN 9789948202141 A little bunny discovers a friend who is always by his side. He explains how his friend follows him around, gets to places before him, and pops out of his shoe. Although the narrator may be a little bothered sometimes, he still loves his friend dearly and considers him his best friend for he is always by his side. By My Side casts the shadow of our narrator into a richly illustrated book and
‫ جوستافو إمار‬:‫ اكيت خطار | رسوم‬:‫نص‬ ً ‫يل صديق دا‬ ‫ إىل‬،‫ خليف‬،‫ مييش أمايم‬.‫مئا ميع‬ .‫ خيرج من حذايئ أو ينام حتيت‬،‫يساري أو إىل مييين‬ ً ‫ لكنه يبىق صدييق املفضل؛ ألنه دا‬،‫يزجعين أحيا ًنا‬ ‫مئا‬ ‫ املفهوم الذي‬،‫ كتاب للصغار يطرح موضوع الظل‬.‫ميع‬ ‫ بشلك ممتع‬،‫حيري األطفال يف سنوات معرمه األوىل‬ .‫وبسيط‬
sheds light on how children may interact with their shadows as they start to discover them.
the world through picture books • books from the united arab emirates • 208
3
Abir Ballan • Maya Fidawi, ill.
‫معاشت الشني‬
Ashat Al Sheen [Long Live the Sheen] Kalimat, 2013 • ISBN 9789948440598 Shehab’s favourite letter is the “sheen”. It is the first letter of his name and he loves it most. He is so attached to the “sheen” that it is the only letter that he chooses to eat among all the alphabet letters in his noodle soup. He eventually loses the letter “sheen” with its ‘sh’ sound and everything sounds a little funny. Long Live the Sheen illustrates
‫ مايا فداوي‬:‫ عبري بالن | رسوم‬:‫نص‬ ‫ يبتلع حرف‬،‫ مرة‬.‫احلرف املفضل لدى هشاب هو الشني‬ .‫الشني وهو يتناول الشوربة وال يستطيع لفظه بعد ذلك‬ ‫حياول أن يستعيد حرف الشني مبساعدة صديقته‬ ‫ قصة‬.‫مشس وأمه اليت تغين معه نشيد حرف الشني‬ ‫ممتعة عن ختيط صعوبات اللفظ‬
a playful narrative about lisping and how to overcome it with practice.
4
Fatima Sharafeddine • Rebeca Luciani, ill.
‫ما هو لون احلب؟‬
Ma Howa Lawn Al Hobb [What’s the Colour of Love?] Kalimat, 2013 • ISBN 9789948202110 From a little girl’s point of view, love can be found in many colours and can vividly remind her of the warm and contented moments that she experiences. This book takes the reader through a tranquil read where the narrator describes what each colour reminds her of. What’s the Colour of Love? presents vibrantly illustrated,
‫ما هو لون احلب؟‬ ‫ ريبياك لوسياين‬:‫ فامطة رشف الدين | رسوم‬:‫نص‬ .‫طفلة تصف احلب من خالل ما تعنيه هلا األلوان‬ ‫ ترتيب األلوان‬.‫فاأللوان تدخل الفرح والدفء إىل قلهبا‬ ‫ الذي يرتبط معناه‬،‫يف القصة يتبع ألوان قوس قزح‬ .‫بامجلال‬
heartwarming and colourful pages to express the sentiments of the little narrator.
5
Fatima Sharafeddine • Tarek Kamal, ill.
‫ساعيت الزهرية‬
Saati Al Zahriya [My Pink Watch] Kalimat, 2013 • ISBN 9789948851622 Farah is ecstatic about her new pink watch! She wears it on her wrist everywhere she goes but cannot tell time on it. She asks everyone around to help her understand the hands of the clock but all of the people she asks are very busy and cannot help her. She decides to take the matter into her own hands and find a smart way to learn how to read the time on her own. My Pink Watch
‫ساعيت الزهرية‬ ‫ طارق مكال‬:‫ فامطة رشف الدين | رسوم‬:‫نص‬ ‫حني ال جتد فرح من يعملها قراءة الوقت يف ساعهتا‬ ‫ جتد طريقهتا اخلاصة يف اكتشاف ذلك‬،‫اجلديدة‬ ،‫ حني تحجن يتفاجأ اللك من حوهلا بذاكهئا‬.‫مبفردها‬ ‫ قصة تركز عىل أمهية قوة‬.‫ويه تشعر بالفخر بنفهسا‬ .‫اإلرادة يف تعمل األشياء‬
offers visuals for the reader to learn about time and is accompanied by a detachable clock for children to practice their skills of learning how to tell the time.
the world through picture books • books from the united arab emirates • 209
6
Kifah Bu Ali & Taqa Al Hamrany • Betania Zacarias ill.
‫صندوق جمد‬
Soundouj Majd [Majd’s Box] Kalimat, 2013 • ISBN 9789948202165 Majd meets a nameless little boy who has no colours and does not speak. She is unsettled by this and decides to help the boy revive his colours and have an identity. She starts by giving him a name and asking him questions. The boy starts to interact with her and slowly regains his identity. Majd’s Box poetically focuses attention on the importance of children’s rights, their freedom of expression, educational development and right to a proper life.
7
‫صندوق جمد‬ ‫ بيتانيا‬:‫ تىق امحلراين | رسوم‬،‫ كفاح بو عيل‬:‫نص‬ ‫زااكرياس‬ ‫ تستغرب‬.‫تلتيق جمد بطفل ال لون له وال امس وال صوت‬ ‫ وتقرر مساعداته ليستعيد ألوانه وصوته وتعطيه‬،‫ذلك‬ ‫ كتاب شاعري يركز عىل حق الطفل يف‬.‫امسا جديدًا‬ ً ‫ يف العيش بأمان ويف املساواة مع‬،‫التعبري عن ذاته‬ ‬.‫بقية األطفال حول العامل‬
Fatima Sharafeddine • Fereshteh Najafi, ill.
‫ | حني أفتح هذا الكتاب‬/ ‫ال تفتيح هذا الكتاب‬
La Taftahi Hatha al Kitab / Heena Aftah Hatha al Kitab [Do Not Open this Book! / When I Open this Book] Kalimat, 2013 • ISBN 9789948202103 This dual book, which contains a story on each side, brings together the famous villains of classical fairy tales and then unfolds into a world of beauty and warmth. The accordion shaped book flips between a world where the child sees villains and is then asked to be the hero of the book and rescue a frightened monster from the rest of the villains, and into a world of handpicked mint, fresh baked bread, burning incense and rose water. Do Not Open this Book! / When I open this book is an exciting read for a child to trigger his/her imagination and is designed so that the two contrasts create a playful read
‫ال تفتيح هذا الكتاب | حني أفتح هذا الكتاب‬ ‫ فريشتا جنيف‬:‫ فامطة رشف الدين | رسوم‬:‫نص‬ ‫ مت إخراجه عىل شلك‬،‫هذا كتاب يف قصتني‬ :‫ يف إحدى جهتيه من جهة قصة بعنوان‬.”‫“أكورديون‬ :‫ ومن اجلهة الثانية قصة بعنوان‬،‫ال تفتيح هذا الكتاب‬ ”‫ هيدف “ال تفتيح هذا الكتاب‬.‫حني أفتح هذا الكتاب‬ ‫إىل إثارة خيال الطفل باستعادة خشصيات خرافية‬ .‫ وإىل زيادة ثقته بنفسه‬،‫من حاكيات لكاسيكية يعرفها‬ ‫أما قصة “حني أفتح هذا الكتاب” توفر للطفل بيئة آمنة‬ ّ ‫ومألوفة ترتبط فهيا العطور والرواحئ امجليلة بالشعور‬ .‫باألمان والفرح‬
for both stories.
the world through picture books • books from the united arab emirates • 210
8
Kifah Bu Ali • Betania Zacarias, ill.
‫أحب عاملي‬
Ouhibou Alami [I Love My World] Kalimat, 2012 • ISBN 9789948163916
‫أحب عاملي‬ ‫ بيتانيا زااكرياس‬:‫ كفاح بو عيل | رسوم‬:‫نص‬ ‫ وقد رسد القصة‬،‫الراوي يف هذه القصة املمزية أمص‬ ‫بأسلوب دافئ حبيث يوحض لنا التناقض بني عامله‬ ‫ كتاب‬.‫الساكن اخلاص والعامل اخلاريج الصاخب‬ ‫ننصح به لك األطفال يك يتطور لدهيم فهم اآلخر‬ ‫ يوصل هذا الكتاب فكرة أمهية المتتع‬.‫بلك اختالفاته‬ ‫واإلستفادة من حواسنا امخلسة جممتعة‬
The special narrator in this story tells us about his silent world. He explains that he sometimes feels lonely and excluded but that there are many things that he enjoys in his world. He describes his most joyful moments with his cat, parents and friends. I Love My World is an intimate story introducing the idea of the hearing impaired through a warm style of writing and illustration.
9
Salma Koraytem • Hassan Zahreddine, ill.
!‫احلقيبة املسافرة‬
Al Haqiba Al Mousafira! [The Travelling Suitcase] Kalimat, 2012 • ISBN 9789948851172 Something strange is happening at Lina’s home. Things disappear around the house and Lina, the main character, is nowhere to be found. After discovering a trail, her parents find her on the balcony trying to close a big suitcase she had already packed with items from around the house. She has decided to run away because her parents are too busy to listen to her story. She certainly grabs their attention with this
!‫احلقيبة املسافرة‬ ‫ حسان زهر الدين‬:‫ سملى قريطم | رسوم‬:‫نص‬ ‫ فلك أشياهئا‬.‫األشياء ختتيف من بيت لينا هذا الصباح‬ ‫ أصبحت يف حقيبهتا‬،‫ ومهنا فطرية التفاح‬،‫املفضلة‬ ‫ ألن والدهيا مشغوالن عهنا وعن‬.‫الىت حرضهتا للرحيل‬ ‫ عندما يالحظ والدها ما‬.‫مساع قصة تريد إخبارمها هبا‬ ‫ تفرح لينا ألهنام أحبا‬.‫ ينتهبان هلا ويسمتعان إلهيا‬،‫تفعله‬ .‫قصهتا‬
episode and is finally able to share her story with them. The Travelling Suitcase uncovers the strange and comical behaviour children will use in order to get attention from their parents, while highlighting the importance of being attentive to children’s needs.
10
Salma Koraytem • Tarek Kamal, ill.
‫أطيب من املوز‬
Atyab Min Al Mawz [Better than Bananas] Kalimat, 2011 • ISBN 9789948160748 Sammour is a little monkey who loves one thing more than bananas and that is making new friends. His only concern is that different animals won’t befriend him because he looks different and so to befriend the peacocks, he attaches painted tree leaves on his tail, and to befriend the deer he sticks tree branches for antlers. His plan to look like elephants fails and teaches
‫أطيب من املوز‬ ‫ طارق مكال‬:‫ سملى قريطم | رسوم‬:‫نص‬ ‫القرد مسور حيب املوز أكرث من لك يشء تقري ًبا؛ مفا‬ ‫ وهو‬.‫حيبه أكرث من املوز هو اكتساب أصدقاء جدد‬ ّ ‫يظن أنه إذا قام بتقليد احليوانات األخرى فهي ستتقبله‬ ،‫ ويك يكتسب األصدقاء‬،‫ لكنه يكتشف أنه بالفعل‬.‫أكرث‬ .‫لك ما هيلع هو أن يترصف عىل طبيعته‬
him that being himself is a better way to make new friends. Better than Bananas is a book that reinforces the idea of self-love and acceptance of identity and how in doing so one receives love in abundance.
the world through picture books • books from the united arab emirates • 211
Books from the
Contact: Annie Everall [email protected]
United Kingdom The co-ordination of the selection of the top ten picture books for the United Kingdom was undertaken by Annie Everall. In order to draw up a list of titles, members of the national committee of the Youth Libraries Group of CILIP (Chartered Institute of Librarians and Information Professionals) were asked to nominate titles against the criteria established for the project. In addition an article was published in the Youth Libraries Group newsletter also inviting nominations from librarians across the UK. 31 titles were nominated, although one (Eric Carle – The Very Hungry Caterpillar) was unable to be included as it was not first published in the United Kingdom. An electronic voting form was sent to all national committee members of the Youth Libraries Group and its branch members. It was also sent to national committee members of ASCEL (Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians) as well as to all ASCEL members with a request to forward it on to relevant staff in their Authorities. Every delegate at the Youth Libraries Group annual conference in September 2011 was given a voting form in their delegate pack and asked to complete it and hand it in before the end of conference, with two sets of the final ten titles being offered as a prize draw for completed application forms. In addition a notice was included in the Youth Libraries Group electronic newsletter inviting librarians to request a voting form. 4,070 votes were received and when analysed the top ten titles for the UK are the following:
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Allan Ahlberg • Janet Ahlberg, ill. Each Peach Pear Plum Puffin • 1978 Viking Kestrel • 1989 Picture Puffin • ISBN 978 0 140 50919 9 Pbk Awarded the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal
out into Robin Hood’s forest. Each double page
for an outstanding book in terms of illustration
spread follows a simple picture frame format
for children and young people in 1978.
with text and a small pictorial clue on one side,
Each Peach Pear Plum is a deceptively simple,
balanced by a detailed full-frame illustration
engaging picture book in which Janet Ahlberg’s
with objects to find on the other…
gentle pen and watercolour illustrations
There is something very pleasing in seeing the
complement her husband Allan’s text to give
domestic lives of familiar characters represented
young children the pleasure and satisfaction
in such a witty way. The artists ability to depict
of using their knowledge of nursery rhymes to
a happily comfortable world, shown to great
interact with the book, spot clues and find hidden
effect in the final full-page illustration where
characters…
she completes the circular story and reunites all
The book is very carefully designed to lead
the characters makes this a very enjoyable and
the reader through a range of settings filled
satisfying book.
with recognisable images from the literature
Extract of a review from: ‘Image & Imagination
of childhood. The reader is led from the opening,
50 Years of the Kate Greenaway Medal’ by Ian Dodds
quilt like view of fields, cottage and an orchard
and Sue Roe, CILIP Youth Libraries Group 2007
of peach, pear and plum trees, into Mother
13 978 0946 512 52
Hubbards’s kitchen, up Jack and Jill’s hill and
the world through picture books • books from the united kingdom • 212
2
Quentin Blake Mr Magnolia Random House (Red Fox Imprint) • First published 1980 (Jonathan Cape imprint) ISBN 978 1 862 30807 7 Pbk Mister Magnolia is the archetypal English
There is no hesitation in Quentin Blake’s
eccentric dressed in a shabby frock coat,
penmanship and he uses broad sweeps of colour
enormous bow tie, clashing colours and only one
to create an immediacy and freshness on every
boot. This simple and charmingly dotty story, told
page… Quentin Blake is the master of simple line
in rhyme, reveals more about Mister Magnolia’s
and wash illustrations. This book is full of joy,
flamboyant lifestyle and follows him in his search
wild lines and vibrant colours leap from every
for that elusive second shoe. The liveliness of the
page, making the whole work fresh, unique
rhyme is enhanced by the energetic, exuberant
and memorable. It was awarded the CILIP Kate
and humorous illustrations. Mister Magnolia and
Greenaway Medal in 1980.
the cast of supporting characters are each drawn
Extract of a review from: ‘Image & Imagination 50
with confident economy, they are given their
Years of the Kate Greenaway Medal’ by Ian Dodds
own quirky personalities through well observed
and Sue Roe, CILIP Youth Libraries Group 2007 13 978
arm movements, a flick of hair, a wayward scarf
0946 512 52
or a wonky ear.
3
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Raymond Briggs The Snowman Puffin • First Published 1978 (Hamish Hamilton) • ISBN 978 0 141 34009 8 Pbk One winters’ night, a snowman comes to life
phenomenon, being published in 15 countries.
and a magical adventure begins for a small boy.
The film of the book has been shown on TV at
Narrated entirely through pictures, Briggs’s
Christmas for the past 25 years and the musical
dreamlike illustrations perfectly capture the
stage version is now into its tenth year. It is a
wonder and innocence of childhood and
book that spans the generations – adults enjoyed
the magic of a child’s imagination. Since its
it as children and are now sharing it with their
publication the book has become a world-wide
own children.
Rod Campbell Dear Zoo Macmillan, 1982 • ISBN 978 0330512787 Hbk A child writes to the zoo for a pet. The zoo sends
yet engaging text make this a perfect book to
a series of unsuitable pets which all have to be
read aloud and share with young children. The
sent back for different reasons, except for the
board book edition of Dear Zoo is available in dual
last one which is just perfect. First published in
language editions (published by Mantra Lingua),
1982 and now available in many different formats
in English with Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese,
including a delightful pop up version, this book has
Farsi, French, Gujarati, Hindi, Panjabi, Portuguese,
firmly established itself as a classic for the under
Russian, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Spanish,
5’s. Bright, colourful illustrations and a simple
Turkish, Urdu, or Vietnamese.
the world through picture books • books from the united kingdom • 213
5
Julia Donaldson • Axel Scheffler, ill. The Gruffalo Macmillan, first published 1999 • ISBN 978 0 333 710920 Hbk Written in rhyming couplets, this tells the story
2009. Available in multiple formats, it has also
of a mouse’s walk in the woods. He meets various
been produced as an animated film and a stage
animals who would like to eat him but he scares
production. A sequel ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ was
them off by telling them he is having tea with
published in 2004. The author Julia Donaldson
a monstrous creature called the Gruffalo – but
is the UK Children’s Laureate 2011-2013.
what happens when he meets the real Gruffalo!!
Translations include Dutch (De Gruffalo), Estonian
Aimed at children under seven, the richness of
(Grühvel), French (Gruffalo), German (Der Grüffelo),
the text and the exuberance of the illustrations
Hebrew (Trofoti), Irish, Italian (A spasso col mostro),
combine to create an award winning book.
Lithuanian (Grufas), Polish, Russian (Груффало),
It won the Nestle Smarties Gold Award in the
Slovene (Zverjasec), Spanish (El Grúfalo),
0-5 category in 1999, the Blue Peter Best Book
Scottish Gaelic, Swedish (Gruffalon), Turkish
to Read Aloud award., the 2000 Nottingham/
(Tostoraman), Welsh (Y Gryffalo) and Afrikaans
Experian Children’s Book Award and was voted
(Die Goorgomgaai).
Best Bedtime Story by BBC Radio 2 listeners in
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7
David McKee Elmer First published 1968 Dobson Books • 1989 Andersen Press • ISBN 978 1 84270 731 9 Pbk Elmer is the first in a series of books featuring
full of colourful cheeky humour combine to
a colourful patchwork elephant and his friends.
create a modern classic that has become a firm
In this story, Elmer thinks he looks odd, because
favourite with young children all over the world.
he is patchwork coloured when all the other
Elmer’s adventures are available in printed
elephants are grey, so he rolls in berries to turn
formats as well as on a variety of digital
himself grey. He soon realizes though that being
platforms and have been published in more than
different is a good thing and the elephants love
40 languages. They have also been made into
him because he is different. Text and illustrations
a TV series.
Michael Rosen • Helen Oxenbury We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Walker, first published 1989 • ISBN 978 0 7445 2323 2 Pbk A family sets out on a Bear Hunt and find
complemented by Oxenbury’s watercolour
themselves wading through grass, splashing
illlustrations. The story reads aloud beautifully
through a river, squelching through mud,
and children can join in with a range of sounds
stumbling through a forest and shivering through
and actions to extend the reading experience
a snowstorm, in search of a bear. The surprise
further. A classic book enjoyed by children
comes when they reach a cave and discover
and adults alike. Winner of the Smarties Book
that finding a bear wasn’t quite what they
Prize in 1989, Highly Commended for the CILIP
expected. The lyrical text by Rosen is perfectly
Kate Greenaway medal.
the world through picture books • books from the united kingdom • 214
8
Shirley Hughes Dogger Random House (Red Fox imprint) • First published 1977 (Bodley Head) • ISBN 978 1 862 30805 3 Pbk Dogger is a much loved toy dog owned by a
story of a lost and found toy. Although Hughes’
little boy called Dave. Although his brother and
illustrations beautifully capture a snapshot of
sister have lots of toys, Dave only wants Dogger.
1970’s life in an English community, they have
Disaster strikes when at bedtime Dogger can’t
a quality that makes the story timeless.
be found and appears to be lost, leaving Dave
The book won the CILIP Kate Greenaway medal
very sad indeed. Even a family trip to the school
in 1977 and in 2007 was voted the ‘Greenaway
summer fair can’t cheer him up, until the mystery
of Greenaways’ – the favourite Kate Greenaway
is solved and his big sister Bella rescues Dogger
medal of all time, during the 50th anniversary year
and returns him to Dave. Many families can relate
of the medal.
to this wonderfully heartwarming and familiar
9
Jill Murphy Peace at Last Macmillan, first published 1980 • ISBN 978 0 230 53241 0 Hbk It’s bedtime and Mr & Mrs Bear and Baby Bear
to wake everyone up. Jill Murphy’s delightful
go to bed. Mrs Bear’s snoring keeps Mr Bear
illustrations wittily capture a night time routine
awake and makes him try to find somewhere
and Mr Bears’ frustration at being unable to fall
else to sleep. He tries baby bear’s room, the living
asleep. Children delight in the repetition within
room, the kitchen, the garden and the car but all
the text and the opportunity to join in with the
of them have a variety of noises that keep him
night time noises. Highly commended for the
awake. Exhausted he returns to bed but just as
CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal.
he is falling asleep the morning alarm clock rings
10
Martin Waddell Patrick Benson, ill. Owl Babies Walker Books, first published 1992 • ISBN 978 0 7445 3167 1 Pbk Sarah, Percy and Bill wake up in their tree nest to
a different context. It helps children who may be
find their owl mother gone. “I want my mummy”
experiencing the anxiety of first time separation
cries Bill, and Sarah and Percy do their best
from their parents due to starting nursery
to comfort him and each other while waiting
or school. It acknowledges the baby owls’ fears
for their mother’s return.
but at the same time offers reassurance and
An excellent story that demonstrates how
a happy ending with the return of their mum.
a book can be used to give children a way
The illustrations empathetically work with the
of understanding situations that might
text and further enhance the story making
be happening to them by putting them into
this a classic book to be read and re-read.
the world through picture books • books from the united kingdom • 215
Books from the
Barbara Genco – [email protected] Linda Pavonetti – [email protected]
USA
The United States members of IFLA and IBBY, represented by Barbara Genco (IFLA and YALSA, Young Adult Library Services Association) and Linda M. Pavonetti (ALSC, Association for Library Service to Children, and IBBY), created a survey for ALSC and USBBY members. The goal of our survey parallels that which members from other nations have been researching: What books do librarians believe are essential as read aloud offerings? We posted a series of questions on Survey Monkey and administered by ALSC. All members of the ALSC list serve were invited to participate. Additionally, other list serves devoted to literature for children were also provided access as were members of USBBY. Altogether, there were 171 participants. Only those books submitted through the on-line survey were counted. There were 779 individual books named, including books that were cited multiple times. Of those books, 296 titles had an unique vote and 483 were multiple-vote titles. There were comments—both informative and insightful—about most of the choices.
1
Maurice Sendak Where the Wild Things Are Harper & Row, 1963 • ISBN 978-0060254920 hardcover • ISBN 978-0064431781 paperback Nearing 50 years in print, Where the Wild Things
home with his supper waiting. This book has
Are remains one of the most enduring of
been honored with some of the most significant
American picture books. It is an irresistible and
awards in children’s publishing, including the
simple story: after he is sent to bed without
1964 Caldecott Medal. Author-illustrator Sendak
supper for behaving like a wild thing, Max dreams
received the Hans Christian Andersen and the
of a voyage to the island where the wild things
Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award.
are. By journey’s end, he finds himself safe at
2
Eric Carle The Very Hungry Caterpillar Philomel/Penguin, 1969 • ISBN 9780399208539 hardcover (and many other editions and formats) The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the progress
has become a favorite worldwide. Carle is the
of a hungry little caterpillar as he eats his way
recipient of countless honors including the 2003
through a varied and large quantity of food until,
American Library Association Laura Ingalls Wilder
full at last, he forms a cocoon around himself
Award for his entire body of work. He founded
and goes to sleep. Die-cut pages illustrate what
the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
the caterpillar ate on successive days. This book
http://www.carlemuseum.org
has been translated into over 50 languages and
the world through picture books • books from the usa • 216
3
Mo Willems Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! Hyperion Books for Children, 2003 • ISBN 078681988X 9780786819881 Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is an ingeniously
matched to the spare yet marvelously expressive
simple story that instantly connects with the
line drawings and understated earth-toned,
pre-schooler’s world view. A wily pigeon that
palette. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! was a
longs to drive a bus sees a chance to make its
2004 Caldecott Honor Winner and an adaptation
dream come true when the bus driver takes a
won the 2010 US Carnegie Medal for Excellence
short break. Funny and exciting by turns, the
in Children’s Video.
often hilarious child-centric text is perfectly
4
Bill Martin Jr. • Eric Carle, ill. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See? Henry Holt, 1967 • ISBN 978-0805092448 hardcover (numerous other editions/formats in multiple languages)
5
6
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do you See? has been
simple and insightful into the world of young
a touchstone read-aloud for pre-school since
children. Early childhood educator Martin’s
its publication. Children see a variety of animals,
repetitive, clearly patterned, and predictive
each a different—and sometimes whimsical—
question-and-answer text encourages children
color and finally, a teacher looking back at them.
to participate by reading along. Carle’s vivid
The ground-breaking approach of Martin and
tissue paper collages are fully integrated with the
Carle, two picture book masters, is deceptively
text. This book never fails to engage.
Jules Feiffer Bark, George HarperCollins, 1999 • ISBN 978-0062051851 George’s mother is exasperated when he refuses
Feiffer’s pen and ink line drawings on pastel paper
to bark like a good little dog. George quacks. He
reinforce and expand the humorous text. Pulitzer
oinks. He moos! Finally, Mama escorts George to a
Prize-winning cartoonist Feiffer provides one final
resourceful vet who reaches deep down inside the
surprise as George and his proud mother greet
errant pup, and much to everyone’s surprise, pulls
everyone on the street. Preschoolers (and even
out a cat! Then a duck, a pig, and finally a cow.
adults) are absolutely delighted!
Erza Jack Keats The Snowy Day Viking/Penguin, 1962 Now 50 years in print, The Snowy Day chronicles
multi-racial characters into the previously all-
Peter’s adventures as he explores his urban
white world of American picture books. Keats is
neighborhood. Peter gambols through his
acclaimed for his bold and brilliant mixed media
mysterious yet familiar snow-covered landscape
(watercolor, gouache, collage) art as well as his
experimenting with his footprints, knocking snow
impassioned humanism. The Snowy Day, winner of
from a tree, and creating snow angels. Seemingly
the 1963 Caldecott Medal, thrills readers as much
without effort, Ezra Jack Keats integrated
today as it did when it was first published.
the world through picture books • books from the usa • 217
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8
9
10
Margaret Wise Brown • Clement Hurd, ill. Goodnight Moon Harper & Row, 1947 • ISBN 9780060775858 (and many other formats and editions) Goodnight Moon is a deceptively simple story
deliciously full of details that complement—
that endures as a bedtime favorite. Before going
and extend–the text so masterfully. Although
to sleep, a little rabbit says goodnight to each
the book was initially rejected by the library
object in his “great green room”: goodnight stars,
world (The New York Public Library declined
goodnight air, goodnight noises everywhere, and,
to purchase it until 1973), Goodnight Moon has
of course, goodnight moon. The stylized paintings
become one of the best-selling American picture
by Clement Hurd are wonderfully childlike and
books of all time.
Ed Emberley Go Away, Big Green Monster! Little Brown, 1992 Confronting night time fears is part of
bluish-greenish nose” to “scraggy purple hair.”
childhood as Caldecott-winning artist Emberley
Authoritatively, the child proclaims, “YOU DON’T
demonstrates in Go Away, Big Green Monster!
SCARE ME! SO GO AWAY… “ Each subsequent
Readers construct—then deconstruct—the
page subtracts one of the not-so-scary features
monster starting with page one where die-
until the final, entirely black page. Emberley
cut yellow eyes on glossy black heavy-duty
places control in the hands of the child-
pages dominate. Each page turn introduces
listener who states, “and DON’T COME BACK!
additional ‘monstrous’ attributes from a “long
Until I say so.”
Wanda Gág Millions of Cats G. P. Putnam & Sons, 1928 • ISBN 978-0399233159 (and many other formats and editions) Hand-lettered text and strong, curvilinear
an undernourished kitten that grows beautiful,
drawings combine to tell the story of a lonely
nurtured by their love—a satisfying conclusion
couple, searching for a cat. On a far away
to this immensely pleasing, folk-tale inflected,
hillside, the husband discovers “...hundreds of
story. The repetitive, rhythmic phrasing entices
cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and
children to join in the telling. Millions of Cats,
trillions of cats...” After a catastrophic catfight,
a 1929 Newbery Honor book, is considered to
the very old man and his wife are left with only
be one of the first modern picture books.
Esphyr Slobodkina Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business Harper& Row, 1940 • ISBN 978-0201091472 (and many other formats and editions) A peddler who balances his unusual wares on top
all the monkeys throw down their caps as well.
of his head—bunches of gray, brown, blue, and
Slobodkina, a fine artist and graphic designer,
red caps—must outsmart a band of mischievous
created this sure-fire read-aloud from an old folk
monkeys that steal his caps as he naps under
tale and imbued the illustrations with sly humor.
a tree. Exasperated when he can’t retrieve the
It has been an American picture book favorite
caps, the peddler throws his own cap down.
for over 60 years.
In a clever take on “monkey see, monkey do”…
the world through picture books • books from the usa • 218
A programme of Section Libraries for Children and Young Adults, IFLA – International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions – in collaboration with IFLA Section Literacy and Reading and IBBY – International Board on Books for Young People.
ISSN 0168-1931