World Kid Lit Month 2024: Traditions

From celebrations to traditions - over this month I've travelled the globe, and subjects - and I hope you enjoyed the journey with me. 

The big bath house by Kyo Maclear & Gracey Zhang. 

A celebration of traditions and growing up. And of bodies of all shapes and sizes. 

Come together: things every Aussie kid should know about the First Peoples by Isaiah Firebrace & Jaelyn Biumaiwai. 

In this essential book, Isaiah, a Yorta Yorta and Gunditjmara man, establishes a foundation of First Nations knowledge with 20 key topics. Alongside bright and contemporary illustrations by Mununjali and Fijian artist Jaelyn Biumaiwai, Isaiah connects us to each topic through his own personal story and culture, from the importance of Elders to the Dreaming. From Koori Curriculum. 

This is a taonga (treasure). It is worth trying to find, to get some insights into one of the oldest continuous culture on our planet. 

Coming home to country by Bronwyn Bancroft. 

The colours, smells, and sounds of the author's Country are vividly brought to life. Australia is home to many a Country.

Country is the connection Australian First Nations have to a place. To the lands, seas, and waterways. To their family and community. 

The ocean calls by Tina Cho & Jess X. Snow. 

The pull of traditions, and aspirations. But, seriously, wouldn't you want to grow up and be a haenyeo - a free diving mermaid? 

How my Koro became a star by Brianne Te Paa & Story Hemi Moorhouse. 

The author, Brianne Te Paa, is a local for me. Literally works a ten minute walk away. We've done story readings at the same events - at a venue equidistant. 

Even without that geographical connection, this book would pull on my heart, and I would find a home for it in my house, and my life. 

World Kid Lit Month: Social Issues

There are so many topics I could have covered, but I thought this selection represented some of my recent reading, and showed a range of topics. 

A cat called Waverley by Debi Gliori. 

A story of homeless and love. And, saddest of all, it is inspired by the story of Darren Greenfield, a homeless war veteran, who lived in Edinburgh. 

A child like you by Na'ima B. Robert & Nadine Kaadan. 

Inspired by real life, young activists, this book shows how children can still make a difference. 

It's a no-money day by Kate Milner. 

Told from the point of view of the child, you can see that the mother is doing a really good job of protecting her child from the harshness of their situation. But, it also doesn't show that it's all sunshine and rainbows. 

The old man by Sarah V, Claude Dubois, & Daniel Hahn. 

A tale of connection and homelessness - and of actually seeing someone so many people ignore. 

I am a little voice by Linda Tuhiwai Smith & Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. 

Part of a series of realistic, somber, but - ultimately hopeful - books by Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith. This title looks at family violence, and being unable to express your feelings - looking yourself away, within your being.

World Kid Lit Month 2024: Self Esteem

We all need to believe in ourselves, and this books express this perfectly. 

The boy who tried to shrink his name by Sandhya Parappukkaran & Michelle Pereira. 

With the help of a new friend Zim - Zimdalamashkermishkada - learns to celebrate his name - and himself. 

Fauja Singh keeps going by Simrat Jeet Singh & Baljinder Kaur. 

Age does not limit your drive or ambition. And this picture book biography shows that, in spades. 

I love me by Sally Morgan & Ambelin Kwaymullina. 

I Love This Book. It is simple and expressive and so joyous. This mother-daughter pair of creators works perfectly. Sally's mother was from the Bailgu  people of Western Australia, and was part of the Stolen Generations. 

Koko and the coconut by Turia Pitt, Célestine Hitiura Vaite, & Emilie Tavaearii. 

The authors' Tahitian heritage - and personal stories - help to add nuance and depth to a story of determination. 

Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai by Michaela Keeble & Tokerau Brown. 

The power of standing strong in your identity, and being who you are, is so powerful. And is beautifully expressed in this book. The main character's identity is front-and-centre, with the Māori tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) flag around his arms. 

World Kid Lit Month 2024: Nature

Up in a tree a bird sings so sweetly

Nature's own voice, I hear

Rustling whistling trees turning breeze to speech

Talk to me now, ease my mind 

~ Nature, by The Fourmyula. 

The Observologist by Giselle Clarkson. 

If you are planning a trip into nature, wherever it may be in the world, you need this book! No, seriously. 

Our Dreaming by Kirli Saunders & Dub Leffler. 

Dreaming has a specific meaning for Australian First Nations. It can mean asleep-visions, but also something so much more. You could read it as a straight story, like so many lullaby-style stories of animals going to bed. But, if you know a little teeny bit, about the depth of what Dreaming and Country means - then this book means so much more. 

Seree's story = Te kōrero mō Seree by Irma Gold, Kanapu Rangitauira, & Wayne Harris. 

Another addition to the collection of bilingual te reo Māori and English Vox talking books. 

The story of Rosy Dock by Jeannie Baker. 

Australian icon Jeannie Baker does it again, with her 3D assemblages, and commentary on nature and 'process'. In this case, it is the story of an invasive species to Australia. 

Tuatara, a living treasure by Katie Furze & Ned Barraud. 

Aotearoa has some amazing fauna and flora - and the tuatara is right up there. 

Where are you, Puffling? By Erika McGann & Gerry Daly. 

Baby puffins are called pufflings - and I think that is one of the cutest names around! How could you resist this Irish tale, with some of the cutest birds you could find. 

World Kid Lit Month 2024: LGBTQIA+

For some people, these books push the boundaries and need banning. 

I think they need highlighting and celebrating.

And, this is only a tiny selection of the books I *could* have recommended. 

Rere atu taku poi! Let my poi fly! By Tangaroa Paul & Rebecca Gibbs. 

Another moment for me to share my pride in my work organisation. 

For those who don't know, poi are a female accessory. But, if you are a boy - or AMAB (assigned male at birth) - who loves the poi, what do you do? 

Based on the author's own experiences. You can see Tangaroa in action, in this video - filmed in one of the local libraries. 

The frog's kiss by James Mayhew & Toto. 

A queer retelling of the Frog Prince fairy tale. 

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A post shared by James Mayhew, illustrator (@mrjamesmayhew)

Grandad's Pride by Harry Woodgate. 

This book has faced negative review bombing online. It is a sequel to Grandad's Caravan, and both are beautiful, and deserve support. 

Jenny lives with Eric and Martin by Susanne Bösche, Andreas Hansen, & L. Mackay. 

Old school review! How many people have ever heard of this one? It is from 1981, and has faced controversy since its first publication. 

You need to chill by Juno Dawson & Laura Hughes. 

I want the confidence of this main character, if I ever need to defend my relatives - politely. 

Kapaemahu by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, & Daniel Sousa. 

A retelling of a traditional Hawai'ian moolelo (a story which bridges legend and history) about a group of mahu (beings who carry both male and female mind, spirit, and heart). 

World Kid Lit 2024: Languages

Language can divide.
Language can unite.
Language can be a barrier.
Language can be a door. 

Dancing hands by Joanna Que & Charina Marquez. 

Filipino sign language underscores this tale of new friendships, and new languages. 

Hello world by Jonathan Litton & Atelier Cartographik. 

I'm never not going to recommend this lift-the-flap non-fiction book about languages. I love languages (I can't speak any, other than English), and words. 

Luli and the language of tea by Andrea Wang & Hyewon Yum. 

Tea is universal, as Luli and her classmates find, in this story of finding common ground (or leaves). 

World languages for kids by Sachiko Otohata. 

A quirky collection of words / phrases and languages. 
Languages Included in the Book
English, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Persian, Arabic, Hindu, Tagalog, Swahili, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean. 

Words and Phrases in the Book
Hello, Goodbye, Thank You, Sorry, Please, Excuse Me, Yes/No, One/Two/Three, Belly Button, I Love You. 

World Kid Lit Month 2024: Grandparents

I had a wonderful relationship with (most of) my grandparents. And, the relationship between child and grandparent can be a very special one indeed, with support going both ways. 

The encyclopedia of Grannies by Éric Veillé & Daniel Hahn. 

Quirky illustration and text makes this a riotous read. 

Koro / Pops by Gavin Bishop. 

A deceptively simple board book, which is available in both English and te reo Māori. 

Maia and what matters to Tine Mortier, Kaatje Vermeire, & David Colmer. 

The relationship between a grandchild and their grandmother, especially after the grandmother has a stroke, and their grandfather dies. 

Tibble and Grandpa by Wendy Meddour & Daniel Egneus. 

Tibble and Grandpa has a similar story to the above: a grieving grandparent, recovering from a stroke. 

World Kid Lit Month 2024: Food

Food, glorious food! 

There are many books out there, which use food as a vehicle to foster cross-cultural understanding. 

I get that. I believe they're coming from a good place.

But, do we have to 'shame' children for their food, in order to get a message through? 

These books don't do that. They just celebrate food, especially that with cultural meaning and history. 

Awâsis & the world famous bannock by Dallas Hunt & Amanda Strong. 

I'm recommending this book on a friend's love of it. The use of Cree names, rather than English, helps this book stand out. And, there's use of gender-neutral pronouns, too. Not to mention glorious illustrations, and all-around goodness. 

Bang Bang Noodles by Nessie Sharpe. 

Nessie is a New Zealand-based Chinese-Kiwi (her words) who celebrates her heritage in a couple of cute board books. Each are English-Cantonese dual language, with English to the forefront. 

Chaiwala! By Priti Birla Maheshwari & Ashley Barron. 

A celebration of an Indian tradition. The book is warm and cosy, like a welcoming cup of chai. 

Cora cooks pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmore & Kristi Valiant. 

I've shared this book for previous World Kid Lit Month years, and I'm recommending it again. Because it is beautiful. There's even a recipe. Which I've used. 

Lunch at 10 Pomegranate Street by Felicita Sala. 

Food brings people and community together, especially when the smells spread throughout an apartment building. Recipes are included, so you can recreate the experience. 

Olive harvest in Palestine by Wafa Shami & Shaima Farouki. 

The heart-break. A world that will never be, again. 

People who no longer with us. 

Taken and destroyed. 

World Kid Lit Month 2024: Feelings

Some of these titles have a looser connection to feelings than others. But, I wanted to showcase them all. 

Choices by Roozeboos. 

Not an obvious choice for feelings, but trepidation, and uncertainty are also feelings. I love the diversity of the people around the main character. There are many expressions of queer identity quietly shown - just people going about their lives, as it should be. 

The Grand Hotel of Feelings by Lidia Branković. 

I don't know how many languages this has been translated into, but it's still not enough. All of them. Every single one. Note that the last page, depicting other hotels, falls into cultural stereotype territory. 

My heart by Corinna Luyken. 

My heart aches reading this one. It is a beautiful story about protecting your heart, but also letting it experience things. 

What do you do with a problem? = Ka pāngia ana ki te raru, me aha? By Kobi Yamada, Kanapu Rangitauira, & Mae Besom. 

To say I'm proud of the organisation I work for / with is an understatement, when it comes to these books. These are te reo Māori translations, produced as a Vox book product. Vox books have readers attached. 

World-first - and world-class - material, here. 

World Kid Lit Month 2024: Family, Friends, and Community

This is a bit (a lot!) of an amalgamation of things, someone of a 'I want to include this, but where does it fit?' method of categorisation. 

Crow Baby by Helen Milroy. 

Crow Baby was born with two spirits: crow and human. This timeless tale, set in a timeless time - no-time and yet all-time - is deeply rooted in Australian First Nations stories and histories. 

Helen Milroy AM is a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. 

Halu Bongo! Be quiet Bongo! By Lani Young, Sisilia Eteuati & Nikki Mariner. 

A story of a beloved - yet barking - dog and how he annoys everyone. Until he saves the day. The lushness and busy-ness of a Samoan village is to the fore. I love how you can see the brushstrokes in the bright art. 

The Hug by Eoin McLaughlin & Polly Dunbar. 

This treasure is the first in a series of picture books featuring friends Hedgehog and Tortoise. The story reads from front-to-back, and from back-to-front, in parallel texts. 

L is for Love by Atinuke & Angela Brooksbank. 

I L is for LOVE this book - and the previous stories about this mischievous baby and their family in and around Lagos. 

'Ohana means family by Ilima Loomis & Kenard Park. 

A cumulative tale that celebrates Native Hawai'ian culture.