Aldana Libros – serie

A Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year, and a Junior Library Guide Selection!From one of China’s most beloved, bestselling children’s authors comes this touching story of friendship and empathy, which celebrates the traditional way of life for the Indigenous Ewenki peoples of Mongolia.When a Mongolian elder named Gree Shrek hunts a female moose by mistake, her young calf is left behind. Saddened by her loss, Gree Shrek names the calf Xiao Han (“Little Moose”) and the moose and man form an authentic attachment. Xiao Han accompanies Gree Shrek as the hunter-gatherer herds reindeer, sets up camp, forages for food in the forest, and visits his peoples’ village, where many fun adventures happen. But as the little moose grows bigger, Gree Shrek knows he must return his companion to the forest.Richly detailed, painterly illustrations by Chinese fine artist Jiu’er bring authenticity and beauty to this thoughtful book, which illuminates the traditional and vanishing way of life for the Ewenki peoples of Inner Mongolia.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

In this funny and heartwarming picture book, a grandfather shows his love and appreciation for a grandmother as he persuades her to attend a local dance with him.“Fun and feisty—these memorable characters are a delight to know and revisit.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)Grandfather is tending his garden when a loudspeaker announces a dance in the local park. He asks Grandmother to join him, but she has many reasons to delay their outing: she needs to put eyeliner around her eyes—which are as sad as a moonless night—and color in her hair—which is as gray as an autumn cloud. Grandfather counters with loving arguments of his own: her sad eyes look like stars and her hair is as perfect and white as a summer cloud.Playful illustrations complement this touching banter, which culminates in a trip to the dance where Grandmother tells Grandfather, “You are as pretty as the moon.”An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

“An admiring portrait of a father's example and an introduction to the rainforest.”—Wall Street JournalA young boy shares exciting facts and stories about the peoples, plants, and animals who inhabit the Amazon rainforest.In this original, uplifting book from one of Argentina’s most acclaimed children’s writers, a young boy records his dad’s stories of the Amazonian jungle in his journal. As he does, he can’t help but compare his own life. When you visit the rainforest, you should ask the Sápara peoples for permission and be respectful, just like when you visit your neighbor in the city. Smoked fish is delicious in the rainforest—but hard to make in your bedroom. The rainforest is like a great big house for plants, animals, and spirits, but it’s disappearing, little by little. Filling his journal with imaginative drawings and words, the boy decides what he would do if he visited the rainforest: Invite the spirits for donuts and hot cocoa!Inspired by the author’s volunteer efforts to assist the Sápara peoples in protecting an endangered bird, When My Dad Went to the Jungle portrays a young boy exploring big ideas about the natural world. As he journals, the young boy realizes that, even though life for the Sápara peoples is very different from his own, a little bit of the rainforest lives inside of all of us. If we let it grow, then we will always respect the lands we walk, gather, and play on.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

A breathtaking mountain adventure, in which a boy finds his inner strength, from the author of the critically-acclaimed, award-winning novel The Heart Paul is ten years old and lives with his aunt and uncle. Bruce, an old family friend, suddenly reappears after three years of silence, eager to keep a promise he made to Paul to take him on a three-day mountain trek. Paul longs for Bruce’s friendship and wants badly to prove himself. But he is also timid and unsure, and Bruce—who is better at doing than explaining—doesn’t make it any easier.A dramatic event gives Paul the chance to find his inner strength, and to show himself and everyone else what he is capable of.This uniquely illustrated coming-of-age story for teens can help create thought-provoking discussion about: Finding independence, resiliency, and self-confidence The importance of guidance and mentorship from trusted adults An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

Named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus “Gloriously inventive.”—New York Times“Any youngster who enjoys critters and nature will appreciate this book.”—5 STARS, Youth Services Book ReviewKids ages 4-7 will get lost in the imaginative world of this wordless picture book!In this colorful and moving portrait told from the up-close perspectives of a young girl and a grasshopper, a garden comes alive with creatures, plants, and surprises of nature.Grasshopper encourages young readers to:Explore nature around them with curiosity and imaginationRespect nature and the creatures who call it their home While investigating and admiring the insects in her garden, a young girl discovers how her actions impact the little creatures she finds, like a caterpillar inside a pea pod. When she places the caterpillar on an anthill, the ants swarm it! When she captures a grasshopper, she discovers one of its legs has fallen off. To keep it safe from the ants, she places it in a jar—only for another curious creature to come investigate. As the day progresses, the girl learns the profound effect she can have on the natural world around her.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor BookAn award-winning, stunningly illustrated, sober depiction of war.A recipient of the prestigious Nami Concours prize, this remarkable book of striking, often surreal illustrations and sparse prose reveals the many sides of war: where it comes from, how it creeps up on us, and how it destroys everything in its wake.This evocative and bold work is an excellent resource for educators in facilitating difficult yet necessary discussions about wars that continue to be fought around the world.As Deborah Ellis, author of the Breadwinner series, says: “If children are tough enough to be bombed and starved, they’re tough enough to read about it.”An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

A moving picture book to read when we’re missing family far away, set during Lunar New Year.It’s Lunar New Year, a time when families come together for a wonderful feast, and a father longs to be with his daughter—but she lives in another country. As he imagines how his daughter is spending the festivities, he recalls fond memories of time spent with her, feeling a sense of loss and dislocation. While he misses her deeply, he also recognizes her need to move away, grow up, and become herself. New Year is a stunning portrait of leaving home, finding independence, and loving those who are many miles away.With so many families living far apart, readers will relate to the universal message of missing our loved ones and dreaming of being together again.An excellent resource for teachers, librarians, and parents for starting conversations about:The traditions and importance of Lunar New YearUnderstanding the complex feelings that come from family and friends living far awayHow to cope with feelings of loneliness and missing loved onesAn Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids Kids 9 to 12 will laugh out loud while reading this adventurous graphic novel, which brings an African folk tale to life for a new audience. When Sarra’s parents die, they leave her with an important warning: never let Dan Auta, her little brother, cry. But Dan Auta loves to make trouble. He hitches a ride on the back of a bird, pokes the eye of the king’s son, and even pees on the king’s head. Making sure he doesn’t cry is much harder than Sarra thought!  But Dan Auta’s unbridled curiosity and determination may be exactly what everyone needs: a terrible monster called the Dodo is attacking the city… and Dan Auta is the only one with the courage to take him on. Dan Auta features:A delightful celebration of mischief and bravery A portrait of the extraordinary things kids are capable of when they follow their own paths Lively illustrations from renowned illustrator Piet GroblerSupplementary material that explains the folk tale’s significance

A capybara and a chicken become unlikely friends in this heartwarming children’s picture book about diversity, kindness, and inclusion. A surprise twist ending will leave kids feeling cozy and snuggly!A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year | “Featuring a cast of adorable animals, this is a simple but multilayered tale of overcoming prejudice, learning to question the status quo, and creating community.”—Publishers Weekly, STARRED ReviewIn this storybook for elementary school-aged kids (ages 4-8), a lovely chicken coop full of contented hens and their chicks is disrupted by the arrival of … the capybaras!The hens think the capybaras are too big, wet, and hairy! But it’s hunting season, and the capybaras need somewhere safe to hide. So they are allowed to stay if they follow the rules: don’t come out of the water, don’t go near the food, and stay away from the hens and chicks.One day, a brave little chick approaches a baby capybara. “Chirp chirp!” Together, they travel over the water, the chick riding on the capybara’s back. Sadly, their friendship is cut short by an angry mama hen. But when a barking dog gets into the coop, the valiant capybaras rescue the chickens, and everything changes…This funny and feel-good book has a surprise twist ending that kids will love. The Capybaras shares the importance of being yourself and making friends. By sticking together, we can overcome prejudice and live happily ever after.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

"This inspired story about the magic of art, nature, and educators is a breath of fresh air.”—Booklist“Full of wonder... Schoolhouse bliss.”—Kirkus STARRED ReviewLet’s all draw dinosaurs … outdoors!In this remarkable picture book, a group of students spend an unforgettable day drawing dinosaurs outside with their extraordinary teacher.Maybe your school has a playground, gym, computers, and a library. But at this school in a faraway mountain range, things are a little different. There’s a blackboard, some chairs … and not much else. But with the help of an extraordinary teacher and a little imagination, anything is possible!The students in this spirited picture book spend their days drawing dinosaurs outdoors. They draw astounding, spectacular creatures that come to life before their eyes, and turn their school into a wondrous place, where any child would want to go and learn.Drawing Outdoors celebrates the amazing impact of teachers, and the wonderful worlds kids can create while drawing. A perfect gift for a beloved teacher, kids who love dinosaurs, and aspiring artists!An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

“The small shall be large . . . that's how it must be.”In the Andean foothills, a five-year-old Quechua girl is entrusted with a big job: to collect a marrow bone from the neighbor for the family soup. A stunning debut from Indigenous author Suniyay Moreno.Picu’s family is very poor. In the dry Andean foothills, her mother must feed fourteen people—her kids, her relatives’ kids, and the hired hand’s kids—every day. One morning, Picu, the youngest sister, is sent to get a marrow bone from a neighbor. The bone will add flavor and nutrition to the lunchtime soup. Her mother warns her not to dawdle on the two-hour walk, each way, through the wild landscape.But Picu can’t help it! She marvels at the butterflies, samples the cactus fruit, and daydreams about using the marrow bone as a football. Will the neighbor let her family keep the bone after the soup is made? Will her mother let her play with it? And will she be punished for being so late?Picu is a child of joie de vivre and resourcefulness. This story, like Picu herself, is tough, hard, and honest. And moving. And fun. The Youngest Sister features a glossary of Quechuan terms that are used throughout the story.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

A dazzling story about love—for the stars, and for one another—between two young people, set in the multicultural city of Montréal.Every day, Yakov takes his sisters to the park. He's supposed to look after them, but their games are boring, so he reads about space and dreams of becoming an astronaut instead. His father, though, has other plans: he wants Yakov to take over his grocery store when he grows up.Yakov's world changes when at the park one day, he comes across a girl also reading a book about space. Aïcha has moved into the house right behind his, and the two become inseparable. Together, they search for constellations, check out astronomy books from the library, and marvel at the night sky. However, their fathers fear they are growing too close. They are forbidden from spending time together, and Aïcha eventually moves away.Years later, Yakov has achieved his dream: he works for NASA and builds space probes. Will he and Aïcha ever see each other again?The Stars features:An engaging, cartoon styleA powerful message about following your passionA celebration of the excitement and wonder of scientific pursuits—and how science can unite usFrom award-winning picture book creator and cartoonist Jacques Goldstyn, The Stars is a brilliant and heartwarming hymn to friendship, the infinity of the sky, and following what you love.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

This “heartbreaking … powerful work” (★ School Library Journal) introduces the contemporary issue of forced disappearances to readers 10 and up—with “deceptively simple black line drawings” and “unsentimental bilingual text” (★ Kirkus).By a closed door, a child waits for his uncle, who is coming to stay. As he waits, he imagines all the fun things they’ll do when he arrives: his uncle can teach him how to block a penalty shot and the boy can show him how well he is doing in school. But his uncle never arrives. Page by page, the boy grows older sitting in the same position, waiting to show his uncle his degree, his son, and eventually, his granddaughter. And still, his uncle does not come. A bilingual edition, with both Spanish and English text,My Uncle Is Coming Tomorrow is dedicated to the forcibly disappeared who were never able to come home, and depicts the devastating impact on their loved ones who are left behind. An excellent resource for learning about the history of forced disappearances, this gentle but effective book includes an afterword that explains the act of “disappearing people”: how it developed over the course of the twentieth century as a tool of political terror, and how people continue to be disappeared today.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

Entre dos montañas, cerca de un arroyo, en medio de la nada, se encuentra una escuela sin patio de juegos, gimnasio, biblioteca, ni computadoras. Como dice la niña que nos cuenta está historia: “Nuestra escuela no tiene casi nada. Un pizarrón, unas sillas”.Pero en esta escuela hay algo que nadie más tiene: una maestra como ninguna otra en el mundo. “Ahí está siempre, en la puerta de la escuela esperándonos en la mañana”, dice la niña.El día en que se desarrolla esta historia, la maestra lleva a sus alumnos afuera y les pide que dibujen algo grande y puntiagudo escondido entre los árboles. A medida que los estudiantes observan de cerca, comienzan a comprender lo que están viendo… ¡pero, entonces, la maestra ya está señalando a la próxima bestia magnífica!Este inspirador e ingenioso libro hará que cualquier niño tenga el inmenso deseo de asistir a esta escuela especial y recibir lecciones de esta extraordinaria maestra.¿Y quién dice que esto no puede suceder en todas partes? An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

This “sublime picture book” (Kirkus STARRED Review) offers a hilarious and insightful guide to making new friends at your own pace. For kids aged 4 to 7, Ways to Make Friends will bolster compassion and make kids laugh on their way back to school.What’s the best way to make friends? Toad has the most magnificent ideas! Sometimes they don’t go according to plan… but that’s okay. Eventually Toad tires of making new friends, but comes to a marvelous conclusion: sometimes being with yourself is a good way to pass the time too.A hilarious and heartfelt read for kids who are starting school or experiencing other unfamiliar social situations, Ways to Make Friends will give them the courage to stand on their own—and maybe try one of Toad’s unconventional methods to make a friend for themselves.

From a Hans Christian Andersen award-winning illustrator comes a moving and imaginative story of four polar bears searching for a new home.One evening, Papa Bear announces, "we are moving tomorrow." His family can longer live in their Arctic home: there are no more seals to catch, and too few fish. The next morning, they set off, in search of more promising places.From one of the world's greatest illustrators, Hans Christian Andersen award winner Igor Oleynikov, comes the story of four bears trying to find a place to live. All they want is food, comfort and fun for the kids. When they move into an apartment in a city of high rises, things seem promising—until the panic they cause makes it impossible for them to stay. Turning to books and television, they find what seems to be a perfect solution: a place where there are seals, but also penguins. So they set off on a long journey.With humorous, rich and striking art, Where Can We Go? is a thoughtful exploration of immigration and the importance of home.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

From Hans Christian Andersen award winner Suzy Lee comes an inventive retelling of a Korean folk tale about a young traveler who outwits a rich, selfish man to ensure that villagers will always be able to rest in the shade of a magnificent tree.“A gorgeous fable celebrating generosity and wit.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED reviewVillagers like to come to rest and cool down in the shade of a huge, old tree. But when a young traveler decides to join them one day, a rich man on whose land the tree stands demands they leave because he owns the tree and therefore its shade. Thinking fast, the traveler strikes a deal: one that will enable him to outsmart the rich man—and ensure that the villagers will always have access to the shade tree's shade, wherever it may fall.With simple, elegant illustrations, The Shade Tree is a striking story about one person's quest to combat greed for the greater good.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

STARRED Reviews in Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, Shelf AwarenessA Best Book of the Year—Kirkus, The Times of LondonThis "beautifully illustrated, nearly wordless book" (New York Times) set in the dawn of human life imagines how art and storytelling were born from the power of one young girl's observation.Once upon a time, during the Pleistocene, somewhere between two-and-a-half million and ten thousand years ago, small groups of people traveled their known world, hunting for food, seeking shelter, and slowly becoming more like the people we are today.As far back as 40,000 years ago (and maybe even earlier) people began drawing pictures on cave walls. And a bit later, they carved images onto stones. Some pictures are of humans, usually drawn as stick figures, but most are of animals. We don't know their purpose, though in some cases, evidence seems to suggest they were used for storytelling. But when we look at these pictures, we can't help but admire the extraordinary talent of the first artists. They aren't just scratches on the wall. They are great art.In this book of few words, we follow a young girl who notices everything that happens around her as her people search for a cave to shelter for the winter. And we can believe that she feels the absolute necessity to draw what she has seen and to tell stories.Afterward, Everything was Different features:Backmatter explaining what we know—and don't know—about cave drawings.Stunning black and white illustrations of life during the Pleistocene.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

A swashbuckling tale of leaving home, and the joy of adventure.Drawn to the horizon since she was small, the heroine of this story longs to discover what lies beyond it. She builds herself a boat, with the help of her parents, who know they cannot keep her on the little island they call home.With courage, joy, and the gift of the most brilliant of swords from her parents, she sets off. She sails through storms, faces down sea monsters, and comes to the aid of lost sailors. In the market of a distant port, she finds a child, who she adopts as her own. The young boy shares her desire to explore and see the world, so together, they set sail once more. After years of adventuring, they find the island that was once her home. Coming to rest on the shore, our heroine sends her son off on his own voyage, with the most brilliant of swords.Beautifully illustrated, this immersive book celebrates the great joys of the voyage itself. It captures the experience of finding your own way in the world, and letting your child do the same. The Voyage is a tribute to living beyond fear, of leaving home, and returning to it.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

"Lovely illustrations and a rollicking narrative make this a great addition to children’s picture book collections, sure to have children requesting many rereads."—SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNALA moving, funny, remarkable book about what to do when a giant comes and eats up your city … including your mother!It’s an ordinary day. Victor’s mother is running out the door to go to work and Victor is enjoying his milky hot chocolate when, suddenly, there is a terrible screech and a horrible shaking. When he looks out the window, Victor sees an enormous sleeping giant lying atop the city! He’s eaten all the trees, buildings, cars, and people—even Victor’s mother!Can Victor find a way to save the city and get his mother back? And how can he make sure the giant goes back to sleep?From acclaimed creator, Rafael Yockteng comes an empowering story of bravery and overcoming challenges no matter what.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone KidsAlso available in Spanish.

Emperor Montezuma’s court tries everything to cure his bad mood in this delightful and hilarious story that sheds light on life in the Aztec empire—and the origins of hot chocolate.Montezuma is in a bad mood today. He doesn’t want to see anyone or do anything! The people in the palace are very worried. They try everything they can to make Montezuma smile. They bring gifts, make music, and even dance. What to do?This vibrantly illustrated picture book shares the enduring symbols of Aztec life, from Quetzalcóatl, the magnificent plumed serpent, to its temples, codices, drums, and Montezuma’s elaborate palace full of people and creatures. At the center of the story is xocolátl, a delicious treat enjoyed by Indigenous peoples of Mexico long before the Spaniards arrived. Today xocolátl (chocolate) is eaten, drunk, and enjoyed all over the world.But before all that happened, Montezuma had a tantrum…An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

A powerful and wise story about finding the courage to be yourself, despite the pressure to conform.Abtin is nothing like the rest of his family. The Moleskis are fiercely competitive sports champions, and they expect Abtin to become a great athlete too. But Abtin is a reader, an artist, and has his own way of doing things. Despite his family’s best efforts, Abtin remains stubbornly himself. Wanting his family to be proud of him, he comes up with a plan to make them happy: a plan that doesn’t go quite as expected…Written and illustrated by two celebrated Iranian creators, Champ is a book for anyone who marches to the beat of their own drum: for the artists in a science family, or the readers in a sports family. It is a book for those around the world who have resisted and continue to do so, no matter what.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

From award-winning Swedish author Per Gustavsson comes a touching story about life, death, and new beginnings.“Slow, solemn, and philosophically rich—to be pored over and discussed over repeat ­readings.”—School Library Journal, STARRED review“Dreamlike and engaging.”—Kirkus ReviewsA boy and his father live alone on an island. They play football, fish, and have a very happy life together. His father gives him advice, to avoid bears and sharks, but as the father’s life comes to an end he remarkably turns into a tree…“Everything will be all right,” the branches creaked back.It was as if his father were talking to him.The boy must set out on his new life of his own. Along the way, he encounters new friends who help him discover that even after loss, life can still be filled with companionship and wonder.For readers ages 6-8, The Boy, the Father, and the Bear, is a gentle meditation about the nature of life and finding your place in the world no matter what.An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids

This is the story of my mother and her friend Juan, of how she discovered books and he the light of day.So begins Clara and the Man With Books in His Window. In this beautifully illustrated book, set in rural 1920s Argentina, Hans Christian Andersen Award–winning author María Teresa Andruetto shares the true story of how her mother, Clara, the daughter of a poor laundress, meets Juan, a wealthy and bookish recluse who never leaves his house because he is afraid society will not accept who he really is.A powerful tale about friendship and about the world available to us when we open a book, but also when we have the courage to be our true selves, Clara and the Man With Books in His Window was selected by the ALIJA and the Fundación Cuatro Gatos as the best book of the year. Now available for the first time in English, it is destined to transfix readers young and old.

Perfect for aspiring explorers and adventurers!A beautifully illustrated true story that invites young readers to journey across the breathtaking Arctic alongside renowned Japanese explorer Yasunaga Ogita, who was named Pihotek (Snow Walker) by the Inuit amongst whom he lived on his travels.Guided by deep friendships with Inuit communities and over two decades of Arctic exploration, Ogita offers a powerful and poetic account of his journeys across the frozen north. Through vivid storytelling and vibrant illustrations perfect for ages 4-8, he shares the unforgettable experience of survival, discovery, and deep connection—with both the land and its people.Sharing glimpses of animals in their natural habitats and the unique plants and landscapes he encounters along the way, Pihotek: Snow Walker is a gentle meditation on connecting with nature and the quiet magic of the Arctic.

A lively introduction to voting, democracy, and activism for kids.“The message of this book, which focuses on a student body’s divided opinion about an issue vital to its future, is that disagreements can lead to fruitful discussion, better understanding and great ideas.” —The New York TimesShould an ancient monkey puzzle tree be cut down to make room for exciting new classrooms? In this spirited picture book, students must work together to come to an agreement—but it’s not as easy as it seems!On the first day back at school after the holidays, a group of classmates notice a construction crane parked next to the old monkey puzzle tree. The school principal says the tree will be cut down to make room for new science classrooms and computer labs. The classmates are divided, with some in favor of innovation, and others calling for the protection of the thousand-year-old tree. As they protest, march, fight, and strike, one teacher offers a solution: Why not hold a debate? The principal agrees, and at the end of the debate, a student vote will end the disagreement, once and for all—or will it?Inspirational without being didactic, and filled with warm, lively illustrations, this wonderful introduction to the process of debate, listening, and collective decision-making will be read by young and old alike for years to come.“A refreshing and timely reminder that disagreement can—and should—be productive.” —KirkusAn Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids