Brainstorm 291: Stories from Every Continent

Today is International Day at our school, so I thought I would bring you a book set in each continent today. Click on the titles to see my full reviews of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings. Enjoy your world tour!

Africa

The Elephants Come Home: a True Story of Seven Elephants, Two People, and One Extraordinary Friendship by Kim Tomsic, ill. by Hadley Hooper

A picture book history of Lawrence Anthony, Françoise Malby-Anthony, their nature reserve called Thula Thula in Zululand, South Africa, and how a group of troubled elephants came to live there and the relationship they have with Lawrence and Françoise.

Adults can check out a longer version of this story in Lawrence Anthony’s The Elephant Whisperer of which there is also an adaptation for younger readers.

Target Readers:

Picture Book Biography Fans, Elephant Lovers, African Setting Fans, Animal Rescue & Conservation Story Fans, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers

Antarctica

Ember and the Ice Dragons by Heather Fawcett

Ember is the last of the fire dragons. Or so she thinks. Her adopted Stormancer father found her as a baby and though fire dragons have a fierce personality, he couldn't bear to kill her. Instead he put a spell on her so she appears as a normal human child (with invisible wings that didn't fully cooperate with the spell). Though she can easily fool most people that she's a normal human, she doesn't like to get too close just in case. Also, she has a tendency to burst into flame, especially during the summer. And this summer, she is having a horrible time controlling her flames. Worried that she's going to burn her father to a crisp by accident, Ember gets her scientist Aunt Myra in Antarctica to invite her to stay for the summer. Ember arrives in Antarctica along with a whole crowd of dragon hunters eager to join Prince Gideon's hunt for ice dragons. Ember can't stand the idea of dragons being killed, so she and two other kids from the research station come up with a plan to join the hunt and sabotage it in as many little ways they can think of that won't get them caught. But can three kids really stop greedy adults from their prey and save the dragons?

This is one of the few fictional books I’ve ever read set in Antarctica. It’s a lot of fun thanks to Ember and friends, the penguins who get ahold of a magical artifact and can shoot lightning, and Ember’s grumpy cat who sneaks along on the adventure.

Target Readers:

Fantasy Fans, Adventure Fans, Humor Fans, Antarctica Setting Fans, Dragon Lovers, Penguin Lovers, Cat Lovers, Middle Grade Readers

 

Asia

Tamamo the Fox Maiden and Other Asian Stories: a Cautionary Fables & Fairytales Book edited by C. Spike Trotman, Kate Ashwin, Kel McDonald

A collection of adapted folktales and fairytales from all over Asia. The stories range from humorous to light horror, and fantastical to realistic. All are just a few pages long and illustrated in black and white. 

Target Readers:

Folktale & Fairytale Fans, Asian Setting Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Short Story Collection Fans, Young Adult & Adult Readers

Australia

Wombat by Christopher Cheng, ill. by Liz Duthie

Take a walk with a wombat and learn what daily life is like for these Australian marsupials.

Stunning illustrations! There are extra text boxes for the readers who can’t get enough wombat facts, so this can be read quickly or you can take a little longer and read all the information.

Target Readers:

Animal Lovers, Australian Setting Fans, Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Picture Book Readers

Europe

The Paris Betrayal by James R. Hannibal

Ben Calix is sure he did nothing wrong in his latest assignments, even if the mission did go south, he was possibly exposed to the plague, and his contact turned out to know his real name... But it wasn't anything bad enough for the Company to sever ties with him. Right? But that is clearly what is going on as Ben goes from one contact to the next and finds out there's a price on his head. People he considered to be on his side are now trying to kill him, he's been framed for murder, and he is on the run trying to get answers with a neighbor who is too friendly for her own good and got caught up in his mess. Can Ben prove to the Company that he is still on the good guys' side and clear his name by figuring out what the Leviathan corporation has planned?

This read like a Bourne movie minus any swearing. It was only after reading the author’s note that I realized the parallels to the biblical story of Job. The parallels are so artfully done they don’t jump out unless you know to look for them. The action takes Ben all over Europe, so that’s why I picked this one for this continent.

Target Readers:

Spy Story Fans, Action & Thriller Fans, Europe Setting Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA) 

North America

The American Bison: the Buffalo’s Survival Tale (History Comics) by Andy Hirsch

A graphic novel history of the American bison in North America, the golden centuries when the Native Americans and bison lived in a well-balanced ecosystem, and how and why the population became threatened to the point of near extinction 100 years ago, and efforts to help bring the wild population in North America back up since then.

A very readable history of not only an animal but also the people and land around it. Hirsch writes and illustrates his graphic novels in such a way that you forget you’re learning things.

Target Readers:

Animal Lovers, Animal Conservation Story Fans, History Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Reluctant Nonfiction Readers, Nonfiction Fans, North American History Studiers, Middle Grade & Young Adult Readers

South America

New Shoes by Sara Varon

Francis the shoemaker is known for the best shoes. He takes great pride in the high quality and fair trade materials he uses. When he gets an order from a famous singer, Francis is eager to get to work but his friend Nigel is late with his delivery of tiger grass. With his friend Rhoda’s help, Francis sets out into the South American jungle to find tiger grass himself and hopefully Nigel too.

The plot allows readers to meet many different South American animals and plants, and it also brings up fair trade in a way that kids will easily grasp.

Target Readers:

Graphic Novel Fans, Animal Lovers, South American Setting Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Smart Consumers, Sara Varon Fans, Lower Middle Grade Readers

Brainstorm 290: Inspirational Kindness Stories Part 2

With Valentine’s Day next week, I thought it would be a good time to share some more inspirational kindness stories (the first one was Brainstorm 195). Not all love has to be mushy. There’s good ol’ neighborly and brotherly love to be shared and celebrated too, and that’s what these books are all about. Those little thank yous, those unexpected acts of kindness and compassion from the person who is supposed to be an “enemy,” sharing with someone in a time of need, and those simple smiles that brighten someone’s day. So here’s some stories about acts of kindness that make a difference, touching both the recipient and the giver. Click on the title to see my full review including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Across a Star-Swept Sea (For Darkness Shows the Stars, #2) by Diana Peterfreund

After Earth was all but destroyed in a war, the survivors built the islands of New Pacifica, Albion and Galatea. In Galatea two generations ago, Persistence Helo developed a cure for the Reduced, so that now no one on the islands suffers from the debilitating brain disorder. Well, at least until the Revolution. On Galatea, the regs are tired of the overlording aristos and royalty, so under the leadership of Citizen Aldred they are fighting back and waging a bio-weapons war by giving captured aristos a drug that renders them Reduced. Albion so far has not joined in on the social strife. But not everyone on Albion is comfortable sitting back and watching while their island neighbors suffer. One Albian in particular has become a legendary hope for the Galateans under threat of the new reduction, the Wild Poppy, an Albian man with cunning and amazing skills for rescuing aristos right out from under the noses of the Galatean revolutionary leaders. No one knows who the Wild Poppy is, and Lady Persis Blake is doing everything she can to make sure that remains true. Who would guess that the cunning spy masquerades by day as the flippant and fluffy headed friend of the Albion Princess Regent Isla? But will her secret stay secret, and can she keep up the Wild Poppy’s rescues when the stakes go up?

If you didn’t figure it out already, this is a futuristic scifi reimagining of Baroness Orczy’s The Scarlet Pimpernel. I’m including it here because Lady Persis didn’t have to rescue anyone, but she risks her life repeatedly to save people whose lives are on the line. It's pretty radical kindness. This is technically book 2 in a series (the first book is a reimagining of Jane Austen’s Persuasion), and the ending has more depth if you’ve read the first book but it isn’t strictly necessary to read both.

Target Readers:

Sacrificial Rescue Operation Story Fans, Reimagined Classics Fans, Scarlet Pimpernel Fans, Spy Story Fans, Scifi Fans, Thriller Fans, Young Adult & Adult Readers

 

The Big Storm (Beak & Ally, #3) by Norm Feuti

Ally is enjoying a quiet swim in the rain when Beak informs her it's going to get much worse. Ally isn't too concerned, but she does help Beak with her nest fortifications. When the storm hits and Ally notices others in trouble, she's quick to help out. But when the storm clears it appears these others have no words of thanks for her. Why are they ignoring her?

This is a sweet story of neighbors showing kindness and helping each other out in a time of crisis.

Target Readers:

Community Kindness Story Fans, Storm Recovery Story Fans, Animal Lovers, Graphic Novel Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Lower Grade Readers

 

Give It! (A Moneybunny Book) by Cinders McLeod

Chummy was given 10 carrots by his Gran. Chummy knows just what he's going to spend it on. A superhero outfit so he can save the world from dragons! But then Gran challenges Chummy to maybe give some of it away, and tells him how the bees in their area are hungry. What will Chummy decide to do?

This is part of a whole series about money handling tips for kids done in very cute and engaging ways. This book in the series beautifully inspires kindness and generosity.

Target Readers:

Little Money Handlers, Rabbit Lovers, Generosity Learners, Picture Book Readers

 

Lines of Courage by Jennifer A. Nielsen

As WWI crashes across the lands of Europe, 5 kids who grow into teens over the years of the war find their lives crossing. There's Felix from Austria-Hungary who witnessed the event that started the war and whose Jewish family is in increasing danger as the war grows. There's Elsa, the daughter of a German military leader and a friend of Felix's family who raises homing pigeons. There's Kara, a British girl whose father died early in the war and who has joined her mother on a Red Cross train in France working to help the wounded. There's Juliette, who has been searching for her family since they became separated during the evacuation of Verdun. And there's Dimitri, who was dragged from his family farm in Russia to fight for the Czar even though he's still only 14. Each one must discover what courage really means, and fight to remain kind and loving in a war that leaves so many bitter and angry at the world.

Nielsen has expertly woven a tale that reminds readers that war is messy and awful, and that kindness and the courage to do what is right breaks barriers of language and labels of "enemy" to restore humanity and hope. This is one of my favorite reads of the year so far!

Target Readers:

WWI Story Fans, Line-Crossing Kindness Story Fans, Survival Story Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Feel Good Story Fans, Historical Fiction Fans, Middle Grade Readers on up

 

A New Day by Brad Meltzer, ill. by Dan Santat

Sunday was tired. So Sunday quits. This puts the other days of the week in a bit of a bind. They need something to fill that gap every week, so they put up notices and start applications for a new day of the week. It starts off ok, but the tryouts get wilder and wilder as they go on. Until a little girl has a new idea.

This is a story about how we can so easily take others for granted, and the power a simple word of kindness, like a sincere thank you, can have. It’s also wildly entertaining and full of all sorts of interesting single day celebrations.

Target Readers:

Humor Fans, Fantasy Fans, Obscure Holiday/Celebration Fans, Picture Book Readers

 

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill

Once upon a time Stone-in-the-Glen was a wonderful place to live. But then the dragon came and the library burned down, and then the school, and then a sink hole claimed the park, and with each loss the town grew a bit more sullen and sad, and the people became more selfish and less trusting. The orphanage didn't use to have to worry about their next meal, but now Matron and Myron are barely able to provide for the 15 growing children from teen Anthea to baby Orpheus. There's an Ogress who lives on the outskirts of town, and given that she's mostly active at night, nobody thinks of her much. That is until she becomes a handy misdirection for the evil festering in the middle of Stone-in-the-Glen. Only the Ogress, some animals, and the 15 orphans know the true danger residing in Stone-in-the-Glen. But can they expose and drive out the evil before the town of Stone-in-the-Glen tears itself apart with hate?

This is an artfully written story about the power of kindness and what it means to be a neighbor in the midst of a bleak and selfish landscape.

Target Readers:

Fantasy Fans, Orphan Story Fans, Mythical Creature Fans, Inspirational Kindness Story Fans, Good Triumphing Over Evil Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers on up

 

The Pirates Next Door (The Jolley-Rogers) by Jonny Duddle

When pirates move into Dull-on-Sea all the residents are concerned except Matilda who is thrilled. Matilda has waited for years for a friend to move next door, and she thinks the boy in the family is fun to be with. And as more and more neighbors complain, the Jolley-Rogers prepare to leave. But are these pirates really as bad as everyone says?

The ending to this is fabulous. I love how the Jolley-Rogers turn the other cheek and repay the unkindness of the town with extraordinary kindness.

Target Readers:

Pirate Character Fans, Humor Fans, Community Story Fans, Picture Book Readers

 

A Quilt for Christmas by Melody Carlson

Widower Vera Swanson just moved to Eastern Oregon, and her kids can't come for Christmas, so Vera finds herself alone for the holidays for the first time. But a neighbor's emergency appendicitis while her husband is out of town means Vera finds herself caring for 2 elementary age children in addition to 4 year old little Fiona. While spending time with Vera, Fiona sees the beautiful quilts Vera has made and commandeers Vera’s help to make a patchwork quilt for her mama for Christmas. There are only a few weeks until Christmas and Vera doesn’t know anyone in town who could help her quilt. Vera isn’t hopeful, but she also can see Fiona’s family is having a hard time. Pushed by a determined 4 year old, and with some obvious divine providence, Vera manages to find 3 other women in the area interested in learning how to quilt and helping make Fiona’s wish for her mama come true. There’s Tasha, an artsy young woman who helps her aunt out at the florist shop in town and is interested in quilting as an artform, there’s Beverly a bubbly middle age woman whose grandmother was a quilter but passed on before she could teach her, and there’s Eleanor a prickly, retired therapist who needs something quiet to help fill her days since retirement. The group is off to a rough start thanks to Eleanor’s icy personality and the fact that they agreed to meet at her house before they realized what an ordeal that would be. Vera isn’t sure they will meet the Christmas deadline, or if this quilting project will be a blessing or disaster for those involved.

I know we’ve just passed the Christmas season, but this is such a great story about how acts of kindness help not only the helped but the helpers that I couldn’t help but include it. It’s also got nods to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol if you look for them.

Target Readers:

Feel Good Christmas Story Fans, Kindness Story Fans, Christmas Carol Rewrite Fans, Contemporary Fiction Fans, Quick Read Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA and Middle Grade readers)

 

Shine by J.J. & Chris Grabenstein

Piper comes from very musical and accomplished parents, but she can't carry a tune in a bucket. She wishes she had some kind of talent, but she feels very ordinary. This becomes an even bigger issue when her father gets a job at the exclusive Chumley Prep and she is transferred there too. Her mother was a shining star at Chumley for her music skills, and Piper feels like she has big shoes to fill but nothing to fill them with. Not only that, but the week she arrives the school announces a new Excelsior Award with undisclosed qualifications. The students are just informed that there are secret judges and the winner will be announced mid-March. Suddenly students at Chumley are going crazy to win all the awards and acclamations they can get. Piper too gets swept up in the craze, but when the competition starts to come between her and some of her new friends, Piper starts to realize that awards aren't worth some sacrifices.

I’m trying not to give any spoilers, but I will say that the emphasis of this book is on kindness and things that really matter in the long run. And it is a fabulous feel good story.

Target Readers:

Contemporary Fiction Fans, School Story Fans, Relatable Character Fans, Kindness Story Fans, Feel Good Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers

 

Wombat Underground by Sarah L. Thomson, ill. by Charles Santoso

Echidna, wallaby, skink, and wombat are going about their normal activities in the Australian bush. But as things dry out and a lightning storm rolls in, a forest fire starts. Echidna, wallaby, and skink need a safe place to flee from the fire. Is wombat willing to share its underground den?

Lyrical writing, stunning illustrations, and a tenderhearted story about sharing in times of disasters. There’s also nonfiction information in the back of the book about Australian wildfires and how they impact the wildlife. 

Target Readers:

Animal Lovers, Australian Setting Fans, Wildfire Studiers, Art Lovers, Kindness Story Fans, Those Considering How to Help Victims of Disasters, Picture Book Readers

Brainstorm 289: Adorable Owls

This week Christopher Denise’s adorable picture book Knight Owl was awarded a much-deserved Caldecott Honor (the illustrations are stunning). So I thought it’d be the perfect opportunity to introduce you all to that book if you haven’t heard of it yet, and some other owl books that are feasts for the eyes. Click on the titles to see my full review of each book including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Knight Owl by Christopher Denise

Owl doesn't seem like the best candidate for knighthood, but he's dreamt of it all his life and he's wiling to work hard. When danger arrives on Knight Owl's night watch, can he protect the kingdom from a big, dangerous foe?

Owl is a cute little underdog hero, who finds a nonviolent, kind solution to the dangers facing the kingdom.

Target Readers:

Owl Fans, Knight Story Fans, Underdog Hero Fans, Peacemaking Story Fans, Dragon Fans, Art Lovers, Award Winner Readers, Picture Book Readers

 

Get Well, Eva (Owl Diaries, #16) by Rebecca Elliott

Eva injures her wing and has to go to the hospital and get a wingsling put on. This is going to put a serious damper on the plans she had for participating in the school carnival that week. Will her injury ruin everything?

This Owl Diaries story has some great messages woven in as Eva's injury makes her more aware of kids stuck at the hospital for longer stays and spurs her to find a way to bring some joy to them.

Target Readers:

Broken/Sprained Limb Story Hunters, Hospital Visit Story Hunters, Compassion & Empathy Story Fans, Kindness Story Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Diary Fiction Fans, Cute Art Lovers, Lower Grade Readers

 

Good Night Owl by Greg Pizzoli

Owl is getting ready for bed and hears a noise. He is determined to find the cause of the noise so he can go to sleep.

Owl is VERY determined to find the source of the noise, while readers are fully aware of what is really going on, making this a humorous bedtime tale.

Target Readers:

Humorous Story Fans, Animal Lovers, Atypical Bedtime Story Fans, Award Winner Readers, Picture Book Readers

 

Hoot, Owl! (National Geographic Kids Readers) by Shelby Alinsky

An easy reader about snowy owls, where they live and what they do.

Target Readers:

Curious Readers, Nonfiction Fans, Snowy Owl Studiers/Lovers, Winter Story Fans, Predator Studiers, Photography Fans, Picture Book Readers

 

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, ill. by Patrick Benson

Three little owls wake up in the night and discover their mother is gone. They start to get worried and watch carefully for her return.

Target Readers:

Family Story Fans, Animal Baby Lovers, Art Lovers, Picture Book Readers

 

Owls: Our Most Enchanting Bird by Matt Sewell

An illustrated survey of owls of the world, accompanied by little quips about each owl.

Target Readers:

Owl Lovers, Art Lovers, Curious Readers, Random Fact Collectors, Nonfiction Fans, Coffee Table Book Fans, Middle Grade to Adult Readers

 

Owly: The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer (Owly, #1) by Andy Runton

Owly is a bird with a big heart. In the first story of this graphic novel, Owly saves a little worm and then helps him find his family. In the second tale, Owly and Wormy use their garden to make new friends, two hummingbirds.

These graphic novel tales are almost wordless, giving them a wide age range appeal. I read the original black and white version (cover on the left), but they’ve been re-releasing this series in color (cover on the right).

Target Readers:

Graphic Novel Fans, Heartwarming Story Fans, Reluctant Readers, Animal Lovers, Cute Art Fans, Middle Grade Readers (though approachable to younger readers)