Children's Picture Books: Stories set in Asia

Welcoming Babies

2018

by Margy Burns Knight and Anne Sibley O'Brien

"50,000 copies sold! New Edition! Welcoming Babies draws from experiences around the world to show the diverse ways in which the human family welcomes new life. This redesigned edition features updated content and new backmatter with additional ways of welcoming babies around the world. It’s a powerful concept, exploring the routines and rituals of a child’s first year in diverse cultures and traditions and introducing readers to babies from tiny Luke, who is spending his first days of life in an incubator, to Kasa, who is being introduced to the sunrise by her grandmother. Nontraditional families—biracial, adoptive, and single-parent—are included. The ways in which babies are welcomed into the world are wonderfully varied yet strikingly kindred. Welcoming Babies is equally appropriate as a gift to new parents or grandparents and a read-aloud for babies." -- publisher

Who Belongs Here?

2018

by Margy Burns Knight and Anne Sibley O'Brien

"Long an anchor text for school units on immigration and tolerance, Who Belongs Here? is now renewed in look and content. Teaching compassion for recent immigrants while sharing the important contributions made by immigrants of the past, this story is more relevant now than ever. In this probing, plain-spoken book, based on a true story, Margy Burns Knight and Anne Sibley O'Brien, author and illustrator of the acclaimed "Talking Walls," invite young readers to explore the human implications of intolerance. Anecdotes relating the experiences of other refugees and their contributions to American culture play counterpoint to Nary's tale, all enlivened by O'Brien's full-color pastels. A compendium at the end of the book offers more detailed information about Pol, Pot, Ellis Island, and other topics in this text. Who Belongs Here? will lead to discussions about The effects of war on children and families * Refugees and relocation processes in the U.S.Cambodian culture * U.S. History and attitudes towards immigration * Bullying and intolerance * Conflict-resolution skills * Lexile Level 1040, Fountas and Pinnell Level W" -- publisher

Yan’s Hajj

2018

by Fawzia Gilani-Williams and Sophie Burrows

Yann's trip to perform Hajj turns into a journey that lasts a lifetime. A heart-warming tale about helping others.

Around the World in a Bathtub

2017

by Wade Bradford and Micha Archer

"Explore bathing practices in different countries and cultures in this lively, colorful picture book. From a hammam in Turkey to a maqii on the Alaskan tundra, this book shares the bath-time battle that happens every night around the world. “Yes, yes!” say the grown-ups, “No, no!” say the children, and the chase is on! Bath time may take many forms, but it’s a ritual we all share." -- publisher

Cao Chong weighs an elephant

2017

by Songju Ma Daemicke and Christina Wald

2,000 years ago in China, a curious boy named Cao Chong solves the problem of how to weigh an elephant when the prime minister's most trusted and knowledgeable advisors are stumped. Includes activities.

Chibi Samurai wants a pet

2017

by Sanae Ishida

Inspired by Little Kunoichi's relationship with her pet, Ninja Bunny, Chibi Samurai sets out to find a companion pet for himself. Includes facts about Japanese animals and customs

Chinese New Year

2017

by Grace Jones

Learn about the diverse and vibrant festivals that are celebrated around the world. This series encourages children to consider religious beliefs and cultural practices via easy to read text and informative, full color images

Cinnamon

2017

by Neil Gaiman and Divya Srinivasan

Cinnamon was a princess, a long time ago, in a small hot country, where everything was very old. Cinnamon did not talk. Mango trees, a parrot, and a beautiful room in the palace do nothing to help the teachers who try to make her to speak. Can a man-eating tiger do so, and exactly who will end up in the belly of the beast?

Danza!

2017

by Duncan Tonatiuh

A celebration of the life of Amalia Hernandez, dancer and founder of El Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, and of the rich history of dance in Mexico. As a child, Amalia always thought she would grow up to be a teacher, until she saw a performance of dancers in her town square. She was fascinated by the way the dancers twirled and swayed, and she knew that someday she would be a dancer, too. She began to study many different types of dance, including ballet and modern, under some of the best teachers in the world. Hernandez traveled throughout Mexico studying and learning regional dances. Soon she founded her own dance company where she integrated her knowledge of ballet and modern dance with folkloric dances. The group began to perform all over the world, becoming an international sensation that still tours today. Tonatiuh's distinctive Mixtec-inspired artwork and colorful drawings leap off the page. --Provided by publisher

Engineer Arielle and the Israel Independence Day surprise

2017

by Deborah Bodin Cohen and Yael Kimhi Orrelle

"Engineer Arielle drives her train through Jerusalem on Israel Independence Day, greeting friends and waiting to celebrate with her brother Ezra, who is the lead pilot in the Israeli Air Force's special air show"--Provided by publisher