Here are some delightful stories, all brand new:
The Birthday Tree by Paul FleischmanA sailor and his wife flee to a green valley, far away from the sea that took the lives of their three boys. A boy is born, they name him Jack and plant an apple tree in his honor. Over the years, a bond seems to develop between Jack and his tree. When Jack leaves for the sea, a gull perches on the tree. In the fall, the tree is full of apples, and the sailor and his wife take this as a sign that Jack is happy. Jack does make it home again, though parents are concerned at times.
This book reads as if it was the retelling of a long established tale, and despite the moments of danger, there is a sense of comfort and peace when the story is completed. The illustrations are perfect, with many sketches of the tree.
The Apple-pip Princess by Jane Ray
This original fairy tale feels like you almost know the story. Two selfish sisters and one simple, younger sister are given a task by their father, the king. The younger daughter is the one who brings beauty back to the land, and the older sisters join her. Everyone is together at the end of the story. The author's illustrations add a far-away sense to the book that feels just right. I can imagine reading this over and over again at bedtime to a little nature girl.
And now a few books from other lands ...
The Butter Man by Elizabeth Alalou and Ali Alalou
Come to Morocco and hear a story of a time of hunger, when there was not enough couscous or bread, and no butter at all. Ali went out to wait every day, with a tiny piece of bread, for the butter man. Eventually his father returns, with plenty of food.
This is based on a family story and the author's add more information about the region in the back of the book. A small glossary gives meanings and pronounciations of words.
The illustrator, Julie Klear Essakalli, lives in Morocco and brings us all the details that one would see everyday if we would spend some time in Morocco.
Running Shoes by Frederick Lipp
Travel now, to Cambodia, where Sophy secretly wishes for a pair of running shoes. The census man sends her a pair of shoes when he understands her awe over his own shoes. Now her feet will be protected and she can run to school, eight kilometers away. She is the only girl in school, and wants to become a teacher, someday, for her own village.
The author's book, The Caged Birds of Phnom Penh, is another great book to read and peek into another country's culture.
How Mama Brought the Spring by Fran ManushkinThis story within a story is set in Minsk, Belarus, and is a family story of a terribly long and cold winter. Rosy had enough of winter. Mama began singing so that even Rosy, all wrapped up in her blanket, had to get up to see what was going on. Mama was making something special to eat. Mama, Papa and Rosy sat down to eat the warm, delicious blintzes. As they ate, they grew warmer. Sweaters came off, the ice on the stream melted, the snow melted and spring came to Minsk.
The family recipe for blintzes is included in the back of the book!
Enjoy these tasty stories!
Melody
Speaking of prairie dogs, Danny Diamondback by Barry Jackson is an unlikely story about a rattlesnake who ends up protecting, not eating, the little rodents. And that rattle? Why it helped him land a gig with a band.
How I Learned Geography by Uri Shulevitz
