LSSL 5361-Culture 1: International Lit
- Whytnee Shattuck
- Feb 5, 2022
- 5 min read
The Wonderful Fluffy Little Squishy by Beatrice Alemagna
Illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna
Batchelder Award Novel Winner 2016
Alemagna, B. (2015). The Wonderful Fluffy Little Squishy. Enchanted Lion Books.
ISBN:978-1592701803
Summary:
Eddie thinks she's the only one in her family who isn't good at anything. When she overhears her little sister say a string of words that include "fluffy" and "squishy" and her mom's birthday, she panics and thinks she has to find the most perfect present for her mom. She visits several shops in her village asking for 'squishy' and 'fluffy' things. No one has exactly what she's looking for, but they give her something they think she'll find value in. As time goes on, Eddie finds a squishy, and has to trade her trinkets for the fuzzy squishy. Her mom is very impressed with her finding skills, and Eddie is proud of herself.
Analysis:
Alemagna is considered an Italian illustrator and writer, but this book was translated from it's original French publication, which was in 2014 as “Le merveilleux Dodu-Velu-Petit". There aren't many cultural markers in the translation, but the shops kept their French names in the illustrations. With Eddie's desire to have something she's good at, the message doesn't quite hit the mark. She finds items, and her mother is proud of her finding the squishy, but it doesn't resolve her dilemma of knowing her family has things they're 'good at' but she doesn't. The illustrations, however, come alive and are very detailed. Children will spot the 'squishy' as soon as they get to that page, as it is bright and stands out against the muted background. The most cultural thing besides the French shop names, would be the coin operated fountain and ease with which a 5-year-old is able to navigate a village by herself.
Review Excerpt:
Booklist Online--
"Colored pencil and collage techniques come together in whimsical illustrations that reflect the story’s French origin, as well as the sweetness and quirkiness of Eddie’s gift-finding mission."— Julia Smith
Connection:
If you are planning to teach this with small children, here is a wonderful book trailer to introduce and build excitement:
You can also purchase this resource from TPT to have children look at details of the story:
Koala Lou by Mem Fox
Illustrated by Pamela Lofts
Fox, M. (2019). Koala Lou. Penguin Books Australia.
ISBN: 978-0440846512
Summary:
Koala Lou is loved by all, and enjoys hearing her mother tell her just how much she loves her every single day. When her mother becomes busy with Koala Lou's siblings, Koala Lou thinks her mother doesn't love her anymore and tries to prove her worth by winning the Bush Olympics. When Koala Lou is disappointed by the outcome of the Bush Olympics, her mother comforts her, reminding her that she DOES love Koala Lou.
Analysis:
This book offers many references to the animals that live in Australia. Knowing that Mem Fox is Australian, her love of the wildlife in her country comes through in the portrayal of the animals mentioned in the story. The illustrations show the variety of bushland creatures, as well as their natural habitat. Fox's heartwarming tale of a mother and child through animals has a fable-like nature that teaches children about familial love.
Review Excerpt:
"A first-rate choice for bedtime, story hour, or reading aloud." --Horn Book
Connection:
Read along with Awnie:
From My Window by Otavio Junior
Illustrated by Vanina Starkoff
Translated by Beatriz C. Diaz
USBYY OIB List: SLJ 2021
Júnior Otávio. From My Window. Translated by Beatriz C. Dias, Library Ideas, LLC, 2020.
ISBN: 978-1782859789
Summary:
The nameless narrator describes everything that they see from their window in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. So many aspects are both listed and brought to live with vivid detail in illustration that any reader can understand what a child experiences growing up in this community.
Analysis:
This book is basically a snapshot of the life and culture in Rio de Janiero. The list of things that the child sees from their window is very specific to the region, but the illustrations bring it to life in vibrant color. The large populace of Rio de Janiero is seen by the 'stacking' of housing in his neighborhood. Each page adds to the culture with 'Ola!' seen in corners of the 'favela' or "slum/shantytown" where the people are in charge, not the government, and the neighborhood is built of pieces of items scavenged from other places. People can be seen sitting outside in the weather, the poor housing conditions are described by crumbling roofs, and one scene describes the scary sounds that keep him inside. On one page there can be seen a small illustration of Marielle Franco--the "bisexual Afro-Brazilian and outspoken leftist [who] was slain along with her driver in downtown Rio de Janeiro, after attending a political event." The final page of the book brings each listed item together as a whole, and children can spend time talking about each aspect with parents or teachers as necessary.
Review Excerpt:
"Joyful, vibrant illustrations and an optimistic narrative counteract stereotypes, provoke discussion, and immerse readers in a unique place. "--SLJ Feb. 2021
Connection:
Here is a wonderful read-aloud:
Here is an amazing breakdown of this story for children via "Globe Trottin Kids":
Hunted by the Sky by Tanaz Bhathena
USBBY OIB List: SLJ 2021
Bhathena, T. (2021). Hunted by the sky. Penguin Teen.
ISBN: 978-0374313098
Summary:
Gul has a birthmark that can get her killed, like it did her parents when she was young. Taught to defend herself by the 'Sisters of the Golden Lotus,' Gul is determined to get her revenge on the king who ordered the capture, and eventual death, of any girl with that mark; the king who is afraid of the prophesy that predicts his demise. Cavas is determined to do anything to save his dad, even if it means signing himself over to that same king. When Gul and Cavas meet, the spark between them ignites a whirlwind of adventure and vengeance. Set in a magical world inspired by medieval India and Persian folklore, Hunted by the Sky is sure to excite every reader.
Analysis:
There are so many cultural markers within this text. Not only does the cover speak for itself, but several instances of language and description build a world that readers can imagine and understand with ease. Clothing like a sari pallu, and a ghagra choli are mentioned, as well as food and labels such as kachoris and didi. Inspiring enough, this story doesn't discriminated against sexual preference or gender, but the clear issue is class distinction between those with magic and those without. Sometimes the magic is inconsistent, and the rules aren't exactly clear. Gul often has things work out for her because those rules aren't established in the exposition very well, but the story itself is a beautiful blend of fantasy and culture.
Review Excerpt:
“A breath of fresh air in the fantasy adventure genre. . . Readers will be mesmerized by Bhathena’s vivid storytelling and the deeply felt connection between the two main characters. This fantasy adventure featuring protagonists of color will be enjoyed by fans of the Legacy of Orisha and Ember in the Ashes series.” —School Library Journal
Connection:
Here is a discussion guide for those using this book for a classroom or book club:
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