Saturday, 5 September 2026

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 7-12: Europe

 

Who Will Make the Snow?

Written by Taras Prokhasko.

Illustrated by Marjana Proshasko.

Translated from Ukrainian by Boris Dralyuk and Jennifer Croft.

Elsewhere, 2023.

The two newest moles in the forest learn to dig themselves out of their comfort zones and experience the boundless, unpredictable world around them – a Social Emotional Learning adventure. Twin moles, Purr and Craw, are born on the first day of spring. The newest members of their woodland world, they’re curious about everything. What is swimming? Why does mother speak French as she makes pancakes? What does father scrawl in his notebook? Do animals live in the sea? Why do grownups eat smelly cheese? How do we get better when we're sick? What happens when we die? As they start to grow up, every day is filled with another adventure as they explore the peculiar characters that surround them in the forest. Home is always waiting for them, filled with the clacking of father’s typewriter, the sound of mother playing her upright bass, and the smells of quince jam and medicinal moss brews. During their adventures outside the home, they learn that the world is sometimes scarier, stranger and more dangerous than it seemed from the pocket of their father’s coat. Each new encounter leaves Purr and Craw a little braver and wiser and with a few extra friends. Beautifully illustrated with scenes of mischief and discovery by Marjana Prohasko, Who Will Make the Snow? reminds us that the world is always larger and more wonderful than we can see from our own corner of the woods.

An early chapter book. Very cute, however many tasks are assigned based on gender stereotypes. 

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 7-12: Europe

 

Feather.

Written and translated from the Welsh by Manon Steffan Ros.

Firefly Press, 2024.

Originally published in Welsh as Pluen.

Huw always pops in to see his nan on the way home from school – she bakes him cakes and never fusses about his homework. So it's a great shock when, one day, Nan forgets his name, and calls him Johnny – the long-unmentionable name of her late brother. As Nan slowly slips into the grip of dementia, Huw and his friends go on a quest to learn more about Johnny and what happened to him. Exploring themes of friendship, family bonds and the history of conscientious objection in WW2, Feather is both modern and historical, as well as being relatable, particularly for children who may have grandparents with a similar dementia struggle to Nan.

Sympathetic and gentle, with moments of strength and sadness. Huw standing up to his father and asking for some attention is so brave.

Friday, 4 September 2026

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 0-6: Bilingual Picture Book

  

Kende! Kende! Kende!

Written by Kirsten Cappy and Yaya Gentille.

Illustrated by Rahana Dariah.

Child's Play Inc., 2024.

Text in English and French and some words in Lingala. Picture book.

A multilingual story of love and learning, joy and journey. Inspired by the families throughout Central Africa who are forced to leave their homes, this is an honest but hopeful own-voice narrative about displacement, migration, and finding a new home. Having fled their village as conflict approaches, Mamá, Papá, Lolie, and Nico live in a refugee camp until they are chosen for resettlement in North America. Their new city is a go, go, go of new challenges, but also a return to love and learning, joy and journey. A text woven from three languages (English, French and words in Lingala) celebrates multilingual speakers and the resilience of refugees.

Journeys told through the number of wheels on vehicles. The things that stand out as different, including women driving and doing physical activities.

The first language is French while in Africa, then swaps to English when the family is resettled. The Lingala words are in bold and in capitals, with script similar to handwriting.

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 0-6: Africa

 

I'll see you in Ijebu.

Written by Bunmi Emenanjo.

Illustrated by Diana Ejaita.

Barefoot Books, 2024.

Picture book.

A Catholic girl growing up in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria takes a trip to spend a week with her Muslim extended family in the countryside town of Ijebu to celebrate Eid al-Adha. Her days in Ijebu are filled with celebrations, traditions and special time connecting with family. Breathtaking illustration and poetic writing draws the reader into the sensory experience of celebrating Eid in Nigeria, while detailed endmatter includes information about Nigeria and Eid al-Adha, recipe for Nigerian puff puff and more.

Family, traditions, and love. A beautiful depiction of how followers of two different religious traditions can celebrate and support each other.

Thursday, 3 September 2026

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 7-12: A Language with a Non-Latin Script

 

The village beyond the mist.

Written by Sachiko Kashiwaba.

Illustrated by Miho Satake.

Translated from Japanese by Avery Fischer Udagawa.

Restless Books, 2025.

A mountain town that's not on any map, a messy bookstore with infinite doors, and a spoiled prince under a forgetful wizard's curse... this summer might hold more than Lina bargained for! When a gust of wind carries off her umbrella, it leads Lina down a secret path between the trees to a strange and incredible world. In the hidden village of Misty Valley, centaurs roam the cobblestone streets and gnomes visit shops stuffed with spellbooks and enchanted desserts. All magic has a dark side, though, and sometimes even sorcerers need a human's helping hand.

For the younger age group – more 12 to 14 years.

Ethereal and mystical.