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White Ravens: Special mention

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Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1993 - 1
Funazaki, Yasuko (text)
Kamiya, Shin (illus.)
Kamehachi
(Kamehachi, the Old Dog)
Tokyo: Kaiseisha, 1992. 236 p.
ISBN 4-03-635510-4
self-development - dog - outsider - integration - divorced parent - single parent
No one likes 12-year-old Isamu, neither his classmates nor his neighbors; in fact, they avoid him. As soon as he gets an old dog, however, his conduct changes. The process of self-development is accompanied by a fine description of the changing of the seasons, which gives this novel its particular charm. In the last few years, more and more books focusing on domestic problems (e.g., divorced parents) are being published in Japan. As a rule, the stories are set in a metropolitan milieu, not in rural surroundings as in this book. (11+)

Special Mention - Republic of China (Chinese) - 1993 - 16
Liou, Jian Ping
Jin Nian Ni Qi Suei
(You Are Seven Years Old Now)
Beijing: Zhong Guo Shao Nian Re Tong Chu Ban She, 1990. 227 p.
ISBN 7-5007-0814-9
father's diary - everyday life - parents - only child - society
This book is one of the first Chinese novels to portray the life of a only child. Chinese children today grow up in a world surrounded by adults: they have no brothers or sisters, they are thought to be lonely, proud and self-centered. The novel is crafted in the form of a monologue, a father's diary, dealing with feelings of affection and confusion. - In the book, the author is attempting to redefine the adult-child relationship. The book deals with such an important topic that it has already been translated into Japanese. (10+)

Special Mention - Republic of China (Taiwan) (Chinese) - 1993 - 18
Hao, Guang Cai (text)
Li, Han Weu (illus.)
Qi Chuang Le, Huang Di
(Get Up, Emperor)
Taibei: Xin Yi Gi Gin Chu Ban She, 1991. 43 p.
ISBN 962-240-609-2
picture book - folktale
A folktale retold In modern fashion, this book is about how a farmer boy helps an emperor get up early in the morning. The simple story line allows ample space for the lovely, handcrafted paper cuts of the creative illustrations which combine the traditional art of Chinese paper cutting and modern art techniques. - Due to the superb Illustrations, this book was awarded the first Xin Yi Children's Literature Prize. (5+)

Special Mention - Croatia (Croatian) - 1993 - 24
Vrkić, Jozo (text)
Trebotić, Matko (illus.)
Bljeli svijet
(The Wide World)
Zagreb: Mladost, 1990. 141 p.
(Biblioteka vjeverica)
ISBN 86-05-00531-9
earthquake - Dalmatia - immigrant workers - Croatia - outsiders - family
A sophisticated, melancholic children's novel set against the backdrop of the earthquake in the Dalmatian mountain country at the beginning of the 1970s. Although somewhat overshadowed by the war going on in the country, the description of life under primitive conditions in the mountainous region, family worries, the problem of the children of emigrant workers who return to their country of origin and general social problems is still current. (9+)

Special Mention - Russia (Russian) - 1993 - 41
Sef, Roman (i.e. Roal'd Semënovič Sef) (text)
Vaščenko, Jurij (illus.)
Ključ ot skazki
(The Key to the Fairy Tale)
Moskva: Datskaja literatura, 1989. 238 p.
ISBN 5-08-001994-8
poem
A fancifully illustrated edition of brilliant poems for children by a not so young Russian author (born in 1931). Roman Sef is associated with both traditional Soviet Russian children's lyric (Kornej Čukovskij, Sarnuil Maršak, Vladimir Majakovskij) as well as Russian folk literature (some of his verses remind one of "(Častuški" - a kind of Russian popular ditty) and has an excellent feeling for rhythm. From his choice of theme and the way he approaches a topic, he is not unlike Josef Guggenmoos to whom he is in no way inferior with regard to his jokes. (8+)

Special Mention - Slovakia (Slovak) - 1993 - 46
Klimáček, Villam (text)
Votava, Aleš (illus.)
Karamelky
(Toffees)
Bratislava: Slovenský spisovateľ, 1992. [96] p.
ISBN 80-220-0371-9
poem - youth culture
Poems for young people which precisely capture young people's "feeling" and their interests. A rhapsody of love and music. Hidden behind banalities and a certain flippancy, partly packaged in nonsense, the author transports deep emotions and critical thoughts here. (12+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1993 - 70
Nye, Naomi Shihab (selected)
The Same Sky: A Collection of Poems from around the World
New York: Four Winds Press/Macmillan, 1992. 212 p.
ISBN 0-02-768440-7
poetry (international)
When a topic or theme like "multiculturalism" comes into vogue, whether in children's literature or any other field, many projects develop which are clearly done just to corner a piece of the market. And then again an idea may be realized and a work produced which probably never would have come about or received such publishing support without a strong impetus. Such is the case here. In 1991, the prize-winning American poet Naomi Shihab Nye sent out a call to all corners of the earth for entries for this collection and probably never dreamed of the great response she would receive. Her immediate goal was to find more poems from contemporary poets from other "foreign" countries to share with younger readers when working as a poet-in-the-school, to help them learn more about writing poetry and to open windows to new friendships. In the end she selected 129 poems from 68 countries and arranged for excellent English translations. The poems are grouped under six general headings, although, in one sense, each poem actually stands alone just as much as it stands together with the others. As one reads one begins to feel the presence of an international community - that is the essential and special experience which this volume helps create. For those readers who feel they have found a new friend, there are biographical notes on the authors; also included are a world map, an index to countries and an alphabetical author index. As an international anthology of translated poetry, it seems conceivable and commendable that the original works also be published in other languages, taking one more step toward closing the circle. (10+)

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1993 - 80
Morgenstern, Christian (text)
Zwerger, Lisbeth (selection/illus.)
Kindergedichte & Galganlieder
(Children's Poems and Macabre Songs)
Saizburg: Neugebauer, 1992. [n.p.]
ISBN 3-85195-301-0
poetry - Germany - picture book
A treasure of book illustrations: children's poems allow the graphic artist much more freedom tor his own ideas than prose text. Thus we find a spectrum of inspiring ideas in artistically akribic delicate workmanship in this little book. Typeface, paper coloring, page design are diversely presented. Each page reveals a new lyrical picture world. A book which will become a classic for children and adults. (4+)
(A suggestion for the 2nd edition: Morgenstern titled his wordless poem "Fisches Nachtgesang", not "Fischer's".)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1993 - 92
Klüger, Ruth
waiter leban. Eien Jugend
(Keep On Keeping On. A Youth)
Göttingen: Wallstein, 1993. 285 p.
ISBN 3-89244-036-0
biography - young adult's book. Jews - Austria/Germany (20th century) - concentration camps - National Socialism - auto biography - young adult's book.
Courage to be true to one's own unadorned memory and a genuine literary language distinguish this extraordinary autobiography. And these qualities cannot be taken for granted since the book deals with a childhood experience of the holocaust - an historic fact which today, due to the persistent and abundant public interest in the subject, can no longer be the private concern of an individual's memory - unless there are aspects to report which have not before been considered worth mentioning: an early youth in which the greatest mystery is death rather than love and sexuality, curiosity about death, the sense that people experience similar fates quite individually and that their wounds are therefore unpredictable and diverse. Also that poetry and literature must be taken literally in catastrophic situations, in case something of it should be true: aspects of survival which radiate a vitality in defiance of all the austere and negative conditions, survival which is to be understood as living. - Although not conceived as a book for young people, this account is highly superior to all other so-called problem books published about this topic and should be made internationally accessible to every interested young person. The author teaches in the German Department of an American university. She wrote the book in German. (16+)

Special Mention - Belgium (French) - 1993 - 100
Brouillard, Anne
Le sourire du loup
(The Wolf’s Smile)
Bruxelles: Dessain / Paris: Epigones, 1992. [26] p.
ISBN 3-2-7366-3605-8
wordless book - wolves
The young artist attracts attention with an extraordinary succession of pictures. There are large-format transformation games which make use of purely pictorial elements. Forms and colors shift dramatically from one double page to the next. The perspective moves in closer and closer, sweeps downward and backs off again. The action starts with a four-pointed white landscape in front of a red heaven with black pine tree tops below. Gradually one can see into the woods more precisely: a black wolf appears between the pale tree stumps, comes closer, his head gets larger and larger, the rocks change to teeth, the heavens to a tongue, they solidify into an explosive flash of lightning, then the teeth change back again into rocks, the old order returns, the wolf goes away. (4+)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1993 - 103
Duchesne, Christiane
Victor
(<Proper name>)
Montréal: Québec/Amérique, 1992. 158 p.
(Roman 37)
ISBN 2-89037-592-7
mental handicap - friendship - protective spirit
The mentally handicapped Victor apparently marches to the beat of his own drummer. He is absolutely convinced that the earth is flat. On the other hand, Mme Belon, the neighbor whom he sometimes visits, is determined to win a trip around the world. Victor is worried about her. When she comes to the end of the world, she will fall off into the abyss. He decides to build a fence to protect her from such disaster. However, the task he has set for himself proves to be unworkable. Victor's nightly appearances, his two inner protective spirits Grigou and Serpente, know what to do and hurry to help. But even the three of them are not up to the task. In the end Victor is able to be convinced that the earth is round. The author has been successful in creating a whimsical account full of empathy for child- like reasoning processes. The dialogues between Victor and his invisible friends are charming. (9+)
(Prix du Gouverneur Général 1992)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1993 - 115
Rodrigo, Jean-Michel (text)
Perdereau, Hélène (illus.)
Pérou. Destination bidonvilles
(Peru, Destination Slums)
Paris: Albin Michel Jeunesse, 1992. 60 p.
(Camets du monde 18)
ISBN 2-226-05826-5
Peru - travel report - slums - Villa el Salvador
Becoming acquainted with the world by means of fictional or authentic travel reports, sketches and adventure narratives set in the capitals of the world are in demand these days in French literature for children and young people. Thus, the 18 titles of the series "Garnets du monde" are right on target. Cultivated design, thoughtful and lively layout, the quality of the information and the immediacy of the personal reports and the travel sketches themselves all contribute to their popularity. In this volume, the trip extends from the Andes to the model city "Villa el Salvador", the densely populated poor district of Peru, built in the desert near the capital city of Lima. The author conveys a thought-provoking insight into the problems of this community which, owing to the personal efforts of its inhabitants and its clever leadership, succeeded in becoming an autonomous and workable one. Atmospheric watercolors of breathtaking landscapes and the situation sketches let us participate in the events. (11+)
(Awarded the Plaque of the "Cinquième centenaire de la rencontre des deux mondes" 1992)

Special Mention - Switzerland (French) - 1993 - 118
Moessinger, Pierre
Boix, Manuel (illus.)
Socrate
(Socrates)
Genf: La Joie de Lire, 1992. 32 p.
(Connus, méconnus)
ISBN 2-88258-018-5
biography - Socrates - Greek history (470- 399 B.C.)
An especially notable volume from the series "known unknown" in which personalities of Western cultural history are presented. Here we read a fictional letter from Socrates to his sons, a mental legacy in which he sums up for them his vision of good and evil, important and unimportant. The agreement between the philosophical and the aesthetic message of the lovely pictures is striking. The illustrations are arranged like theater scenes, bordered by Greek columns and temple friezes and the text is integrated into the illustrations. The motifs are based on Greek vase painting, ancient statues and ivory brooches. A book with a powerful message, once again confirming the cultural objective of this one- woman publishing house and book shop in Geneva. (10+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1993 - 121
Baia delle Favole
(Fairy Tale Bay)
Genova: Feguagiskia' studios, 1992. 179 p.
modern fairy tale
For the last 25 years, the spa community of Sestri Levante has awarded Italy's most important prize for fairy tales, the "Premio Sestri Levante H.C. Andersen." On the occasion of its anniversary, this anthology has appeared, presenting a veritable treasure house for collectors of contemporary fairy tales. Among the winners of the last quarter century are such prominent authors as Giovanni Arpino (1971), Silvano Pezzetta (1974) and Alberto Moravia (1976), 1977's winner Italo Calvino wrote an especially extraordinary as well as quite realistic story: l disegni arrabbiati (The Evil Drawings). The girl Lodolinda's moods and the kinship with sheep, clouds and cauliflower appear in addition to Federico's mad ideas, one of which - to put the goldfish in the dishwasher - Lodolinda can prevent only with great difficulty. Never I have read such an pertinent and fast-paced description of children. Altogether imaginative and outstanding texts, even if the opinion of the individual authors about the form of the contemporary fairy tale diverges widely. Italian humor and a feeling for Italy's great fairy tale tradition break into the most surprising blossoms here. (6+)

Special Mention - Brazil (Portuguese) - 1993 - 137
Nunes, Lygia Bojunga (text)
Yolanda, Regina (illus.)
Fazendo Ana Paz
(The Making of Ana Paz)
Rio de Janeiro: AGIR, 1992. 54 p.
ISBN 85-220-0340-8
artist's life - fiction
Fazendo Ana Paz tells of the process of literary composition. While the description how of the figure Ana Paz and her environment - above all the figure of her father - consistently elude the narrator's creative designs occupies the story level, an artistically consummate story materializes on the discourse level. The individual phases of the writing process are recounted mostly in the dialogues between the child Ana Paz and the narrator. Other figures, a young girl and an old woman who extorts an optimistic view of the future at the end of her days, are discovered to be stages of a single life. L.B. Nunes frequently describes the creative process in its dramatic, even tragic dimension (Tschau, We Three), but never before with such a light touch and an earnest, self-ironical cheerfulness. The Brazil of today in which the figures are anchored, the shadows of the military past and the social conditions in which they live and move, give the story its depth and compelling power, extending beyond the purely artistic set of problems. Whoever is fortunate enough to experience Nunes in the theater with the stageplay Ana Paz - in which she assumes all four roles - will gain an additional appreciation of Ana Paz, especially where the reader's own imagination had attributed its own particular intonation to the figure. (13+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1994 - 8
Sakata, Hiroo (text)
Chô, Shinta (illus.)
Dakuchiri dakuchiru - Hajimete no uta
(Dactyl Dactyl - The First Song of the World)
Tokyo: Fukuinkan shoten, 1993. [32] p.
ISBN 4-8340-1220-4
Dinosaur - Loneliness - Harmony - Nature- Humanity
In spite of the roaring noise of the fire-spewing mountains all around him, the giant Iguanadon is lonely. One day he encounters a brother-like creature, the pterodactyl. Although he doesn't understand the grating language, he nonetheless is pleased to hear it- the first song in the world. Emotions are the source of poetry. Higher poetry can ultimately lead us to humanitarianism. This picture book shows connections which the young reader can readily understand since the simple pictures and brief text of this story form an ideal unity. (3+)
(Based on a poem by Valentin Dmitrievich Berestov)

Special Mention - Russia (Russian) - 1994 - 49
Jakovlev, Lev (ed.)
Kukareku: skazki i komiksy …dija detej i vzroslych
(Cock-a-doodle-doo : Tales and comics ... for children and adults)
Moskva: Slovo, 1990. 210 p. With illustrations
ISBN 5-85050-268-8
Anthology/Russian
While the individual production of Russian children's literature brings forth new and interesting works only sparingly and gradually, this first volume of an anthology from a British-Russian publishing joint venture is a true firework. Witty, naughty verses alternate with gentle fairy tales, interesting non-fiction contributions (many dealing with art topics) and funny animal tales, and so on and so forth. Young authors are included along with great names in (children's) literature, such as Marina Cvetaeva, Daniil Charms, Evgenij Švarc and ėduard Uspenskij, to name just a few. The graphic design and the illustrations are also very impressive. The contributions by numerous renown artists are skillfully arranged in a harmonious unity. (8+)

Special Mention - Russia (Russian) - 1994 - 51
Pogorel’skij, Antonij (text)
Dechterëv, Boris A. (illus.)
Volšebnye povesti
(Tales of magic)
Moskva: Detskaja literatura, 1992. 125 p.
Modern Fairy Tale/Russian
This volume contains the two romantic tales Of Antonij Pogorel'skij (pseud. Of Alexei A. Perovskij; 1787-1836), a bastard sons of the Duke A.K. Razlimovskij: "The Poppy Seed Cake Woman of Lafertovo" and "The Black Hen or The Inhabitants of the Underworld." In both tales, the portrayal of the real world and psychological studies of the characters goes hand in hand with supernatural phenomena and the description of a fairy tale world. In the first tale, set in Moscow in the 17th century, a witch has a disastrous influence on human fates, which can only be corrected after her death. The second tale takes place in a boarding school in St. Petersburg in the 18th century and deals with a boy, an outsider, who is conducted into the underworld by a black hen, who "in reality", is the mininster of an underground dwarf king. The subterrestials possess mysterious powers and can help the boy in many situations. Both tales are clearly influenced by the works of E.T.A. Hoffmann. This book is striking for its excellent design and the outstanding historicizing illustrations by Dechterëv. (10+)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1994 - 58
Moloney, James
Dougy
Si. Lucia: University of Queensland Press, 1993. 151 p.
ISBN 0-7022-2499-5
Aborigines - Racial Conflict - Sport
The narrator, Dougy, the youngest, seemingly simple-minded child of an Aborigine family living in a small village, relates the events of one summer in which his sister, Gracey, with whom he is very close, plays a leading role. After she wins the 100m race in the state championships and subsequently a scholarship to boarding school, the white residents of the village become openly resentful. Racial tensions surface when a white girl who had been expelled from the same school is found unconscious near the river. An armed "civil war" breaks out and one person is even killed. It is ended only by a flash flood, in which Dougy helps save his brother and sister from a mysterious shadow, perhaps the Moodagudda, the river spirit in which he (but not everyone) still believes. The intricate plot has several levels which are well-developed: the Aborigine family structure, the loss of and frequent indifference to their own Aborigine cultural heritage, sibling relationships, the status structure in the racially and socially mixed village community (microcosmos), and the chances and choices which different individuals use or misuse. The role of intolerance and prejudice as motivating factors in a community is also explicitly explored. Finally, the position of Dougy in all these events is perhaps symbolic of the average, passive observer and eventual participant in a socially changing situation. (14+)

Special Mention - Canada (English) - 1994 - 62
Yashinsky, Dan (text)
Pitt, Nancy Cairine (illus.)
The Storyteller at Fault
Charlonetown: Ragweed Press, 1992. 63 p.
ISBN 0-921556-29-2
Storytelling - Folk literature (Adaptation)
A mighty ruler who loves stories so much that he would condemn the forgetful storyteller to death after saving the 1000 tales he has told (in the files of a memory machine), A young child who hates the fairy tales his father tells because they always end happily- ever-after - and are thus not true, since death after all is life's real end. A tale which cannot be separated from its teller. In addition to his retelling of ten tales from the oral traditions of Japan, Uganda, Portugal, Great Britain, Scandinavia,orway, Israel, France and ancient Persia in such a way as to make a rich narrative tapestry, the author-father frames his bed-time storytelling ritual with philosophical reflections which remind the adult readers of the magic and significance involved in passing along stories to the next generation in a most compelling manner - by the power of the stories themselves.

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1994 - 69
Merrick, Ann
Someone Came Knocking
Barnstaple: Spindlewood, 1993. 148 p.
ISBN 0-907349-32-3
Quest - Family - Child Abuse - Nursery Rhyme <Motif>
Tod is an emotionally and physically abused child, who is rejected by his alcoholic, junk-shop owner father after the mother's death, and copes with life by creating his own reality and employing careful strategies of escape and avoidance. The reader soon understands the stone which Tod feels "in his chest where his heart ought to be." Children's rhymes often run through his mind, stirring up vague memories of long-ago; they comfort him at bedtime and influence his actions during the day, too. For Guy Fawkes Day, Tod sews an odd-looking ragdoll with which to beg for pennies, but soon notices that the face he gave it was not of a guy, but a girl. This doll becomes his alter ego, singing and murmuring in his ear. The turning point in his months-long journey is the encounter with a children's social worker in a holiday home, who gains his trust and becomes mental anchor, This is a heart-breaking novel of a boy's survival in a cruel, anonymous world. It is a well-crafted story, whose initial feeling of hopelessness is gradually replaced by a strong sense of resiliency, making it a satisfying experience for readers who appreciate emotional involvement. (12+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1994 - 89
Wolff, Virginia Euwer
Make Lemonade
New York: Henry Holt, 1993. 200 p.
ISBN 0-8050-2228-7
Teenage Mother - Babysitter - Single-parent Family - School
A "lemon," in American slang, is something imperfect or defective. A lemon is, metaphorically, how the author characterizes the initial life circumstances of Jolly, a 17-year- old single mother with two pre-school children. The novel is, at least in part, about what she learns to make out of it. She struggles bravely against the odds to run the household and hold down a job. To do so, she needs an inexpensive babysitter, preferably one with strong nerves, a flexible time-schedule and experience. Instead, her advertisement is answered by 14-year old LaVaughn, a high-school girl and daughter of a hard-working widow. LaVaughn has set her mind on getting to college. For that she needs good grades at school and money, which she plans to earn with part-time jobs. The uneasy relationship that develops between these two very different teenagers over many months, the touching relationship between LaVaughn and the two young children, and LaVaughn's tentative attempts to defend her own opinions and actions to her mother are further aspects of this extraordinary, unsentimental novel set in working-class surroundings. That education is the key to the future could seem like an overly overt moral message, if it weren't simply self- evident under the given conditions. Narrated matter-of-factly by LaVaughn, it is written in her own natural speech patterns - a masterly achievement by Wolff. (14+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1994 - 105
Clemens, Ditte
Schweigen liber Lilo. Die Geschichte der Liselotte Herrmann
(The Silence Surrounding Lilo. The Story of Liselotte Herrmann)
Ravenshurg: Maier, 1993. 191 p. With photos
ISBN 3-473-35129-6
Herrmann, Liselotte/Biography - National Socialism - Resistance - Execution - GDR/- Archive - GDR/History
Liselolte Heirmann was executed by the National Socialists for treason and planning lo commit high treason already in 1937. She had been active in the Communist resistance. At the time of her death her son was three years old, she herself 28. In 1987, two years before the opening of the archives, Ditte Clemens, a citizen of the GDR, began to investigate the available sources - and after endless difficulties with the officials also the archival materials - about Liselotte Herrmann, who was considered a model case of a Communist resistance fighter. The official, i.e. "permissible" knowledge about Lilo was based on spotty sources and thus did not do her biography justice. Thus with this book an example of citizen's courage in the immediate present is unfolded for the reader. The desire and personal wish of the author to make history transparent, to set recognizable truth off from the declared cliches, gave her the courage to overstep them. In mutually complementary, alternating chapters, Ditte Clemens develops the archive material in question in a fascinating manner for the reader and at the same time reports on her own difficulties in the search for truth. It becomes evident - this is the merit of this book - what kind of historical falsification is necessary in a dictatorship of any color and that only the resistance of individuals can remedy it. (12+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1994 - 129
Denis, Jean Claude (text/illus.)
L'île aux mainates
(Mainate Island)
Paris: Albin Michel Jeunesse, 1993. [32] p.
(Les contes à dormir debout du pirate Pilou)
ISBN 2-226-05786-2
Pirate - Thrush (Blackbird) - Mimicry - Humor
This is the story of the feared and terrible pirate Pitou and a mainate, a clever, talking kind of thrush which leaves its home island on board Pitou's ship going to Europe. From the beak of this intelligent bird there is much to be heard. Upon arrival in Europe the thrush learns to imitate all sounds of our civilization and almost drives Pitou crazy, until he decides to return the irksome bird to his own kind. Ever since then this otherwise paradisical island has been filled with a true cacophony of the sounds of our civilization. In this oversized picturebook in comicstrip style - the author is known for his comics for adults - Jean Claude Denis succeeds in perfectly orchestrating the easily understood text with the pictures. Exclamations and commentaries are additionally placed in balloons. A first person report and nice, absurd fun. (4+)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1994 - 140
Demers, Dominique (text)
Les grand sapins ne meurent jamais
(The Evergreens Will Never Die)
Montréal: Québec/Amérique, 1993. 154 p.
(Titan Jeunesse 17)
ISBN 2-89037-627-3
Death - Mother - Daughter - First Love - Pregnancy
The first volume of this planned trilogy already received unanimous applause from the critics. It told the story of the cancer death of the protagonist's mother. In the second volume we follow the mourning period of 15-year old Marie-Lune and how she finds comfort and support from her friend Antoine. One day she discovers that she is pregnant. Should she have the baby? Antoine, who is actually too inexperienced to be of permanent help, sees no problems to a future life together. Should she give up her child for adoption? She finds no adoptive parents who please her and decides lo keep her son. The novel ends with a description of the birth, which we follow through Marie- Lune's feelings and impressions. The interesting feature of this moving and gentle novel is the psychological maturing process of the figures and their ability to go new ways. The author brings closer the confusion of conflicting feelings and Marie-Lune's sensibilities with both tact and humor. (13+)
(Governor General’s Prize 1993)

Special Mention - Portugal (Portuguese) - 1994 - 159
Losa, Ilse (text)
Modesto, António (illus.)
Miguel o expositor
(Miguel, the exhibitor)
[Porto]: Afrontamento, 1993 (1st ed. 1983).
(Colecçao Tretas e Letras 10)
ISBN 972-36-0301-2
Poverty - Art - Mother/Son
Painting as an expression of intimate needs is made immediately visible in the case of young Miguel. When the friend of his over- worked mother sends Miguel out on the street to sell his first, still unfinished picture in order to make money, he obeys him. Miguel succeeds in selling his picture for a high price. But when the mother, made happy by the money, encourages him to make more pictures to sell, something in him threatens to break. When the mother suddenly recognizes the pain her child suffers and attends to him, the effect is redeeming for both protagonists and reader. The mood of each chapter is suggested by the use of matted or bright colors. (8+)

Special Mention - Spain (Catalan) - 1994 - 166
Jordana, C. A. (text)
Jover, Llui'sa (illus.)
Antenaforta i Caragran
(Strong Antenna and a Large Face)
[Barcelona]: Abadia de Montserrat, 1992. 24 p.
(La Finestra 19)
ISBN 84-7826-297-0
Fable - Ant - Cricket - Agreement
The crickets sing untiringly in order lo ease the life of the ants who scurry about their work in long columns. Over and over again the crickets assure each other how glad the ants must be to have this musical accompaniment. They only realize that their chirping gets on the ants' nerves when the ants are relaxing in their comfortable winter apartments and the crickets beg them for food - only to be given the cold brush off. But next summer when the ants can barely drag themselves along in the August sun, the crickets having decided to strike, the ants then send their own delegation. Winter provisions are assured, if only they will sing again for the weary workers. The illustrations by Jover give this old and often retold fable additional charm. While entire convoys of racy ants line the borders in various formations, small, full-sized drawings on the opposite page portray the place, action and mood of the events with all its delightful minute details. (6+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1994 - 173
Martin Gaite, Carmen (text/illus.)
Caperucita en Manhattan
(Little Red Riding Hood in Manhattan)
[Madrid]: Siruela, 1991. 205 p.
(Las tres edades)
ISBN 84-7844-056-9
New York City - Grandmother/Granddaughter - Little Red Riding Hood <Motif> - Freedom - Statue of Liberty - Stawberry Pie
As the book blurb says: Sara Alien is a 10- year-old girl living in Brooklyn. Her greatest wish is to go one day all alone to Manhattan to visit her grandmother and bring her a strawberry pie. This grandmother was once a variety show dancer and married several times. The wolf is here Mr. Wolf, a pastry cook and multimillionare who lives in a skyscraper near Central Park. But the magical path of the story leads to Miss Lunatic, an ageless beggar who lives in the Statue of Liberty by day and spends her nights out-side. An encounter with her changes a person's life. In any case, the declared reader's age of "For 8 to 80" for this series is correct for this book, which is much deeper than just a literary game, but which is also fun. (8-80)

Special Mention - Denmark (Danish) - 1994 - 180
Thaulov, Pia
Lille Kong Magnus
(Little King Magnus)
Kopenhagen : Høst & Søn, 1993. 30 p.
ISBN 87-14-13081-5
Only Child - Sibling - Jealousy
As a single child, one is kind, but the parents are already at work at the dethronement. Once the little baby brother is born, a highly painful process of adjustment to a new situation begins. Pia Thaulov is a vehement illustrator, the brush full of energy, the colors wild, her ideas wild and grotesque. All the actors are characterized with unerring strokes. The mother, in spite of a stomach like as kettle drum, is not pregnant wet blanket, but remains an attractive young woman. The new infant is not, as usual, drawn sugary sweetly, as if from the parents point of view, but, complete with umbilical chord as if on a fishing pole, blue and blaring, leaps toward the first-born, who falls from his disintegrating throne as if into nowhere. The book ends happily in harmonious brotherliness, while the parents are sent off to prepare bottles and make more children. (0+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1995 - 2
ltô, Hiroshi (text/illus.)
Osaru ni nani hi
(A Monkey is born)
Tokyo: Kodansha, 1994. 86 p.
(Dôwa ga ippai 36)
ISBN 4-06-19736-5
The first-reader series "Little Monkey Books" enjoys great popularity and wide readership from pre-school through adulthood. Little Monkey lives on a peaceful southern island. Earlier books in the series described the everyday life, the fear of being different, and adventures at sea; in this volume Little Monkey is waiting for a new brother or sister. The story tackles existential questions about life in a casual manner. The reader will be amused by the astonishing naivety, the delightful child-like thoughts and humorous illustrations which make the simple world of the monkey children seem like an oasis in comparison to one's own complicated and hectic surroundings. The "Little Monkey Books" are ingenious in their simplicity, which is perhaps the key to their enormous success. (5+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1995 - 3
lwasaki, Kyôko (text)
lwasaki, Chihiro (illus.)
Akamanma-Tôge
(Akamanma-Mountain Pass)
Tokyo: Doshinsha, 1994. 64 p.
ISBN 4-494-02321-3
Homesickness - Grandparent/Grandchild
When her mother goes to the hospital to have her second child, young Kazuko is taken to stay in the country with her grandmother. Although she is affectionately cared for by her grandparents, and can enjoy splendid natural surroundings, sometimes she is homesick. This is a sensitive story of everyday life which nearly every child experiences in one way or another. Particularly noteworthy are the gentle illustrations by Chihiro lwasaki which aptly capture the moods of the young girl and suggest something of the nature surrounding her without making it fully visible. From both a literary and an artistic point of view, this is an outstanding book in the inimitable Japanese style. (6+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1995 - 4
Kimoto, Momoko (text/illus.)
Uzurachan no kakurembo
(Let's Play Hide-and-Seek)
Tokyo: Fukuinkan shoten, 1994. 32 p.
ISBN 4-8340-1230-1
Chicks - Hide-and-seek
A baby quail and a baby chick play hide- and-seek. Each searches for a hiding place resembling himself, to avoid discovery. But their play is always interrupted and they constantly find each other. Rain clouds darken the sky. Suddenly mysterious shadows appear beyond the grass - then- mothers are coming to get them. All go home together happy and satisfied. In these simple scenes of playtime, portrayed creatively in clear shapes and colors, the feelings that little children experience day after day, such as joy, fright, fear and security, are given lively, immediate expression. (2+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1995 - 5
Kimura, Shôhei (text)
Yamazaki, Takumi (illus.)
Watashi wa obâchanga suki
(Grandma, my Love!)
Tokyo: Fukuinkan shoten, 1994. [38] p.
ISBN 4-8340-1249-2
Grandmother/Grandchild - Old age/Illness
When Makiko's grandmother returns home from the hospital after her accident, she is mentally lamed. Makiko is greatly troubled and attempts to encourage her to speak with questions about the two of them. By looking at herself in a mirror, grandmother gradually begins to recognize herself again. This book deals with a topic rarely treated in picture books and offers a stimulus to discussion for children and their families. In order to illustrate the progress of grandmother's from confusion to self-rediscovery and also Makiko's feelings, the illustrator employs a daring, abstract style of painting. The prismatic imagery and dissolving colors are given expressive resolution thanks to the appropriate text. (6+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1995 - 6
Mado, Michio (text/illus.)
Sorekara…
(And then?)
Tokyo: Dowaya, 1994. 160 p.
ISBN 4-924684-80-5
Children's poetry - Existence
In his newest book of poetry for children and adults the 85-year-old Andersen prizewinner Michio Mado turns his attention to things and creatures that are taken for granted and hardly ever consciously experienced, such as mosquitoes, ants, grass, wind, etc. Eveything in this world has a right to be here; because of their origins, every living thing is of equal value. Mado looks at creation not from the point of view a man but from that of the living beings themselves. Hence the reader make new discoveries in his poetry over and over Again. (7+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1995 - 7
Matsui, Tadashi (reteller)
Sekino, Kikuko (reteller)
Tan, Xiao Yong (illus.)
Yanmeizu to ryû
(Yanmeiz, a boy who fought a dragon)
Tokyo: Fukuinkan shoten, 1994. 40 p.
ISBN 4-8340-0245-4
Folk tale/China - Dragon -Abduction - Siblings - Peace - Wealth
A village boy born under miraculous circumstances sets off to rescue his sister from a dragon. His success brings peace and wealth to his village. The prize-winning Chinese illustrator Tan Xiao Yong contributes illustrations which combine traditional Indian ink and modern coloring on wet paper; inspite of their two- dimensionality they express spatial depth and physical weightiness. The strong, dynamic brushstrokes endow both the dragon and the protagonists, who are usually portrayed in the heroic poses of Asian theater, enormous liveliness. Alongside the impressive illustrations, which are outstanding examples of the singularity of the Asian art of painting, the painstakingly prepared text is rather reserved. (4+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1995 - 8
Miyazawa, Kenji (text)
Kuroi, Ken (illus.)
Neko no jimusho
(The Cat's Office)
Tokyo: Kaiseisha, 1994. 36 p.
(Nihon no dôwameisakusen)
ISBN 4-03-963426-9
Cat - Bureaucracy - Discrimination
A satirical, fable-like tale about small-minded bureaucracy. Five elitist cats preside in an office where self-importance, intimidation and hypocrisy blossom. The author exposes the absurdity and folly of such everyday discrimination. In the end, unceremoniously, he lets a superior being in the figure of a lion to put an end to the whole business. The illustrator Ken Kuroi succeeds in giving expression to the realistic and the phantistic aspects of the text, a task which is especially difficult to do for the works of Kenji Miyazawa, the modern classic writer who holds a unique place in Japanese children's and youth literature. (14+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1995 - 10
Nasuda, Jun (text)
Yornogida, Yasuhiro (illus.)
Orefanto.- Nippon Zaemon shônenki
(The elephant. Notes about the young years of Nippon Zaemon)
Tokyo: Kodansha, 1994. 253 p.
ISBN 4-06-207251-3
Adventure - Friendship - Sincerity - Japan/Everyday life 18th century
In this suspenseful and enjoyable tale, a fictional historical novel, Nasuda skillfully weaves a historical persons and events into fictional plot. In the middle of the Edo era (mid-18th century) there was a famous robber. Nasuda's fictional account of his childhood is climaxed by an exciting encounter between an elephant and the little elephant driver from Annam. Life at the toll stations along the streets of this feudal social system are depicted in an informative and lively manner. Nasuda has adopted a new style here by writing some parts of the novel in the first person, thus making history more immediately present and directly appealing to the reader. (12+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1995 - 11
Saragai, Tatsuya (text)
Hasegawa, Shûhei (illus.)
Bokusâ shigan
(The Boxers)
Tokyo: Kaiseisha, 1994. 179 p.
(Kaiseisha Korekushon)
ISBN 4-03-744060-1
Growing up - Self-identity - Puberty/Boy
In these short stories five boys between the ages of 13 and 15 take leave of their childhood, each in his own way. One realizes that he must distance himself from his younger playmates, the second experiences the bitter reality of life through his own failure, the third is drawn into a dubious scheme of his father's, the fourth must take his mother's place in the work of the community, and the fifth experiences first love. All of them must try to deal with newly awakened feelings and a sense of self-discovery. Along the way, the foreign readers will get a glimpse into the everyday life of Japanese school children. This literary work, which is designed with a very original, eloquent cover, will leave the reader with a certain wistfulness. (12+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1995 - 12
Senjû, Hiroshi (illus.)
Hoshi no furuyoni
(When stardust falls...)
Tokyo: Fuzambo, 1994. [36 ] p.
ISBN 4-572-00332-7
Stag - Nature - Adventure - Night - Lost
A young stag who lives in the woods with his parents gets lost one evening due to his fascination with a shooting star. Following the river in which the sparkling star is reflected, the young stag comes to an empty city and the a meadow. Only at dawn does he find his parents again. Hiroshi Senju, painting in the style of modern Japanese art, has created a wordless picture book in his own unique style. On the left side of each double-page spread there is nothing but a small map of the course being followed by the young stag. The visual interaction of map and illustration enables the observer to experience the spaciousness of nature and the stillness of the night in the same way the stag does. The fine distinction between sky, water and landscape imbues the entire picture book with a very delicate atmosphere. (6+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1995 - 13
Yamashita, Haruo (text)
Murakami, Yasunari (illus.)
Ora, Ûtan!
(Hello, Ûtan!)
Tokyo: Kaiseisha, 1994. 63 p.
(Ohanashi kânibaru 8)
ISBN 4-03-460080-2
Racial integration - School - Child/Foreigner - Difference - Friendship
The cultural diversity which is gradually arising in Japan due to the presence of guest workers precipitated the appearance of this didactically excellent children's book. A highly unconventional beginning reader, it deals with the integration of two new first- graders, a Japanese boy and a Spanish girl, into the class. The ways in which their two cultures differ is cleverly interwoven in the story in a precise and humorous narrative, which is supported by convincing illustrations. An interesting Japanese contribution to the topic of cultural integration. (6+)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1995 - 39
Kelleher, Victor
Parkland
Ringwood: Viking/Penguin Books, 1994. 255 p.
ISBN 0-670-85904-4
Fantasy - Man/Animal - Genetic experimentation - Difference/Tolerance - Extraterrestial beings/intelligence - Freedom - Friendship - Change - Survival
For nearly two centuries artificially bred humans and man-ape hybrids have lived together in harmony and docility in a high- walled enclosure, guarded by keepers who supply all their needs but also mete out sadistic punishments when necessary. The strong-willed, curious Cassie and her two intelligent, hybrid friends manage to break out of the enclosure. After their disastrous flight to freedom they return reluctantly to Parkland, where they finally break the mastery of the keepers and learn why those extraterrestrial beings had become "cosmic gardeners" with a mission to maintain diversity and harmony in the galaxy. This masterly written novel with strong characterizations challenges the imagination of the reader on every page and poses basic questions about human life, attitudes toward fellow creatures, and the ability to create and control life and society. (14+)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1995 - 40
Pugh, Dailan (illus.)
Dunkle, Margaret (text)
Secrets of the rainforest
South Melbourne: Hyland House, 1994. [32] p.
ISBN 1-875657-11-8
Rainforest - Conservation - Australia/Flora and fauna
Unlike Europe or North America, children in some parts of Australia have the opportunity to walk directly from their homes into a rainforest with stunning, century-old vegetation still inhabited by rare and endangered species of animals. In this picture book for primary school children Kevin, son of a logger, takes a walk for the first time in the local rainforest with environmentally concerned classmates whom he had once dubbed "the greenie mob." Overwhelmed by its beauty, which is realistically presented in full-paged gouache paintings, Kevin realizes the need to prevent further destruction of this unique natural habitat. The at times lengthy text serves to describe the habits and needs of the various animal species, making Kevin's growing social awareness plausible. While the intention of the book is undoubtedly moralistic, it is tastefully presented in a very attractive and informative format. (5+)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1995 - 41
Rodda, Emily (text)
Kelly, Geoff (illus.)
Power and glory
St. Leonards: A Little Ark Book/Alien & Unwin, 1994. [32] p.
ISBN 1-86373-677-8
Video game - Family life - Challenge
By dealing with an activity close to their hearts and high on their minds, children who are reluctant to read might be drawn to this story about a video game player. In fact an book with an unconventional layout, it employs repetitive, situational vocabulary and hilarious caricatures of family life situations. The narrative tension between the all-absorbing challenge of a video game of skill and adventure and the continual interruptions by parents, siblings and pet, each with their own demands is as hilarious as it is realistic. Geoff Kelly has chosen an avant-garde style of illustration which resembles but in no way imitates video graphics. (6-8) ☼

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1995 - 44
Fine, Anne
Step by wicked step
London: Hamish Hamilton, 1995. 135 p.
ISBN 0-241-00161-7
Stepparent - Family problems
Even if this book by one of England's best contemporary authors had appeared anonymously, its success would be guaranteed by the immediately absorbing narrative with its masterful combination of suspense and sensitive delving into the hearts and minds of appealing and believable main characters. Five twelve- year-old classmates who know each other only superficially accidentally discover the memoir of a man with a tragic family history in a hidden room of an old spooky manor. A chance find, a cryptic word from their teacher and an all-night round of storytelling begins, in which each tells about his or her own family problems and gains insight into the difficult choices and emotional turmoil facing each of the others. The common bond between them all is the presence of stepparents in their lives. This is a book which will be read in one sitting and still be (hauntingly) memorable long after. (10+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1995 - 45
Hathorn, Libby (text)
Rogers, Gregory (illus.)
Way home
London: Andersen Press, 1994. [32] p.
ISBN 0-86264-541-7
Homelessness - Boy - Cat - Friendship
His white-on-black text and the skillfully composed dark, somber illustrations immediately identify this book as one dealing with a "problem": the underside of life, street life, in a metropolitan city in a modern affluent society. It depicts an hour in the life of a boy of the street - in which such a picture book would have no place - who empathizes with and adopts a stray cat as company. Together they return through the ugly back alleys to the hole he proudly calls "home." Lacking in any didacticism, direct in its tone, impeccably designed, the book cannot fail to make a lasting impression on any reader willing to face its chilling truth. (8+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1995 - 46
McKay, Hilary
The exiles at home
London: Victor Gollancz, 1993.
ISBN 0-00674644-6
(Paperback: London: Lions/HarperCollins, 1994. 173pp)
Siblings - School - Africa - Charity - Grandmother - Elderly
This is an engrossing and well-paced family story in the excellent British storytelling tradition. The four Conroy sisters, aged between thirteen and six years, have not changed a bit in this sequel to the Guardian award-winning title The Exiles (1991). The thread running through the narrative revolves around the girls' efforts to acquire £10 month after month to send to a 10- year-old African boy whose education the girls have decided secretly to sponsor. They get involved in numerous escapades by sitting for the baby next door, selling packed lunches at school, robbing the postbank, selling their mother's books, or gardening for an elderly couple. Each of the girls has a distinctive personality within the family, and alone or together their actions and idiosyncratic reasoning ensure the reader one laugh after another. (9+) ☆ ☼
(Overall winner, 1994 Smarties Award)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1995 - 47
Ure, Jean (text)
Hellard, Susan (illus.)
Who's for the zoo?
London: Orchard, 1995 (text first publ. 1989). 64 p.
(Readalones)
ISBN 1-85213 662 6
School - Zoo - Animal rights
The Orchard "Readalone" series offer a wide range of stories written by some of the UK's most popular and humorous contemporary writers and illustrators for children, such as Rose Impey, Mary Hoffman or Jonathan Alien. With this sixth installment in her "Woodside School Stories series" the versatile Jean Ure manages to portray a cast of individual characters and tackle a topic of social concern. When one pupil in her classroom hesitantly reveals her dismay at the planned school excursion to the zoo, the teacher finds a clever way to let the rest of the pupils reflect on how it might feel to be kept in a cage and gawked at. The somewhat larger type and black-and-white sketches make these titles attractive additions for home, school and public libraries, while the choice of topics makes them suitable for readers of English as a second language. (7-9) ☼

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1995 - 65
Bolden, Tonya (ed.)
Johnson, Charles (forward)
Rites of passage. Stories about growing up by black writers from around the world.
New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 1994. 208 p.
ISBN 1-56282-688-3
Blacks - Racial discrimination - Self- discovery
The syntax, vocabulary and content of these seventeen stories is uniquely rooted in the so-called black experience without making them any less universal, inspiring and entertaining for readers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds. The manifold effects of belonging to a minority which collectively has been economically and socially disadvantaged for so long are sometimes blatant, sometimes quite subtle elements in these poignant and finely tuned tales about crucial moments in the process of coming of age, of learning to see the real world from a new perspective. This international anthology includes authors who grew up and still write today about contemporary life in North America, Latin America, Africa, England, or Australia. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1995 - 66
Robinet, Harriette Gillem
Mississippi chariot
New York: Atheneum, 1994. 117 p.
(A Jean Karl Book)
ISBN 0-689-31960-6
USA/Racism - Friendship - Father/Prison
In this story about one hard-working black sharecropper family suddenly caught up in the wheels of injustice, racism in rural Mississippi in the 1930s is depicted realistically but without bitterness. The protagonist, twelve-year-old Shortning, is quite capable of recognizing and verbalizing his disadvantaged situation but seeks anyway to get his father released from the chain gang. By chance he saves the life of a white boy, Hawk, who begins to recognize his own prejudices and misconceptions of blacks. Though they are each still bound by strict social conventions. Hawk helps Shortening succeed in his plan. The solid plot and natural, honest dialogues create an authentic, gripping story of resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity. (10+) ☆

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1995 - 70
Kusterer, Karin (text)
Edita Dugalic (text)
Heimat ist nicht nur ein Land. Eine bosnische Flüchtlingsfamilie erzählt
(Home is not only a land. The story of a Bosnian refugee family)
Wien: Dachs, 1994. 127 p. With maps and tables
ISBN 3-85191-007-9
Bosnia/War - Refugee/Germany
The Bosnian Edita Dugalic (now 17 years old) lives with her family in Germany. In this book she relates her experiences of war in the former Yugoslavia, her childhood in her hometown of Zvornik on the Drina River - which is not lost to her - and her escape, the confusion. Her contacts to her friends in Bosnia with whom she went to school - whether Serb or Muslim children - are not broken off. This book deserves particular attention not only because of its current relevance - about which the media is full of necessarily one-sided and short journalistic reports. Here is a report of the personal experiences of younger and older people, completely lacking in sensationalism. They try to understand and survive their involuntary entanglement in the catastrophe of war. There is no mention of the gruesome acts which happened and are still happening, only of the wish of the civil population to live in peace in their homeland. The editor and co-author has included notes of history-making dates and geographical names. (12+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1995 - 71
Recheis, Käthe (text)
Holländer, Karen (illus.)
Wolfsaga
(The wolf saga)
Wien: Herder, 1994. 507 p.
ISBN 3-210-25075-8
Wolf- Dictatorship - Utopia
The great black wolf Schogar Kan, stronger than all the other wolf leaders, wants to create heaven on earth for his pack. He wants there to be only one great pack of wolves whose lives and survival is to be ensured with force against the rest of nature and other animals. He tolerates no opposition. Fighting and war crop up in Arcadia. Nonetheless or precisely because of it, the dictatorship must fall. His negative utopia of life, based on despotism, stands in contrast to the traditional, nature-given rules and to Waka, the eternal laws of creation. Schogar Kan is not conquered by counterforce, but rather loses his power through the gentle art of persuasion of a weaker one. In this narrative the author portrays the laws which nature herself has created. The animals decide for or against anti-nature and violence in the form of the great wolf and bear the consequences of their decision. Kathe Recheis impressively presents a mighty question here. With her protagonists of her saga of the natural world she dreams of an ideal, and above all of an achievable ideal world. (10+) ☆

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1995 - 72
Riha, Susanne (text/illus.)
Wir leben gern bei euch zuhaus
(We would like to live at your house)
Wien: Betz, 1994. [28] p.
ISBN 3-219-10589-0
House pet/Care
A house pet doesn't need to be a problem for parents and children. If the proper minimal prerequisites and attitudes are present and proper care is given - as demonstrated here for twelve of the most common and beloved European house pets in text and pictures - both children and adults can have pleasure in a lively and healthy pet without pangs of conscience. This is set out in an informative and detailed manner in this picture book which is suitable even for smaller children. (5+) ☼

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1995 - 87
Tschinag, Galsan
Der blaue Himmel
(The blue heavens)
Frakfurt a. M.: Surkamp, 1994. 177 p. With glossary
ISBN 3-51840596-9
Tuva Autonomous Region - Nomads/Mongolia - Everyday life/Mongolia - Dog - Family life
A Tuvinian child - the Tuvinians are a Mongolian tribe - learns how to behave without actually being raised. At least that is how it used to be. The word "education" is not part of the Tuvinian language. Children learn the rules of behavior for specific situations as part of a group; everything else is learned by listening, observing, imitating and helping. The most important beings in the life and surroundings of the young narrator are his "grandmother," an unknown older woman who came once upon a time into the tent village. Ail, and stayed on because the child "chose" her and they no longer wanted to part, and the dog Arsylang, leader of the pack and their faithful companion, "my brother-instead-of- a-brother" as the author calls him. The climax and end of this narrator's childhood is a long hard winter which the little family barely manages to survive along with a very few of their herd. For the dog Arsylang the new period, with its technical possibilities, brings a fateful danger when he eats the poison that the father sets out for the maraurading predators. The boy threatens to succumb to his despair over his dog’s death and in a dramatic protest he turns to the highest Tuvanian healer, the Gük Deeri, the "blue heavens", who gives the book is double-meaninged title. The enormous force of the text lies in its long "inner wind," which challenges the imagination and con- veys the rhythm of tension and restfulness in the life of the Ail. The author of this autobiographical memoir, Galsan Tschinag, was born into a Tuvinian family of nomadic animal-herders in the Mongolian People's Repubulic in 1944. He studied German in East Germany between 1962 and 1968, and wrote this novel in German. In 1992 he was awarded the Adalbert von Chamisso Prize in Munich. (10+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1995 - 88
Tuckermann, Anja
Muscha
(<Proper name>)
München: Klopp, 1994. 218 p.
ISBN 3-7817-2080-2
Germany/History 20th century - Sinti (Gypsy) - Racial persecution
When he entered school in 1938 Josef, called Muscha, was confronted with the Nazi contempt for human life and racial hysteria. Betrayed by his physical appearance, he is beaten up, teased, and finally taken away and sterilized by doctors. His parents are able to save him just before deportation and hide him for many long months in a lonely garden house. Only at the end of the war does he learn that he was a child of gypsies and had been taken in by a foster family. Muscha's story is told from the perspective of another school boy and the reader, as Muscha himself, is kept in the dark about the real grounds for his suffering until the end of the novel. Only in an epilogue does it become clear that the story of Muscha is absolutely authentic. (B.S.) (10+) ☆

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1995 - 89
Waluszck, Christian (text)
Michl, Reinhard (illus.)
Die Reise zu den Brumm-Bell-Bergen
(The journey to the Growl-Bark Mountains)
München: Ellermann, 1994. 131 p.
ISBN 3-7707-3013-5
Freedom - Dancing bear - Dop - Cockaigne
Mischa the bear and Zapek the dog want to find the animals' Cockaigne, the land of milk and honey. They are hindered only by the chains which bind them to Happy Juran's caravan wagon. Though Zadek feels chained up, Mischa has forgotten what freedom is. Only as a bear cub could he run over meadows and rob beehives of honey, before Juran made him into a dancing bear. The two runaways make their dreams come true; now and then one sees them roaming happily through the woods. The text is pleasing on the one hand for its unsenti- mental portrayal of the sad lot of captive animals and still it offers the most splendid situational comedies which arise from man and animal trying to live together but having only a limited amount of mutual tolerance. Full-sized black-and-white pictures by Reinhard Michi contribute to this reading pleasure. (8+) ☼

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1995 - 92
Johansen, Hanna (text/illus.)
Ein Maulwurf kommt immer allein
(A mole is always a loner)
Zürich: Nagel & Kimche, 1994. 118 p.
ISBN 3-312-00778-x
Mole - Individualism - Family
The mole is a typical loner and only feels really happy when he is left alone. Hanna Johansen has made use of this fact to create a poetic case for the individualists of this world, wherever they may be hiding. Mother Mole loves her little children, her "closest to her heart little silk worms" as much as any other concerned mother. The little moles get along together, fight and battle with one another, become independent. They dig their own tunnels. The little girl mole, much to her own surprise, even tolerates a guest in her wing of the tunnel once. And soon she builds a nest of her own and has her own little "closes to her heart silk worms" to take care of, at least for a while. But the story in this book is not quite so thin. There are the most marvelous odors in the mole tunnels, they are crawling with little bugs and insects, "friends" of the moles. That is how the life of a mole is - friends are those you can eat, enemies are those who can eat you. The art of storytelling needs few words, just the right ones. Hanna Johansen uses this art to create new worlds which provide adults and children unexpected, funny and ironical insights into their own world. (6+) ☼

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1995 - 93
Schindler, Regine (text)
Jucker, Sita (illus.)
Mia, was ist ein Trip?
(Mia, What is a trip?)
Zürich: bohem press, 1994. [32] p.
ISBN 3-85581-261-6
Drug abuse - Friendship - Family
Sometimes Matthias meets Mia and Puek, the dog, on his way home from school. Mia is a junkie and one day she cannot conceal it from Matthias any longer. His parents forbid him to see her any longer. When he meets her, her condition is already incura- ble. The boy takes on a big project: some- day he will work with drug addicts. Al- though it is quite clearly a problem-centered (picture) book, conceived in cooperation with the Swiss Central Agency for Addic- tion Prevention, the text and illustrations convey an atmosphere of security in Mat- thias's home as well as the vulnerability of: homeless drug addict. This book provides an opportunity for discussion and lets even younger children know how dangerous drugs are, but also that in certain cases addicts can be cured. (8+) ☼

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1995 - 94
Tolstoi, Leo (text)
Abesinova, Elena (illus.)
Maja, Geise (German text)
Wieviel Erde braucht der Mensch?
Zürich: Speer, 1994. [36] p.
ISBN 3-85916163-6
Farmer - Greed - Death
Pachom, the farmer, tries to think of way if purchase more land. He learns about a region where one can acquire as much land one is able to mark off by walking from sun-up to sundown. He decides to take up this good bargain but overtaxes himself with his march around his future land and dies. The German version of this Russian has been shortened and adapted for children. The illustrations contain the traditional Russian folk art motifs in richly detailed and yet grandly playful, humorous and brightly colored variations. Interspersed with ironic jabs at the religious practices and everyday life in grand old Russia, there is a new picture world of men, women, angels and animals on each page. Countryside and cities are boxed inside of one another, make-believe maps with cyrillic writing draw attention to themselves. The illustrator Elena Abesinova lives and works today in Kiev. (6+) ☼
(See also Nr. 25 and 26 (Romania))

Special Mention - Belgium (French) - 1995 - 95
Elzbieta (text/illus.)
Clown
(Clown)
Paris: Pastel/L ʹEcole des Loisirs, 1994. [28] p.
ISBN 2 211 018 94
Clown - Toy - Dream - Personal Property
In his dreams a young boy sees a clown dressed in white against an alternately dark yellow and an orange background. On the right side pages the text describes all the things he owns, on the reverse side it tells what he has lost. He had a pink rose ... it was eaten up by a sheep. He had a purple pair of pants ... the dog ran away with it. He had a nice red nose ... a blackbird snatched it off. But when the clown wakes up the next morning he finds all his treasures gathered around him. Vivacious and expressive drawings betray the illustrator's gentle humor. She has succeeded in creating an enchanting book for the very young reader. (2+) ☆

Special Mention - Belgium (French) - 1995 - 96
Hellings, Colette (text)
Maes, Dominique (illus.)
L'oeuvre d'âne
(The donkey's opus)
n.p.: Pastel/L'Ecole des loisirs, 1994. [28] p.
ISBN 2-211-019-36-6
Art appreciation - Humor - Donkey - Pegasus - Genius - Painting - Self- discovery
This humorous picture book deals with a confused young donkey in his painting studio, which is empty except for three cans of paint. Yet quite unexpectedly he is able to fulfill his painter's ambitions. In the end our donkey perceives himself to be a bud- ding genius, covering not only the canvas but also himself with colorful splats of paint. On wings of joy the pointer flies through the open window, upwards toward the sun. In a simple manner the author and the illustrator succeed in presenting the creative process with all its ups and down. The reader shares in the artist's joy and learns along the way quite coincidentally something about the theory of colors. (5+) ☼

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1995 - 100
Simard, Rémy (text)
Pratt, Pierre (illus.)
Mon chien est un éléphant
(My dog is an elephant)
Willowdale: Annick Press, 1994. [32] p.
ISBN 1-55037-979-8 (French ed.) 1-55037-977-1 (English ed.)
Boy - Elephant - Friendship - Disguise Hide-and-Seek - Family Conflict
Hector takes in an elephant which has esca- ped from the zoo and hides it in his room. To protect his mother from any further sur- prise encounters with the giant animal - she faints each time - Hector tries out different disguises for his charge. But all his efforts prove to be unsuitable. In this series of slap- stick style surprises which climax in the mother's fainting spell the reader can even image hearing the thump of her fall. Such grotesque inventiveness is great fun! (5+) ☼
(1994 Canadian Governor General's Award for Illustration)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1995 - 109
Gaussen, Dominique (text)
François I er & les Châteaux de la Loire
(Francis I & the Loire castles)
Paris: Mango, 1994. 96 p. With illustrations
(Regard dʹʹaujourd ʹhai)
ISBN 2-7404-0359-3
Francis I of France - Loire/Castles - Royal Court - France/Everyday life 1494-1547
The author and successful advertising expert, Dominique Gaussen, has taken Voltaire's motto that all types of things are good except the boring ones, and proven its truth. Thanks to his humorful inventiveness we are given a well-paced and diversified glimpse into the life of the French king, life at the royal court, and the origins of the Loire castles. Gaussen cleverly embeds it into the social and historical context of the Renaissance. This illustrated informative book is designed as a stimulating piece of journalism and owes much to modern techniques of advertising. Divided into numerous short, very different chapters, the eye-catching headlines, the combination of old documents, photomontage, and contemporary caricatures awakens the reader's curiosity. This very new style of disseminating knowledge matches the times best of all. (12+)
(Prix Cercle dʹ Or Livres Hebdo 1994)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1995 - 110
Gutman, Claude (text)
Rue de Paris
(A Street in Paris)
Paris: Gallimard Jeunesse, 1994. 187 p.
(Page blanche)
ISBN 2-07-058265-5
Paris/World War II - Jews/Persecution - Homelessness - Palestine - Emigration - Search for identity
This is the last volume of a trilogy about the fate of Jews in France during the Second World War. David is filled with the desire for revenge when he learns the fate of his parents at the end of the war. He leaves Paris and the people who had given him a home. Searching for a new meaning to his life, he takes care of Jewish orphans, falls in love with Sarah, and follows her to Palestine on an adventure-filled crossing of Mediterranean by ship. But Palestine is still under British control. He experiences the hard and anonymous life in the refugee camps and kibbutz, the struggles against the occupying powers. In short, clipped sentences he tells of his bereavement, his anger, his sense of being lost, his inner vacuum. But he is drawn into the tumultuous events around him. His love of literature, his feelings for the totally committed Zionisten Sara, the solidarity of the comrades are highlights in the struggle for survival. In a final identity crisis, he decides to return to France. Claude Gutman grew up in Israel; his descriptions of the arrival of Jewish refugees and the precarious daily life in Palestine are most impressive. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - France (French) - 1995 - 111
La Fontaine, Jean de (text)
Fables
(Fables)
Paris: Albin Michel, 1994. 66 p. With illustrations
ISBN 2-226-07042-7
Fables - Animal/Fable
This year is the 300th anniversary of the writer Jean de la Fontaine (1621-1695). In commemoration, Albin Michel has issued this splendid large-sized volume of fables. Thirty well-known children's book illustrators and comic artists from France and also from other countries were commissioned to contribute illustrations. Whether traditional or idiosyncratic, their interpretations are extremely stimulating and awaken the well-known teachings of morality and cleverness to new life. The final two pages are particularly humorous. The artists have written and drawn their own biographical sketches. This volume will please both young and old; a must for every library collection. (7+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1995 - 112
Pennart, Geoffroy de (text/illus.)
Le loup est revenu!
(The wolf has returned!)
Paris: Kaléidoscope, 1994. [34] p.
ISBN 2-87767-121-6
Rabbit - Wolf- Fear - Fairy tale/Spoof- Animal Tale
The wolf has returned! Upon receiving this threatening piece of news, various well- known figures of classic fairy tales seek refuge in the rabbit's home. In a reversal of the usual course of events, the Seven Billy Goats, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Three Little Pigs, among others, arrive. The very last guest is the bad wolf himself. But all turns out harmoniously with a common vegetarian feast. To top it all off, the wolf tells them scary wolf stories. It makes merry reading for young and old to follow these funny episodes of fairy tale spoofing. Prix Saint-Exupéry 1994 - Valeurs Jeunessi (4+) ☼

Special Mention - France (French) - 1995 - 113
Pernin, Muriel (text)
Wintz, Nicolas (illus.)
Famine: l' arme des tyrans
(Famine: The weapon of tyrants)
Paris: Syros, 1994. 134 p.
(J' accuse...!)
State/Misuse of power - Oppression - Famine - Ukraine/History 1931-33 - Kosovo/History 1993 - Traveller's journal
This is one of the first titles in a new, daring and elegantly designed series focusing on human rights. The name of the series is taken from Zola's famous outcry "J' accuse!" in the French press on January 13, 1898. Its principle is simple. Two stories frame an extensive documentary middle section. In this case, the first historical report deals with the events in the Ukraine during a great famine in 1933, which was precipitated by the Soviet Union to gain access to power. The author draws on documents and eye-witness accounts of refugees in France and survivors in the Ukraine. The second historical report is a diary of a humanitarian aid project in Kosovo in 1993. Because the author succeeds in maintain a distance to the events being described, the reader is able to deal with the gruesome suffering in an objective manner. The elegant design of the volume contrasts with its content and weakens its effect to some extent. (15+) ☆

Special Mention - France (French) - 1995 - 114
Pommaux (text/illus.)
Une nuit, un chat...
(A night, a cat ...)
Paris: Lʹ Ecole des loisirs, 1994. [30] p.
ISBN 2-211-027-741
Cat - Father/Conflict - Adventure - Nighttime - First love
Even in cat families the day comes when the youngest offspring goes out at night alone. The worried father follows his son secretly and intervenes discretely and unrecognized whenever danger arises. Breathlessly the reader follows Groucho's first adventures in the darkened city, which the illustrator has masterly staged in a series of pictures. The nighttime scenery, the slanted rooftops, the motionless statues, the threatening shadows are impressive. On secret corners, on the large square, there is an active nightlife for cats. All the cat protagonists are attired in clothing and endowed with the human characteristics. Groucho has a happy and a dangerous encounter. The next night he goes out again. In this humorous and well- drawn picture book Pommaux succeeds once again in transposing general human experience to the animal world. (5+) ☼
(Sélection Livrimages 1994)

Special Mention - Switzerland (French) - 1995 - 115
Bille, Corinna (text)
Hainard, Robert (illus.)
Le mystère du monstre
(The mysterious monster)
Genève: La Joie de lire, 1994. [34] p.
ISBN 2-88258-044-4
Wallis/Monster - Wolf hunt - Media
In dialogue with her two little children, a mother tells about the tragicomic events which came to pass in the highest village in the canton of Wallis. An unidentifiable monster began to terrorize the inhabitants, stealing sheep and chickens night after night. The case become more and more widely known, a public disgrace, but no solution was found - until by chance months later a large wolf was shot. The story is so lively written that it really seems authentic. The personalities in this small community in the mountains are superbly characterized, the ups and downs of hope and error make the reader smile. With the help of the pencil drawings and colored prints of the well- known Swiss animal artist Hainard the publisher has succeeded in creating a minor work of art. (8+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (French) - 1995 - 116
Chaillot, Nicole (text)
Europe est une femme
(Europe is a Woman)
Paris / Genève: La Nacelle, 1994. 57 p. With illus. chosen by Agnès Rosenstiehl
(Musèe Imaginaire)
ISBN 2-88393-028-7
Art appreciation - Art history - Painting - Cultural history - Feminism
In this nonfiction picture book numerous portraits and pictures by famous artists from several centuries, citations from the works of famous writers and philosophers from the Roman times up to today document the role which women have been relegated by men in society and in the arts. Two children, a boy and a girl, discover page after page the passive role of the woman, who is supposed to be young and beautiful, and the prejudices under which women suffered in past epochs. The lovely, meticulously laid-out book is not only an interesting work on cultural history but also a history of women's liberation. Its unusual perspective deserves particular attention. (11+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (French) - 1995 - 117
Pef (text/illus.)
Je m' appelle Adolphe
(My Name is Adolf)
Paris / Genéve: La Nacelle, 1994. [42] p.
ISBN 2-88393-025-2
National Socialism – Hitler, Adolf - Peace/Pedagogy - Right-wing radicalism
Well-known in France for his humorous books, the author-illustrator Pef ventures to take on a serious subject, a treatment of his childhood memories during and immediately after the Second World War. Somewhere in France there is a boy named Adolf who bears a fatal resemblance to a historical figure. His easy-going parents have no time for him. He leaves home and goes alone into the woods where he meets a group of Neonazis having a wild party and a woman who survived the concentration camps. Both encounters are nearly fatal. Only when the old woman has explained to him the historical background does he begin to understand. This parable of the unreliability of memory, misleading appearances, and the necessity of passing on historical knowledge is consternating and foiling. The narrative seems to be fragmented, and little Hitler is a tragicomical figure. Nonetheless, or precisely therefore, it is a book which has a feeling of immediacy - enhanced by the style of the illustrations - and forms an important addition to the literature on this subject. (9+) ☆

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1995 - 122
Panini, Giorgio P. (text)
Atlante di Mitologia
(Atlas of Mythology)
Milano: Mondadori, 1994. 128 p. With illustrations
ISBN 88-04-38977-X
Mythology - Legend
This illustrated volume takes an unaccustomed glimpse at the mythology of various cultures and epochs by placing the mythological figures - the heroes - in the foreground. Two aspects of this work make it especially attractive: first, the term "myth" is interpreted so broadly that no only classic, e.g. Greek or Germanic, myths are included, but also new, literary ones, such as the heart-breaker Don Giovanni. (It would have made sense to include still-living myths of our modern society such as film stars). Secondly, the author has dispensed with a geographic or chronological order and instead arranged the figures of various origins together by theme or motif. This creates quite surprising cross-sections and allows interesting comparisons. For example, Achilles is to be found alongside Siegfried in the group of "the vulnerable;" and among the group of "those born in an unusual manner" one finds Orion and also Pinocchio. The volume is richly illustrated with pictures of art works, famous book illustrations, or scenes from films. Picture symbols make it easy for the reader to associate a figure with its origin. (14+) ☆

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1995 - 123
Pitzorno, Bianca (text)
Blake, Quentin (illus.)
Diana Cupído e il Commendatore
(Diana, Cupid and the Commander)
Milano: Mondadori, 1994. 300 p.
ISBN 88-04-38986-9
Sardinia/History 1950s/Everyday life - Small town - Puberty/Girl - Family
Together with her mother and little sister, eleven-year-old Diana goes to live with her grandfather, a strange, affluent cinema owner in Sardinia. The novel depicts life in a small Italian town and the everyday life of a teenager and her three girlfriends (who the reader already encountered in Ascolta il mio cuore), who are in the midst of puberty, and their idolization of American film stars. Above all this is a tale about Italy in the 1950s: "Even refrigerators were seen as a real rarity. There were no supermarkets, no hamburgers, neither Coca Cola, nor disposable diapers or frozen foods" The author's talent lays in very apt descriptions with a distinctive choice of words in a dynamic and humorous style. The well-known illustrator Quentin Blake has contributed congenial black-and-white wash illustrations. (12+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1995 - 124
Quarzo, Guido (text)
Fatus, Sophie (illus.)
Zampe di gallina
(Chicken feet)
Firenze: Fatayrac, 1994. 64 p.
ISBN 88-86228-25-2
Old Woman/Child - Chicken - Imagination - Storytelling
In an old fairy tale - so the book begins - deep in the woods there is a hut standing on chicken feet and in it lives a witch who eats people as if they were chickens. But in this book there is a little house amidst the tall buildings and the loud traffic of a big city. While all the adults rush by blindly and have no idea that this house exists, the children ask what it is doing there. One day curious little Ulisse enters the house and makes friends with its occupants, a talking chicken and an old peculiar woman who can tell stories particularly well. And that is what the book, with its imaginative, brightly colored illustrations, is all about: stories and storytelling, the unlimited possibilities of the imagination. (6+)

Special Mention - Brazil (Portuguese) - 1995 - 128
Lago, Angela (illus.)
Cena de rua
(Street scene)
Beto Horizonte: RHJ, 1994. [28] p.
ISBN 85-7153-067-X
Latin America - City - Homeless Child - Poverty - Ostracization - Outsider
This wordless picture book shows scenes of everyday life of a street boy caught up in the vicious circle of poverty, hunger and theft, between the cars in the heavy traffic of a big city where he scrapes a living as a streetside seller. Though he appears to be in close contact with people, passersby react to him with fear and aggressively reject him. His yearning for security remains unfulfilled. The oppressive scenes on the black-bordered double-page spreads are bathed in an artificial light. The flat, glaring colors elucidate the aggressive, threatening atmosphere of the big city. Unusual perspectives underline the confinement and the chaos, everything is in motion, there is nothing offering him support or protection. In this book Angela Lago shows a completely new side of her many-facetted talent. The Brazilian illustrator has already won several international prizes. In 1994 she was the Brazilian nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Prize (6+)

Special Mention - Brazil (Portuguese) - 1995 - 129
Rangel, Paulo (text)
Moura, Ercília (illus.)
As uvas do Marengo : Memórias de um menino bem comportado
(The grapes of Marengo: the memoir of a well-mannered boy)
Belo Horkonte: Lê, 1993. 148 p.
(Transalivre; 15)
Brazil/Childhood/Boy - Memoir/Boy
A nine-year-old boy wants more than anything else to be allowed to spend a day at Chacará de Marengo. Actually nothing more than a resort for day excursions, he imagines it to be more tempting than paradise. Under the provision that he and his brothers not get into too much trouble, the father, a very busy gynecologist, agrees to fulfill this dream. In retrospect the nearly grown-up narrator depicts the often comical efforts the boys made to meet the father's requirement. But in the end it is all in vain. Chacará de Marengo remains an unfulfilled childhood dream. Paulo Rangel succeeds in giving a very vivid description of family life through his witty narrative and to-the-point portrayal of the catastrophes in everyday life. (14+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1995 - 133
Cañizo, José Antonio del
iCanalla, traidor, morirás!
(Scoundrel, traitor, you will die!)
Madrid: SM, 1994. 106 p.
(El Barco de Vapor I Serie Roja; 77)
ISBN 84-348-4336-3
School holiday - Village - Spanish Civil War/Post-war
The narrator recalls a summer in a village in the Castilian mountains where he spent his school holidays as a child - above all reading exciting comic books, playing Indians or gazing at the starry heavens at night. These are also the Franco years of law-and-order, just after the end of the Spanish Civil War. So it was no wonder that a citation from a comic ("Scoundrel, traitor, you will die") thoughtlessly scribbled on a stone sets off a considerable upcry, which ends sadly with the imprisonment of a solitary former Republican soldier who had been hiding in the mountains. José Antonio del Cañizo succeeds in portraying the various moods and sides of character in the young boy in a lively and discriminating manner: child-like curiosity and joy of adventure, fear of choleric adults, a sense of justice, guilt feelings and a powerless sadness over the loss of a barely known human being. This is a wonderful story - enthralling, full of ideas, humane, sometimes serious, but without pathos and, despite the subject, on the whole quite witty, light and humorous. (12+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1995 - 134
Estrada, Rafael (text)
Gabán, Jesús (illus.)
El rey Solito
(King Allalone)
Madrid: SM, 1994. 64 p.
(El Bano de Vapor / Serie Blanca; 56)
ISBN 84-348-4354-4
King - Loneliness - Self-suggestion - Roleplaying
When everyone deserts a kingdom befallen by poverty, only little King "Allalone" remains behind. Out of loneliness and boredom he takes on a variety of roles: he becomes the horn-blower or the servant and even conducts war against himself, trying "at least to kill time." His longing for human company becomes ever stronger and along with it his ability for self-deception. Finally he even takes himself in marriage lust to be no longer so alone. His illusions dissolve in the end when a real-life shepherdess stands before the castle one day, bringing him back to reality and providing him with a happy-end. The humorous and at the same time poetic fairy tale is told in a simple voice. The text is aptly accompanied by numerous comic-like, delicately colored drawings. (6+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1995 - 135
Gisbert, Joan Manuel
Los espejos venecianos
(The one-way mirrors)
Zaragoza: Edelvives, 1994. 135 p.
(Sueños de papel; 1)
ISBN 84-263-2734-6
Padua/History 1792 - Student - Palace - Phantom - Superstition - Science
This novel is set in 1792 in the Italian university town of Padua. A young student of history, Giovanni, discovers a palace in ruins which is the object of dark legends. Mysterious events occur, persons appear and disappear, old documents provide coded clues. With sharp intelligence and the aid of covert helpers, Giovanni succeeds in discovering the secret of the ancient building. Well known for his fantastic tales, which often have historical backgrounds, Gisbert combines here the elements of historical fiction, mystery and ghost stories. He is clever at leading his protagonists - and readers - astray. The decisive question here - what is real, what is imaginary - is answered only at the very end. A thrilling, entertaining and masterly told story. (12+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1995 - 136
Lindo, Elvira (text)
Urberuaga, Emilio (illus.)
Manolito Gafotas
(Manolito Four-eyes)
Madrid: Alfaguara, 1994. 136 p.
(Manolito Brillenschlange)
ISBN 84-204-4856-7
Madrid - Family/Boy - School - Everyday life/Metropolis
Manolito Gafotas, a clever youth living in a not so posh suburb of Madrid, has an energetic mother, an eccentric grandfather, good friends, a little brother he calls "Imbecile", an overworked school psychologist and, above all, lots of things to tell about. He passes through life with his eyes and ears wide open, snapping up words adults use and endowing them with his own meaning, telling the reader about his experiences and thoughts as best he can. With staggering logic and a dry humor he depicts the various episodes of his daily life in a style reminiscent of Goscinny's "Little Nick, " With Manolito Gafotas, the hero of a favorite Spanish radio program since 1987, the reader learns in an entertaining manner much about a child's life in a Spanish metropolis. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1995 - 137
Xirinacs, Olga (text)
Baizola, Asun (illus.)
El árbol de mi patio
(The tree in my courtyard)
Barcelona: Edebé, 1994. 32 p.
(tren azul; 16)
ISBN 84-236-3391-8
Tree/Anecdote
Chestnut tree, laurel tree, weeping willow, etc.: each of Olga Xirinacs' short, imagi- native pieces focuses on a representative of a particular tree species. These "protago- nists" are living beings just like people or animals, they have souls, and quite unspec- tacular experiences, which prompt the reader to think about our "neighbor," the tree. The well-known Spanish artist Asun Baizola created unusual color illustrations to accompany these lyrical texts. With their sharp contours and glowing monochrome surfaces, the figures resemble linoleum cuts, but in fact they are the result of computer based graphics. (5+) ☼

Special Mention - Greenland - 1995 - 147
Maqe, Elisa (reteller)
Rosing, Jens (illus.)
Tunumiit mersertini oqalittuaat
(East Greenlandic children's stories)
København: Atuakkiorfik, 1994. 75 p.
ISBN 87-558-1040-3
East Greenland/Short stories/Anthology
The lack of literature for Geenlanders and their children is often complained of in the Danish press. Only a few books are being published in Greenlandic, an Eskimo language, leaving the children of Greenland dependent upon books in Danish. Thus the efforts of a few publishing houses which take an interest in Greenland's children's literature are to be commended. Even the dialect of East Greenlandic is given a place in this collection of folk tales for children. Because it is hardly spoken anymore, these eight tales, retellings of old fairy-tale like traditional stories, are also printed in West Greenlandic, Danish and English. Knowledge of the dialect had nearly disappeared; the only one able to pass down the dialect today is the farmer Elisa Maqe, born in 1916 and granddaughter of a shaman. The realistic, slightly grotesque illustrations by a Greenland artist retain the authentic landscape of these fairy tale-like episodes. (6-10) ☆

Special Mention - Greenland - 1995 - 148
Jacobsen, Miki (reteller)
Olsen, Rosing (illus.)
Kaassassuk
(<Proper name>)
København: Atuakkiorfik, 1994. 36 p.
ISBN 87-558-0953-7
Fairy tales/Greenland
Already made known to the German- speaking reader in an anthology by Lisa Tetzner, the grotesque tale of the poor ugly orphan boy Kaassassuk, who is teased by his playmates, but helps his foster parents by way of his extraordinary strength is available here in the original version. The naive realistic illustrations of the Greenland artist give an impressive portrayal of the scenes of the tale set in an authentic, pre- industrial Greenland. (6-10)

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1995 - 155
Lagercrantz, Rose (text)
Sprang Olsen, Ib (illus.)
Lilla Geo eller Flickan som kunde lura döden
(Little Geo, or the girl who fooled death)
Stockholm: Bromberg, 1994. 63 p.
ISBN 91-7608-652-6
France History 1900-1950 – Illegitimate child-Vitality
In this pleasantly short book one has all the world in a nutshell: love, death poverty, war, mercy, child-like hope, courage and good fortune. In so few pages the author unfolds, as in passing, a virtual Comédie humaine in which each episode is short story, an embryonic novel. The foil to a chunk of real family history in France, as befits our century, could hardly be more dismal than that against which Georgette, a child born out of wedlock and soon orphaned, makes her way into a secure middle-class existence. Stimulating and impressive are the illustrations - the work of an old master - which through their authenticity (he traveled to France especially for this purpose) take on an urgency that no reader, no child can escape The extremely reticent form of these black and-white pencil drawings are surprising for their concentrated atmosphere and dramatic force, which is enhanced in every sense by a nervous line of seldom found finesse, even by Spang Olsen himself. Turn-of-the-century atmosphere, cityscape, tender mother-love, but also human baseness even to exhibitionism in action (in the background, but clearly visible) - everything that makes the eye keen and the imagination winged is found in abundance on these few pages. (8+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1995 - 156
Nilsson, Ulf (text)
Gustavsson, Jan (illus.)
Råttan kommer!
(The rat is coming!)
Slockholm: Bonniers junior, 1993. 32 p.
ISBN 91-48-52135-3
Hobo - Social isolation - Oppression - Liberation - Remorse
A hobo rat, who himself has turned mean through constant social ostracization and persecution, becomes an oppressor of weaker mice from whom he steals food. But one heroic little mouse succeeds with her child-like optimism in stirring his heart so much that he feels remorse for his deeds. With this short story, Nilsson, who by now has made a name for himself as an author of fable-like animal stories for the best Swedish illustrators, takes issue with the in times of crisis all too readily accepted motto "homo monini lupus." Its illustrations are on the same par as the story. The phy- siognomy is apt and funny, the episodes are cleverly depicted. Jan Gustavsson is among the best realistic modern illustrators. (8+)

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1995 - 157
Persson, Gunilla Linn (text)
Höglund, Anna (illus.)
Delfinen mellan mussia och moln
(The dolphin between shells and clouds)
Stockholm: Bonnier Carlsen, 1994. 32 p.
ISBN 91-638-3102-3
Loneliness - Self-knowledge - Strangeness - Understanding - Sibling rivalry
Again and again one astounds at how popular this very individualistic illustrator is with Swedish readers. The reason that she has such success with her bizarre and strongly stylized pictures may have something to do with young readers being schooled by today's grotesque comic series. Yet Persson is certainly not giving them easily understood topics. It is not possible to depict in only a few words the absurd situation of a lonely woman having a dolphin as a substitute for a child delivered to her house and getting used to its unusual wishes. He helps her to find a new will to live and she helps him to overcome his jealousy of a younger sibling. To be thrown off the track of everyday life for a few moments and thereby find one's own self is a tension-filled story that the reader will find rewarding. (8+)

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1995 - 158
Wahlin, Bertil (text)
Hagstrand-Velicu, Kerstin (illus.)
Småkrypsboken
(The book of small animals)
Stockholm: Tiden, 1994. 128 p.
ISBN 91-550-3899-9
Insects - Reptiles - Field guide/Animals
These two Swedes have created a clearly organized and easy to use field guide for everything that flies and crawls around us Europeans at home, in the garden and in the neighborhood day in and day out. The text is limited to naming and describing animals and their activities, without too much superfluous knowledge; included are clear, painstakingly executed color illustrations which are even more informative than photographs, since they do not confuse the reader with ingenious and decorative close- ups, which are often more for sales- promoting than illuminating. (10+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1995 - 167
Hazelhoff, Veronica (text)
van Poppel, Peter (illus.)
Veren
(Feathers)
Amsterdam: Querido, 1994. 73 p.
ISBN 90-214-6548-5
Sister/Twin - Sibling rivalry - Friendship - Loneliness
Vacation with the parents at the seashore. Nini is bored because the only child to be seen for miles around is her twin sister Maya. And she is so different from everyone else, difficult and withdrawn. When they meet Nessa, Nini wants nothing more than to have her as a friend. But Nessa feels more drawn to Maya. They seem to understand each other without many words, and Maya begins to open up a little. Feeling left out and lonely, Nini even finds herself thinking how useful it would be if Maya would just disappear. But in the end both of the twins recognize that they belong together and need each other. This complicated story of sibling rivalry and growing up is told in a gentle sensitive narrative. (12+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1995 - 168
Provoost, Anne
Vallen
(Falling)
Baarn: Houtekiet, 1994. 264 p.
ISBN 90-5240-2278-7
Grandfather/Grandson - Death - Second World War/Past/Present - Scapegoat
Fascism and racism in history and today are the main elements of this young adult no- vel. When his grandfather dies and it be- comes known that he had betrayed Jews in hiding during World War Two, Lucas dis- covers that the past can catch up with you. He is told that he has many of his grand- father's traits. When he rescues his girl- friend from a burning car, no one will be- lieve that it had been an accident. People suggest that he has a violent character. (14+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1995 - 169
Tellegen, Toon (text)
Berner, Rotraut Susanne (illus.)
Mijn vader
(My father)
Amsterdam: Querido, 1994. 86 p.
ISBN 90-214-8371-8
(Dt. Ausg.: Josefs Vater. Übers. v. Mirjam Pressler. München: Hanser, 1994. 86 S. ISBN 3-446-17794-9)
Everyday life
One day a dot rolls into Josef's life, gets bigger and bigger and soon has arms and legs and a head. "I am your father," he says. And soon Josef knows that this father is someone very special. It is not just because he is taller than all other people, he can simply do anything: he can help Josef out when he is doing mental arithmetic, help him do acrobatic tricks at the gym, or even chase a scoundrel out of is bedroom. He is always there. He can be funny or sometimes just plain normal. When he finally disappears, Josef is sure that his father will return. After all, he can do thousands of things. A funny story of everyday life in an unusual family, told from a child's perspective. (8+) ☼

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1996 - 12
Nasu, Masamoto (text)
Nishimura, Shigeo (illus.)
E de yomu Hiroshima no gembaku
(The Atomic Bomb of Hiroshima in Pictures)
Tokyo: Fukuinkan shoten, 1995. 84 p.
ISBN 4-8340-1265-4
Hiroshima - Atomic bomb - World War 2 - Nuclear Physics - Peace movement
The title tells the reader straight away that this is no easy reading. But whoever opens up this over-sized, oblong picture book will be overwhelmed by the splendid interaction between text and illustration and by their expressiveness. The reader will be filled with a desire to learn more about this event. The text provides a wealth of information about the Second World War, the atomic bomb, radiation damage, the world-wide escalation of nuclear armaments after Hiroshima, current issues about atomic energy and about the anti-nuclear energy and peace movements. This broad and diverse subject matter is given meticulous treatment, interspersed with drawings, tables and graphic art work to make it easily understandable by anyone. Parallel to the very well-structured text segments scenes of life in the old castle town of Hiroshima before, during and after the bomb was dropped, are depicted in full-page illustrations. In all these pictures floats the soul of a victim of the atomic bomb, accompaning the reader along the »stations of this ordeal.« With their diversity and simplicity the illustrations touch the emotions through their diversity and simplicity, allowing each reader a very personal experience. This informative book includes only drawing, setting it apart from most other documentary works based on photographs. (9+) ☆

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1996 - 13
Ochi, Noriko (text)
Masai, Kei (illus.)
Terifuriyama no somemonoya
(The Dyer of Terifuri Mountain)
Tokyo: Kaiseisha, 1995. 138 p.
(Wandârando 12)
ISBN 4-03-540120-X
Colors - Plants - Nature - Japan/Fairy Tale
During an artistic crisis a young man takes refuge in the mountains in order to begin anew his work, colors and weaving. His efforts to win the beautiful colors of nature from plant sources are intensified when he makes the acquaintance of a young girl and her father, the »dyer of Terifuri Mountain«, who has a wonderous way of performing his craft. Through this encounter and by experiencing a festival of the mountain inhabitants in moonlight he develops his very own art of coloring which makes him famous. Finally he himself becomes known as the »dyer of Terifuri Mountain.« This fictitious fairy tale is marked by a sensibility to nature, the Japanese aesthetic, and illustrated with graceful, simple pictures. (10+) ☆

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1996 - 14
Ōta, Daihachi (text/illus.)
Būtan
(Butan, the Pig)
Tokyo: Kogumasha, 1995. 34 p.
ISBN 4-7721-0128-4
Friendship - Greed - Pig - Exploitation
Colorful, earthy pictures tell about Ben and his unusually large pig, Butan. Every-one wants to see it - people from the village, from the city, from the newspaper, from television. It is the main attraction of a show in the city. For the closing celebration, Butan is to be slaughtered and Ben is offered a considerable sum of money for him. Completely enraged , Ben returns home, and from then on Butan helps out in the fields and entertains the children. Behind this naive story there is a bitter truth to be found about exploitation. (4+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1996 - 15
Ozawa, Toshio (reteller)
Akaba, Suekichi (illus.)
Nihon no mukashibanashi. Zen 5 kan
(Japanese Folk Tales. Vols. 1-5)
Tokyo: Fukuinkan shoten, 1995. Each 368 p.
ISBN 4-8340-1324/5/6/7/8
Folk tales/Japan - Ainu/Oral tradition - Folk tales/Okinawa
The 301 tales collected here by the leading folk-tale researcher in Japan, T. Ozawa, give a comprehensive picture of Japanese folk tale tradition. In order to give todays's children this rich store of tales in its original form, this edition has been edited with a view to the ethnographical background and literary style of oral folktales. Furthermore, the local dialects have been trans-formed into standard Japanese and the rhythm of speech adapted to enable smooth-flowing story-telling. The tales are grouped according to the four seasons and excellently illustrated with pictures by the Hans Christian Andersen prize-winner Suekichi Akaba. (4+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1996 - 16
Satō, Makiko (text)
Ozawa, Masumi (illus.)
Watashi no himitsu no hanazono
(My Secret Garden)
Tokyo: Kaiseisha, 1994. 270 p.
(Kaiseisha korekushon)
ISBN 4-03-744080-6
Illness/Everyday life - Nature - Garden
Written in a very concise, atmospherically dense manner, this autobiographical story describes in 21 episodes the everyday life and psyche of an 8-yearold girl who suffers from a serious case of asthma. Just as in her favorite book »The Secret Garden« by Burnett, the garden plays a central role in the life of this protagonist. It represents happiness and life even though her experiences of nature summon up conflicting feelings due to her illness. (12+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1996 - 17
Segi, Shinichi (text)
Kayama, Matazō (ed.)
Kokoro ni nokoru Meigabijutsukan. Zen 5kan.
(The Gallery of Famous Pictures. Vols. 1-5)
Tokyo: Kin no hoshisha, 1995. Each 48 p.
ISBN 4-323-02051/52/53/54/55-X
Painting - Children - Animal - Nature - Love - Pleasure -Mourning - Imagination
These five volumes contain all together 216 famous paintings from artists all over the world. The volumes are dedicated to the following themes which children are most concerned with: 1: Father, mother and child; 2: The world of animals; 3: Beauty and grace in nature; 4: Love, joy and mourning; 5: Wonderous world of dreams. This makes it easier for children to enter into the world of artistic painting. Short commentaries describe the artists, their works and the historical context. In volumes two and three the differences between the painting techniques and styles in European and Japanese art are given special emphasis. (11+) ☆

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1996 - 18
Tang, Yaming (text)
Yu, Dawu (illus.)
Saiyūki
(The Journey to the West)
Tokyo: Kodansha, 1994. 69 p.
ISBN 4-06-132207-9
China - Buddhism - Ape - Demons - Adventure
The fantasy- comedy »Hsi-yu chi«, written in 1592 and recounting the travels of the monk Xuanzang to India in the 7th century, has been retold in this impressive artistic picture book. The dynamic protagonist of this classic Chinese work is the apeking, Sun Wukong, who was born from a stone. Endowed with supernatural powers, he even pushes his way into heaven where he is turned into a stone by Buddha. After 500 years he is freed by another monk whom he accompanies and helps to fight against demons who hinder believers making their pilgramage. This is a selection of the most popular episodes from the complete work consisting of 100 chapters, each accompanied by a short preface. (6+) ☆ ☼
(42nd Sankei Cultural Award for Children's Books & Publications - JR Prize, 1995)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1996 - 19
Yosano, Akiko (text)
Takabe, Seiichi (illus.)
Kingyo no otsukai
(The Gold Fish Couriers)
Tokyo: Kakusha, 1994. [24] p.
ISBN 4-906268-61-7
Goldfish - Help - Humor
Three brothers and sisters of a Tokyo family send their gold fish as couriers to another quarter of town. The fish are able to walk and speak like people, but possess all the characteristics of a fish. Thus they encounter all kinds of difficulties along the way, but are repeatedly assisted by friendly people. The notable illustrations by Seiichi Takabe for this naive-absurd story for children by the wellknown poet Akiko Yosano (1878-1942) contain a certain surreal humor in a commercial art style that was common in Japan at the beginning of this century. (5+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Republic of China (Taiwan) (Chinese) - 1996 - 20
Ceng, Yangqing (text)
Liu, Zonghui (illus.)
Yuanyuan de facai meng
(Yuanyuan's Dream of Getting Rich)
Taibei: Xinyi Jijin, 1994. [40] p.
ISBN 957-642-202-7
Wealth - Blindness - Friendship - Betrayal
Yuanyuan, the shepherd boy, dreams of becoming rich one day and marrying a princess. The enchanted chameleon in the old pagoda knows of his wish and shows him how he can make more from his money. He cheats his friends, the bird and the trees, and even gives his friend, the lily, to the princess to win her favor. But the princess spurns his advances. Blinded by his desire for wealth, he has thus lost everything. At last he awakens from his daydream. Marvellously delicate illustrations, which are easily accessible for the viewer, accompany this story and replicate the mood of each scene and its figures in subtle shadings of color. (7+)

Special Mention - Republic of China (Taiwan) (Chinese) - 1996 - 21
Lin, Qingxuan (text)
Wu, Jianhua (illus.)
Wangzi he yizi
(The Prince and the Chairs)
Taibei: Xinyi Jijin, 1994. [28] p.
ISBN 957-642-207-8
Prince - Pride - Work
The spoiled prince never works, he won't even carry a chair into the garden when his fathers asks him to. He is much too high-born to lower himself in that way. But then he loses the kingdom and must learn to carry chairs and work hard. Tasteful illustrations transport the reader into an oriental fairy tale world. (5+)

Special Mention - Republic of China (Taiwan) (Chinese) - 1996 - 22
Wang, Lan (text)
Zhang, Zheming (illus.)
Da hua mao
(The Large Multicolored Cat)
Taibei: Genhua, 1992. [32] p.
ISBN 4-8288-1342-X
Cat - Respect - Empathy
The large multicolored cat is very hungry. Setting out to find something to eat, she encounters first two goldfish swimming in a bowl. They lament that if she were to eat one of them, the other would be sad and lonely. The cat accepts this and leaves them alone. Suddenly a little bird falls at her feet, but the parents beg her to spare the life of their child. The same again happens with the mice. Each time there is a good reason for the cat to give up her catch. Will she ever be able to still her hunger? This colorful picture book intends to show that it always pays off to respect the life of others and find other alternatives. (3+)

Special Mention - South Africa (English) - 1996 - 26
Deall, Alanna (text/illus.)
Kensani's Kite
Sandton: Mike Jacklin/Knowledge Unlimited, 1995. [26] p.
ISBN 1-86839-374-7
Old Man/Boy - Friendship - Kite
An old man sits under a tree carving animal figures, peaceful but lonely. Then a little boy suddenly comes out of nowhere, flying a plastic bag as a kite. The two of them make it into a real kite and spend a mutually enjoyable day together. The gentle, poetic narrative is accompanied by pen-and-watercolor drawings which capture the character of the protagonists, their feelings and their immediate surroundings. The book is designed in an very attractive style. (4+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - South Africa (English) - 1996 - 27
King, Georgiana (text)
Eloff, Friedel (illus.)
Zolani Goes to Yeoville
Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1995. 48 p.
ISBN 0-624-03394-5
Father/Son - Friendship
When Zolani recovers slowly from a debilitating bout of measles, his mother decides that a change of setting would help him and decides to invest all her savings - instead of buying a cow - in making a visit to the father who works in faraway Johannesburg. Their weeks long stay there as subletters in the home of a white family makes an interesting experience for the boy used to living in a remote rural district. The peaceable relations between Zolani's family and their temporary hosts is portrayed without any moralizing overtone, and the everyday pleasures and misunderstandings make interesting reading. (10+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - South Africa (English) - 1996 - 28
Wyk, Chris van (text)
Callinicos, Luli (text)
Oliver Tambo
Cape Town: Maskew Miller/Longman, 1994. 66 p.
(They Fought for Freedom)
ISBN 0-636-01984-5
Tambo, Oliver/Biography - African National Congress - South Africa/Politics
This series of biographies presents southern African leaders who have been struggling for freedom and justice in this century. Short readable chapters with fictionalized conversations and meetings make these books lively and inspiring. Illustrated with photos and supplemented with maps and an appendix of vocabulary, project activities and further reading, the series can also be used in classrooms. (10+)

Special Mention - Swaziland (English) - 1996 - 29
Leggat, Gillian (text)
Heerden, Marjorie van (illus.)
The Car with Three Wheels
Manzini: Macmillan Boleswa Puublishers, 1995. [24] p.
ISBN 0-333-56004-3
Brother - Birthday present - Homemade toy
Musa wants to give his little brother a special birthday present, but he has no money. With considerable ingenuity - and some forbidden scavenging - he find enough scraps to make a red racing car. Not only does his brother find it the »best present in the world«, they both continue to collect odds-and-ends for future presents. Though this story is set in Africa, where pocket money may be scarcer than elsewhere, the idea that hand-made things are as valuable as store-bought ones, and a gift of the heart the dearest of all, is universal. The color or black-and-white full-page illustrations attractively capture the main events of this simple everyday story. (6+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Zimbabwe (English) - 1996 - 30
Proctor, André (text)
Koch, Hannie (illus.)
The school we made
Harare: Baobab Books, 1992. [24] p.
ISBN 0-908311-36-2
School - Soccer - Everyday life/Village/Zimbabwe
The villagers first get support to build a real school building and then they are granted their request for an accredited teacher. But this strict, taciturn stranger has other ideas about classroom behavior, appearances and when it is appropriate to play soccer on the school's sport field. The efforts of the parents and the heart-felt enthusiasm of the pupils for their soccer team finally win him over and he becomes integrated into village life. The gently drawn pen- and-brush drawings on each page capture the main elements of this well-written entertaining tale. (6+) ☼

Special Mention - Zimbabwe (English) - 1996 - 31
Kala, Violet
Waste Not Your Tears
Harare: Baobob Books, 1994. 73 p.
(Turn about series)
ISBN 0-908311-64-9
Love - AIDS
A young woman thinks she has found the man of her dreams. After she moves into his quarters, his promises of marriage prove to be the false words of a lazy and self-centered man. When she discovers that he has infected her with AIDS, she must find the strength to live with this situation. This topic is not only of interest to Africans, but all over the world. (14+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1996 - 45
Hendry, Frances Mary
Chandra
(<Proper name>)
Oxford: University Press, 1995. 120 p.
ISBN 0-19-271712-X
India/Customs - Marriage - Family
At the age of eleven Chandra, a schoolgirl in modern-day Delhi, is married by her family to a sixteen-year-old boy, a distant relative whose traditional family lives in a remote rural area. All her dreams of a modern marriage with a boy she immediately liked vanish when he dies before she arrives at his home. But in accordance with tradition, a widow must remain in the family, staying out of sight, and work as a servant. And indeed this family is very hard on her. Chandra's spirit, however, is not easily broken, and she manages to escape from this cruel fate. Though her parents refuse to help her, her grandmother finds a way to enable her ultimately to start a new life in England. This novel touches the heart in its portrayal of a determined girl up against nearly insurmountable odds.The narrative is well-paced, the local color of the city and rural Indian life believable. Though not written by a native of India, the author has surely done considerable background research to create a sympathetic portrayal of the dilemmas of Indians torn between socially cohesive traditions and the desire for progress and individual happiness. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1996 - 46
Howarth, Lesley
Weather Eye
London: Walker Books, 1995. 217 p.
ISBN 9-7445-4305-3
Climate - Conservation - Electricity - Windmill - Computer-based communication
This novel is set in 1999 against a background of chaos in world weather patterns and reflects anxiety about the encironment and changing climate. Telly lives on a wind farm and is a member of »Weather Eye«, a club that shares information via Internet about climatic conditions all over the world. A neardeath experience during a storm leaves her with psychic powers and a clear, if daunting purpose. The third award-winning book by Lesley Howarth is a sophisticated and well-written story in which the suspense and drama are sustained throughout. (12+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1996 - 47
McKay, Hilary
Dog Friday
London: Victor Gollancz, 1994. 125 p.
ISBN 0-575-05837-4
Ten-year-old Robin and his widowed mother run a bed-and-breakfast in an old Victorian house on the Yorkshire coast. After a collision with a dog sends him to hospital, Robin is extremely wary of canines. His new neighbors, family with four children, whose wacky, unconventional and inventive way of life adds adventure to his life, help him overcome his fears of dogs and bullies. The sprightly story, full of funny episodes is a well-developed, fastpaced entertainment. (9+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1996 - 48
Stannard, Russell
Our Universe. A Guide to What's Out There
London: Kingfisher/Larousse, 1995. 96 p.
ISBN 1-85697-317-4
Universe/Origins - Astronomy
Stannard, a professor of physics, has already written several well-received and entertaining introductions to the concepts of modern physics. Beginning here with the facts and basic laws of nature on our planet, he moves from matter and gravity to the solar system and on to the theories of the origins of our universe. The design of each page is varied, using colorful illustrations, box inserts for factual details, black-and-white cartoons and quiz questions, all arranged to keep the focus on the subject matter. This informative and easy-to-follow text will appeal even to young readers who might otherwise avoid natural science topics. (10+)

Special Mention - Canada (English) - 1996 - 54
Aura, Alejandro (text)
Gukova, Julia (illus.)
Langer, Shirley (transl. from Spanish)
Sefami, Sally Stokes (transl. from Spanish)
The Other Side
Toronto: Annick Press, 1995. [32] p.
ISBN 1-55037-405-2
Curiosity - Opposites - Reversal - Eternity
One day the king sent all the children in his kingdom out to discover what the world was like on the other side. Made curious by their reports that everything was just the same, except »sdrawkcab« he decided to see it all for himself. The surprising result is left open-ended in this playful, mindboggling tale. The author, a prize-winning poet and philosopher, is a major figure in contemporary Mexican literature. The composition of this story follows the axioms of storytelling by awakening the curiosity and imagination of the young reader with thought-provoking ideas. The illustrator, who lives in Moscow, has already illustrated many children's books and won the Third Prize at the BIB. She has expanded the text with Alice-in-Wonderland-like imagery in a surrealistic style where colors play an important role. (7+)

Special Mention - Canada (English) - 1996 - 55
Gilmore, Rachna (text)
Priestley, Alice (illus.)
Lights for Gita
Toronto: Second Story Press, 1994. [24] p.
ISBN 0-929005-63-5
Festival - Homesickness - Friendship
A young Indian girl whose family recently moved to the chilly northern climate of Canada excitedly looks forward to celebrating Divali, the Hindi celebration of lights in honor of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth who brings good fortune and prosperity to all throughout the year. Though the day turns out much differently than she expected, she makes another step toward accepting her new surroundings. (6+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Canada (English) - 1996 - 56
Gugler, Laurel Dee (text)
Willms, Russ (illus.)
Little Wynne's Giggly Thing
Toronto: Annick Press, 1995. [24] p.
ISBN 1-55037-407-9
Family - Usefulness
Little Wynne would like to contribute to the running of the household, but all the important things in home and garden are taken care of by the adults. So she turns to making gadgets and sculptures whose only function is to stimulate laughter and enjoyment. Not successful at first, she is persistent and finally gets the others to see the usefulness of her own playful creations. The caricaturist full-page and double-spread illustrations support the zany thesis of the book. (6+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1996 - 61
Feelings, Tom
Clarke, Dr. John Henrik (intro.)
The Middle Passage. White Ships - Black Cargo
New York: Dial Books, 1995. [80] p.
ISBN 0-80377-1804-7
Africa/Slavery - North America/Slavery - South America/Slavery
The renowned US-American artist and professor of art, Tom Feelings, expresses the horror of the African diaspora - the transport of millions of black men, women and children into slavery in the New World - in 64 narrative paintings. Feelings captures here a world-shattering event while also giving expression to a highly personal experience. Leaving out any text captions helps to emphasize that this sin against humanity can only be fully realized at the visceral level. In an introduction he explains how he came to develop this project, while Dr. Clarke gives historical background to the forces that led to the slave trade. This is a highly recommendable work for showing young people that history is more than facts, illustration is much more than decoration. (10+) ☆

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1996 - 62
Garland, Michael (text/illus.)
Dinner at Magritte's
New York: Dutton, 1995. [32] p.
ISBN 0-525-45336-9
Dali, Salvador - Magritte, René - Fantasy - Art
The American illustrator Garland conveys his enthusiasm for surrealist art in this simple story of a young boy living outside of Paris who breaks out of the boring, even petrifying stillness of his parent's cottage to visit his artist neighbor, Magritte. When Magritte's friend Dali also pays a visit, they help Pierre discover that there are other ways of visualizing one's immediate surroundings. Garland's colorful surrealist illustrations invite readers to open their imaginations. (4+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1996 - 63
Murphy, Jim (text)
Kiesler, Kate (illus.)
Into the Deep Forest with Henry David Thoreau
New York: Clarion Books, 1995. 39 p.
ISBN 0-395-60522-9
Thoreau, Henry David/Travels - Nature
The award-winning non-fiction writer, Jim Murphy, uses Thoreau's own journal entries about a trip through the wilderness of Maine to create an adventure story of suspense and discovery which young readers who appreciate nature will find eye-opening. Watercolor scenes of landscape and black-and-white vignettes of animals and plants attractively frame the text. (8+) ☼

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1996 - 64
Hamanaka, Sheila (comp./intro.)
On the Wings of Peace. Writers and Illustrators Speak Out for Peace, in Memory of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
New York: Clarion Books, 1995. 144 p.
ISBN 0-395-72619-0
Peace/Anthology
This collection of contributions from 60 wellknown authors and illustrators from numerous countries of the world is dedicated to the people who died at Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a terrible event which serves to remind us why we must work for peace. The written contributions are short texts about true or fictitious events or poems well-suited for reading aloud. Some speak to the mind, others to the heart, but all condemn war and its pain. The artwork includes every thinkable type of media. The pieces are excellently reproduced on full-sized pages. The book was put together with great care and dedication. It includes a valuable bibliography of resource materials on war and on conflict resolution for adults and for children, biographical notes on the authors and illustrators and step-by-step instructions for folding an origami paper crane. (6+) ☆

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1996 - 65
Scieszka, Jon (text)
Smith, Lane (illus.)
Maths Curse
London: Viking/Penguin, 1995. [32] p.
ISBN 0-670-86631-8
(Orig. ed: New York: Viking, 1995)
Mathematics - School
When his teacher states that „almost everything [is] a maths problem", a boy begins to see his entire life in terms of numbers and mathematical functions. He begins to feel she has put a curse on him. Of course, for this well-known author-illustrator team that is just an excuse to give the reader a riotously funny romp through a maze of incongruous quiz questions. The artwork and design of each page are fully absorbing, and the clear typeface suggests that this is also a book for first readers. The editor has apologized for and corrected a mathematical error which was overlooked. Fans of this authorillustrator team will not be disappointed in this latest collaboration. (6+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1996 - 66
Venezia, Mike (text/illus.)
Jackson Pollock
Chicago: Children's Press, 1994. 32 p.
(Getting to know the world's greatest artists)
ISBN 0-516-02298-9
Mike Venezia believes strongly that the best way to introduce children to art or music is through fun. His wry and witty texts and matching comical, deadpan illustrations are interspersed with samples of the artist's most famous pieces. The texts highlight key biographical facts and stages in the artist's development. This series includes books on a broad range of artists from Sandro Botticelli and Rembrandt to Georgia O'Keefe and Edward Hopper. Another series done in the same style is titled »Getting to know the world's greatest composers« and includes modern composers such as Aaron Copland and earlier ones such as George Händel. (8+) ☼

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1996 - 96
Schär, Brigitte (text)
Gleich, Jacky (illus.)
Das geht doch nicht!
(That Won't Work!)
München: Hanser, 1995. [24] p.
ISBN 3-446-18279-7
Christmas - Present - Secret - Terror - Education
The beloved youngest child of the family is making Christmas presents. No one can or wants to try to stop her, but they grow more and more amazed. It appears to be something gigantic. The family is already celebrating under the Christmas tree in the kitchen (there is not enough room anywhere else) when the beloved child finally reveals the secret. The family is given a ship, big enough for them all to fit into, and they immediately go off to the sea, even though the necessary demolition of the apartment house in order to get the ship to water is rather disturbing to some of them. This affectionate-ironical story about the situation of the youngest children, who are both gifted and pampered, and whose wishes are hard to refuse. The illustrations supplement the events of the plot in a very successful, chaotic manner. (6+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1996 - 97
Schami, Rafik
Reise zwischen Nacht und Morgen
(Journey Between Night and Morning)
München: Hanser, 1995. 350p
ISBN 3-446-17864-3
Circus - Friendship - Love - Travel - Death
The great adventure for Circus Sarmani begins with an unexpected trip to the Orient. The director is trying to track down his family roots. He and his oriental friend become younger and younger the longer the journey lasts. This is a fantastic, but worldly novel written as a series of episodes from the mysterious world of the circus. (10+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1996 - 98
Schneider, Karla
Die Reise in den Norden
(Journey to the North)
Weinheim: Beltz & Gelberg, 1995. 396 p.
ISBN 3-407-76671-4
Skandinavia/1730 - Exploration - Androgyny
Isak Zettervall embarks on a botanical research journey in the 18th century to the still unexplored northern areas of Scandinavia, also entrusted with a secret political mission for the king. The progress of his journey is burdened by the unexpected arrival of an at first unwelcome young female accompaniment. Surprisingly it turns out that the success of the entire undertaking would be questionable without her assistance. The author gives a captivating account of the peoples and landscape of the far North. (10+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1996 - 99
Tollmien, Cordula
Fürstin der Wissenschaft. Die Lebensgeschichte der Sofia Kowalewskaja
(Countess of Science. The Life of Sofia Kowalewskaja)
Weinheim: Beltz & Gelberg, 1995. 190 p.
ISBN 3-407-80735-X
Russia/History 1850-1900 - Women/University - Mathematics
Sofia Kowalewskaja was one of the first women to become an university graduate. This information book describes her development from a protected childhood within the Russia haute bourgeoisie - which she herself described in her highly successful literary »Childhood Memories«- to her political activism and to her appointment as a mathematician at the University of Stockholm. With this example of the fate of an unusual woman, the reader is presented with a vivid segment of the history of political upheavals and the beginnings of women's liberation in Central Europe. (10+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1996 - 100
Vahle, Frederik
Federico oder das Leben ist kein Hühnerspiel
(Federico or Life is No Chicken-game)
Weinheim: Beltz & Gelberg, 1995. 110 p.
ISBN 3-407-79690-0
Federico García Lorca/Biography - Outsider
The happy, sheltered childhood of the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca was a source of his poetry. Even younger children will be able to understand how literature and life influence one another with this short biography. As a young boy Lorca lived amidst the other children in his surroundings as a dreamy outsider. Up to his early death in the Spanish Civil War, writing poetry was an existential necessity in his life, which the author cautiously tracked down. (8+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1996 - 101
Waluszek, Christian
Wilfried
(<Proper name>)
Stuttgart: Thienemann, 1995. 283 p.
ISBN 3-522-16893-3
Intelligence - Mentally handicapped - Circus Exhibitor - Murder - Psychiatry
Winifred is looking for his uncle. But his uncle has been murdered (to mention only the beginnings of this pleasureably told satire-detective story). Uncle Ludwig's well-preserved corpse is hidden in the horror house where Wilfried works. (Detectives will enjoy the wordplay »Toter Mann« standing for the corpse and the figure in the horror house). The story is settled to everyone's satisfaction and the bad guys get their just reward. With a black but not bitter humor, the author sketches the dark and lighter sides of humanity, much to the pleasure of the reader. (12+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1996 - 102
Zweig, Stefanie
Nirgendwo in Afrika
(Nowhere in Africa)
München: Langen Müller, 1995. 383 p.
ISBN 3-7844-2560-7
Africa/Childhood - Cultural comparison - Jew/Persecution
A Jewish family flees from Germany to Africa in 1938. While the parents cannot adjust to life in a strange culture or to their status as »enemy refugees«, the preschool child Regina grows up to womanhood under circumstances full of sacrifices, but also full of love toward fellow man, for the landscape and the culture of Africa. At the end of the war the family returns to Germany, but now it is Regina who loses her beloved African home. This literary and extremely captivating text gives an authentic portrait of a child growing up in a foreign culture. (16+)

Special Mention - Belgium (French) - 1996 - 110
Stibane (text/illus.)
L'Arbre aux Corbeaux
(The Tree of the Ravens)
Paris: Pastel, 1995. [36] p.
ISBN 2-211-029-63-5
Raven - Enemy - Violence - Civil war - Destruction - Fable
A large swarm of ravens lives peacefully in an old tree until one of them finds a red scrap of material and decides he will become the king. A little later another raven discovers a scrap of yellow material and also wants to become king. That means war! The rival kings and their followers fall upon each other. A merciless war ensues. Finally one group sets fire to the tree to kill off the enemy. When the tree is ablaze, the ravens finally realize what they have done. The fighters unite and put out the fire. Peace returns and as an admonition, the yellow and red scraps are left to hang on the tree. This fable of the raven's civil war is expressively staged. The sparse text outlines the course of the story and lets the illustrations portray the action. The aggression of the explosively escalating forms and color are very effective means for conveying the meaning and message of the story: how violence develops, what destructive forces they encompass, which even when held in check, still exist under the surface. (5+) ☼

Special Mention - Belgium (French) - 1996 - 111
Vincent, Gabrielle (text/illus.)
Je voudrais qu'on m'écoute
(Please Listen to Me)
Paris/Louvain-la-Neuve: Duculot, 1995. [28] p.
ISBN 2-203-55163-1
Loneliness - Runaway - Neglect - Parents/Daughter
This picture book illustrates the labile sensitivity of a child. Sitting in front of the mirror in her room, a little girl decides to run away from home because no one will listen to her. The steps and stubborn ideas that must be taken when running away are revealed in each subsequent picture, passing through a long landscape into the deep dark forest. Sparse lines and subdued watercolors skillfully suggest the loneliness of the wilderness in which the child becomes lost and in desparation calls for her mother. When the full moon rises, Papa finds his child and carries her home again. (4+) ☼

Special Mention - France (French) - 1996 - 126
Piquemal, Michel (select.)
Vautier, Mireille (illus.)
Paroles de fraternité
(Words of Fraternity)
Paris: Albin Michel, 1996. 64 p.
ISBN 2-226-07135-0
Fraternity - Ethics - Anthology
To share, to give, to stand together - these are synomyms for fraternity or brotherhood. Saint- Exupéry said it with an image: we must throw a ladder out into the night. Abbé Pierre, father figure for all the homeless, has taken as the motto for his life: remember to love! All the authors who are represented in this anthology know of the mobilizing power of fraternity from a deep human experience. Whether Epiket, Tolstoy, Georges Brassens - they all express with a passion their dedication to fellow man in an impressive, personal style. Their words are not merely abstract appeals, but suggest possibilities for practicing the ideas of fraternity. That makes this collection of text so seducingly convincing. It can be a vade mecum for one's own life. The illustrations, done in the style of art brut, corresponding perfectly to the spirit and immediate appellative character of the texts. Reduced to their simplest form as heads, the figures have stripped off everything that would prevent an encounter with their brothers. Their ability to smile is as convincing as the expressivness of the texts. And the vivid, flat/broadly applied colors correspond to the message of the words. The sources of the text are given in an bibliographic appendix. This series also contains other recommendable anthologies. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - France (French) - 1996 - 127
Poncelet, Béatrice (text/illus.)
Chut ! Elle lit.
(Shhh! She Is Reading)
Paris: Seuil Jeunesse, 1995. 36 p.
ISBN 2-02-022176-4
Mother/Child - Reading - Disturbances - Tenderness
Two pairs of children's eyes peer out of the darkness - codes for the point of view from which the story is to be experienced. The children's mother has buried herself in soft pillows near the mellow light of her lamp, hoping for a quiet hour of reading. Suddenly a zooming toy grasshopper and a picturebook are pushed to the foreground. They belong to the sons, who pester their mother, demanding her affection. The cool, dark tones give way to warm, lighter colors and at last she enfolds all the children in her arms. In this suble portrayal of childlike perceptions, the artist has broken with all conventional techniques of picture book illustration. She works with an assembly of elements which can only be grasped with associative reading and encoding. (10+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1996 - 128
Ponti, Claude (text/illus.)
Tromboline et Foulbazar: Les Masques
(Tromboline and Foulbazar: The masks)
Paris: L'École des Loisirs, 1995. 20 p.
ISBN 2-211-031-77-3
Chicks - Masks - Fear - Fun
The well-known illustrator presents an attractive series for small children in small format. Reduced to a few funny effects, the graphic economy of the story develops its own sophistication. With selfmade masks two little merry chicks take pleasure in frightening each other. And the masks are so well done that they are even frightened of themselves. (3+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1996 - 129
Royer, Alain (text)
Carpentier, Georges (text)
de Seynes, Sophie (illus.)
La Résurrection
(The Resurrection)
Paris: Mango, 1995. [28] p.
(Autre regard)
ISBN 2-7404-04330-6
Bible - Jesus - Jerusalem - Last Supper - Resurrection
This new series is intended to provide little children with their first encounter with Biblical stories. The idea is correspondingly clear-cut: the easily understandable texts are kept short in comparison with the space given over to the illustrations which portray Biblical scenes in transparent watercolors. The faces are drawn with pen strokes, and showing lively real-life mimics. The colors and localized details of the Mediterranean world are carefully chosen, stimulating a closer look. This is also a suitable book for reading aloud and re-telling. (3+) ☼

Special Mention - France (French) - 1996 - 132
Weulersse, Odile (text)
Manaud, Jean-Luc (photos)
Aghali, berger du desert
(Aghali, Shepherd in the Desert)
Paris: Hatier, 1995. 62 p.
ISBN 2-218-03022-5
Sahara Desert - Touareg
The life and customs of the Touareg caught between tradition and modern demands is presented here through a fictitious tale about a young shepherd boy. High-quality documentary photos accompany the text. In an appendix further ethnographic information and explanations are provided. This is a new addition to the well-received series »Pali Mali« on modern ethnography. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1996 - 139
Montanari, Massimo (text)
Luzzati, Emanuele (illus.)
Il pentolino magico
(The Little Magic Pot)
Bari: Laterza, 1995. vii, 118 p.
ISBN 88-420-4739-2
Food/History - Eating/History
The Grimms' fairy tale »The sweet porridge« prompted the author to write this stimulating and entertaining book which explores in 34 chapters the topics of food and eating, both of which have played a fundamental role in all cultures in all ages, whether in the creation myths, religious texts, cult rites, literature, in celebrations or in everyday life. Human history is in no small way a history of hunger and sacrifice, of surplus and of lust for eating. Massimo Montanari's texts offer a richly varied mixture of stories, documentation, myths, legends and historical accounts. The palette offers, among other things, stories of the tree of life, miracle stories from the Bible about the appearance of food and drink or the corn people myths of the Mayas. Furthermore other topics such as the land of Cockaigne, the discovery of the potato and the cocoa bean, table manners, seasonings and flavorings, beer and tortellini. It is remarkable how many connections and parallels in cultural history can be discovered. The book is enhanced by numerous colorful, vivid pictures in mixed media, primarily in pastel crayons and paper collages. The beginning of each chapter is graced with an original anthropomorphic initial letter. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1996 - 140
Piumini, Roberto
Denis del pane
(Denis of Bread)
Trieste: Einaudi Ragazzi, 1995. 232 p.
(Narrativa; 39)
ISBN 88-7936-160-6
In the Middle Ages the mill considered the focal point of rural life since everyone had to go there sooner or later, even a child. When Denis, a nameless foundling, arrives there, the miller brothers Gustav and Francois Tabin agree to take him in. Denis's best friend is Freut, a mongrel dog, and together they have many adventures which shape his development as much as the bread sculptures, knights, and mysterious letters. The author skillfully develops the story to give a vivid picture of life during those times. (11+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1996 - 141
Stanisci, Andrea (text)
Ricci, Stefano (illus.)
Don Giovanni. Doppio giallo
(Don Giovanni. A double detective story)
Firenze: Salani, 1995. 119 p.
(Gl'Istrici; Istrici della Ribalta; 96)
ISBN 88-7782-373-9
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus - Reality/Fiction - Opera house - Detective story
Inspector Gustav and his assistant finally have a »real« case to solve. Signor Francesco, the main actor of Mozart's opera »Don Giovanni« has disappeared without a trace. During their investigations at the opera house the both discover strange parallels between the plot of the opera and the life of the singers. Reality and fiction are so interwoven that in the end they prove to be inseparable, and even the case remains shrouded in mysterious darkness. In the new series »Istrici della Ribalta« young readers become acquainted with the world classics of literature in a very unconventional manner. (12+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1996 - 142
Tamaro, Susanna (text)
Ross, Tony (illus.)
Il cerchio magico
(The Magic Circle)
Milano: Mondadori, 1995. 117 p.
(Contemporanea)
ISBN 88-04-39613-X
Wolf's child - Forest - Threat - Destruction - Nature - Civilization
Like Romulus and Remus, Rick has been nursed by a she-wolf in the only space left open in a big city. This idyllic life takes an abrupt turning point when some men, greedy for wealth and without scruples, decide to cut down the unexplored wood, »il cerchio magico«. As a result Rick's mother, the she-wolf, is killed and the boy is forced to enter the aggressive world of human beings. Acting resolutely and with the help of some human friends and animals, Rick succeeds in saving the »cerchio magico«. With its well-constructed plot and welldrawn characters, the story's setting seems very realistic and plausible. (11+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1996 - 151
Gándara, Alejandro
Nunca seré como te quiero
(I'll Never Be Like I Want You to Be)
Madrid: SM, 1995. 146 p.
(Gran Angular; 140)
ISBN 84-348-4673-X
Social status - Alcoholism - First love
Seventeen-year-old Jacobo lives alone with his father in the waterfront district of Santander, a town in northern Spain. His mother abandoned the family twelve years before; his father, a former teacher, works as a fisherman and struggles with alcoholism. When Jacobo enters high school, he must go every day »to the other side,« to the old district of town, the well-to-do neighbourhood of Santander. Removed from his familiar surroundings, he must now adjust to a new setting which he feels to be strange and at times even threatening. Along with these difficulties, he is preoccuppied with his father's illness and his love for Christine, a girl in his school. Although the author employs certain themes and elements typical of a young adult novel, the book does not contain the usual images and elements of plot. The characters seem very much real and convincing, the problems tangible, and the reader is given no easy solutions. The boy's conflicts, his vacillating reactions to his father's decline and the fascination of his first romance are very plausible. The convincing portrayal of the city, the waterfront, and life near the sea round out this novel, and keep the reader turning the pages to the very end. (14+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1996 - 152
Hauff, Wilhelm (text)
Cañas Cortázar, Alicia (illus.)
Bombín Izquierdo, Elena (transl.)
Cuentos completos
(The Complete Tales)
Madrid: Anaya, 1994. 285 p.
ISBN 84-207-6285-7
Hauff, Wilhelm/Tales
This is the first time that a complete edition of the Hauff tales has been published in Spanish. This large-sized book has been excellently designed from paper to printing quality. Alicia Cañas has very fittingly reproduced the mood of the texts in her illustrations. Exotic and bizarre figures, animals, fabulous creatures populate the scenes, moving about within magical landscapes and meticulously designed interiors. Whether full-paged color illustrations or small pencil vignettes, there is always something new for the viewer to discover. (6+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1996 - 153
Martínez Gil, Fernando
El verano de la linterna mágica
(The Summer of the Laterna Magica)
Madrid: Alfaguara, 1995. 166 p.
ISBN 84-204-4908-3
Spain/1974 - Spain/16th century - Humanism - Inquisition
This novel has two plots which are narrated on the one hand by a boy who discovers an old manuscript and a Laterna Magica hidden in the cellar of a house and on the other hand by a young man who invented this apparatus. Both stories are set in Toledo - in 1974 and in the middle of the 16th century - and are connected together by the young firstperson narrator. The passages of the history tale are of particular interest due to the lively and suspenseful portrayal of life in Spain after the expulsion or forced Christianization of the Jews, a period strongly influenced by humanistic ideals but also the first signs of the Inquisition. (12+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1996 - 154
Meléndez, Francisco (text/illus.)
Núñez, Justo (text/illus.)
Aventuras de Mr. Boisset. Tomi-Kikansha. (Continuación de las aventuras de Mr. Boisset)
(The adventures of Mr. Boisset. Tomi-Kikansha. The Continued Adventures of Mr. Boisset)
Zaragoza: La Biblioteca de Lastanosa, 1995. [60] p.
ISBN 84-606-2132-4
Japan/19th century - Invention - Steam locomotive - Travel
The steam locomotive Tomi, the creation of the inventor genius Mr. Boisset - who landed in Japan after many adventurous travels - and his assistant Omuro, finds itself alone one day and sets off to discover the world. Tomi's travels are a wondrous journey through 19th century Japan, and end finally after crossing the ocean in California. Just like the naive, inexperienced locomotive, the reader will also be captivated by the fascination and peculiarities of Japanese life. Encounters with apes, washerwomen, a monk, a feudal lord and his samurai, a travelling Bunraku puppet theater, etc. join to make a many-facetted image. Francisco Meléndez, inspired to write this book during a study tour, has succeeded here in creating an exceptional story. Funny, richly detailed, imaginative pictures, different types of paper and illustration techniques, creatively used Japanese characters and a meticulously printed text form an original, artistically remarkable book that will appeal to youth and to adults. (14+) ☆

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1996 - 155
O'Callaghan i Duch, Elena (text)
Comella, Àngels (illus.)
Equipo Edebé (transl.)
Un gato muy poco gato
(A very Uncat-like Cat)
Barcelona: Edebé, 1995. [32] p.
(Tren azul; 22)
ISBN 84-236-3770-0
(Orig. ed. in Catalan from same publisher)
Cat - Identity - Role - Dog
A cat named Felipe finds a new home with the boy Gregorio. Strangely enough, Felipe doesn't like fish, runs away from birds and miaus loudly when strangers come to the door. In short, it is quite clear that he considers himself a dog. This humorous story is excellently matched with colored drawings. Particularly striking is the consistent use of typography as a means of artistic expression. Different type faces and sizes express, for example, surprise or emphasis, and the text is placed on the page - sometimes in curves or waves - in such a way that it is an integral element of the illustrations. (6+) ☼

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1996 - 156
Rodríguez Almodóvar, Antonio (text)
Meléndez, Francisco (illus.)
Animales de aventura
(Adventure Animals)
Madrid: Altea, 1995. 64 p..
(El viaje imaginario)
ISBN 84-372-2196-X
Animal/Protagonist
This large-scale, richly illustrated book offers young readers a short, entertaining glimpse into a number of classics of children's literature, including several books written for adults, but also read by younger readers. The special uniting element is that in each story a literary animal figure is the main character, as for example, Pinocchio's companion, the cricket, or the swordfish in Hemingway's »The Old Man and the Sea.« The texts have been illustrated by Meléndez's bizarre, and at times very original interpretations. Short portraits of the authors are included in an appendix. (12+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (French) - 1996 - 160
Madeleine-Perdrillat, Alain (text)
Rodari, Florian (art comp.)
Un dimanche avec Cézanne
(A Sunday with Cézanne)
Genève: Skira, 1995. 56 p.
(Un Dimanche avec...)
ISBN 2-605-00284-5
Cézanne/Biography - Painting Cézanne - Painting - Biography - Aix-en-Provence - Sainte-Victoire
The task of leading children to appreciate art resembles that of the mountain guide. He choses the route, i.e. the language, that children will understand. But the »mountain«, art, remains independent of the route. Using this motto, the art historian Florian Rodari has created the series »A Sunday with...« together with the publishing house Skira, a specialist in exquisite art-books. In this book Cezanne takes the child-reader on a long walk through, showing all his favorite places. The path ends in the »great studio«, outside in nature, vis á vis his favorite motif, the mountain of Sainte- Victoire. Along the way Cézanne addresses his young audience in a slow, impressive monologue about ways of seeing, about colors and form, about his life, his studies in the Louvre, his friends, fellow painters and writers, his wife and her manner of modelling for him. His manner of speech is simple, reduced to the essentials and vivid. The words encourage reflection and the first attempts at seeing from an artist's point of view. The illustrative material, a cross-section of Cézanne's oeuvre, is nestled with the text so that additional captions are not needed. Several photos and documents, a brief biography and a map of Aix and surroundings round out this walk through Cézanne's world of art. (12+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (French) - 1996 - 161
Begag, Azouz (text)
Louis, Catherine (illus.)
Ma mère est devenue une étoile
(My Mother is Now a Star)
Genève: La Joie de Lire, 1995. [28] p.
ISBN 2-88258-065-7
Death - Mother - Burial - Father/Child
During the requiem for the mother, a father holds his child in his arms. They try to comfort each other. The text lets the child speak in the first person about what is happening in the church, about the impossibility of understanding the absoluteness of leave-taking and the roguish hope of making it all reversible. It is illustrated with abstract colors and color collages dominated by the blue and brown tones of religious panels and stained glass windows. A picture book that is only gradually accessible, and which deserves to be looked at and explained to a child over and over again. (6+)

Special Mention - Brazil (Portuguese) - 1996 - 166
Mello, Roger (text/illus.)
Uma história do boto vermelho
(A Story of the Red Porpoise)
Rio de Janeiro: Salamandra, 1995. 63 p.
ISBN 85-281-0091-X
Brazil/Amazonia -Porpoise/Transformation/ Man - Hunting - Myth/Loss
This story, which is set on a river and in a small village in a remote region of Amazonia, tells of a red porpoise who has the power to turn himself into a young man at certain times. This creature, whose legendary existence captures the imagination of the village inhabitants but also feeds their hunting instinct, makes the acquaintance of the young girl Joana. Their affection for each other grows, but for two reasons can have no future. On the one hand, neither one of them can completely and permanently overcome the boundaries of their worlds, i.e. their different elements; and on the other hand, Joana can only just barely save the porpoise from the death which her people plan for him. So in the end he leaves his familiar habitat and retreats to distant waters. In a poetic manner and changing narrative patterns, in accord with the peaceful course of life at the river or the dramatic turns of plot, this story unites old traditional stories with a story of our own times. In a simple and subtle manner this story tells how our world becomes ever poorer and more prosaic through man's dominance. There is no longer room for the extraordinary, the magical. It becomes surpressed, surviving only in the world of legends and myths. (11+)

Special Mention - Brazil (Portuguese) - 1996 - 167
Orthof, Sylvia (text)
Bilau (illus.)
Meus vários quinze anos
(My Fifteen-Year-Periods)
São Paulo: FTD, 1995. 64 p.
(Cara-metade)
ISBN 85-322-1476-2
Woman - Old age - Social role
Violeta, a 75-year-old woman from Rio de Janeiro, can look back on an active life. Her memoir is divided into five chapters, each of which covering a fifteen year period. Violeta's memories include happiness and disappointment, love, friendship, good-byes and losses, each followed in spite of it all by a new beginning. With a light humorous touch this book summarizes the life of a woman full of zest and ripened by life's experience, thereby making common clichés about marriage and old age questionable. (12+)

Special Mention - Brazil (Portuguese) - 1996 - 168
Ziraldo Vito Grandam. Uma história de vôos
(Vito Grandam. A Story of Flights)
São Paulo: Melhoramentos, 1995. 142 p.
ISBN 85-06-021188-X
Boy/Uncle - Family
At the center of this first-person narrative by a 17-year-old boy is Vito Grandam, his uncle, whom he greatly admires and worships like a hero, though he is only a few years older. In different episodes the life story of the narrator is assembled piece by piece: adventures he shares with his uncle, family circumstances and difficulties, the separation of his parents, life with his father, all his hopes and dreams. The author, an internationally known illustrator, draws here a very vivid and sensitive portrait of a boy coming of age. (12+)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1996 - 178
Sarfati, Sonia
Comme une peau de chagrin
(Like Shagreen)
Montréal : La Courte Echelle, 1995. 154 p.
ISBN 2-89021-242-4
Anorexia - Friendship
Gabriele begins to notice strange changes in the behavior of her girlfriend Fréderique. Suddenly she comes to the realization that Fréderique has anorexia nervosa. With increasing uneasiness she observes the progress of the illness and discovers the psychological causes which lead to this drive toward self-destruction. The trusted face of her friend breaks to reveal a different merciless person who is driven by a revengeful obsession with power. This moving novel offers a sound exposé of the disease which is symptomatic of our times. It also shows that true friendship only reveals itself when put to the test. (13+)
(Governor General's Literary Award 1995)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1996 - 179
Sernine, Daniel
La traversée de l'apprenti sorcier
(The Journey of the Magician's Apprentice)
Montréal: Médiaspaul, 1995. 176 p.
(Neubourg et Granverger)
ISBN 2-89420-282-2
Sea travel/1595 - Bretagne/New World - Myth - Occult
This fantasy novel completes a 10-volume cycle of historical tableaus spread over four centuries with which the author has held his readers in suspense for serveral years. The scenario on which the plot is based is historically sound, solid and tightly developed. The figure of the master who has the powers of a shaman brings in mythical ideas from a prehistoric age. On the journey to the so-called New World he teaches his pupil to read world's phenomena to find traces of submerged ages and to trust the magical powers which influence human fate. (13+)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1996 - 180
Vachon, Hélène (text)
Yayo (illus.)
Le sixième arrêt
(The Sixth Bus Stop)
Saint-Lambert (Québec): Héritage, 1995. 40 p.
ISBN 2-7625-7916-3
Bus - Fantasy - Adventure
»Step aboard, get your ticket, get off at the sixth stop,« Papa tells his son Somerset when he is about to take his first busride. But Somerset set off for the ride like a knight sets off on a mission. The bus is a dangerous opponent, the driver the master of the dungeons, the passangers his prisoners. Already by the first busstop unbelievable things have occurred as seen from the perspective of an imaginative child. The interaction of text and illustration is perfect even in this small paperback format with its narrow pages and large print, interspersed with plenty of colorful pictures full of »action«. (6+) ☼

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1996 - 181
Villeneuve, Michel (text)
Sylvestre, Louise (illus.)
Le castor
(The Beaver)
Waterloo: Michel Quintin, 1994. 24 p.
(Ciné-faune)
ISBN 2-920438-34-4
Beaver - Natural science
The distinguishing feature of this picture book series is the successful connection of information in the text and clever illustrations which combine realistic and anthropomorphic portrayals of the animals, in this case the beaver. In this manner the young viewer can empathize and have pleasure with the animal kingdom while subtly acquiring a precise lesson in natural history. (5+) ☼

Special Mention - Norway (Norwegian) - 1996 - 199
Ekman, Fam
Dagbok forsvunnet
(The Missing Diary)
Oslo: J. W. Cappelen, 1995. [34] p.
ISBN 82-02-1526
Diary - Loss - Search/Find
Having already attracted attention with a number of original picture books, the artist shows here that she is capable of even more. While retaining her individual graphic style - a mixture of abstraction, expressive gestures and primitivist form - she employs more expansive and consistency in these pictures. This is the story of a statue that loses her diary, searches for it in various places in the city and finally finds it at the police station, it is fascinating to see how the artist can create a level of uncertainty and mystery behind the concrete figures and landscapes. She encourages the imagination of the reader who is prepared to indulge in the mood of the images. (6+)

Special Mention - Norway (Norwegian) - 1996 - 200
Halstvedt, Tor (text)
Hansen, Thore (illus.)
Elvtyven
(The river thief)
Oslo: J. W. Cappelen, [1995]. 152 p.
Tramp - Transformation - Adventure travels
Kåre, the stutterer, and Johan are absolutely bored to death. But not for long, because they soon are captured by a tramp and turned first of all into fish. They have to wander around the world searching for a stolen river before they finally arrive home again safely. This is an adventure story, amusingly told, illustrated with comical cartoon illustrations that take all the trouble out of reading. (10+)

Special Mention - Norway (Norwegian) - 1996 - 201
Hansen, Espen (text)
Sandemose, Iben (illus.)
De tre sauene som dro til byen for å ha det fett
(The Three Sheep Who Went to Town to Have a Good Time)
Oslo: J. W. Cappelen, 1995. 38 p.
ISBN 82-02-15289-5
Sheep - Hibernation - City/Country - Opposites
Almost as a travesty of the City Musicians of Bremen, the author tells here of three sheep who see the winter approaching and believe they could survive it better in the city. In a compact, fairy-tale like form the reader experiences the grotesque clashes between the animals, whose can only imperfectly behave like people (leaving behind them in the bus funny black lumps), and civilization. They advance to stardom as pop-singers because their rhythmic ba-ba-ba fits ideally into the level of pop-music. Brief and humorous, accom-panied by ingenious black-and-white illustrations in Iben Sandemose's typical, robust style - books which succeed as well as this one are not found often. (8+) ☼

Special Mention - Norway (Norwegian) - 1996 - 202
Rem, Håvard (text)
Nordberg, Harald (illus.)
Tvilling brødrene
(The Twin Brothers)
Oslo: Aschehoug, 1995. [28] p.
ISBN 82-03-24105-0
Good/Evil
In a very delicate manner the two opposing sides of human nature are portrayed here in twin brothers. This is a topic which is often disturbing to children when they realize that they want to be good, but instead do bad things. That both sides go to make up each person is shown in the ending when the gentle, handsome Jon and the strong, coarse Sigurd melt together into one person. Harald Nordberg's pictures portray shapes and landscapes in almost naive form, embedded in spotty, even cracked color backgrounds. Static or full of movement, the shapes and colors merge into vigorous pictures which can unfold their full effect even in a relatively small book format. (6+)

Special Mention - Norway (Norwegian) - 1996 - 203
Sandemose, Iben
Englepels
(Angel's Skin)
Oslo: J. W. Cappelen, 1995. 32 p.
ISBN 82-02-15777-3
Cat - Death - Angel - Grief
The theme of death and grieving has certainly never been dealt with in such and ingenious and humorous manner as in this picture book. It describes how a little girl buries her dead cat and forwards all the cats letters to heaven. A fallen angel (connoisseurs of will recognize the allusion to Hugo Simberg's famous picture »Wounded Angel«), whom she carries off and nurses back to health with her also grieving older girl-friend, takes her for a visit to heaven where she can see for herself that her cat is happy. Later a new cat helps to overcome the sadness once and for all. Iben Sandemose (*1950), whose expressive style has sadly only been published to date by daring publishers in Scandinavia, has a talent for telling a story as unsentimentally but still very movingly, so that the guidance that she hopes to offer reaches the reader undiminished. Sandemose works with vivacious movement and solid lines and spaces and intensive but not garish colors. The double-paged spreads with hand-written text (the letters) excellently unfold their full graphic effect through the contrast between black-and-white, monotone and multicoloring. She is even able to make a field full of black gravestones aesthetically appealing. (6+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1996 - 239
Wilmink, Willem (text)
Ali Baba en de veertig tekenaars
(Ali Baba and his Forty Illustrators)
Amsterdam: Zirkoon (De Bijenkorf), 1995. 85 p. With illustrations
ISBN 90-71442-68-3
Arabia/Folktale
In this text, originally published in 1983, Willem Wilmink tells the story of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves in rhyme. The story is told in forty stanzas, each one a little gem of playful rhyming. »This book should please everyone who likes horror stories,« as he says in his introduction. But it is not so much the text which makes this book so special. With each stanza, a renowned illustrator has given his or her view on the story. This makes for an exuberant and colorful mosaic of illustrations in a great diversity of styles. Beneath the illustration plates, which are attached by the upper edge only, a small biography of the illustrator is included. Also, all the artists have left their fingerprint in gold next to their illustrations. The book, including its excellent design and typography, can be considered representative of the current standard of Dutch children's book illustrations. (8+)

Special Mention - Cyprus (Greek) - 1996 - 241
Syllogê Prusê, Kosta (text)
Tsangares, Champes (illus.)
To basilopullon tês Benedias
(The Prince of Venice)
Nicosia: Tsangarês Champês, 1995. 96 p.
ISBN 9963-7590-6-8
Fairy tale/Cyprus - Multilingual text
The fascination of this impressive, large-sized book stems above all from the singular illustrations of the internationally recognized artist Champes, whose palette of colors ranges from royal blue to deep red and glowing gold. The atmosphere of Venice in the 15th and 16th century is skillfully, convincingly captured in his scenes. The ruler of Pafos, according to this old Cypriot fairy tale, once embarked on a longer journey. Choosing the present he should bring her from his journey, his youngest daughter demands three hairs from the head of the son of the Venezian king. Each time she burns one hair, he flies to her in the shape of golden eagle. But the third time is different. The text of this book is given in Cypriot, Greek and English. (8+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1996 - 246
Spyru, Dêmêtrês
O Psyllos
(The flea)
Athêna: Patakes, 1995. 157 p.
(Parusies 7)
ISBN 960-293-962-1
Newspaper - Outsider - Dreams
»O Psyllos« is the title of a small newspaper in the remote village in the mountains of Olympia, care-fully, lovingly written out by hand by twelveyear- old Elias. He and »The flea« are one: »It is a dream...the wings that will take me far far away some day.« But in the village there is almost no one who believes in him. Even the teacher treats him like an unwanted outsider. But Elias doesn't give up so easily. The film »O Psyllos« was an international success and was voted as the best European children's film in Luxembourg in 1990, won first prize in film festivals in Berlin, Chicago and Belfast. (10+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1996 - 247
Xanthulês, Giannês (text/illus.)
Aneba stê stegê na phame to synnepho
(Climb up to the roof to eat the cloud)
Athêna: Kastaniotes, 1994. 83 p.
(To kalo biblio gia paidia)
ISBN 960-03-1185-4
Citylife - Fantasy
»Zementupolê« (Cement City) everyone is getting ready for the annual celebrations in honor of their beloved cement. But this time things turns out differently than planned. Young Annula is sick of living in the stiffling metropolis.With a single jump she springs on to the highest roof. From this position she announces that she will not come down again until the mayor fulfills all her demands for ... While she is waiting, she carries on conversations with her grandmother, meets the crazy old Sunday, last year's Christmas and lives from the clouds of candy stars and snow-juice with sun-rays. (8+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1997 - 13
Sueyoshi, Akiko (text)
Fujikawa, Hideyuki (illus.)
Chi to ushio no ô
(The king of the land and the sea)
Tokyo: Kodansha, 1996. 414 p.
ISBN 4-06-208015-X
Japan/Myth <Motif>- Quest - Love - Curse - Woman/Serpent/Transformation - Reconciliation - Gods
Saru, an orphaned boy travelling with a theater troupe of dwarfs, is asked by the priestess-queen of the land of Amaguni to find her daughter, Mio, who had been set out to die because of her weak physical condition. During his search, Saru also discovers the key to his own ancestry. After setting off on his quest, accompanied by a brave and clever dwarf girl, he encounters a tribal chief whose wife has placed a curse on their daughter, Nagisa, causing her to turn into a serpent every night, until the curse is lifted. To fulfill this double quest, he travels all the way to the bottom of the ocean, the kingdom of eternal life, where he finds Mio and Nagisa's mother, the daughter of the god of the sea. He succeeds in overcoming many difficulties and restoring harmony in both worlds. In this turbulent story, which contains elements of Japanese mythology, the author focuses in particular on the emotions of humans and gods regarding love. Through the detailed and colorful narrative, the reader is transported into an engrossing world of ancient times. This novel is a delightful rarity in the Japanese fantasy genre. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1997 - 14
Tomiyasu, Yôko (text)
Iino, Kazuyoshi (illus.)
Chiisana yamagami Suzuna-hime
(Princess Suzuna, the young mountain spirit)
Tokyo: Kaiseisha, 1996. 134 p.
ISBN 4-03-528310-X
Nature god - Father/ Daughter - Independence - Challenge - Promise
Princess Suzuna wants to break out of her sheltered life and finally have at least one mountain to rule herself. Her father, the great mountain who rules over all mountains and looks after all animals and nature, decides to test the abilities of his daughter. On one day she must give all the leaves on the mountain their autumn colors so that the animals can get ready for their winter sleep. This cheery, modern fairy tale, with its clearly drawn characters, is told in a refreshing voice. The headstrong, spontaneous and energetic protagonist, as she is shown in the illustrations, makes the book especially appealing. In three sequel volumes, the princess is given further challenges to deal with. (8+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1997 - 15
Uji, Isao (text/illus.)
Tententen yukiakari
(Toot, toot, toot .... in the snow)
Tokyo: Shikosha, 1995. [24] p.
Street-car - Snow - Signal - City-landscape
A street-car passes by scenery which is shown as in snapshot photos. »Toot, toot, toot...« sounds the clear signal at the crossings, breaking the stillness of the snowy surroundings. Animals run across the tracks, street workers climb in a ditch, a thief clambers over a wall, a man is heading home. The repetition of the onomatopoetic words for the signal sound convey the passage of the street-car. The steadily falling snow and gentle reflections of light makes the reader conscious of the stillness of the snowbound city inspite of the lively movements of the characters. (3+)
(43rd Sankei Award for Children's Books & Publications [JR-Prize] 1996)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1997 - 16
Yumoto, Kazumi
Haru no orugan
(The organ in spring)
Tokyo: Tokuma shoten, 1995. 240 p.
ISBN 4-19-860250-6
Feelings - Growing up - Family conflict - Siblings - Grandfather
Twelve-year-old Tomomi is about to enter Middle School, but she feels fairly indifferent about it and cannot enjoy her spring holidays. She is dissatisfied with herself and the conflicts of her parents and with her neighbor weigh upon her mind. Her grandfather's interest in the family heirlooms seems equally senseless. The old, defective organ which her grandfather finds in the closet symbolizes the mental state of the protagonist, her passage from childhood to adolescence, but also her grandfather's silent wish to bring the family, which seems about to disintegrate, back together again. (12+)

Special Mention - Republic of China (Chinese) - 1997 - 20
Lin, Haiyin (text)
Guan, Weixing (illus.)
Cheng nan jiu shi 1-3: Huianguan de Xiaoguizi - Women kan hai qu. Lan Yiniang - Lü dagun'r. Baba de huar luole
(Xiaoguizi of Huianguan: We are going to the sea - The conkubine Lan - The donkey tosses and turns. Father's flowers are drooping)
Taibei: Gelin Wenjua (Grimm Press), 1994. Each 64 p.
ISBN 957-754-023-7 (-024-5/-024-3/026-1)
China/Short stories
In these beautifully drawn and well-told picture books, a six-year old narrator tells about people she met during her childhood in Beijing: a lunatic woman looking for her lover and her deserted baby, an orphaned girl forced by her foster father to earn money by singing, a thief who steals for his brother's sake. Each tale is an excellent characterization of human nature. The stories have been classics for adults and young people for many years in Taiwan. This picture book edition has excellent portrayals of people, well-researched attention to details of clothing and tools, and meticulous use of light and space to create perfect harmony with the text. (11+) ☆

Special Mention - Republic of China (Chinese) - 1997 - 21
Sun, Qingfeng (text)
Zhao, Guozong (illus.)
Shei chi le caihong?
(Who ate the rainbow?)
Taibei: Xinyi Jijin Chubanshe (Hsing-I Foundation), 1995. [20] p.
ISBN 957-642-204-3
Rainbow - Transformation
Wonderous things happen to the animals and the tree that come into contact with the rainbow. When Uh-oh, the rainbow is cut in half by a kite string, it is eaten by a big fish, which is in turn eaten by a duck, which lays a rainbow egg. The snake eats the egg and acquires rainbow colors. When it touches a withered tree, the tree is immediately restored to life and even bears rainbow fruit. This simple, imaginative tale is accompanied by beautiful illustrations done initially on ceramic surfaces. (5+) ☼

Special Mention - Republic of China (Chinese) - 1997 - 22
Xai, Ruihong
Ashima de huisheng
(Ashima's echo)
Taibei: Shibao Wenhua (China Times Publishing), 1995. 149 p.
ISBN 957-13-1709-8
Marriage - Escape - Wizard - Echo
Based on a famous narrative poem found among the Sa-Ni peoples of Yunnan in southern China, this young adult novel tells the story of a beautiful young girl who is courted by many young men. When she turns down the landlord's only son, the landlord kidnaps her, but before the marriage can take place she is rescued by her brother. Angry and insulted, the landlord has a wizard invoke a storm which causes Ah-Shih-Ma to be lost in the mountains. When her brother and the villagers search for her and call her name, they hear nothing but an echo. This vividly descriptive narrative blends traditional poetry with modern language in an exquisitely designed volume. (11+) ☆

Special Mention - Republic of China (Chinese) - 1997 - 23
Xia, Zuli
Haijiao Tianya chiziqing
(The feeling of newborns on the other side of the world)
Taibei: Minshengbao (Min Sheng Daily), 1995. 185 p.
ISBN 957-8932-48-0
Parent/Child - Separation - Loneliness
During his summer holidays, 13-year-old Vi-Shin goes to San Francisco to study. His uncle's family treats him like a lodger. He senses the separation from his family, living in a country he knew only from movies and television. More and more Taiwanese parents are sending their children abroad, where they lead the lives of semi-orphans. Mean-while their parents must work very hard to afford this. Both sides wonder at times whether it is worth all the disadvantages. The implications of this practice are told in six realistic short stories. (10+) ☆

Special Mention - Zimbabwe (English) - 1997 - 32
Alumenda, Stephen (text/illus.)
How Thopo became a great n'anga
Harare: Baobab Books/Academic Books, 1996. 30 p.
(Excl. dist. by African Books Collective, Oxford)
ISBN 0-908311-89-3
Homeless boy - Village life -Identity
Thopo is an orphan, »street boy«, an outsider in a Zimbabwean village where cultural rules and beliefs still play an important role. Brave and mischieveous, he resists all efforts to find him a family or send him to school, and is, of course, secretly envied by the other children. One day he even dares to challenge the village wiseman, the »n'anga«, the only person allowed to touch the sacred python Thopo has found. Thopo negotiates a deal with the n'anga, but soon disappears for several months. Then, to everyone's surprise, a new role is established for him in the village in a ceremony organized by the old n'anga. This is a contemporary folktale about real-life relationships which are governed by traditional beliefs and practices. The unity of story with the black-andwhite illustrations, typography and layout is quite striking. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1997 - 35
Crew, Gary (text)
Woolman, Steven (illus.)
Caleb
(<Proper name>)
Flinders Park: Era, 1996. [48] p.
ISBN 1-86374-248-4
Man/Insect - Transformation - Mystery
One is immediately struck by the way the story and illustration fully complement one another. On each page the spaciously laid-out text is printed over full-page ochre-coloured chalk and pencil drawings of insects of shapes and sizes. The plot is gradually unfolded by the first person narrator as he recalls his relationship with Caleb, a highly unusual fellow student of botany who bears an uncanny resemblence to the insects they study. The various events in the course of their year together, which allow the narrator to sense just how different Caleb is, are captured in subtly revealing black ink drawings. Crew's ending comes not unexpectedly, but succeeds in leaving the reader with a spine-tingling sense of uneasiness. (10+)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1997 - 36
Disher, Garry
Walk twenty, run twenty
Sydney: Angus&Robertson, 1996. 81 p.
ISBN 0-207-18814-9
Death - Grief - Family - Crime - Detective
After his parents' death, Rick must go to live with his cousins' family in the sheep-herding Razorback. His three cousins have little understanding for his grief and he can't fit into their family life. One day, Rick and his cousins try to thwart the theft of the sheep herd by three violent thieves. In order to conserve his energy and stay calm in moments of danger, Rick recalls several pieces of advice his father had given him. He is instrumental in outwitting the thieves and the bond that is formed with his cousins helps Rick to start moving on with his life. The first person narrative succeeds in capturing Rick's inner turmoil while also conveying the rural atmosphere. The suspenseful turn of plot makes great reading. (10+)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1997 - 37
Earls, Nick
After January
St. Lucia: University of Queensland Press, 1996. 195 p.
ISBN 0-7022-2823-0
Romance - First Love
While waiting to receive notice of acceptance at university in a few weeks, Alex idles away the days at their seaside cottage, punctuated by sparse communication with his single-parent mother. This mother-son companionship, which has been central to his life, shifts as Alex unexpectedly meets a girl his own age. As Fortuna and Alex begin to discover one another, with all their differences in background and aspirations, everything else in Alex's life fades into the background. This witty, first-person narrative is marked by inner monologs and detached observations which map Alex's path toward manhood and self-realization. This novel captures a period of late adolescence in an ordinary life which, notably, is not fraught with family conflicts or adverse social circumstances. (15+)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1997 - 38
Kuchling, Gerald (text)
Kuchling, Gundi (illus.)
Yakkin the swamp tortoise. The most dangerous year
Flinders Park: Era Publications, 1996. [32] p.
ISBN 1-86374-272-7
(Orig. publ. Chelonia Enterprises, 1995)
Tortoise - Wildlife conservation
This well-written narrative-style information book presents the life cycle of an endangered species in Western Australia, called Yakkin by the local aboriginals. While the text focusses on the environment and Yakkin's natural enemies, the boldly colored, full-sized illustrations on each facing page reinforce the text with lively, eye-catching detail. An appendix by the biology researcher, Gerald Kuchling, gives further factual information and explains the on-going efforts to protect the swamp turtle's habitat with much international support. The book has been widely prised by ecologists and wildlife conservations. German and French editions are available. (8+)
(Eve Pownall Award for Information Books Honor Book 1996)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1997 - 39
Macleod, Mark (comp.)
Ready or not
Milsons Point: Mark Macleod/Random House Australia, 1996. 308 p.
ISBN 0-09-183161-X
Australia/Short story - Sexual orientation
This anthology of 20 short stories gathers excellent short pieces on the theme of gender and sexuality by the best contemporary Australian-born or resident writers for young people, nearly all original publications. The narrative styles are as polished as they are varied: first person, stream of consciousness, shifting perspectives, or in diary or letter form. Most of the protagonists are adolescents becoming aware of their sexual orientation for the first time, or young adults seeking love and understanding. Interspersed with black-and-white cartoons which humorously portray the trials and tribulations of being gay or lesbian, the book also includes a short biography and statement by each (not necessarily homosexual) author. (14+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1997 - 51
Smith, Michael
After the darkness
London: Scholastic, 1996. 192 p.
ISBN 0-590-54260-5
France/History 1940 - Vichy Regime - Jews/Persecution
In this story-within-a-story, a modern-day French boy, Oliver, discovers the ghosts of two Jewish children from Paris who had been forced to take refuge with their parents in an unoccupied mansion in Vichy France in July 1940, just after the Vichy government agreed to turn all Jews over to the Nazi occupiers. Their mother was killed for refusing an order of the local militia and their father captured along with his underground helper. Abandoned and locked in a hideaway, the children have no chance to escape. Only Oliver's fascination with their presence in the garden of his new home gradually leads him to believe the story they tell him and find the one man who can tell them what they need to know to set their souls to rest - the old French resistance fighter who had been with their father in a concentration camp. This story combines elements of historical and magical realism to give insight into a period which forced men, women and children to choose sides, make moral decisions and take risks. The narrator weaves the different strands of this moving story together in a suspenseful manner, filling in the missing elements of the mystery step-by-step. (12+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1997 - 52
Touré, Masée
Bai Bureh's countrymen
London: Janus Publishing, 1995. 128 p.
ISBN 1-85756-189-9
Sierra Leone - Family - Small people - Power - Beliefs
The author of these three stories is a young adult born in Sierra Leone and now attending school in England. She draws upon her family background in the novella-length title story in which the power relationships of employers, religious leaders, healers, and politicians are observed by a young girl of great perceptivity and self-confidence. As she grows older - but like Oskar in Grass's »The Tin Drum«, not taller - she learns to use her observations and also becomes inspired by the legendary tribal chief Bai Bureh, a figure of resistence and integrity at the end of the 19th century. The author opens up the experiences and culture of an African people in a contemporary setting and her writing will be enjoyed for its vivid depictions and its detailed, well-paced plots. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1997 - 67
Martin, Trude
Obee and Mungadeech
New York: Simon & Schuster, 1996. 107 p.
ISBN 0-689-80644-2
Imaginary friend - Friendship - School - Parent/ Child - Self-identity - Parental Separation
Kate is a highly sensitive and introspective young girl living in New York City. Aside from her girlfriend Beth, she confides her fears and problems in an invisible friend. Both her science teacher and a rival school friend encourage her to accept the challenges facing her - overtly in the form of a science project competion, but implicitly another one, the separation of her parents. In a fresh and captivating narrative the author explores a now common situation of a young girl coping with selfdoubt and a parental crisis which she observes but is helpless to change. The story is full of witty real-life dialogues and inner monologs, and the author makes clever use of a fantasy-like idea involving newborns' capacity to analyze the world and to speak with each other. (12+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1997 - 68
Paterson, Katherine
Jip. His story
New York: Lodestar/Dutton, 1996. 181 p.
ISBN 0-535-67543-4
USA/History 19th century - Slavery - African - American - Identity - Friendship - Quaker
Found abandoned as a small child on a country road in Vermont, Jip grows up on the town poor farm along with other social outcasts. As a healthy and intelligent young boy he bears responsibility for the handicapped and for the farmwork, receiving no recognition or even the chance for schooling. One day a stranger shows particular interest in Jip and his family origins. When at last Jip learns that he is the son of a runaway slave and her white master, who has now discovered Jips whereabouts, he receives help from Quaker neighbors to flee to Canada via the »Underground Railroad«, a secret escape network. In her usual skilful storytelling style, Paterson weaves a suspenseful tale with a cast of interesting characters against a realistic historical background. (10+) ☆

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1997 - 69
Prelutsky, Jack (text)
Sís, Peter (illus.)
Monday's troll
New York: Greenwillow, 1996. 40 p.
ISBN 0-688-09644-1
Troll - Wizard - Giant
This team of poet and painter collaborate for the second time on a volume of thematic poetry embedded on full-paged paintings which respond to and interpret each poem's ideas and tone. Told in the first-person, the poems give humorous insight into the thoughts and behavior of trolls, wizards, witches, giants and ogres. Most of the 17 poems are composed in several stanzas with measured lines and end rhyme which simply roll of the tongue. (10+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1997 - 70
Voigt, Cynthia
Bad girls
New York: Scholastic, 1996. 277 p.
ISBN 0-590-60134-2
School - Friendship - Rivalry - Pranks
The fifth-grade girls, Mikey and Margolo, find themselves next to each other, in alphabetical order, on the first day of their new school. Though they have different family backgrounds and experiences, their initially tentative friendship deepens. Each day they find ways to assert themselves against obnoxious boys and a teacher whose strict rules of order challenge their natural sense of dignity and self-identity. Voigt succeeds masterfully in portraying the thoughts and intense feelings of two high-spirited protagonists, their irreverent sense of fun and daring, and a classroom of children poised between childhood and adolescence. (10+)

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1997 - 78
Welsh, Renate
Disteltage
(Days of thistles)
Wien: Obelisk, 1996. 156 p.
ISBN 3-85197-301-1
(Simultaneously publ. by Nagel & Kimche. Zürich, 1996)
Mother/Daughter - Grandmother - Illness - Overburden
Sarah is overburdened with caring for her sick mother. She has to forge her mother's signature to get money for the household and a doctor's attest for missing school. Though she is helped by a fellow pupil at school, the help she gets from her grandmother at home seems instead to be a hinderance of her own efforts. With considerable sensitivity to the explosiveness of such a difficult situation, the author finds the precise narrative balance. (10+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 84
Dayre, Valérie (text)
Erlbruch, Wolf (illus.)
Honke, Gudrun (transl.)
Graeff, Max Christian (transl.)
Die Menschenfresserin
(The lady cannibal)
Wuppertal: Hammer, 1996. [32] p.
ISBN 3-87294-715-X
(French ed.: L' Ogresse en Pleurs. Toulouse: Éditions Milan, 1996)
Mother/Son - Cannibalism - Depth psychology - Love - Regret
As the crowning moment of her evil life, a woman plans to eat a child. Afterwards, she is shattered by her own deed, for she has eaten her own child. The »devouring mother« has surely never been depicted to such horrible extremity and with such aesthetic souvereignity before this picture book. The excellent German translation of the impressive, laconic text is both expounded upon and extended by Erlbruch's pictures, which leave wide berth for interpretation. Decorative elements such as the ever recurring, surrealistically strewn philodendra leaves or the child's sailor's suit allow an analysis, or perhaps a persiflage, of middleclass life. Just as the frontispiece of the book shows a young girl playing the German playground game »Heaven and Hell« (hopscotch), the story takes the reader down the long path of often unconscious human behavior. (14+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 85
Grote, Wilfrid (text)
Ballhaus, Verena (illus.)
Adios, Emilio. Viel Glück, Emil Lück!
(Bye, Emilio. Good luck, Emil Luck!)
München: Kerle, 1996. 81 p.
ISBN 3-85303-129-3
Argentina/History 1920s/1930s - Emigration - Father - Homecoming
In the 1920s and 1930s the massive unemployment forces a brave family father to seek work overseas, in the oil fields of Argentina. From there he is able to provide his family at home in Gronau-an-der- Leine with the basic minimum needs. This fastpaced narrative revolves around his adventures and his often sly methods of getting by in a foreign land. Inventive, ironic illustrations round out this attractive little book, which will appeal to a wide age-range. (7+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 86
Heller, Eva (text)
Sowa, Michael (illus.)
Das unerwartete Geschenk vom Weihnachtsmann und von Frau Glück und Herrn Liebe
(The unexpected gift from Santa Claus, Lady Luck and Monsieur L'Amour)
Oldenburg: Lappan, 1996. [32] p.
ISBN 3-89082-154-5
Christmas - Gift-giving - Surprise - Happiness
Good luck knows neither the time nor the day, that is the Christmas message of this cheerful story. In prosaic pictures, which give an ironic view of cosy, middle-class homelife, we witness how Santa Claus, Lady Luck and Monsieur L'Amour go to great extremes to pass along their surplus stock of dolls to little boys and girls. Then the computer notices that this present has been placed ten years too early in the sack, because of a technical error. Thus Antonia gets her doll Simonetta already now, unexpectedly und unplanned. Three cheers for the picture book computer. (7+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 87
Hensgen, Andrea
Dich habe ich in die Mitte der Welt gestellt
(I have placed you at the middle of the world)
München: Bertelsmann, 1996. 286 p.
ISBN 3-570-12389-8
Rite of passage - Identity - First love - Intellectual history
The members of a graduating class who participate in a project week on the theme of »the history of European thought« experience at the same time a chance to clarify their own ideas of themselves and their relationships with one another. Although the author takes this aspect very seriously, she also weaves into the narrative a considerable wealth of information about culture and important thinkers in central Europe. Yet throughout the novel, the protagonists remain vivid and interesting figures at the core of the narrative. (14+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 88
Holub, Josef (text)
Bonifaz und der Räuber Knapp
(Boniface and the Robber Knapp)
Weinheim: Beltz & Gelberg, 1996. 241 p.
ISBN 3-407-70696-X
Germany/History 1867 - Orphan - Adoption - Thief - Discrimination - Friendship - Village life - Emigration
The orphan Boniface is sent to live with his uncle, the village mayor, in the Wurttemberg village of Graab. Nearly killed along the way, he later learns that he had been rescued by Knapp, who is known in the village as a robber. Boniface is soon fast friends with Knapp's son Christian, but when the family is forced by the neighborhood gossips to emigrate overseas, they are separated. In a natural, sympathetic manner the author transports the reader into the world of the young protagonist. (8+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 89
Jandl, Ernst (text)
Junge, Norman (illus.)
Immer höher
(Higher and higher)
Weinheim: Beltz & Gelberg, 1996. [28] p.
ISBN 3-407-79178-X
Austria/Poetry
This (relatively) large book with a (relatively) short text moves effortlessly from the microcosmos of the protagonist to the macrocosmos of the universe. But nothing is given an explanation, even when objects are imbued with animation. In a quite matter-of-fact manner the poet and illustrator expand to the maximum the horizons of experience using a minimum of means. Each page contains only those objects described in the line of text. Changes are shown in night-time blue, new situations in clear daylight. The continuity in the course of events shown in the sequence of illus-trations corresponds perfectly to the rhythm of the text. (5+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 90
Kahlert, Elke (text)
Glienke, Amelie (illus.)
Das Kinderkarussell
(The children's merry-go-round)
Reinbek: Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag, 1997. 123 p.
(rororo rotfuchs; 808)
ISBN 3-499-20808-3
Merry-go-round - Crime - Forgery - Detective story
Sophie and Fabian are concerned about their old merry-go-round because the dappled-grey horse is missing. So they scatter a little ash and decide to play detective. At last they get to the root of things, but not without taking some dangerous risks. A gang of forgers had been using the horse's body as a hiding place. With humour and subtle finesse the author shows what fun children have keeping little and big secrets - and how inventive they can be in trying to fool the adults. (8+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 91
Kishon, Ephraim (text)
Kishon, Renana (illus.)
Ein Schnuller mit dem Namen Zezi
(A pacifier named Zezi)
München: Lentz, 1996. [28] p.
ISBN 3-88010-412-3
Baby - Pacifier - Conflict - Trickery
In this book for both young and old, a subversive little baby learns how to keep its family and babysitters in non-stop action by hiding its one and only beloved pacifier and throwing a tantrum until it gets it. The pictures, with lift-up flaps for all sorts of po- tential hiding places, will delight playful youngsters. They are done by the »former baby«, now adult daughter of of the well-known adult author Kishon. (6+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 92
Koch, Marianne (text)
Janssen, Susanne (illus.)
Die Abenteuer der kleinen Wolke
(The adventure of the little cloud)
München: Hanser, 1996. [32] p.
ISBN 3-446-18485-6
Cloud - Flight - Adventure - Help
The little cloud makes its first long journey and finds lots to tell about the joys and dangers it has experienced. Although the pictures clearly reveal the influence of her master teacher, the alternative, more feminine style of this young illustrator give cause to follow her future development. (4+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 93
Krenzer, Rolf (text)
Mirtschin, Jutta (illus.)
Die Babuschka, Sascha und das Huhn Natascha
(The Babushka, Sasha and Natasha, the chicken)
Lahr: Kaufmann, 1996. [32] p.
ISBN 3-7806-2375-7
Grandmother/Grandchild - Russia/Easter - Poverty - Charity/Giving
In this story about the joys of sharing and giving, Babuschka arranges for her grandchild Sascha to enjoy Easter by sharing their own Easter banquet meal with children even poorer than themselves. The festivities of a Russian Easter night are portrayed in this quiet, reflective and optimistic book. (6+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 94
Kulot-Fritsch, Daniela (text/illus.)
Nasebohren ist schön
(Nose-picking is fun)
Stuttgart: Thienemann, 1996. 32 p.
ISBN 3-522-43227-4
Child-rearing - Social convention - Threat - Lies
The children of the elephant, mouse and frog families love to pick their noses. That's forbidden! cry the parents. Why? the children want to know. Disease! their elders tell them. But look there - the grandparents, who have almost nothing to do with child-rearing, do not feel obliged to act as role models - and pick their noses, too. This merry and colorful picture book extolls the passionate pleasures of pursuing one's needs and of forming subversive alliances between old and young against dry conventions. (6+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 95
Lawitzky, Gerd
Kasper, König, Räuber
(Punch, King, Robber)
Berlin: Elefantenpress, 1996. 111 p.
ISBN 3-88520-594-7
Clothing - Role exchange - Confusion - Duty
For the most part, Punch, King and Robber are quite satisfied with their lives, though they find their jobs distasteful at times. One day each gets so angry that he casts off his official dress - joker cap, crown and pistol. Now, without their proper owners, these three objects cause the greatest amount of confusion when they land in the wrong hands and on the wrong heads. But in the end they all come to the conclusion that things work best when done by professionals. This is a humorously told parable about real life clothed in figures familiar to smaller children. (6+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 96
Maar, Paul (text)
Bofinger, Manfred (illus.)
Der Buchstaben-Fresser
(The letter eater)
Hamburg: Oetinger, 1996. 63 p.
ISBN 3-7891-0509-0
Letter - Reading - Name - Imagination - Wordplay
What makes »Tanne« turn into »Wanne«, or »Reis« turn into cold »Eis«? Naturally it is the work of the letter-eater, also known as letter-switcher. All this is fairly upsetting in the everyday life of Claudia and her parents, until they manage to trick him back into his (R)Ei(S) and carry it off to a deserted forest. Ever since then the woods have been filled with »Kuchen« (cakes) instead of »Buchen « (beech trees), which are eaten by »Elchen« (elks) instead of »Eichen« (oak trees). Only the way that objects change into words is not treated in this text. (8+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 97
Maar, Paul (text)
Kasparavičius, Kestutis (illus.)
Lisas Reise
(Lisa's journey)
Esslingen: Schreiber, 1996. [28] p.
ISBN 3-215-13020-3
Reality - Conformity - Constraint - Freedom - Dream
In her sleep, Lisa passes through a nightmare of strange and even antagonistic worlds filled with balls, corners, colors and headstands, until she finally reaches the land of feathers (her own bed), where she doesn't have to be round, or cornery, colorful or stand on her head. At the abstract level, even smaller beholders of this picture book will find sufficient imagery and text to understand the concept of (involuntary) conformity in a predefined situation and see ways of extracting themselves from unjustified constraint. (5+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 98
Michels, Tilde (text)
Bhend, Käthi (illus.)
Kleine Hasen werden groß
(Little rabbits grow up)
Würzburg: Arena, 1996. 92 p.
ISBN 3-401-07181-5
Rabbit - Hare - Family - Growing-up - Social differences
With amazement and a little displeasure, the children of the field rabbit family and the wild hare family discover certain differences between their kinfolk. They begin to have doubts about the customs and attributes of their families. Are big ears perhaps better than small ones? Isn't a cave more comfortable than a burrow in the ground? In the course of time all these questions seem to get answered themselves. And in the end the youngest generation moves on to start their own families. Accompanied and enhanced by naturalistic, richly detailed but imaginative pictrues, this book gives young readers not only a glimpse into the life of rabbits, but also guidance in finding one's way through different living conditions. (5+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 99
Mitgutsch, Ali (text/illus.)
Rudelius, Wolfgang (cover)
Zwiggel, der Zwerg
(Zwiggel, the dwarf)
Weinheim: Beltz & Gelberg, 1996. 112 p.
ISBN 3-407-79687-0
Dwarf - Adventure - Wordplay
Zwiggel, a dwarf child only 200 or 300 years old, takes a stroll through the world of human beings, where he discovers square little »living boxes«, that sometimes have shining holes, »adventure boxes«, where people experience adventures just by watching, »moving tin boxes« or »learning boxes« for the little people. Other things such as »Gembooi« (Gameboy) or »Woogmen« (Walkmen) seem to be inexplicable. But Evi, his little human girlfriend, gives him just the answers he needs. Leisurely, like any Zwiggel, he slowly sets out to experience this new environment - leaving plenty of time for the read-along beholder to sink into the story and see familiar things from a new, but not obviously adult point of view. (6+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 100
Rudelius, Wolfgang
In einer anderen Welt
(In another world)
Weinheim: Beltz & Gelberg, 1996. 145 p.
ISBN 3-407-79736-2
Mental illness - Outsider - Friend - Garden - Violence
Uli, a latch-key child, becomes friends with the fascinating young man, Walder, who lives in the garden colony and tells stories that just cannot be true or makes up things with which he can communicate or conspire. He telephones with a cordless telephone, supposedly with his father in Africa. But he gets on the nerves of »normal« people, and when they won't let him put up a peace sculpture at Christmas, he goes crazy. His house and garden are destroyed and he disappears from Uli's life. This books gives an impressive view of the world of an mentally instable outsider, showing the differences in the way in which an unprejudiced adolescent and the stick-in-the-mud, philistine middle-class perceive him. (10+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 101
Schlüter, Andreas
Die Rollschuhräuber
(The roller-skate thieves)
Berlin: Altberliner Verlag, 1996. 182 p.
ISBN 3-357-00790-8
Courier - Roller-skates - Crime - Gang - Talisman
The courier service »Rat's teeth« zips around Berlin on roller-skates or rollerblades in order to fulfill otherwise unaffordable wishes. The misunderstandings and difficulties set in when a gang of handbag-snatchers who look very much like the courier kids appear on the scene. With tricks and tempo the »good guys« set themselves off from the »bad guys« and lead to their downfall. With its first volume, this sprightly detective series is off to a good start. (8+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 102
Siege, Nasrin
Shirin
(<Proper name>)
Weinheim: Beltz & Gelberg, 1996. 147 p.
ISBN 3-407-79698-6
Germany - Foreigner - Muslim - Outsider - School - Friendship
When Shirin and her family move to Germany, she is one of the first Iranian children who has to adjust to a new life in a foreign land. She and her sisters experience all the difficulties of this situation - within the family, at school and in their free time. Her fellow pupils make her life so difficult, that she herself arranges to be enrolled in a different school. Things are further complicated by the fact that she is a Muslim, and her father very strictly religious. But finally she succeeds in feeling comfortable in her German surroundings, at the price, however, of no longer having a real homeland. This fascinating narrative is based on authentic experiences, written by an Iranian woman who has lived in Germany since her childhood and writes today in German. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 103
Stiemert, Elisabeth (text)
Kehr, Karoline (illus.)
Kinder, Krach und große Ohren
(Children, noise and big ears)
Hildesheim: Gerstenberg, 1996. [32] p.
ISBN 3-8067-4175-1
Noise - Neighbors - Conflict
Family Upstairs and Mrs. Downstairs are at odds with each other because the Upstairs children make too much noise. But when the noise stops one day after so many complaints, Mrs. Downstairs falls ill with a case of »listening hypertrophy«, where her ears begin to grow boundlessly, always listening for the slightest sound from the floor above. Medical advice is now quite simply to hear noise from upstairs again. Her ears begin to shrink back to normal and things are peaceful again. Aside from this imaginative story, the book stands out for its lively, skilfully drawn and witty pictures. (6+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 104
Wiencirz, Gerlinde (text)
Röckener, Andreas (illus.)
Eine Schlacht? Die könnt ihr haben!
(A battle! You're in for it!)
München: Bertelsmann, 1996. [28] p.
ISBN 3-570-12371-5
King - War - Dictatorship - Peace - Work - Friendship
The lion, a bored despot, decides to make war with his neighbors. The soldiers are called up, but since the apple harvest is in full swing, the war games will have to wait. But waiting is boring, picking apples together is more fun. So a truce is reached and the lion is left all alone. Brilliant tones emphasize the optimistic tenor of the story. (4+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1997 - 105
Wolfsgruber, Linda (text/illus.)
Wolf oder Schaf - böse oder brav?
(Wolf or sheep - evil or good)
München: Kerle, 1996. [28] p.
ISBN 3-85303-118-8
Disguise - Wolf - Sheep - Good/Evil
»Take care whom you trust« is the message of this visually and textually complex picture book for older children. One must learn to look very closely, listen very closely before deciding who to get involved with (sheep in wolf's clothing or wolf in sheep's clothing), and also to discover the hidden evil and the hidden goodness in other living creatures. When read in the company of an adult, children can learn important lessons about the ways of the world. (8+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1997 - 108
Jaeckel, Hans
Ibo
(<Proper name>)
Zürich: Unionsverlag, 1996. 168 p.
ISBN 3-293-00233-1
Germany/Turkish youth - Crime - Family
As a very young child, the Turkish boy Ibrahim (Ibo) joins his father and brother in Hamburg. His mother and other brothers and sisters join them much later, but in the meantime Ibo has been expelled several times from school for fights and petty crimes. His is the world of the Turkish markets in the harbor district where he earns his own money with clever business »practices«. His tales betray, however, a longing for an intact family life and a knowable future, although he himself lives from day to day, deed to deed. Ibo's authentic narrative about the at times his asocial urban environment with unpolished and criminal but still likeable figures - both Germans and foreigners, his difficulties at home and his decision to enroll in job training, is an impressive reading both in terms of narrative style and content. (14+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1997 - 109
Manz, Hans (text)
Binder, Hannes (illus.)
Pantoffeln für den Esel
(Slippers for the donkey)
Zürich: Nagel & Kimche, 1996. 117 p.
ISBN 3-312-00800-X
Animals - Adventure
One day a donkey asks his farmer for a pair of slippers, because he wants to be just as happy in the evenings as his master. He is stubborn enough to get what he wants, but realizes that he hasn't done himself any favor. Proudly he parades with the splendid, but cumbersome foot-coverings back and forth in front of all the female donkeys and is happy at last to be able to present his footwear to a vain little donkey beauty - out of love, of course. Full-paged black-and-white woodcuts and largesized typeface make each of these 15 fairy tale or fable-like stories quite appealing. (5+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1997 - 110
Rowe, John A. (text/illus.)
Baumann, Peter (German text)
Ferkel Ferdinand
(Piglet Ferdinand)
Gossau: Neugebauer, 1996. [32] p.
ISBN 3-85195-380-0
(Engl. ed: Peter Piglet. New York: North-South Books, 1996)
Pig - Shoes - Vanity - Helpfulness - Sacrifice
One glorious morning, the kind little piglet Ferdinand finds a pair of golden shoes just lying about in the forest. He tries them on, walks about and feels like a dancer. But to his great disappointment, the shoes have disappeared the next morning. One has been turned into a turtle's house and the other into a bird's nest. Ferdinand decides to let well enough alone and rejoices over his new-found ease of movement. From his snout to his little curly tail, this is likeable little pig inspite of his forgiveable weaknesses. In each large-size picture the golden shoes cast a glow on everything and everyone around them. As a visual sign of reward for Ferdinand's willing sacrifice, he is shown walking barefoot toward the golden depths of the page. (6+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1997 - 111
Slawski, Wolfgang (text/illus.)
Die Besucher-Sucher
(Waiting for visitors)
Gossau: Nord-Süd, 1996. [28] p.
ISBN 3-314-00728-0
Loneliness - Railway station - Travel - Friendship
A man waits everyday at the railway station for someone coming to visit him - in vain. Even when he decides one day to wait at a different station - no luck. But then he finds others in a similar situation, and their number grows and grows. When all of these visitor-seekers begin to travel the world without meeting a single visitor, they finally decide to visit one another from now on. Thus the problem is solved to everyone's satisfaction. The humorous text and pictures will encourage children to set off looking for people like themselves when no one comes looking for them. (6+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 121
David, François (text)
Galeron, Henri (illus.)
Une petite flamme dans la nuit
(A little flame in the night)
Paris: Bayard, 1996. 105 p.
ISBN 2-227-704-63-2
Concentration camp - Terror - Survival - Storytelling - Parable - Hope - Resistance
Night after night a woman whispers parable tales of terror and despotism in the ear of a child to help it go to sleep. The illustrations leave no doubt as to where these absurd situations take place: a high barbed wire fence with watch-towers, surrounding the barren grounds and barracks of a concentration camp. Each story follows upon a short conversation between the rebellious child and the woman, who hopes that the forced sleep will help the child endure the coming day. The parables describe the brutal tyranny of a despot long ago. Each ends with the fragile hope that the terror, though long lasting, will come to an end if the memory of resistance and freedom is kept alive. When on the twelvth night the woman does not return to their common plank bed, the child's stony heart falls away and it can cry again. In the following night, a younger child takes the woman's place, and the older one takes on the role of the woman, telling the same stories again. The illustrations for the individual parables are extraordinary in capturing the timeless, metaphoric nature of the stories. They possess a literary power of expression by revealing the grotesque-comical aspect of totalitarian terror, thus underlining its absurdity. (10+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 122
Didier, Jean (text/illus.)
Didier, Zad (text/illus.)
Zoum Chat de traîneau
(Zoum, the sled-cat)
Toulouse: Milan, 1996. 38 p.
ISBN 2-84113-410-5
Cat - Sled - Adventure - Lie - Storytelling
This picture book has several attractions to offer. It fulfills the need of children for spooky stories with a balanced mixture of fright and relief. And it uses the well-known storytelling perspective of Grandfather telling about days gone by. And, thirdly, it offers an aesthetic delight with full-paged, striking illustrations. The idea of making the storyteller a grandfather cat who sees no reason to stick too closely to the truth give the at once merry and spooky adventures a humorous coating. Who could imagine a cat playing the part of a sled-dog! (5+) ☼

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 123
Douzou, Olivier (text)
Simon, Isabelle (illus.)
Autobus numéro 33
(Autobus No. 33)
Rodez: Éditions du Rouergue, 1996. [48] p.
ISBN 2-84156-023-6
Bus - Travel - Racial equality
The metaphor of the earth as boat in which we are all sitting inspired the illustrator to write this story about a little red bus which takes a journey around the whole world. Scattered throughout the continents are bus-stops at which a pair - in each case a human and an animal - are waiting for this modernday Noah's Ark. The photos of painted pottery figures portray the passengers, people of all races and ages in the company of an equally motley crowd of animals. The excerpts of a rudimentary world map help to give a geographical orientation. The humanistic message of this pretty little volume is quite subtle: there is no room for discrimination on this bus line. (7+) ☆

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 124
Gudule
L'envers du décor
(The reverse side of the scene)
Paris: Hachette Jeunesse, 1996. 192 p.
ISBN 2-01-321338-7
Unemployment - Homelessness - Housesquatting - Solidarity - Charity
Felix and his mother have fallen upon hard times. They take refuge in a house illegally occupied by people out of work and illegal immigrants. The reader feels drawn in by the narrator and her concern for the social disadvantaged, taking part in their motley crew until they are brutally driven apart by the house demolition. Any tendency to regard the house-squatting movement as idyllic is firmly counteracted by the illustrations. With an unsettling and at times even grotesque clarity, the pictures mirror the desolate situation of society's outsiders, testing the humanity of the reader in this confrontation with unvarnished reality. (13+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 125
Hans, Marie-Pierre (text/illus.)
Monsieur William
(Mr. William)
Paris: Grasset-Jeunesse, 1996. [32] p.
ISBN 2-246-51941-1
Goldfish - House - Imitation - Family
When no one else is home, Mr. William, a goldfish, takes leave of his fishbowl. He looks like a blown-up red beach ball, so fat that only half of him fits on the horizontal double-pages. He makes use of everything he finds, shaving himself, trying on Father's necktie and cruising around in the car. This is a picture book to look at with the very youngest, for whom reading means pointing and naming the colorful, haptic objects. The background, with its apparent lumps and scraps of newspaper paper maché, ideal for little fingers to fiddle with, will appeal to the tactile senses as well. (2+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 126
Hellings, Colette (text)
Jacobs, Nadine (illus.)
Un bébé tombé du ciel
(A baby who fell from heaven)
Paris: Archimède, 1996. 30 p.
ISBN 2-211038921
Giraffe
A baby giraffe falls indeed from heaven, since at birth it is dropped 2 meters to earth. In just a few minutes it can stand up and begin to suckle at its mother's udder and to discover the world. This picture book shows the experiences in the first few days of life, how it is accepted into the herd and attacked by a lioness. The impressive expanse of the African savannah is ever-present in the doublespread illustrations of this generously sized landscape-format picture book. A brief appendix supplies further information about giraffes, which are fairly underrepresented in information books. (5+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 127
Jardin, Alexandre (text)
Derobe, Alain (photos)
de Broca, Alexandre (special effects)
Cybermaman ou le voyage extraordinaire au centre d'un ordinateur
(Cybermaman or the extraordinary journey to the center of a computer)
Paris: Gallimard, 1996. 64 p.
ISBN 2-07-059412-2
Computer - Virtual reality - Adventure
A writer, a photographer and a specialist for optical effects have collaborated here, using technical equipment to create a new style of photonovel (livre cinématographique). The plot involves a virtual journey into the inner workings of a personal computer. Three brothers and sisters head off into cyberspace with their head-mounted displays after their computer crashs in order to find their favorite program which contains pictures, mementos and voice recordings of their dead mother. The oversized glossy photographs (of this oversized book) bring to view the surrealist nature of virtual space, including anti-viruses, which resembles a very real and opulent hall of horrors. (7+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 128
Judes, Marie-Odile (text)
Bourre, Martine (illus.)
Maxime Loupiot
(Maxim Wolff)
Paris: Père Castor Flammarion, 1996. 32 p.
ISBN 2-08-160327-6
Wolf - Father/Son - Career choice
Father Wolf is in despair over his young son who takes after no one else in the family. He prefers gardening to hunting! All efforts to re-educate him to the ways of a wolf fail miserably. But the joke is on Father Wolf. This animal family leads a very human-like life in the vivacious illustrations. The artist had great fun in hinting at the wolfs' nature of the inhabitants in the details of the furniture. In spite of the fundamental antagonism of the fatherson relationship, there is much love and tenderness to be seen. This allows the young reader, undisturbed by any sense of fear, to take delight in the mishaps of this clumsy father. (6+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 129
Kerisel, Françoise
Nona des sables
(Nona of the desert)
Paris: Albin Michel, 1996. 40 p.
ISBN 2-226-08236-0
Algeria - Colonization - War - Family - Memory
A young girl searches with a passion for her own roots in the family genealogy. She presses her great-grandmother to recall her past in Africa, but the old woman buries herself in painful silence, recalling how her forbears had moved to Algeria as colonizers in the 19th century, only to return to France during the Algerian war. Nona has lost her roots and yearns to return to the mimosa and the desert. But the shame over all that took place in the course of colonization and war seals her mouth. The interaction of this detective work and resistance to memory is reflected in scraps of conversation. Reproductions of historical postcards from Algeria are stitched between the leaves of this large-sized album. (10+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 130
Korkos, Alain (text)
Truong, Marcelino (illus.)
En attendant Eliane
(Waiting for Elaine)
Paris: Syros, 1996. 75 p.
(Les uns les autres)
ISBN 2-841-46-321-4
Jews - Algeria/Pogrom 1934 - Emigration - Paris/Deportation 1942
The publisher has established a series of highly literary novels which treats the events of the most recent past and present involving breaches of human rights and violence in multicultural conflicts. The novels' protagonists are fictional, but their historical contexts are authentic. This particular novel deals with an Arabic Jew from Algeria, the last of his family, who lived through the waves of anti-semitic discrimination both in his homeland and in exile in Paris. Alone one rainy evening he recalls in a moving soliloquy the events that led to his parents' and sister's deaths in Algeria and Germany. The author weaves an epic tale on several levels and helps the young reader to keep on with the story even when the narration may engender only revolt, shock and pain. (14+) ☆

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 131
Lévy, Didier (text)
Galibour, Coralie (illus.)
Peut-on faire confiance à un crocodile affamé?
(Can you trust a hungry crocodile?)
Paris: Albin Michel Jeunesse, 1996. [52] p.
ISBN 2-266-07170-9
Toad - Crocodile - Journey - Trust - Intelligence - Friendship
The answer to the question posed in the title would seem to be: no! Especially if one is a good-natured toad travelling in a balloon with a crocodile whose friendship ends where his hunger begins. But the happy end of the journey of this very odd couple proves that with a little intelligence and sympathy an enjoyable coexistence is possible, despite the extreme differences. The lively colors and surprisingly amusing viewpoints in the various sized pictures convey the humor and wisdom of this story in a high-spirited manner. (5+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 132
Merleau-Ponty, Claire (text)
Ballantine, Kevin (photos)
Sally et le voleur du rêve
(Sally and the thief of dreams)
Paris: Hatier, 1996. 60 p.
ISBN 2-7438-0055-0
Australia - Aborigines - Painting - Tabu - Cultural gap - Adventure
The story of the aborigines and their nomad culture are caught up in the history of Sally and her family. After a taboo regarding the unique paintings of the tribes is broken, the resulting intrigue is used to elaborate on the rituals, the legends of life's origins. The fragile existence of this culture is vividly depicted, located on the breaking point between tradition and modernity, threatened with perversion by tourism and greedy profit. Scattered throughout the narrative are authentic ethnographic photos which also have the charm of intimate family memories. The documentary appendix provides supplemental details and summarizes the Aborigines' problems. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 133
Mets, Alan (text/illus.)
Je suis parti!
(I'm on my way!)
Paris: L'École des Loisirs, 1996. 36 p.
ISBN 2-211-041-07-8
Cat - Night - Travel - Adventure
These travel adventures of a black cat produce a superb bedtime story. All the episodes take place at night in full-page, landscape format illustrations. Only one sentence is sufficient to explain each situation. Generous use of space and bold colors change the picture story from agitated to smooth lines, depending on the rise or decline in the drama of the scene. The lively eyes of the story's protagonists, who meet unexpectedly, have a language of their own. Peaceful cosiness prevails whenever you encounter a sleeper. (4+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 134
Morgenstern, Susie
Lettres d'amour de 0 à 10
(Love letters from 0 to 10)
Paris: L'École des loisirs, 1996. 210 p.
ISBN 2-211-03693-7
Motherless child - Loneliness - Friendship - Joy of life
Ernest's mother died at his birth and his father left him to grow up with his grandmother, who lives almost completely immersed in memories of her past. As result, Ernest's life is sad and monotonous. But this changes overnight when Victoire, the new girl in his class who has an unlimited capacity for joy as well as 13 brothers, »adopts« him and awakens his lust for life. There is none too little comedy, but the story also gives room to fine psychological insights. The transformation which takes place in the lives of Ernest and his grandmother follows the well-proven maxim: One must first enjoy life, before preparing to die. (10+)
(Prix Totem Roman 1996)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 135
Morvan, Françoise (text)
Lapointe, Claude (illus.)
La gavotte du mille-pattes
(The gavotte of the centipede)
Arles: Actes Sud, 1996. 62 p.
Animals - Nonsense poetry
Children who enjoy the sounds of words and wordplay will be well-rewarded with this droll parade of animals. Inspired by the nonsense poems which describe a colorful bestiary in the absurdest situations, the illustrator has let his imagination run wild, trumping the text with even more nonsensical pictures. With souvereignity his full-paged illustrations dominate the narrow, upright format of this handy and prettily designed little book. (5+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 136
Nozière, Jean-Paul
Une sixième en accordéon
(The sixth-grade accordeon class)
Paris: Rageot-Éditeur, 1996. 92 p.
ISBN 2-7002-2364-0
Gypsies - Differentness - Integration - Squatters
Feeling like good samaritans, the children of a sixth-grade class prepare to welcome Zoltan, a boy whose gypsy family has become squatters in the town's run-down city hall. In minutely recorded scenes, Zoltan's perceptive benchmate describes the ultimate failure of their attempts at integration. Even the teachers, who admire his talent on the accordeon and are portrayed as being unprejudiced, are unable to deal with his differentness, expressed in apathy and reserve. In the end, protests from the citizenry lead to a solution of »he gypsy problem« when the police enforce their eviction. (9+) ☆

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 137
Place, François (text)
Besse, Christophe (illus.)
Le camion fantôme
(The ghostwagon)
Paris: Hachette Jeunesse, 1996. [32] p.
ISBN 2-01-223276-0
Old man - Retirement home - Mouse - Friendship - Helpfulness
When Monsieur Verchou, the vegetable seller, retires and moves into a retirement home, the four little mice who, like little elves, had always secretly loaded up his cart for the market, are sad. With cunning tricks, abetted by their friends, they manage to restore the run-down wagon and remove their protégé from the home. Large pictures in landscape format, drawn in vibrant colors and contours, reveal in abundant, realistic details the stages of this fantastical tale. (5+) ☼

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 138
Prigent, Andrée (text/illus.)
Pouloute, l'hippopotame
(Pouloute, the hippopotamus)
Paris: Les Éditions Didier, 1996. [28] p.
ISBN 2-278-30013-X
Hippopotamus - Island - Sea - Colors - Painting
On a very tiny round island in the deep blue sea there is a tall chimney that looks like a cake made with an upside pail in a sandbox. A blue hippopotamus comes along every day with a little wagon full of painting tools and paints fish or starfish on its wall. Rain and moonlight turn them into lively animals that splash about in the water. Changing perspectives and picture segments lend the story its charm and surprise effects. Nothing can spoil this miniature, carefree world of play. The only question left unanswered is what color the fish will be painted tomorrow. (3+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 139
Schneegans, Nicole
Une image de Lou
(A picture of Lou)
Paris: Gallimard, 1996. 330 p.
Albert-Lasard, Louise (1885-1969) - Biography - Painting
The highly unusual life of the headstrong artist, Louise Albert-Lasard, who is usually remembered only for her friendship with Rilke, is depicted in this biography. Driven by her artistic vocation and an iron will, she overcame many obstacles which arose from her middle-class Jewish background and a handicap in walking. Eccentric and independent, her chosen life-style led from Munich, Paris, and Berlin, where she stood in close contact with the avant-garde of the art world. Spanning two world wars and travels around the world, her life took place in a lively epoch of intellectual and world history which will be of great interest to adolescent readers. (16+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 140
Sebbar, Leïla
La jeune fille au balcon
(The young girl on the balcony)
Paris: Seuil, 1996. 148 p.
ISBN 2 02 024800-X
Algeria/France - Family - Integration - Islam - Fundamentalism - Women's role
This ensemble of six tales gives a multifaceted perspective of the long-suffering and difficult relationship between Algeria and France. The fates of several persons are chosen to show the old and new wounds which stem from the colonial wars and years of immigration, from the current conflicts of identity and problems of integration, from the collision between modern times and religious tradition. The author, daughter of Algerian-French parents, gives a penetrating view of the current civil war in Algeria. Hers is the view of the protagonists and thus in immediate contact with the suffering victims. (13+) ☆

Special Mention - France (French) - 1997 - 141
Serres, Alain (text)
Mellinette, Martine (illus.)
Il y a le monde
(There is the world)
Le Chambon-sur-Lignon: Cheyne éditeur, 1996. [80] p.
Poetry/French - Travel - Observation - Life experience - Humanity
This bibliophile edition contains a collection of travel poetry written over many years. In only a few sentences the sensually recorded experiences are crystallized into an image, impressions into thoughts. Serres's travels took him from Mexico to Egypt. Brief, red-lettered lyrical notes, cross paths with graphic pen-drawings in orange and black, setting accents and awakening associations of leaves, birds, tracks and silhouettes. The fresh, very personal words reveal the author's power of perception and experience of life, for which young readers will be receptive. (12+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1997 - 145
Conte, Tonino (text)
Luzzati, Emanuele (illus.)
Genova, una città in 20 storie
(Genoa, a city in 20 tales)
Roma: Laterza, 1996. 111 p.
ISBN 88-420-5099-7
Genoa/History
The author invites the reader on a voyage of discovery through the city of Genoa, past and present. He tells about its maritime tradition (Genoa was one of four Italian maritime republics), its legendary heroes, the architecture of its noble palaces and cultural festivals. He takes the reader on an enchanting walk through the ancient atmosphere of its streets, in search of the city's soul, which reveals itself in the intimate relationship with the sea. Blue prevails over all other colors in expressing the pervasive water of the sea that shapes the city's identity. In the illustrations Luzzati lavishes his enchanting chromatism and mastery of scene-settings to give a constituent lightness to the cityscape. His endless imagination lets him combine every possible kind of graphic technique. (12+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1997 - 146
Lazzarato, Francesca (adapt.)
Galloni, Adelchi (illus.)
L'elefante di pietra. Fiabe e favole della tradizione indiana
(The stone elephant. Tales and legends from India)
Milano: Mondadori, 1996. 79 p.
(Fiabe Junior; 11)
ISBN 88-04-41545-2
India/Tales - India/Legends
The author continues her work of acquainting children with folktales from foreign cultures, choosing for this collection some of the most important traditional tales and legends of India. As usual, the anthology is supplemented by a documentary appendix consisting of concise and easily understood information and maps of the Indian subcontinent's history and geography, and in this way illustrating India's complicated religious and linguistic diversity, traditions, customs, and art styles for a better understanding of folktales. The text is complemented by watercolor illustrations which succeed in rendering the enchanting atmosphere of the Orient. (9+) ☆

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1997 - 147
Lazzarato, Francesca (adapt.)
Ziliotto, Donatella (adapt.)
Carrer, Chiara (illus.)
Manuale del cacciatore di fantasmi
(Handbook for ghost-hunters)
Firenze: Salani, 1996. 115 p.
ISBN 88-7782-499-9
Ghost - Horror - Short stories
The best way of overcoming one's fear of ghosts is to hunt them, and with this »handbook« the authors supply information on how to become a »perfect ghost hunter«. The book includes short tales, legends, traditions, tricks and games for parties, all related to horror. Fear in all its forms (place, sound, color) is faced, showing that you can have fun with it. The black-and-white pendrawings capture important moments of suspense and drama. (10+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1997 - 148
Luciani, Domenica (text)
Luciani, Roberto (illus.)
Cinema segreto
(Filming secrets)
Firenze: Giunti, 1996. 190 p.
(Giunti Ragazzi Universale; 19)
ISBN 88-09-20867-6
Video camera - Film - Everyday life - Observation - Friendship
Sara and Marina are friends who share a common passion for films, both seeing and making them. With Sara's father's video camera they decide to make a movie about their families' everyday life. Unknown to everyone, the two girls film, among other things, Sara's sister running away from home, her boyfriend in love with an older woman or a party of Sara's parents. The girls spy on grown-ups and reveal their secret and hypocritical behaviors, collecting the evidence in a new form of audio-video-electronic diary. For each event there is a congenial reference to characters and motifs from famous recent films (such as »Beauty and the Beast« or »Jurassic Park«). The author's appealing use of language, imitating the idiom spoken by today's teenagers, achieves highly witty effects. (11+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1997 - 149
Mignone, Sebastiano Ruiz (text)
Frasca, Simone (illus.)
Guidone Mangiaterra e gli sporcaccioni
(Guidone the Earth-eater and the filthy slobs)
Casale Monferrato: Piemme, 1996. 128 p.
(Il battello a vapore, Serie azzurra; 22)
ISBN 88-384-3522-7
Italy/Folktale - Fairy tale - Curse - Odor - Filth - Adventure - Love - Courage - Justice
Lovely Rita is supposed to marry Gardenio III Profumo, the prince of the Kingdom of Profumino. But then, out of spite, a filthy Slob (Sporcaccione) succeeds in making her stomach rumble with »embarrassing noises«. In search of a good doctor, the much underestimated little Guidone sets off on an adventurous journey full of unexpected encounters, dramatic moments and Sporcaccioni's evil traps. The tale belongs to the fantasy genre, with a prince, an enchanted beauty, a strange witch and a wicked wizard who resemble the characters of classical fairy tales. The author brings together with proportion and gaiety figures from the folklore of Italy's different regions in a felicitous combination of prose and verse. (7+)
(Premio Andersen 1996 for age group 6 to 9)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1997 - 150
Nanetti, Angela (text)
D'Altan, Paolo (illus.)
Mistero sull'isola
(Mystery on the island)
Trieste: Einaudi Ragazzi, 1996. 133 p.
(Narrativa; 54)
ISBN 88-7926-216-5
Island - Loneliness - Family conflict - Abduction - Growing up
Dario leads a very lonely life on an island which comes alive only during the summer months. But his hope for a dangerous adventure is fulfilled when he becomes suspicious of a boat's illegal cargo and the strange signals coming from a mysterious villa. When he starts to investigate, Dario gets into trouble and his father's vineyards are set on fire, forcing him to face up to the reality of organized crime. This is a story of kidnapping but also of initiation into adulthood, the time to face one's parents and forgive their failures. The author's narrative style skilfully conveys the island's atmosphere of »omertà« (conspiracy of silence) and fear which is also well portrayed by the illustrator's quivering line-drawings. (11+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1997 - 151
Pratesi, Fulco (text)
Maugeri, Stefano (illus.)
Dalle caverne ai grattacieli. Gli italiani e l'ambiente
(From caves to skyscrapers. Italians and the environment)
Roma: Laterza, 1996. 158 p.
(Laterza ragazzi)
ISBN 88-420-5047-4
Environmental destruction/History - Environmental protection
Human attacks on flora and fauna began already in the Paleolithic Age and have continued over the centuries, from an ever increasing deforestation for farming and settlements, right up to the presentday life-endangering level of pollution. Giving an interesting historical overview, this work also shows how to lead a more natural and respectful lifestyle. Even if we cannot turn back the course of time and disassemble our high-tech world, the author maintains that it is possible to halt the future destruction of nature. The drawings by Maugeri that complement the text have a touch of irony that encourages understanding and reflection. (12+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1997 - 152
Quarzo, Guido (text)
Costa, Nicoletta (illus.)
Marmellata di basilico
(Basil jam)
Trieste: Edizioni EL, 1996. 49 p.
(Le letture; 101)
ISBN 88-7068-915-8
Liguria - Village life - Tradition - School holidays - Grandmother - Environmental awareness
Giulia spends her summer holidays with her grandmother in a fishing village with cottages encircled by thick green foliage laying below hills that drop to the sea dotted with many islets. In her imagination she sees also pirates and treasures to hunt. This is a short, witty and well-crafted tale of daydreams and wishes, which mixes realistic description with fantastic visions. It also features the conspiratorial tie between grandparents and grandchildren. Pencil drawings with joyful and captivating simplicity accompany the text. (6+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1997 - 153
Quarzo, Guido (text)
Mariniello, Cecco (illus.)
Ranocchi a merenda
(Frogs for snacks)
Casale Monferrato: Piemme, 1996. 49 p.
(Il battello a vapore, Serie bianca; 15)
ISBN 88-384-3415-8
Frog prince <motif> - Transformation - Adventure - Love - Friendship
Once upon a time there was a lonely fairy who turned every frog she met into a prince - wrongly believing that they were all enchanted princes - in the hope of finding the prince of her dreams. But the poor frogs complained bitterly because, though they had the appearance of human beings, they still ate gnats and were unable to speak. At last one clever frog invited her to turn herself into a frog and join him in the pond. She did and they lived happily ever after. The amusing illustrations successfully harmonize with the author's singular, fluent style. (6+) ☼

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1997 - 154
Scuderi, Lucia (text/illus.)
Hoplà
(Oops!)
Firenze: Fatatrac, 1996. [12] p.
(Dalla parte degli animali)
ISBN 88-86228-70-8
Chicken - Egg - Curiosity - Crocodile
A chicken encounters a gigantic egg and tries to open it by force. Using its sharp beak as a tool, it gets the shock of its life when a grinning crocodile suddenly peeps out of the shell. This is the essence of the simple story which is told in only a few pictures and summarized on the last page in three sentences. The expressiveness of the chalk-drawn illustrations of this small-sized board book are most impressive. Lucia Scuderi reduces the story to its minimal elements. There is nothing more to see than a white chicken, an orange egg and a deep blue background. With no more than the perfectly captured postures and expressions of the chicken, the youngest reader will readily understand the plot. (3+)

Special Mention - Portugal (Portuguese) - 1997 - 155
La Fontaine, Jean de (text)
Modesto, António (illus.)
Sabler, António (transl.)
Fábulas
(Fables)
Porto: Edinter, 1995. [88] p.
ISBN 972-43-0264-4
LaFontaine, Jean de - Fables
This collection of 20 fables from Jean de La Fontaine includes such well-known favorites as »The Lion and the Mouse« and the »Hare and the Tortoise.« For each fable there is a full-paged (landscape format) color illustration by António Modesto, which portrays in general only the main characters. They are the focus of the artist, free against a colored background, with additional details only sporadically hinted at. The occasional landscape illustrations stand out with their organic, flowing and expressive forms. There is a conspicuous contrast between the predominant pastel tones in many pictures and the luminous shades of blue and green in others. Often the artist portrays the protagonists as if using a zoom lens, bringing them in so close that only a segment can be seen. Among the wide range of perspectives, one sees the chattering raven in the tree, while the reed is seen looking up at the mighty oak. The illustrations of the beautiful, meticulously designed book, which is bound in carmine red linen, bear a resemblance to the pictures of the Italian artist Lorenzo Mattotti. (8+)

Special Mention - Portugal (Portuguese) - 1997 - 156
Mota, António (text)
Christ, Bayard (illus.)
A casa das bengalas
(The house of walking sticks)
Porto: Edinter, 1995. 147 p.
(Edinter Jovem; 14)
ISBN 972-43-0254-7
Old age - Generational conflict - Retirement home - City/Land
A grandfather who has lived his entire life in the country moves in with his family in the big city, but doesn't get along with them - nor they with him. He returns to his village and ultimately moves into a nearby retirement home. The decision is accompanied with tears, feelings of guilt and a portion of resignation, which everyone involved learns to live with. From the point of view of the grandchild, related with laconic, dry humor, António Mota gives us sure fire, realistic descriptions that do not avoid the unpleasant parts of growing old. This excellent tale treats old age with great respect and loving kindness, without drifting off into cheap show of emotion. (12+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1997 - 161
Madrid, Juan
Los cañones de Durango
(The canons of Durango)
Madrid: Alfaguara, 1996. 168 p.
(Serie roja)
ISBN 84-204-4450-2
Mexico/Revolution/History 1915 - Father/Son - Quest - War - Civil war
This novel looks back upon the adventure of an about 18-year-old Spanish youth, Salvador, during the confusion of the Mexican revolution. After his mother dies, he travels to that country, already torn by Civil War, to find his father who is fighting on the side of Pancho Villa, the revolutionary. After surviving several death-threating situation, he finds his father, but can only speak to him for +a short time before his father is killed in the battle of the city of Torreón. Salvador then returns to Spain. The novel is absolutely gripping and skilfully interweaves the adventures o a fictitious hero in the process of growing up with historical events. The real protagonist of the book is war itself. As a representative of other (civil) wars, it is clearly portrayed as merciless cruelty that stops for nothing and no one. War is like a game of chance in which survival is only an accident, and life worth nothing. People are shot without hesitation, hung up or cruelly mistreated. The warprofiteers feather their own nests, reporters try to get »good« pictures. All this is depicted very realistically, direct and without any filters, from the not yet warped perspective of the newcomer, Salvador. The novel does not moralize and yet it is deeply moral, since the images speak for themselves, making any commentary superfluous. (14+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1997 - 162
Morábito, Fabio (text)
Seoane, Marina (illus.)
Cuando las panteras no eran negras
(When the panthers were not yet black)
Madrid: Siruela, 1996. 98 p.
(Las tres edades; 45)
ISBN 84-7844-304-5
Panther - Evolution - Transformation - Group/Individual - Freedom - Independence
This story about the supposed transformation of the panther from an animal of the savannah to a cat of prey of the jungle is in essence a parable of the antagonistic relationship between the strict rules governing a group and the self-determining, independent loner. The author poses the thesis that independence and the desire to overcome boundaries are superior to a desire for security and the fearful clinging to everything familiar. The precise and intense descriptions of nature and sometimes surprsing applications of huan parameters to the animal kingdom make fascinating reading. Yet the novel provokes protest in as much as by making animals think as humans it suggests that the law of the jungle, Darwin's principle of the survival of the fittest, is also a determinant for human life. (13+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1997 - 163
Moure Trenor, Gonzalo
Lili, Libertad
(Lili, Freedom)
Madrid: SM, 1996. 109 p.
(El barco de vapor / Serie roja; 92)
ISBN 84-348-5066-4
Outsider - Loneliness - Courage - Self-confidence - Personality development
Lili is still new in town and feels uncomfortable, alone and unnoticed. And it is not easy to get along with her mother, who has gotten heavily involved in her profession since the divorce from Lili's father. When Lili is the only one to appear in the classroom without a costume on the day before Mardi Gras, she is suddenly the center of attention - and is all the more so when she is the only one to appear in costume on the following day. The teachers accuse her of being defiant and insubordinate, but for Lili it is the way she takes to strengthen her self-confidence nd define her own personality. The story describes very exactly and sensitively the feelings of children who have to deal with their surroundings and their role as an outsider. (11+)
(Premio El Barco de Vapor 1995)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1997 - 164
Piérola, Mabel (text/illus.)
Historia de la piedra y la montaña
(The story of the stone and the mountain)
Barcelona: Edebé, 1996. [36] p.
(Tren azul; 26)
ISBN 84-236-4096-5
Ignorance - Hate - Jealousy - Intimacy - Friendship - Love
Since time immemorial stone and mountain have lived along side one another in a vast, barren landscape. The involuntary neighbors are united in their mutual distaste and a jealousy based on the other's differentness. It is finally the wind which must blow for hundreds of years in order to bring the two together before they discover with amazement that they are made of the same material. Mabel Piérola has set highly individualistic illustrations to her parabel about ignorance and prejudice held by two basically identical beings. The forms seem t recede into blurs, only hinted at in the earth-tone pictures. Some objects are given only an abstract representation, as for example time, which is represented by little grey rectangles. (6+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1997 - 165
Rosell, Joel Franz (text)
Sesé, Daniel (illus.)
Las aventuras de Rosa de los Vientos y Perico el de los Palotes. Novela en ocho cuentos y medio
(The adventures of Rosa of the Winds and Perico with the Sticks. A novel in eight and a half stories)
Barcelona: Arca, 1996. 115 p.
(Tren de cuerda; 21)
ISBN 84-478-0382-1
Kite - Fantasy journey - Foreign world - Social criticism
The protagonists of this fairytale-like fantasy take leave of their home country, a tiny kingdom »as big as a fly-speck« with their self-made kite. In the course of their travels they encounter foreign societies, bizarre rulers and puffed-up scholars. In the end they return to their own country, which they had once saved from the expansionst efforts of their king. This highly imaginative story by the Cubanauthor, Rosell, follows th tradition of the »voyage imaginaire« and provides much food for thought. As in »Gulliver's travels« the countries visited are satirical reflections of the protagonists' own world. By looking in from the outside, it is possible to criticize the authorities and the deficiencies of human society. (9+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (French) - 1997 - 169
Bille, S. Corinna
Chappaz, Maurice
L'attente des images
(Images in waiting)
Genève: La Joie de Lire, 1996. 76 p. With illustrations
ISBN 2-88258-073-8
Middle East - Islam - Miniatures - Observation
The favorite book of Corinna Bille (1912-1979) in her father's library contained miniature paintings of the islamic world of the Middle East. The fascination of this lyrical, mysterious, stylistic world in miniature remained with the author her whole life long. A collection of reflections on these pictures has now been made accessible in a bibliophile edition by her husband, the writer Maurice Chappaz. He has also added three texts of his own and a very personal afterword. In the descrip-tions there is a union of microscopic observation, that perceives even the most unlikely feaures, and of sensiive intuition, that is capable of uncovering the melancholy that is present in these pictures. Both adults and youth will be tempted by this manner of observation to enjoy this leisurely en-counter with the princesses, princes and wisemen in the gardens of oriental poetry. (13+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (French) - 1997 - 170
Louis, Catherine
Le Livre
(The book)
Genève: La Joie de Lire, 1996. [24] p.
(Ciboulette et Léon)
ISBN 2-88258-097-8
Bear - Play - Book - Wordless picture book
This is an example of a series of four-inch square books made especially for little hands. Each contains a story without words in a sequence with all the charm and magic of an animated film. The two protagonists, a child and a bear, impishly show all the things one can do with a book besides reading it and how to perfect the art of playing with illusions. (3+)

Special Mention - Venezuela (Spanish) - 1997 - 179
Cotte, Carlos (illus.)
Chumba la cachumba
(<Nonsense song>)
Caracas: Ekaré, 1995. 28 p.
(Colección Clave de sol; Canciones tradicionales para cantar y contar)
ISBN 980-257-114-8
Venezuela/Folk song - Cemetery - Skeleton
Thirteen verses of a traditional Venezuelan nonsense song give structure to this amusing and very originally designed picture book. The catchy rhythm of the monotonous melody encourage everyone to sing along, to dance and clap along. The rhythm is also evident in the dynamic of the double-sided illustrations, which are a mixed technique of computer graphic and hand-painted pictures. The song gives answer to the question as to how the dead keep from being bored to death. They let their imagination run wild, they put on plays, dance and sing. These pale, boney figures dance their funny-scary roundabouts against the background of the cemetery with its stylized, interlocking crosses and gravestones in varying shades of grey under a petroleum green sky, facing the eye of the beholder as if on a stage or in front of a camera. Between the grotesque contortions, grimaces and funny props the adult reader will discover sophisticated citations from literature, art and popular culture such as the Mona Lisa or the Infanta from Velázquez's »Las Meninas«. The most irreverent reference is surely the parody of Da Vinci's »The Last Supper« in which the skeletons are found devouring tasty deserts while in the background a stained-glass window portrays the saints of our modern consumer society: sport heros and Mickey Mouse. (3+)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1997 - 180
Desrosiers, Sylvie
Le long silence
(The long silence)
Montréal: La courte échelle, 1996. 146 p.
ISBN 2-89021-256
Suicide - Bereavement - Friendship - Puberty
Alice is dead. The beautiful, talented and popular young girl committed suicide. Matthew stands at her coffin, angry and confused, just one hour before cremation. He calls to mind all the things he did together with Alice: in kindergarten they were playmates and then inseparable friends at school, daring and full of life. For him, a shy young boy, their friendship had turned, unawares, into love. But Alice had pulled back. Her friend only comes to realize what dangers and sensitivity hovered behind her self-assured facade, after she took that final step. Through his grief, Matthew is certain at last, that Alice will remain a part of his life. This hour of leave-taking becomes for him a rite of initiation. He knows now, that to love does not mean to possess. The psychological insight of the author into her protagonists state of mind give the novel its credibility. Especially convincing from a literary perspective are the monologues which shift between the past and the present. The narrative voice reflects the hero's manner of thought. By being honest with himself he gains the reader's empathy. (13+)
(Prix Brive-Montréal 12/17, 1996)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1997 - 181
Lamontagne, Michel
L'arbre noir
(The black tree)
Montréal: Médiaspaul, 1996. 163 p.
ISBN 2-89420-329-2
Planet/Lizard - Immigrants - Assimilation -
Cultural conflict - Adventure - Science Fiction This first novel is set in extraterrestial fields and uses all the tricks of science fiction with humor and intelligence. Twelve-year-old Jean has emigrated with his parents to the lizard planet of Tiäne, where he is now a guest and forced to adapt to the different life-style and disgusting eating habits of the »natives.« Jean's commentaries on these very funny collisions of two different cultures give young readers, indirectly, some insights into problems of integration and cultural conflicts. (11+)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1997 - 182
Noël, Michel
Pien
(<Proper name>)
Waterloo: Ed. Michel Quintin, 1996. 195 p.
ISBN 2-89435-084-8
Northern Canada/1950s - Childhood memories
These are well-written memories of a childhood in the northern region of Canada which read like a historical novel. How long past the 1950s seem today, when a youth grows up in the northern region of Canada where the Indians still live as nomads in the forests and the Whites almost like colonialists. Such a life has its hard but fascinating side, but the modern-day technological advances are unstoppable and bring radical changes with them. The individual protagonists are well-drawn character portraits and still untouched nature is experienced as a wonderful mystery. (12+)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1997 - 183
Tibo, Gilles
Noémie, le secret de Madame Lubago
(Noémie, Madame Lubago's secret)
Boucherville: Québec/Amérique Jeunesse, 1996. 164 p.
ISBN 2-89037-698-2
Child/Old Woman - Friendship - Tenderness - Play - Learning - Wordly wisdom
Young Noémie, lively and full of antics, is absolutely convinced that her neighbor, the kindhearted Madame Lumbago, has a hidden treasure in her apartment. Noémie tries out every possible trick, but her ultimate finding of the treasure is only secondary to the storyline. More important is the tender friendship between the two of them, which unfolds in so many ways - in rollicking nonsense at play, gazing at the wonders of the world together or being with each other without need for words when Monsieur Lumbago dies suddenly. (8+)
(Prix du Gouverneur Général catégorie littérature de jeunesse [texte], 1996)

Special Mention - Denmark (Danish) - 1997 - 185
Clausen, Jacob
Som et lille himmerige
(Like a little piece of heaven)
København: Forum, 1996. 130 p.
ISBN 87-553-2496-9
Escape - Farmer - Friendship
After twelve-year-old Jim defends himself with a knife against three stronger boys, he must flee for fear of being followed. He goes to an old solitary farmer who readily lets him help with the work and gives Jim the sense of being needed. When Alfred falls ill and is taken away in an ambulance, Jim has to find his own way. In a plain, sober but for that reason quite remarkable tone, the author develops this moving comradship that is based on mutual help and creates a little idyll outside of the threat-filled world. (12+) ☼

Special Mention - Denmark (Danish) - 1997 - 186
Karrebæk, Dorte (text/illus.)
Pigen der var go' til mange ting
(The girl who could do so many things)
København: Forum, 1996. [28] p.
ISBN 87-553-2389-8
Parent/Child - Conflict - Personality development
This is a story of a girl who has to do everything for herself because her parents are completely occupied with themselves and their arguments. She proposes that they hold a masked ball and her parents actually turn into a cat and dog, corresponding to their behavior. She soon grows up and goes her own way - »sooner or later all children leave home, she left sooner.« The illustrations are fascinating in their mixture of grotesque exaggeration and charming portrayal of the heroine. The events take place in recognizable settings which are reduced to simple, expressive caricatures. The artist uses bold colors but has limited herself to only a few tones. Dorte Karrebæk is an artist well worth discovering. (10+)

Special Mention - Denmark (Danish) - 1997 - 187
Lundbye, Vagn (text)
Edeltoft, Anne Mette (illus.)
Karolines dyrejeg
(Karoline's Me-animal)
København: Thorup, 1996. [34] p.
ISBN 87-899-4355-4
Zoo - Animals - Protection
While visiting the zoo, a little girl learns that every person has an animal that is supposed to protect him or her. After considering a number of animals, the warthog is the one which appears to her in a dream. Both the author and illustrator make their debut in the picture book world. They succeed in depicting the relationships between man and animal in an original manner while sparking the imagination with realistic, sometimes somewhat uncanny, but not mawkish illustrations. (6+)

Special Mention - Denmark (Danish) - 1997 - 188
Petersen, Palle
Najas sommer. En historie fra Grønland
(Naja's summer. A story from Greenland)
Risskov: Klematis, 1995. 32 p.
ISBN 87-7721-637-7
Greenland - Childhood - Everyday life
Greenland is a part of the world we should be interested in getting to know. But there are few books about life there. This photography book gives an interesting glimpse at the everyday life of a child in Greenland. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - Denmark (Danish) - 1997 - 189
Saxild, Jørgen
Og det var Løkken!
(And that was Lokken!)
Frederiksberg: Branner og Korch, 1996. 201 p.
ISBN 87-411-5791-5
School holiday - First romance
The first-person narrator enjoys a school holiday without parents at the seaside with three friends. Emotional turbulences are inevitable when, how could it be otherwise, a girl by the name of Linnea, enters his scope of view. Like several other Danish writers, Saxild is very skilled in depicting the inner moods of adolenscents, whose hopes are as intense as their doubts. (14+)

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1997 - 214
Thor, Annika
En ö i havet
(An island in the sea)
Stockholm: Bonnier Carlsen, 1996. 196 p.
ISBN 91-638-3306-9
Sweden - Immigration - Jew - Xenophobia
Certainly books about the crimes of the German Nazis are destined to find a wide readership, not only on account of their political content, but unfortunately also because they hold out promise of a particular suspense. That is all the more reason to recommend this book. It portrays the fate of two Jewish girls from Vienna who are sent to foster parents in Sweden. Hence the theme is not persecution or escape in Germany, but rather how children are at the mercy of others in a foreign country. Of course, they find friendly, helpful people, but their integration is not easy. Remarkable is the manner in which the author also includes in her fascinating narrative the aggressivity shown to strangers - whether they are Jews or not - and thus contributing to a coming-to-terms with a part of Swedish history which has long been tabu. (12+)

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1997 - 215
Torudd, Cecilia
Vi måste bada!
(We have to take a bath!)
Stockholm: Rabén & Sjögren, 1995. [26] p.
ISBN 91-29-63093-2
Toddler - Brother - Play
A little boy decides to help his even smaller brother because his mother wants to sleep in one morning. In the end the mother needs to spend much more time putting things back in order, than if she had gotten up and done everything herself. This book by the well-known caricaturist is an example of the outstanding Swedish books for small children, which are so witty that adults can take pleasure in them, too. (4+)

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1997 - 216
Wahl, Mats
Emma och Daniel. Mötet
(Emma and Daniel. The meeting)
Stockholm: Bonnier Carlsen, 1996. 154 p.
ISBN 91-638-3340-9
Tolerance - Single-parent family
Emma's single-parent father has invited Daniel and his mother, whom he became acquainted with through a newspaper ad, to his holiday house in the moun-tains. His daughter protests, but has to put up with the situation. Through their joint experiences, the two very different children get to know each other just as well as the adults. As in his earlier works, Wahl has an excellent manner of drawing his characters and portraying their development. (12+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1997 - 236
Kuiper, Nannie (text)
Hopman, Philip (illus.)
Het kleuterwoordenboek
(The toddler's dictionary)
Amsterdam: Piramide, 1996. 112 p.
ISBN 90-245-2584-5
Vocabulary - Short story
In nearly one hundred short stories, each dealing with a particular word, children are taught to extend their vocabulary in a playful manner. The stories are divided into five chapters in which various subjects are dealt with in alphabetical order. Sophy and Martin, who are friends, are the main characters in each story, which means that the book can also be read as a whole. In a very clever way Nannie Kuiper is able to make ideas, emotions, words understandable to very young children. The cheerful, colorful illustrations by Philip Hopman are an excellent complement to the stories, even giving them an extra dimension by treating an idea with humor. (4+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1997 - 237
Geelen, Harrie (text/illus.)
Jan en het gras
(Jan and the grass)
Amsterdam: Van Goor, 1996. 36 p.
ISBN 90-00-03095-1
Ability - Self-confidence
Jan is good at nothing. At least, that's what he thinks. The grass philosophizes with John about what 'nothing' is. 'Nothing' can also be 'very, very much'. Jan can tread on the grass, pick flowers, play pirate games, and find a buried treasure. He even saves a worm and also 'a funny little animal which lay on its back and couldn't get up anymore'. These heroic deeds are written in the sky in big letters, so that everbody can read about them. A deceptively simple tale, the plot works very subtly. In words and pictures, Geelen places his readers right in the middle of Jan's world. He uses recognizable elements from the world of children in order to explain an abstract notion like 'nothing'. (5+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1997 - 238
Leeuwen, Joke van (text/illus.)
Iep!
(Peep!)
Amsterdam: Querido, 1996. 151 p.
ISBN 90-214-7326-7
Bird - Assimilation - Freedom
Viegeltje, a »bird-girl«, looks like a human, except for her wings, but has very birdlike habits. Her foster parents, Warre and Tinne, try to raise her as a human child, but Viegeltje keeps her distance from them. Nobody knows what is going on in her mind, but it is clear that she has an enormous longing for freedom, which in the end leads to a nonetheless surprising departure. In order to say goodbye, Warre and Tinne follow her, having some bizarre adventures along the way. The longing for freedom and independence and the fear of being deserted is movingly expressed. The illustrations form an inseparable whole with the text. (10+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1997 - 239
Lier, Bas van (text)
Braamhorst, Jan (illus.)
Het VOC-schip »De halve maan«
(The East Indian Company's ship »The half moon«)
Amsterdam: Ploegsma, 1996. 80 p.
ISBN 90-216-1199-6
The Netherlands/History 18th century - Trading ship
This story deals with the maiden voyage of »The Half Moon« (a fictitious ship which bears a great deal of resemblance to well-known 18th century ships), which served the United East Indian Company. In this successful combination of fiction and nonfiction, a glorious era in Dutch history is brought to life through the story and in the informative passages dealing not just with heroic deeds, but everyday life as well. The engrossing and historically accurate illustrations are complementary to the text and provide the reader with a great deal of pleasure. (10+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1997 - 240
Schubert, Ingrid (text/illus.)
Schubert, Dieter (text/illus.)
Abracadabra
Rotterdam: Lemniscaat, 1996. 26 p.
ISBN 90-5637-046-4
Forest - Magician - Threat - Animal - Solidarity
Although the animals in Darkwood had never had any trouble with the wizard Macrobius before, suddenly no animal was safe from him. The animals come up with a marvellous magic trick in order to settle accounts with the bad wizard. Together, appearing as one great monster, they scare the living daylights out of the wizard, who flees into the forest. But in the end, they make peace with each other again. This wonderful picture book uses a well-constructed dramatic tension, which resolves into a very satisfactory ending. The illustrations accompanying this amusing story are very detailed, which makes for a beautiful book. (4+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1997 - 241
Vijgen, Theo (text)
Nuyten, Peter (illus.)
Tipi's, totems en tomahawks. Het leven van de Noordamerikaanse Indianen
(Tipis, totem poles and tomahawks. The life of the North-American Indians)
Nijmegen: SUN, 1996. 183 p.
ISBN 90-6168-459-5
North America/Indians
The way Indians are depicted in many children's books is very remote from the truth: from good, noble folk to bloodthirsty savages. This book rectifies this prejudice by providing a clear history of the life of the North-American Indians from the very beginning, about 40,000 years ago. In words and pictures ample attention is paid to the Indians' everyday life, to the various tribes and their chiefs, and to the relationship between Indians and whites. The book concludes with a chapter on life in the reservations, and the current Indian protests with regards to territorial rights. A very full, informative and entertaining history which does full justice to the North-American Indians. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1997 - 242
Vriens, Jacques (text)
Schaap, Annet (illus.)
Meester Jaap
(Mr. Jaap)
Houten: Van Holkema en Warendorf, 1996. 45 p.
ISBN 90-269-8883-4
School - Teacher - Short story
Every day, something funny happens in Mr. Jaap's classroom. A fight with toilet paper, a Christmas dinner with green cabbage on the menu, or a dressup party which ends in complete chaos. Sometimes, less pleasant things occur as well, but in these situations Mr. Jaap usually finds an amusing solution. In these twenty stories, Vriens paints a sparkling picture of a classroom with 10- or 11-year-old pupils. All the events are very recognizable, even though it's not every child who has a teacher like this. (10+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1997 - 245
Balabanes, Panos
Athla, Athletes kai Epathla. Olympiakoi agones kai athletismos sten archaia Ellada
(Championships, athletes, and medals. The Olympic Games and sports in ancient Greece)
Nea Smyrne: Ereunetes, 1996. 104 p.
ISBN 960-368-023-0
Greece/Olympic games - Sports
The author, a professor of archeology, not only presents the ancient types of sports, their history and rules, but also puts them in a social context. He endeavors to show the importance of each athletic competition and help the modern reader understand the atmosphere of those times. Striking in both text and illustration, the book will satisfy the needs of a demanding reader. An appendix which includes an international bibliography and additional information on this topic encourages further reading. (10+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1997 - 246
Grimane, Anna (adapt.)
Mia Kyriake me ton Demetre Mytara
(A sunday with Demetres Mytaras)
Athena: Ammos, 1996. [34] p. With illustrations
(Mia Kyriake me...)
ISBN 960-202-134-9
Mytaras, Demetres - Painting
In this richly illustrated book the artistic development of one of the most important contemporary Greek artists, Demetres Mytaras, is told from the first-person point of view. In a very individual tone, the artists leads the reader through his various periods of creation and explains the background of his works. Furthermore he endeavors to make his approach to art more accessible und understandable to the interested reader. In an appendix, further biographical information about Mytaras as well as other artists who he refers to in the text are given. (10+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1997 - 247
Marra, Eirene
To adeio mpukali
(The empty bottle)
Athena: Patakes, 1996. 168 p.
(Peristeria; 52)
ISBN 960-360-930-7
Greece/World War II - Family - Everyday life - Resistance
In this vividly told story about a Greek family living in occupied Athens during the Second World War, a mother and her two sons, aged eight and sixteen, struggle day-by-day to survive after their father has become a resistance fighter in the Greek underground. Particularly the younger boy gradually comes to a greater understanding of the conditions in which they are living during the course of the story. The characters and the setting are very realistically drawn and remain believable throughout the story. (10+) ☆
(Greek IBBY Section Award 1996)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1997 - 248
Sarantite, Elene
Kapote o kynegos ...
(Once a hunter ...)
Athena: Kastaniotes, 1996. 170 p.
(Ephebike Bibliotheke)
ISBN 960-03-1542-6
Greece/Civil War - Emigration - Homecoming - Prejudice
This realistic novel about a Greek family begins at the time of the Civil War at the end of the Second World War and describes their odyssee-like journey toTashkent, where they remain for forty years. Upon returning to their homeland, their hopes of putting down roots again in modern-day Greece are met with disappointment when they are confronted with prejudice against people who had fled the country. In spite of its serious topic, this is a thoroughly enjoyable youth novel and will also appeal to adult readers. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1997 - 249
Simopulos, Dionyses
E gennese ton Astron
(The birth of the stars)
Nea Smyrne: Ereunetes, 1996. 105 p.
(Ta mystika tu sympantos)
ISBN 960-368-022-2
Astronomy - Space
This first volume of a series titled »The secrets of space«, written by an internationally renown astrophysicist, describes how the universe began. Using many color photos and drawings, the complicated subject matter of astronomy, as well as the development of astronomy as a science, is made understandable in a thoroughly humorous manner. (10+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1998 - 14
Tang, Yaming (= Tô, Amei) (text)
Yu, Dawu (= U, Taibu) (illus.)
Jûmanbon no ya
(The hundred thousand arrows)
Tokyo: Iwanami shoten, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 4-00-110636-1
China/History 220-265 - General - Jealousy - Intrigue - Cleverness
This original Japanese picture book is an easily understandable retelling by a Chinese writer and Chinese illustrator of the 46th episode of the historical novel »The three kingdoms« (San-guo zhi yan-yi or San-kuo chih yen-i) by Luo Guanzhong (or Lo Kuan-chung) dating from the Ming dynasty. A famous general known for his cleverness must supply one hundred thousand arrows within ten days without being given any materials or laborers. Against all expectations he fulfills this devious task brilliantly by the third day. The visual interpretation of the text in the style of royal, scholastic Chinese painting is a feast for the eye. Extremely fine brush strokes, transparent colors and unusual proportions present the classical heroic period of ancient China in stunning picture compositions which satisfy both aesthetically and humorously. (9+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1998 - 15
Yamamoto, Yôko (text/illus.)
Okochan
(I, Okochan!)
Tokyo: Shogakukan, 1996. (2nd ed.) [32] p.
ISBN 4-09-727075-3
Individuality - Childhood memories - Parody
The young girl Okochan has a strong personality that just radiates with vitality. She acts in accordance with her own imagination, impulses and logic, causing her parents and grandparents such amazement that they are nearly bowled over time after time. These delightful episodes from the author and graphic artist's own childhood are rendered here in short sketches which parody the well-known Japanese children's song »Zôsan« (Little elephant) by Michio Mado (Hans Christian Andersen Prize winner) and Ikuma Dan. This is an unconventional autobiography that sparks the reader to laughter again and again. (5+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1998 - 16
Yumoto, Kazumi
Popura no aki
(A poplar tree in autumn)
Tokyo: Shinchosha, 1997. 218 p.
(Shincho bunko Yu-6-2)
ISBN 4-10-131512-4
Old/Young - Friendship - Death - Letter-writing - Withdrawal - Fear
Seven-year old Chiaki struggles to deal with the death of her father, her mother's suffering, and a new home and school. Feeling quite at a loss herself, she becomes acquainted with their landlady, a very old woman who explains that she is collecting letters to the dead which she will personally deliver to the afterworld when she dies one day. Upon hearing this, Chiaki begins to write to her father and thus finds a way to free herself from her fear of death, from her grief, her inner withdrawal, and all her worries. Chiaki's strange but wonderous friendship with the old woman is told in a gentle, melancholy tone in flashbacks. (13+)

Special Mention - South Africa (English) - 1998 - 21
Beake, Lesley
Jakey
(<Proper name>)
Cape Town: Tafelberg, 1997. 132 p.
ISBN 0-624-03566-2
Death - Grief - Family violence - Friendship - Suicide attempt - South Africa/History 1994 - Race relations - Alzheimer's disease
After his beloved stepfather is victim of a random street murder, Jakey and his mother move to a middle-class neighborhood where his mother has become the housekeeper of an older widow who is beginning to suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Still in weak health from his grief, Jakey takes lessons at home from this warm-hearted, independent woman. And Jakey soon becomes friends with the lonely white boy next door, who is being mishandled by his unhappy father, and helps Hendrik run away from home.When this fails, Jakey's sensitivity helps to prevent Hendrik's suicide.This is a realistic story about tension, grief and unhappiness in several families, but there is also an undercurrent of hopefulness and joy at the personal and political level. The day of the first free elections in 1994 is a significant event in the narrative. Beake weaves a well-balanced story with several narrative threads and an interesting array of characters caught up in a rapidly changing society. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - South Africa (English) - 1998 - 22
Pinnock, Patricia Schonstein
Saturday in Africa. Living history through poetry
Cape Town: African Sun Press, 1996. 70 p.
ISBN 1-874915-05-9
Poetry - South Africa/History - Everyday life
This collection of poems written in various styles and meters draws upon many aspects of life and memories in South Africa, focussing especially on the joyful anticipation of the new era beginning under Nelson Mandela's presidency. Many poems are accompanied by well-chosen, expressive blackand- white photographs taken from numerous sources. Unusual words and historical contexts are explained in endnotes. This is a very attractively produced volume which will enrich library collections. (10+)

Special Mention - South Africa (English) - 1998 - 23
Turkington, Nola (text)
Mathew, Gillian (illus.)
Matilda and Meggie
(<Proper names>)
Cape Town: Human & Rousseau, 1997. 23 p.
ISBN 0-7981-3514-X
School project - Role play - Egg - Parent/Child - Responsibility
Matilda's fourth grade class end-of-year project is learning how to take responsibility by caring for an egg for one week. Unlike many of her classmates, Matilda is quite fastidious, and learns quite a bit about the burdens of „child-rearing", but in a surprise turn of events she uses the egg to foil a supposed burglar. The humorous, tale in paperback format is complemented with very attractively stylized black-and-white pen-andwash illustrations. (7+) ☼

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1998 - 28
Carmody, Isobelle
Greylands
Ringwood: Penguin Books Australia, 1997. 174 p.
ISBN 0-14-038749-8
Mother - Death - Grief - Brother/Sister - Love - Dreamworld - Symbolism - Aliciade
Greylands is the place where someone goes when they are sad or scared. That is the interpretation which Jack, the youthful author-protagonist of the story within a story, finds for himself and his sister at the end of his symbol-filled tale. After their emotionally ill mother suddenly dies, he works through his grief by writing a fictional story, sharing it at times with his sister. Emotionally deserted by their father, who has retreated into his own world of grief, the two teenagers struggle to come to terms with their mother's death in this very moving and illuminating story. Carmody skilfully employs literary devices to propel the narrative and captivate the reader. (12+)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1998 - 29
Caswell, Brian (text)
Chiem, David Phu An (text)
Only the heart
St. Lucia: University of Queensland, 1997. 212 p.
ISBN 0-7022-2927-X
Vietnam/Emigration - Australia/Immigration - Postwar trauma - Family - Escape - Diary
Though Caswell uses his characteristic style of alternating perspectives to expand the horizon of the narrative, the content of this fictional story with real-life background comes from Chiem, a Vietnam-born Australian filmmaker of Chinese descent. The four-generation family tree at the outset is useful in following the diary-like entries - in both first and third person voices - of two main protagonists, cousins, and several other characters in this saga which spans from 1977 to 1996. This is a very immediate, gripping story of survival and coping in the face of the abominations of war and its traumatic consequences. (14+) ☆

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1998 - 30
Crew, Gary (text)
Woolman, Steven (illus.)
Tagged
Flinders Park: Era, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 1-86374-292-1
Vietnam - War - Veteran - Friendship - Death - Memory
This artistically innovative graphic novel deals with the tragic effect of war. Ironically, it begins with a young boy phantasizing about the heroic aerial attack of a war pilot while he explores the ruins of a deserted factory. He comes upon an old man, a war veteran who has lost all hold on life, wallowing in the memories of his fallen buddy. Jimmy hears his tale and learns about the terrible price paid by combat soldiers. Visually the book resembles a graphic comic, though with more variety and creativity; the text is also more richly descriptive. (10+)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1998 - 31
Lester, Alison (text/photos)
The quicksand pony
St. Leonards: Allen & Unwin, 1997. 162 p.
ISBN 1-86373-931-9
Death - Disappearance - Single parent - Island - Pony - Robinsonade - Adventure
This is the first full-length children's book by a well-known picture story book author. An adventure story set in the bush, it weaves together the fascinating, but quite different tales of two child protagonists. Joe was taken to an uninhabited island as a baby by his grief-stricken, widowed mother and they live a secret Robinsonesque life until she dies, leaving him alone. When Biddy's horse is trapped in quicksand she is forced to abandon it, but later finds it had been rescued. Her search leads her to Joe and to his reintegration into the community. This is an unusual story that will appeal to many young readers. (10+)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1998 - 32
Marsden, John
Prayer for the twenty-first century
Port Melbourne: Lothian, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 0-85091-814-6
Peace - Future
John Marsden is an internationally renown author of controversial, challenging novels for mature teenagers as well as humorous works for children. This beautifully designed picture book shows another dimension of his obvious interest in the growth and well-being of the next generation. In lyrical, partially rhymed verses he gives expression to heart-felt concerns about human civilization and nature. A fascinating diverse selection of artwork from photographs to modern paintings from museums in Australia, set off against a stylized background, illuminate the individual thoughts. (8+)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1998 - 33
Morris, Jill (text)
Muir, Lindsay (illus.)
Green air
Maleny: Great Glider, 1996. [32] p.
ISBN 0-947304-30-4 (pb)
Australia - Wildlife - Frog - Instinct
Australia's gastric-brooding frog was discovered in a sub-tropical area of Queensland in 1974. By 1981, as the afterword of this informative picture story book reports, it had disappeared. Without any live frogs to photograph, this book makes use of a stunningly life-like alternative. Muir has created three-dimensional pictures of the frogs and their environment from glazed and kiln-fired clay. In a very attractive page design accompanied by a slightly oversized typeface text, the life and adventures of a frog named Silus is entertainingly told in such a way that could be read aloud to children of any age group, from four to twelve. (4+) ☼
(Shortlist, Crichton Award, 1996)

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1998 - 34
Winton, Tim (text)
Louise, Karen (illus.)
Blueback
(<Proper name>)
Sydney: Pan Macmillan Australia, 1997. 151 p.
ISBN 0-330-36038-8 (pb)
Mother/Son - Snorkel diving - Fish - Nature - Oceanography - Growing up
Abel grows up on a remote coast of Australia alone with his widowed mother. He loves their almost daily snorkel diving, whose abalone harvest gives them just enough to survive, and treasures his lifelong relationship with a large pet-like blue groper. But Abel must leave this idyll for further schooling and his decision to become an oceanographer takes him far away for years, until he returns to his roots to establish a natural oceanwater preserve. This is a poetic story of growing up which spans decades of one individual's life, a captivating and unusal biographical narrative. (10+)

Special Mention - New Zealand (English) - 1998 - 38
Boock, Paula
Dare truth or promise
Dunedin: Longacre Press, 1997. 180 p.
ISBN 1-877135-08-9
First love - Lesbian - Homosexuality - Mother/Daughter - Homophobia - Identity
Louie is a fast-talking, witty girl who likes acting and plans to be a lawyer. Willa is quieter, has a dog as a constant companion, likes fencing and hopes to become a chef. In two marvellous early scenes of the skilfully told narrative, which alternates, in the third person, between Louie and Willa, each personality is brilliantly captured. The ups and downs of their gradually acknowledged feelings - which give way to passionate romance - and the varying reactions of others are authentically portrayed. Not only does Boock depict each scene with much insight and vivid detail, she also brings in a large supporting cast of well-drawn characters - friends, family, schoolmates and working colleagues - to create a very realistic background. As in many relationships that break norms, there is a long painful separation as Louie copes with the negative reactions of her family and re-examines her feelings. Unlike earlier books about homosexuality in which anxiety and conflict prevail, here the joy of finding a kindred spirit is portrayed, making it evident that love and romance can take the same course regardless of the sex of the partners. (14+)

Special Mention - New Zealand (English) - 1998 - 39
Buxton, Jane (text)
Newman, Penelope (illus.)
Donkey dust
Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1997. 144 p.
ISBN 0-908783-16-7
Runaways - Donkey - Adventure - Parentage - Secret
When three children between fourteen and six years of age learn that their mother has left suddenly for Australia to help a sick aunt, they decide to set off to visit the father they have not seen in six years. Travelling in a cart pulled by their pet donkey they learn to deal with each other and fend for themselves on the 100 kilometer journey. Covertly followed and indirectly helped by a family friend, they arrive safely in the end and learn from their father the true circumstances of their parents' marriage and separation. Illustrated with attractive black-and-white sketches, this vividly told adventure story is a real page-turner. (+9)

Special Mention - New Zealand (English) - 1998 - 40
Hill, David
Treasure deep
Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1997. 112 p.
ISBN 0-908783-22-1
Friendship - Maori culture - Prejudice - Step-father - Betrayal
Glyn's best mate is a Maori, much to the dismay of his future stepfather, an omnipresent representative of the local police. During summer holidays Glyn and Api make two valuable archeological finds, over which Api's grandmother is quite excited. When she is then brutally beaten and robbed, the police first arrest an innocent Maori before discovering that the rich white young man who had slyly befriended Glyn and Api is the real culprit. The local flavor of New Zealand's people and social fabric adds to the reading pleasure of this richly textured adventure story, with its colorful characters and romantic subplots. (10+) ☆

Special Mention - New Zealand (English) - 1998 - 41
Lasenby, Jack
Because we were the travellers
Dunedin: Longacre, 1997. 155 p.
ISBN 1-877135-02-X
Survival - Old/Young - Mutual aid - Growing up
In an unnamed country a clan of people wander as nomads in a circular cycle through a rough, scorching landscape that can scarcely support them, governed by the rules of survival of the fittest. When the lame Ish's father is murdered by a rival and his protective older sister taken as booty, he has to survive outside the group, learning what he needs to for himself and an wise old woman he joins up with. This skilfully developed futuristic fantasy gives a realistic view of human society in primitive conditions and the maturation of a boy whose future course will be eagerly followed in the announced sequel. (12+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1998 - 43
Browne, Anthony (illus.)
Willy the dreamer
London: Walker, 1997. [24] p.
ISBN 0-7445-4972-8
Dream - Imagination - Art history - Popular culture
With his patterned vest, green corduroy trousers and hair parted down the center, Willy has acquired the quality of instant recognition. His mildmannered way of meeting all the challenges of this world has a sense of universality. Now taking a different tack, Browne offers no narrative but takes a visual journey through Willy's surrealist dreamworld. It is filled, of course, with the omnipresent banana, but also with allusions to familiar literary works and cultural heroes, and spiced with visual jokes. Browne pays hommage to famous artists from Dalí to Sendak, giving children a first taste of art they will recognize again. (5+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1998 - 44
Doherty, Berlie (text)
Bailey, Siân (illus.)
Daughter of the sea
London: Hamish Hamilton, 1996. 115 p.
(Text French and German)
ISBN 0-241-13614-8
(USA ed. New York: DK, 1997)
Sea/Legend - Selkie - Seal - Island - Fishing - Childless couple - Adoption
This is an absorbing, atmospheric tale of an older childless fisher couple who adopts a baby found on the shoreline on a stormy night. It is also a frame story in which numerous sea legends dealing with the relationship of man and seals are embedded. The well-drawn characters of this tight-knit fishing community on a remote windy island come alive in Doherty's narrative. One imagines the smells and sounds, and feels the emotional pull of the now teenaged selkie child toward her own people, setting the mood for the suspenseful climax. (10+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1998 - 45
Dowswell, Paul (text)
Tomlins, Karen (illus.)
The Roman Record
London: Usborne, 1997. 32 p.
ISBN 0-7460-2753-2
Rome/History 753 B.C.- 500 A.D. - Newspaper
Read all about it! Buy the »Roman Record« and you, reader, can learn everything you always wanted to know about the trials and tribulations of life as a slave - if you are so dumb - or as a senator - thank your favorite goddess - in Roman times. Find out all about those battles and conquests! Read about the fall of Rome! Ladies, check out the latest kitchen facilities and newly arrived shipments of jewelry! Find out how predictions are made! Page after page of the latest news, concisely laid-out facts and analyses. Colorful mosaics and paintings from-on-the scene reporters make your reading pleasure complete. (10+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1998 - 46
Moore, Robin (text)
Ambrus, Victor (illus.)
My life with the Indians. The story of Mary Jemison
London: Franklin Watts, 1997. 32 p.
ISBN 0-7496-2363-2
North America/Indians - Abduction - Adoption - Cultural conflict
The biography of Mary Jemison, based on the account she told at the age of 80 in 1823, spans a turbulent period of North American history. The sole survivor of an Indian raid on her home in Pennsylvania - a result of the French and British war for territory - she was adopted by another tribe, married twice and mother of a large family. She choose to remain with her Indian family and friends, rather than return to a bigotted white civilization, but still suffered many family sorrows through the changing times. Masterly pen-andwash illustrations adorn this fascinating documentation, followed by factual information in an appendix. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1998 - 47
Nimmo, Jenny (reteller)
Jones, Jac (illus.)
Branwen
(<Proper name>)
Llandysul: Pont Books/Gomer, 1997. [32] p.
(Legends from Wales)
ISBN 1-85902-322-3
Wales/Legend - Ireland - Alliance - Marriage - Intrigue - Revenge
In this tragic tale from the Mabinogi, the Welsh heroic saga, a wise and mighty king of Britain gives his lovely sister Branwen in marriage to the king of Ireland, but the wrath of their half-brother, Efnisien, and the jealousy of the Irish court breaks the young couple's happiness. The exigencies of power lead to the bloody war between the two armies, and to many deaths, including the British king, the rueful Efnisien, Branwen's child, and broken-hearted Branwen - the high price of family loyalty. The readable telling of this tale is accompanied by beautiful watercolor illustrations which convey the emotions and dramatic action of the tale. (8+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1998 - 48
Tomlinson, Theresa
Dancing through the shadows
London: Julia MacRae, 1997. 120 p.
ISBN 1-85681-713-X
(USA ed.: New York, DK, 1997)
Mother/Daughter - Breast cancer - School - Dance - Well - Legend
A school girl learns to deal with the fears and uncertainties of her mother's breast cancer operation and her moodiness during the subsequent chemotherapy. She becomes absorbed in helping a teacher with the renovation of an ancient well near her school and performing modern dance routines with a group of school mates. The events of everyday life in a normal family and suburban neighborhood setting make an enjoyable backdrop for the development of the likeable main character. This is a heartwarming family story with an authentic ring. (10+)

Special Mention - Ireland (English) - 1998 - 51
Parkinson, Siobhán
Four kids, three cats, two cows, one witch (maybe)
Dublin: O'Brien, 1997. 192 p.
ISBN 0-86278-515-4
Island - Friendship - Recluse - Adventure
The winner of Ireland's annual Bisto Award for Children's Literature in 1996 gives us another highly readable story about lively, appealing young adults who are caught in the throes of growing up, gradually gaining self-confidence and valuable experience along the way to adulthood. During summer holidays two girls and two boys are thrown together, partially by chance, and embark on an adventure which leads them to an island. There they make the acquaintance of an eccentric recluse and learn to see life with different eyes. One special part of their adventure story involves the highly revealing »fairy tales« each one must make up and tell to the others, stories within a story. In this way Parkinson can introduce tension and conflicts with which any person could be faced with, while still portraying teenagers whose lives are fairly »normal«, like those of many of her readers. (12+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1998 - 58
Cowan, Catherine (transl./reteller)
Paz, Octavio (story)
Buehner, Mark (illus.)
My life with the wave
New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard/Morrow, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 0-688-12660-X
Ocean wave - Friendship
This deliciously absurd tale by the Nobel Prize winner, Octavio Paz, is beautifully rendered in fullpage color paintings, which speaks to the fantasy in all of us. On his first trip to the seashore, the boy narrator is befriended by a small but most playful wave. The wave cajoles the boy's father into taking her home with them and at first all goes well. But when the wave's wild moods and ghastly nightmares become unmanageable, they have to return her to the ocean. Buehner's illustrations capture the nuances of this poetic, yet straight forward text and expands on them exquisitely with many ironical touches. A delightful gem to be reread many times. (4+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1998 - 59
Gallo, Donald R. (ed.)
No easy answers. Short stories about teenagers making tough choices
New York: Delacorte, 1997. 323 p.
ISBN 0-385-32290-9
Conflict - Moral choice - Guilt - Atonement - Growing up
This anthology contains sixteen short stories, written for this collection, by some of the leading writers for young adult in the U.S. and Canada. As the title makes clear, each of the protagonists is faced with a choice between alternative actions. Often the difficulties lie in the conflict between ambition or fulfillment of a dream and the reality of hurting other people. The situations they find themselves in involve drugs, pregnancy, blackmail, handicapped victims, or revenge. At the end of each short story, a two-page biographical sketch lets the reader know what other books by the author are available. (12+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1998 - 60
Hausherr, Rosmarie (text/photos)
Celebrating families
New York: Scholastic, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 0-590-48937-2
Family - Adoption - Divorce - Single parent
Many varieties of family structure are presented here in fourteen double-spread pages. Each portrait includes a photo of a child with the members of his or her family and one of a typical favorite activity - whether gardening, repairing a bicycle, visiting Dad in prison, or playing games on the computer with an older foster brother. Short, descriptions reveal the many ways families may be formed (including bi-racial and same gender parents) and formed again after change (divorce, separation, adoption). (7+) ☆

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1998 - 61
Hearne, Betsy (text)
Andersen, Bethanne (illus.)
Seven brave women
New York: Greenwillow, 1997. [24] p.
ISBN 0-688-14502-7
Genealogy - Biography - Courage
With the intention of showing that history is also »her« story and our common history is not necessarily one of war and aggression, this picturebook biography gives brief portraits of seven women ancestors, telling what made each of their lives remarkable and memorable. This short firstperson chronicle of one woman's family history, which is also set in a wider context of world events that are mentioned in passing, makes a lasting impression. The naive-abstract double-page oil paintings capture the main elements of each life and the times. (5+) ☼

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1998 - 62
Henkes, Kevin
Sun & Spoon
New York: Greenwillow, 1997. 135 p.
ISBN 0-688-15232-5
Grandmother - Death - Grandfather - Bereavement - Family life
Two months after his grandmother's death, Spoon (his family nickname) realizes that he needs to find a special memento to remember her by. This gentle story of his search is set against the background of warm, caring relationships. But even these need to be cultivated, like the family garden, and the grief of both grandson and grandfather lead them to a new understanding. Henkes has a remarkable talent for depicting the nuances of his subject in dialogues, inner reflections that ring true, and simple situations weighty with meaning. His natural, crafted prose seems to flow effortlessly. (9+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1998 - 63
Koller, Jackie French (text)
Lewin, Betsy (illus.)
No such thing
Honesdale: Boyds Mills, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 1-56397-490-8
Bedtime - Monster - Fear
When a little boy moves into an old house he has trouble falling asleep because of the monsters living under it. In this delightful twist on a familiar plot, both little Howard and the charming little green monster exasperate their mothers with their fears until they finally find the courage to talk to each other and discover neither wants to harm the other. In an open-end conclusion they call out to their mothers once again - and the reader must guess what will happen. Full page watercolors with bold black contour strokes capture the universal child's nighttime fears with a dose of humor. (4+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1998 - 64
Lelooska, Chief (reteller/illus.)
Normandin, Christine (ed.)
Echoes of the elders. The stories and paintings of Chief Lelooska
New York: Dorling Kindersley (DK) in assoc. with Callaway Editions, 1997. 38 p.
ISBN 0-7894-2455-X
Kwakiutl/Tales - North America/Northwest coast - Animals/Myths
This beautifully designed oversized book of five animal tales is a tribute to the decades of oral storytelling and intensive efforts to preserve the Northwest Coast Indian culture by Chief Lelooska, a descendent of the Cherokee who was adopted by the Southern Kwakiutl tribe. The large two-dimensional ornamental renderings of the animal protagonists enhance the lengthy, didactic but entertaining stories. A compact disc included with the book gives proof of the famous storytelling powers of Chief Lelooska, who died in 1996. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1998 - 65
Myers, Walter Dean (text)
Myers, Christopher (illus.)
Harlem
New York: Scholastic, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 0-590-54340-7
Harlem - African-Americans
This stunning picture book is a visual and lyrical hymn to the persistent hopes and dreams of African-Americans living in Harlem, that famous section of New York City. Harlem was an important gathering point where jazz and Black culture began to blossom in the early part of the 20th century. Its pulsating vitality is given bold expression in the assembled multi-media collages by the artist son of Walter Dean Myers, the wellknown young adult writer who grew up in Harlem. (6+) ☆
(Caldecott Honor Book 1998)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1998 - 66
O'Connor, Barbara
Beethoven in Paradise
New York: Frances Foster/Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1997. 153 p.
ISBN 0-374-30666-4
Father/Son - Grandmother - Music - Expectations - Conflict - Friendship - Identity
Twelve-year old Martin lives with his parents in a trailer park name Paradise. His permanently unhappy father has placed all his hopes in Martin becoming a „normal" boy he can be proud of. But Martin is a loner whose real natural talent lies in music. His grandmother and a neighbor encourage him in different ways to develop himself, and after numerous angry scenes and much anguish, he is finally able to stand up to his father. O'Connor captures the sweltering atmosphere of this close, lower-class setting and depicts the hopes and limitations of the main protagonists with great sensitivity. (10+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1998 - 67
Pinkney, Andrea Davis (text)
Pinkney, Brian (illus.)
Duke Ellington
New York: Hyperion Books for Children, 1998. [32] p.
ISBN 0-7868-2150-7
Ellington, Duke - Jazz - African-Americans
The picture book biography of the world's most famous jazz pianist, band leader and composer, Duke Ellington (1899-1974), is told succinctly for children in an upbeat contemporary vernacular with African-American idioms that capture the natural swing, wit and esprit of modern times. The musical rhythm of the text is reflected and extended in the ideally suited, brightly colored twopage spreads done in Brian Pinkney's hallmark scratchboard paintings. The reader is offered factual information but may also feel inspired to hear and learn more about this musical genius and about jazz. (6+) ☆

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1998 - 69
Herfurtner, Rudolf (text)
Boratyński, Antoni (illus.)
Waldkinder
(Forest children)
Mödling: St. Gabriel, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 3-85264-544-1
Garden - Captivity - Escape - Cultural contact - Community
One day a sheltered child finds, quite literally, a »hole in the wall« of his untouched world. Outside the wall he finds children who have had completely different experiences. Yet they find a common language. Now they all return to the well-tended garden, but are no longer in captivity. This is a book about growing up and becoming independent which makes use of an unusual visual language. Until unity is created, it is monstrous shapes that encounter each other. Once they have formed a community the little gnomes become elves. (8+) ☼

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1998 - 70
Janisch, Heinz (text)
Oberdieck, Bernhard (illus.)
Sarah und der Wundervogel
(Sarah and the magic bird)
Wien: Betz, 1996. [28] p.
ISBN 3-219-10644-7
Bird - Miracle - Captivity - Help - Rescue
The splendid magic bird has lost its colors and its magic powers during captivity. A little girl brings life back to him through her questions. It tells her all about freedom. With each tale one of the ropes that is holding it falls away and one day he has disappeared from its cage. Tired, earthy colors depict its captivity, light colors stand for life and freedom. The reader may be reminded of the Andersen tale of the Emperor's Nightingale, but fortunately this story ends happily. (6+)

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1998 - 71
Reinl, Edda (text/illus.)
Adam der Gaukler
(Adam the juggler)
Innsbruck: Tyrolia, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 3-7022-2079-8
Juggler - Monastery - Music - Dance - Prayer
The Adam from the legend »The juggler and the good Lord« performs his colorful stunts for little children until the snow comes and he finds shelter in a monastery. All the colors there are in the monotone brown of the monks' habit, until one night Adam cannot stand it any longer. He stands at the chapel altar and plays his violin for the good Lord. All the monks come running and are amazed at the intensity with which he plays. It is not known whether the dear Lord ever punished Adam for this caper. (6+) ☼

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1998 - 72
Treiber, Jutta (text)
Blazejovsky, Maria (illus.)
O, sagt der Ohrwurm. Ein Anti-Lärm-Bilderbuch
(Oh, said the noisy-worm. An anti-noise book)
Wien: Betz, 1997. [36] p.
ISBN 3-219-10669-2
City life - Noise - Responsibility
The noisy-worm comes out of the radio and makes itself at home in a the human ear. It lives from noise. The fatter he has gotten, the louder things are, until noise is ready to explode. Now everyone is called upon to take responsiblity. People must learn again to be still. Then the noisy dragon-worm becomes smaller and quite humble. And it is easier to take care of him. This more and more urgent problem is taken up in an easy and understandable manner. The illustrations change from earthy, still colors to bombastic, loud tones, emphasizing the message of the text. (6+)

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1998 - 73
Walbrecker, Dirk (text)
Poppel, Hans (illus.)
Bennys Hut
(Benny's hat)
Wien: Betz, 1997. [28] p.
ISBN 3-219-10668-4
Hat - Loneliness - Metamorphosis - Play
Papa's hat and papa's little boy have one thing in common - loneliness. With a little fantasy, this becomes a wonderful day. The hat transforms itself into a football, a drinking cup, a magical machine and much more. Until the little boy lays down his head in the evening and falls asleep. At first the overtaxed hat resists such impertinence, but then after all Papa can get himself a new headpiece. The pictures of peacefulness and dynamic movement alternate according to the game and the hat's function. (5+) ☼

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1998 - 93
Partsch, Susanna
Haus der Kunst. Ein Gang durch die Kunstgeschichte von der Höhlenmalerei bis zum Graffiti
(The Art Gallery. A stroll through the history of art from cave paintings to graffiti)
München: Hanser, 1997. 367 p. With many illus.
ISBN 3-446-18885-1
Art history
This art book for children is based on the idea of filling up a ficticious museum with exponents from every epoch. This provides the young reader with a chronological overview, through arranged in different »rooms«, of the most important periods and their contexts. The author avoids the use of intimidating insider-jargon and speaks to the reader, without being ingratiating, at an immediate level, which encourages page-turning inspite of the wealth of material being covered. Historical and aesthetic background information is elucidated with the help of maps and explanatory notes. All art forms are covered here, thus giving this work a good chance of becoming a standard work for children interested in art. (10+) ☆

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1998 - 94
Pressler, Mirjam (text)
Krömer, Astrid (illus.)
Nora ist mal so, mal so
(Nora is sometimes so, and sometimes so)
Frankfurt (Main): Alibaba, 1996. [36] p.
ISBN 3-860-42-167-0
Sexual abuse - Secret - Friendship
The other children in her kindergarten group cannot understand why Nora reacts so very erratically. Often she sets herself apart from others without any recognizable reason. The problem behind this behavior is only hinted at in the text. With laudable caution the delicate topic of sexual abuse is approached here in text and pictures. Instead of overprotection as a guard against such threats, the book suggests childlike solidarity between the friends. In this manner, new direct dependency upon adults can be prevented. (5+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1998 - 95
Raith, Werner
Verräterkind
(Traitor's child)
Berlin: Elefantenpress, 1997. 142 p.
ISBN 3-88520-625-0
Sicily - Mafia - Witness - Family - Escape - Identity
A Sicilian boy mistakenly believes that his disappeared father has been murdered by the Mafia. But instead his father has turned witness for the state. The lives of all the family members are now in danger and they must take on a new identity. The older brother still believes firmly on the laws and honor code of the Mafia and betrays his father; then he is nearly killed himself. The state prosecutor they have trusted becomes incriminated and commits suicide. This is an impressive treatment of a topic which has been largely ignored in children's literature up to now. (10+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1998 - 96
Schami, Rafik
Märchen aus Malula
(Tales from Malula)
München: Hanser, 1997. 237 p.
ISBN 3-446-18954-8
Malula - Fairy tales
In a traditional Oriental manner, Rafik Schami weaves the traditional tales from his home village in Syria into a carpet of captivating incidents. He discovered an old edition of tales written in Aramic at the Heidelberg University Library - an unexpected stroke of luck. Many of the figures he found described there were known to him as old people in his village. The text acquires a particular intensity through this personal point of view. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1998 - 97
Schmidauer, Elisabeth (text)
Knappe, Joachim (illus.)
Als die Tiere den Zoo verließen
(When the animals left the zoo)
Esslingen: Esslinger, 1997. [28] p.
(Esslinger Atelier)
ISBN 3-480-20048-6
Zoo animals - Homeland - Freedom - Paradise
The old elephant came to the zoo very young, but its longing for its home has never gone away. In the night of a shooting star that makes dreams come true, the chains fall from its legs and the bar doors open of their own accord. The animals of the zoo follow the elephant into freedom. The next morning all the cages are empty. Only two children have observed the animals leaving the town, but no one believes them. Everyone is convinced there has been a crime. Nighttime colors enhance this poetic story. (8+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1998 - 98
Schubiger, Jürg (text)
Berner, Rotraut Susanne (illus.)
Mutter, Vater, ich und sie
(Mother, Father, me and her)
Weinheim: Beltz & Gelberg, 1997. 106 p.
ISBN 3-407-79748-6
Siblings - Family - Language - Everyday life
This is the tale of a boy who tries to come to terms with his life in his family and especially his relationship with his younger sister with the help of words. For him, language always has a literal, direct meaning. Thus he makes quite surprising discoveries about the world, such as: »The weather today has more than one R - weatherr, weatherrrr. It is raining from every direction.« This is not a matter of spelling, but an example of precise observation. This makes for a gripping reading experience, given most delightful variation by Berner's pictures and vignettes. (8+) ☼

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1998 - 99
Weiss, Ruth (text)
Janssen, Susanne (illus.)
Sascha und die neun alten Männer. Das Fest der Lichter. Zwei Erzählungen
(Sascha and the nine old men. The festival of lights. Two tales)
Wuppertal: Hammer, 1997. 120 p.
(Gecko)
ISBN 3-87294-744-3
Russia - Jews - Prayer - Religious holiday - Christ
The old men of Yevka, near Odessa, are no longer able to celebrate Minyan, the Jewish worship service with all the sacred rites, because they lack the necessary tenth believer. Little Sascha, a future detective who is curious about all the secrets surrounding him, leads his father's British business partner into the synagoge. As he is also Jewish, the congregation finds its tenth man. In an impressive narrative, the author, herself Jewish, depicts the old atmosphere of an East European shtetl from the naive perspective of a modern non-Jewish child. (8+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1998 - 102
Janisch, Heinz (text)
Zwerger, Lisbeth (illus.)
Die Arche Noah
(Noah's Ark)
Gossau: Neugebauer, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 3-85195-572-2
Noah's Ark
The centaur and the unicorn have been extinct ever since - if one is to believe this wonderful picture book - and on account of Noah, because they found no place on the Ark. A skilful narrative and inimitable pictures lead the reader through two levels of the story. On the one hand, in the obvious one as it has been handed down - with imaginative artistic enhancements - and on the other hand, strewn in perhaps as a reminder of the earnestness of God's intention to preserve one pair of each species, leaves reminiscent of old natural science books portraying the types and classes of animals. And also something usually not remembered - the sole beneficiaries of the great water were the fishes and creatures of the sea, who could now play in the cave-like windows of the flooded houses. The book radiates the contemplative clarity and serenity which often accompanies the inevitable. (6+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1998 - 103
Maar, Anne (text)
Ballhaus, Verena (illus.)
Der Käfer Fred
(Fred the Beetle)
Zürich: Pro Juventute, 1997. [31] p.
(Atlantis-Kinderbuch)
ISBN 3-7152-0378-1
Dung beetle - Stag-beetle - Costume - Competition - Victory - Identity
Fred the dung beetle is considered dirty and has few friends. And yet he wins first prize in the costume competition at the party of the arrogant stag-beetles. But when the rumor that a proletarian dung beetle is among them horrifies the noble group, Fred takes his leave of them with a defamatory song and gladly returns to his old - and clean - life as a dung beetle. Gentle insets, at times reminiscent of Ernst Kreidolf's creations, populate the pages of this book; the occasionally garish tones allude to the plot's image of a precarious social fabric. (8+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1998 - 104
Reider, Katja (text)
Roehl, Angela von (illus.)
Vom Glück ein dickes Schwein zu sein ... Eine Geschichte
(How lucky to be a fat pig... A story)
Gossau: Nord-Süd, 1997. [28] p.
(Ein Nord-Süd-Bilderbuch)
ISBN 3-314-00758-2
Animals - Individuality - Insult - Apology - Joy of life
»To each his own« is the wish behind the text and pictures of this life-affirming book. Before a snail can imagine what it is like to be a pig, or a spider to be a goose, each of them insults the other out of pure ignorance. The initial lack of understanding is followed by thoughtful reflection and a round of mutual apologizing, thus assuring the individual joy of each protagonist. The paths of the animals shown here are paved with dramatic action and movement, earthy colors characterize the complacency of the individual realms, each with their own special pleasures. (5+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1998 - 105
Steiner, Jörg (text)
Müller, Jörg (illus.)
Was wollt ihr machen, wenn der Schwarze Mann kommt?
(What will you do when the Black Man comes?)
Aarau: Sauerländer, 1998. [32] p.
ISBN 3-7941-4305-1
Rumor - Play - Threat - Mischief - Everyday life
The »Black Man« is both a children's game and a form of parental threat for misbehaving children. But one day the children make believe what it would be like if he really came. Suddenly there are black footsteps around town, for instance, though no one is able to see him. Security measures are implemented, people lock themselves inside. This goes on for a while, and then things return to normal. What really happened is never quite clear, but the fear of strangers and the security precautions remain. In one especially memorable full-size illustration scary nightmares are depicted in which black shapes creep out from the cracks in the wall, windows and even the pavement. This book can also be read as a bitter persiflage on today's craving for security. (8+) ☼

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1998 - 106
Ungerer, Tomi (text/illus.)
Cramer-Klett, Anna von (transl.)
Flix
(<Proper name>)
Zürich: Diogenes, 1997. 30 p.
ISBN 3-257-00842-2
Cat - Dog - Offspring - Outsider - Fraternity
A lovely child is born to cat parents. It is a little dog. (Wasn't there a pug dog in the family...?) The fact is that (parental) love alone is not enough for a child's well-being. So young Flix is an outsider in Cat City, until fate leads him to rescue a little cat child (fame in Cat City!) and a young poodle lady (love in Dog City!). They get married and have a baby. It's a little girl and its first cry is »Meow!« The story could continue this way forever. Just as in real life. With Ungerer's pictures it wouldn't be boring either. (8+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1998 - 107
Waechter, Friedrich Karl (text/illus.)
Da bin ich
(Here I am)
Zürich: Diogenes, 1997. [40] p.
ISBN 3-257-00843-0
Cat - Offspring - Drowning - Rescue - Irony
A young cat gives an account of its path of destiny in a brief text and expressive illustrations. The large litter is drowned by the fisher or eaten by sharks - all except one. In a reversal of roles the little cat kills the shark, eats from him to grow big and strong before returning to shore. As if a human being, it travels for a time by train all about Germany and then rings the bell at the right door and announces: »Here I am!« Full of irony, the text and the cat's facial expressions reduce all of our sentimental love for animals and mankind to absurdity and life itself to the law of »survival of the fittest.« In one sense, this message could even be called fatalistic. (9+)

Special Mention - Cameroon (French) - 1998 - 108
Njeng, Pierre Yves (text/illus.)
Vacances au village
(Vacation in the village)
Yaounde: Akoma Mba, 1996. [24] p.
Cameroon - City life - Country life - School holidays
A city family spends its holidays in a country village with the grandparents. The leisurely pace of life leaves much time for playing outdoors, excursions into the woods and fishing along the river. In the evening by the shine of petroleum lamps grandfather tells traditional tales about heroes while grandmother prepares supper over an open fire. The rural scenes are rendered in strong earthy tones, arranged in an authentic sequence like snapshots in a photo album. The subtitles below the pictures are provided by Nwemb, the son. Candidly he admits his initial fears of the new and unknown situation. By the time of departure, he has grown to love and appreciate it. Promising to return, he exchanges gifts with his new-found playmate - his books for a turtle. The album acquires its particular charm through this youthful perspective. (6+)

Special Mention - Cameroon (French) - 1998 - 109
Nomo, Vincent (text/illus.)
Le cri de la forêt
(The cry of the forest)
Yaounde: Akoma Mba, 1995. 24 p.
Jungle - Deforestation - Wildlife
With screeching chainsaws and tractor trucks, with stinky fumes and deafening noise civilization forces its way into the jungle forest to begin clearing and destruction. The animals join together in a counterattack and drive the invaders from their severely wounded paradise this time. In artistically confident illustratrations Nomo makes tangible the contrast between the mysteriously teeming, pristine forest, whose highest trees go beyond the doublepaged format, and the massive, angular bulldozer that ruthlessly sets about to devour Nature. (6+)

Special Mention - Belgium (French) - 1998 - 111
Nottet, Pascal (text)
Girel, Stéphane (illus.)
La princesse de neige
(The snow princess)
Paris/Bruxelles: Pastel/L'École des Loisirs, 1997. [30, xi ] p.
ISBN 2-211-041418
River traffic - Tugboat - Winter - Puppet-theater
A sloop is locked in the ice of the Canal du Midi. Abel, the son of the barge-master, performs a puppet theater for Alys, the daughter of the lock-master. When the ice begins to melt, the barge sets off again. Abel's final play deals with a princess and a sailor, ending with a romantic promise of faithfulness. Meticulously composed illustrations, rich in mood, make this wintertime idyll a multilayered picture story with little Abel playing the leading role. An informative appendix with colored drawings describes the fact of shipping life on the canals of Europe. (5+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1998 - 123
Nadja (text/illus.)
Le livre des créatures
(The book of creatures)
Paris: École des Loisirs, 1997. 120 p.
ISBN 2-211-043-04-6
Myth - Legend - Supernatural
The myths and legends of all the cultures of this world tell about fabulous beings, monsters, and spirits which bring either blessings or curses to mankind. Nadja provides us with portraits and short narrative characterizations so that we can recognize them when we meet them. Presented on pitch-black paper they appear at once fascinating and horrifying. The artist makes rich use of earthy tones, appropriate to those monstrous products of our fears and premonitions. The texts offer sober suggestions based on traditional wisdom about how to escape the often destructive demonism or how to capture the rarer magical powers of such creatures. In the appendix a table gives a geographic overview of the different cultural sources. This most unusual book goes along well with the current fashion of horror stories by satisfying the desire for the thrills of shock and disgust in a way that is only made possible through the rich imaginative powers of all mankind. (13+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1998 - 124
Noël, Geneviève (text)
Le Goff, Hervé (illus.)
Je m'ennuie dans mon lit
(I am so bored in my bed)
Paris: Père Castor Flammarion, 1997. [28] p.
ISBN 2-08160443-4
Sleeplessness - House mouse
It is midnight. The mouse child can't sleep. She wakes up mother mouse and then begins the ritual of diversionary tactics to avoid having to go to bed that every child knows so well: going to the potty, singing, playing, hunger and thirst. In the end slumber comes of its own accord. But now mother mouse is wide awake and gleefully repeats what the child had been through. Now it is father mouse's turn to help bring on sleep. One can well imagine how the story continues, by going once again page for page through the humorous illustrations of the mouse house. (3+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1998 - 125
Perec, Georges (text)
Pommaux, Yvan (illus.)
Je me souviens
(I remember)
Paris: Éditions du Sorbier, 1997. [36] p.
ISBN 2-7320-3523-8
France/1950s - Memory - Everyday life
In 1978 Georges Perec (1936-1982) published a collection of 480 sentences which began with the phrase »I remember...« and named things which were characteristic of the everyday life and experiences of his age group (today's grandparents). Twenty of these sentences have been chosen by Yvan Pommaux and illustrated in his typical comic-book style. This album invites browsing and offers a wealth of authentic details which give the older readers pleasure of rediscovery and show the younger ones a quite foreign, long forgotten way of life. (6+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1998 - 126
Piquemal, Michel (text)
Bloch, Serge (illus.)
Nul en pub
(Failed in advertising)
Paris: Rue du Monde, 1997. 36 p.
ISBN 2-912084-02-4
Consumption - Advertising
Ludo is derided by his friends because he is completely ignorant of campaign slogans and brandnames. In order to redeem himself, he studies long and hard and even wins a silly game contest. But the main prize turns out to be a hoax. Disgusted, Ludo can at last return to his favorite hobby, fishing with his grandfather. The burlesque watercolor drawings, which are interspersed like ads on television, carica-ture the idiocy of advertising. The peppy brush strokes become more subtle when they give expres-sion to the emotional sensitivity of the child. (6+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1998 - 127
Prual-Reavis, Roberto (illus.)
Une idée de chien. Dans les air
(A dog's idea. In the air)
Paris: Les Éditions Didier, 1997. [76] p.
ISBN 2-278-30048-2
Drawing - Illusion - Dog - Bird - Flight
Attractive line drawings without text tell this circular story with no ending. A dog gazes after a bird. Then it jumps on the back of the next bird flying by and they land on an island where a bird magician draws the dog a pair of wings with which it can fly back to where it started. Here it turns over its wings to a chicken who trots by and gazes after it flying away. The final image is identical to the first; the story can begin again - in the same way or differently, wherever the inspiration of the reader-child leads. (3+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1998 - 128
Serres, Alain (text)
Blondon, Hervé (illus.)
Un grand-père transformidable
(A transformidable grandfather)
Paris: Albin Michel, 1997. [36] p.
ISBN 2-226-09036-3
Grandfather - Grandson - Love - Imagination - Metamorphosis
The perspectives of the illustrations in this oversized book parallel the nearly unlimited willingness of the grandfather to fulfill the wishes of his grandson, who transforms him into a dinosaur, a giant apple pie, etc. The results, depicted in bizarre, earthy toned dreamy images, are always reversed with a kiss. But when grandfather is turned into an intergalactic warrior against his will, the reversal fails. Yet in the happy ending the two of them together again without the help of any magic. (7+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1998 - 129
Taravant, Jacques (text)
Sís, Peter (illus.)
Le marchand d'ailes
(The wing dealer)
Paris: Grasset & Fasquelle, 1997. [36] p.
ISBN 2-246-54421-1
Bird - Wings - Angel
The lovely idea that the good lord forgot to give birds wings when he created the world and thus had to send out a messenger boy to distribute them is the ideal material for this well-known illustrator. His favorite figures are the messengers between two worlds. Sís gives the young wing dealer an aura of pure naivity and sends him into a wide, unpopulated world, depicted in gentle tones on a plain background in his inimitable pointilistic style, giving it the virgin freshness of the first day of creation. The last pair of wings let the young messenger become the first angel, bringing genesis to its completion. (4+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1998 - 130
Tullet, Hervé (text/illus.)
Comment j'ai sauvé ma maman
(How I saved my mother)
Paris: Seuil, 1997. [60] p.
ISBN 2-02-030920-3
Mother - Everyday life - Bad luck - Sympathy - Love
Today is mother's bad luck day. The turbulent, chaotic pictures, rendered in the style of a child's drawings, recapitulate how everything she tries to do goes wrong. What fun it is to watch. At each turn of the page round peep holes make for new surprises. Every time the sympathetic child tries to cheer mother up, the confusion only becomes greater. But with a little cuddling, everything turns out well in the end. (3+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1998 - 131
Wagneur, Alain (text)
Fleutiaux, Pierrette (text)
La maison des voyages
(The house of travel)
Paris: Gallimard, 1997. 102 p.
ISBN 2-07-050964-8
Puberty - Father - Daughter - Childhood memories
Sonia is in the middle of puberty. She is moody and feels lonely. Her mother is long dead and she thinks her father, a sea captain, doesn't understand the younger generation. Quite by chance, during a trip they take together, her father returns to the scene of his youth. Memories come rushing back and he tells her, at first shyly and hesitantly, about himself, his dreams, his friends and his first love. Sonia listens with growing interest and learns that her father, through his own experiences, has known the same feelings and problems and can thus understand his daughter. (13+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1998 - 141
Quarzo, Guido (text)
Vivarelli, Anna (text)
Carrer, Chiara (illus.)
La coda degli autosauri
(The long line of autosaurs)
Casale Monferrato: Piemme, 1997. 154 p.
(Il battello a Vapore / Serie arancio; 34)
ISBN 88-384-3634-7
Traffic jam - City life - Conformity - Family
One day the long line of cars on the motorway turns into such a traffic jam that movement comes to a complete standstill. Stuck in this huge traffic jam for twenty days with his family, suspended in time and space, Edoardo writes down in his diary all the extraordinary things that take place, such as his encounter with Mr. Leonardo, an eccentric scientist who descends from the sky with a hang glider. The story ends when the family decides to abandon their car and continue by foot, now finally aware of the need to reduce the automobile's domination over the cities and over their lives. This is an absorbing novel full of real-life dialogues and inner monologues, skilfully showing that children can be quite perceptive in their analysis of the adult world. The author's vivid, engaging and ironical style is an excellent match for the immediacy of the narrative. (9+)
(Premio di Narrativa per l'Infanzia »Il Battello a Vapore« Città di Verbania 1996)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1998 - 142
Rapaccini, Chiara (text/illus.)
Dammi un whisky, Samanta!
(Bring me a whisky, Samanta!)
Firenze: Giunti, 1997. 60 p.
([Giunti ragazzi universale / Under 10]; 26)
ISBN 88-09-21099-9
Family - Everyday life - Child/Parent - Role reversal
What would happen if adults behaved like children? Ivan and Samanta have just such an experience when their parents suddenly spend the whole day playing with toys and watching cartoons on television. Forced into a reversal of roles, the two children must take care of the housekeeping, shopping and deal with naughty parents. The author succeeds in caricaturing a contemporary family's lifestyle with wit and subtle hyperbole. Told in an easy, plain narrative style, the main events of the story are highlighted with pen-andink caricature-like drawings. (8+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1998 - 143
Terzagli, Matteo (text)
Zürcher, Marco (illus.)
Undici gatti paracadutisti
(Eleven cats parachuting)
Bolzano: AER, 1997. 36 p.
ISBN 88-86557-65-5
Counting - Cat - Flight - Adventure
A plane with eleven cats on board takes off and from high in the sky the felines parachute back to earth. The wind lets them drift apart in different directions, so that each cat experiences its own short adventure. The story is at another level a flight through the numbers (one to eleven), encouraging children to let their imaginations soar. Reminiscent of Květa Pacovská's style, the illustrations are rich in innovative graphic ideas, at once simple and bold. The warm and airy colors are harmoniously matched, creating an exuberant atmosphere that will surely appeal to pre-school children. (4+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1998 - 144
Ziliotto, Donatella (text)
Nidasio, Grazia (illus.)
Le bambine non le sopporto
(I cannot stand little girls)
Trieste: Einaudi Ragazzi, 1997. 56 p.
(Einaudi Ragazzi / Narrativa; 58)
ISBN 88-7936-237-8
Friendship - Family conflict - School holidays - Growing up
Tonina cannot go on summer holidays to the mountains because she has to repeat her chemistry exam in September. But she is determined to enjoy her vacation, even if it means working as a counsellor at the children's summer camp. She describes this experience in six letters to her closest girlfriend Lucilla, revealing much of a modern teenager's inner life. The well-drawn characterizations in the narrative find their match in the witty line-drawings which extend this spirited, comical tale. (11+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1998 - 147
Armijo, Consuelo (text)
Gómez, Fernando (illus.)
Seráse una vez
(Once upon a time there will be)
Madrid: Espasa Calpe, 1997. 119 p.
(Espasa Juvenil; 25)
ISBN 84-239-8879-1
Cow - Pasture - Country life
A herd of wayward cows romps about the pastures of the farmer Adolfo, their eccentricity giving him all kinds of trouble and keeping the entire village on edge. In eleven episodes Consuelo Armijo describes the richly varied lives of these cows - such as an encounter with a conceited breeding bull imported from Holland, or their identity problems such as when one considers itself to be a bird, while another takes itself for a monkey. Altogether they lead a paradisical life that is then only be surpassed in the real bovine heaven. Armijo endows this absurd, witty and grotesque fairy tale-like story with a fast rhythm, corresponding to the fast tempo of her protagonists' escapades. The continuous use of the future tense seems at first glance peculiar, but is quite in keeping with the pleasures of creative storytelling, with all its speculation and disregard for plausibility. (8+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1998 - 148
Atxaga, Bernardo
Un espía llamado Sara
(A spy called Sara)
Madrid: Acento Ed., 1997. 150 p.
(Club; 1)
ISBN 84-483-0148-X
Spy - War - Senselessness - Survival - Spain/History 1833-1839
The sailor Martín, a spy for the supporters of the pretender to the Spanish throne during the Carlist Wars, delivers an important message and remains in a village, now transformed into an army camp, for several days. At first convinced of the noble cause of this war, he becomes disillusioned by its brutality, treachery, intrigues, and the vain ambitiousness of the military leaders. A mixture of historical fiction and crime story, this novel shows the dubious nature of war and reveals the powerlessness and often accidental involvement of individuals. (13+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1998 - 149
Ferrero, Jesús
Ulaluna
(<Proper name>)
Madrid: Ed. SM, 1997. 160 p.
(El barco de vapor / Serie oro [roja]; 10)
ISBN 84-348-5273-x
Odyssey - Outsider - Search for identity - Growing up
Unable to steer her boat, Ulaluna drifts away from her home, an isolated village, and makes a long odyssey through her native country, a fictictious place »in the north«, until she finally finds her way home. Her tale is a mixture of adventure, fairy tale, science fiction and coming-of-age story, making it an unusual tale in which places and people have a metamorphic significance. Hence Ulaluna's story is above all a journey through the basic patterns of lives and customs in human society. (12+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1998 - 150
Jiménez Soria, Ángeles (text)
Prestifilippo, Pablo (illus.)
El abrigo
(The coat)
León: Ed. Everest, 1996. 31 p.
(Colección Rascacielos)
ISBN 84-241-3361-7
Parent/Child - Coat - Magic - Imagination
Jeremías' coat is old and worn, but comfortable and endowed with magic. The sleeves, for instance, are caves for bewitched frogs, the collar protects him from blood-thirsty vampires. When his parents buy him a new jacket, Jeremías falls into despair until they also sense how magical the old coat is and with its help journey back to their own childhoods. The coat, a symbol of the desire for security and familiar things, also represents the power of childlike imagination. The spacious, open illustrations in soft, flowing colors leave much room for the beholder's imagination. (6+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1998 - 151
Mallorquí, César (text)
Krahn, Fernando (illus.)
El último trabajo del señor Luna
(Mr. Luna's final job)
Barcelona: Edebé, 1997. 245 p.
(Periscopio; 50)
ISBN 84-236-4578-9
Drug traffic - Organized crime - Highly gifted child - Identity - Growing up
The paths of three quite different people cross for just a brief time in Madrid. Flor Huanaco, on the run from a cocain boss, finds a job as household helper with the family of Pablo, a boy who is highly gifted but emotionally immature. Then she is tracked down by the contract killer Luna. How Flor and Pablo save their own lives - with Luna's unexpected help - is told from different perspectives in this well-structured thriller. At another level it also describes how Pablo overcomes his personal difficulties. (12+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1998 - 152
Ribera, Jaume (text)
Ballester, Arnal (illus.)
Un problema de narices
(A nose problem)
Madrid: Anaya, 1997. 93 p.
(El Duende Verde; 98)
ISBN 84-207-7559-2
Siblings - Jealousy
During his holiday in the Pyrenees, Jorge finds playmates among the other families at the guest house. The holiday mood is dampened only by the continuous fighting between two unlike sisters, Ingrid and Gina. Although Ingrid is constantly given special favors by her parents, she likes to humiliate her sister at every opportunity. When Gina is suspected of a „crime", Jorge is able to unmask Ingrid as the guilty intriguer. With a sure feeling for characters, situations, and dialogues, Ribera develops a well-paced and humorous story that convincingly captures the jealous power conflict between the two girls. (10+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1998 - 153
Timossi, Jorge (text)
Quino (illus.)
Cuentecillos y otras alteraciones
(Mini-stories and other disturbances)
Madrid: Ediciones de la Torre, 1997. 78 p.
(Alba y Mayo/Narrativa; 13)
ISBN 84-7960-180-9
Anecdote - Aphorism
The intelligent, subtle texts of this Cuban author - aphorisms, anecdotes and mini-stories - play a juggling game with simple observations and language. Unconventional turns of phrase stimulate the reader to ponder the story and how it could be continued. Much is used to send the reader's thoughts off course, to »disturb« the reader, as the title suggests. Drawings of Felipe, a friend of the famous cartoon-hero Mafalda, accompany the texts. The preface explains that Jorge Timossi continues here a long tradition of Spanish short prose. (14+)

Special Mention - Argentina (Spanish) - 1998 - 161
Andruetto, María Teresa (text)
Stefano
(<Proper name>)
Buenos Aires: Ed. Sudamericana, 1997. 106 p.
(Sudamericana jóven)
ISBN 950-07-1302-0
Italy/Emigration - Argentina/Immigration
At the age of 19 Stefano leaves his home in Italy to emigrate to Argentina. This novel begins with his farewells and describes the sea passage, the first difficult years on a farm and ends when he meets his future wife, Ema. Narrated in the third person, the tale is occasionally interrupted by short passages in which Stefano speaks for himself. In these monologues to Ema, Stefano recapitulates and reflects upon the loosening of his ties to his mother. Her at times wordless, at times bitter reproaches at being left behind in Italy run through the entire story like a red thread. Stefano's story is narrated in a sparce language. And yet, the feelings of lonesomeness, sadness and hope shine clearly through the realistic, seemingly emotionally dry text. It is precisely this reticent tone and the underlying thoughts and emotions that make this novel so touching and memorable. (12+)

Special Mention - Argentina (Spanish) - 1998 - 162
Pescetti, Luis María (text)
O'Kif (illus.)
Caperucita Roja (tal como se la contaron a Jorge)
(Little Red Riding Hood [as told to Jorge])
Buenos Aires: Alfaguara, 1996. 30 p.
(Infantil)
ISBN 950-511-269-6
Little Red Riding Hood/Parody - Storytelling - Reader response
In a simple and intelligent manner this book demonstrates how stories can be understood in a new and different way through the imaginations of the teller and listener. As a father tells his son the story of Little Red Riding Hood the reader of this book sees in the cartoon-bubble illustrations that quite different ideas are going through each one's mind. While the father thinks of tradional fairytale images, the boy - influenced by comics and cartoons - imagines a »modern-day«, actionfilled version. Since only the reader ever notices how their experiences differ, this very original picture book is all the funnier. (6+) ☼

Special Mention - Argentina (Spanish) - 1998 - 163
Roldán, Gustavo (text/illus.)
Cómo reconocer a un monstruo
(How to recognize a monster)
Buenos Aires: AZ Ed., 1997. [28] p.
(Serie del tipito)
ISBN 950-534-453-8
Monster - Identification
A little man with a tall green hat tries to answer the question of how to recognize a monster. Rather timidly Tipito approaches a giant red fabulous creature and discovers armoured plates, hard as steps, ears from which long black hair grows, a mouth as big as an eggplant. After that there is no doubt more: a real monster! The charm of this story lies in the minimalist, seemingly scribbled illustrations. Done in vivid colors, each one shows only an excerpt of the monster, allowing the viewer to replicate the limited, dwarfed perspective of the story's hero. (4+)

Special Mention - Mexico (Spanish) - 1998 - 170
Gedovius, Juan (illus.)
Trucas
(<Proper name>)
México, D.F.: Fondo de Cultura Económica, 1997. [28] p.
(Los especiales de A la orilla del viento)
ISBN 968-16-5410-2
Imagination - Creativity - Oppression
Juan Gedovius' wordless picture book leaves much room for fantasy and choice of interpretation, thus setting in motion what the pictures illustrate: imagination. Creativity that cannot be held back, won't be cut down to size, and always finds a way to be expressed is the focal point here, personified as a bubbly, green, disheveled gnome. He smears color on the walls, is chastised by a »heavenly« hand, then plopped into a bathtub to get clean, threatened by the thick pencil tail of a dragon and singed by its blazing flames. And in spite of it all, he begins to decorate the walls again, this time with his sooty body. Although there seems to be little to see in this very original, attractively illustrated book, it calls for a closer look. Then it is possible to discover the wit and to become curious about what else might be hidden behind these pages. (6+)

Special Mention - Mexico (Spanish) - 1998 - 171
Rojo, Vicente (illus.)
Escenario múltiple
(Multiple stage)
Zapopan, Jalisco: Petra Ed., 1996; Supplement by Hugo Hiriart: Castillos en el aire.. 23 p.
(Arte y lenguaje)
ISBN 968-6445-17-x; 968-29-9587-6
Castle - Palace - Paper theater
Upon opening this folder one finds nine pieces of colored cardboard: round, rectangular, pointed forms, openings and slots. Are they to fold, stand up, look through - a castle, a temple a theater? Portals, merlons? Anything is possible, for this paper scenery gives few instructions; it is merely an invitation to play and experiment to one's heart's desire. An attractive brochure provides additional suggestions about theater and paper theater, about transforming and fabricating, and about abstract pictures and forms. (7+)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1998 - 177
Simard, Benjamin
Ben
(<Proper name>)
Waterloo: Éditions Michel Quintin, 1997. 144 p.
ISBN 2-89435-100-3
Veterinarian - Nature park - Animal preservation - Adventure
Simard and his team work toward wildlife protection and the nature conservation in the forests and on the large lakes of Canada, where they have close contact with bears, wolves, and reindeer. The prerequisite for their adventurous lives is a minute knowledge of nature and a rich store of experience in the wilderness. The narration of such episodes in the lives of the conservationists is thoroughly absorbing. Simard avoids any theorizing and moves entirely within the realm of real events. These give him vast opportunity to inform, to casually instruct and to show nature in her role as the great teacher of mankind. Nature satisfies man's curiosity, grants us fascination and mobilizes our mental, practical and social abilities to reach the level of perfection that marks a mature individual. (12+)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1998 - 178
Tibo, Gilles (text)
Poulin, Stéphane (illus.)
Choupette et son petit papa
(Choupette and her little papa)
Saint-Lambert (Québec): Héritage, 1997. 43 p.
ISBN 2-7625-8465-5
Play - Mother - Authority - Growing up
Papa's standard phrase that he was always tied to his mother's skirts is taken quite literally by his young daughter, who pictures him in absurd, droll situations, smothered in the folds of the imposing skirt of a matronly mother. Having had such a sheltered childhood, Papa now has a lot to catch up on. And he does so to excess, while his daughter stands by and watches, slightly unnerved, but with understanding and affection. The author and illustrator, both renown for their past accomplishments, outbid one another in inventiveness and let Papa enjoy rollicking childlike capers. (6+) ☼

Special Mention - Denmark (Danish) - 1998 - 183
Jensen, Helle Vibeke (text)
Schnack, Asger (illus.)
Hoved & hale. En billedbog om modsætninger
(Head and tail. A picture book about opposites)
København: Høst & Søn, 1997. [28] p.
ISBN 87-14-19430-9
Opposites
The theme of this book is oppositeness - large and small, high and low, few and many, open and closed. But the intention of this outstanding picture book is not a didactic one, but rather to present the beholder with a creative, aesthetic game. The hero, a fish-headed girl, traverses the world of opposites in search of a new playmate. This simple construction gives the artist occasion to create richly contrasting pictures which unite the decorative elements from the turn-of-the-(20th)century - powerful contours - and surrealistic components - especially from Max Ernst and his collages in stimulating new compositions. (6+)

Special Mention - Denmark (Danish) - 1998 - 184
Johansen, Anders
En splint af korset
(A splinter from the cross)
Århus: Modtryk, 1997. 222 p.
ISBN 87-7394-450-5
Children's Crusade <1212>
The first-person narrator, 15-year old Isabel, describes the fate of a group of children in a crusade who end up as slaves in Alexandria. Isabel is only able to survive by escaping. A thrilling and impressive psychological narrative, this is an example of the wide range of historical novels for young adults being written in Scandinavia, which more often deal with the period of the Vikings. (12+)

Special Mention - Denmark (Danish) - 1998 - 185
Rasmussen, Bent (text)
Bourgeat, Lene (illus.)
Den gode dværg
(The good dwarf)
København: Alinea, 1997. 60 p.
(Læs dansk bøgerne/Blå serie)
ISBN 87-23-00237-9
Dwarf
The author is also the editor of this new series for beginning readers and readers with reading problems. The series consists of three levels of difficulty. Following the postulates of reading teachers, the sentences use simple grammatical constructions laid out in short lines. And still the legend-like stories about dwarves are, thanks to the author, readable and exciting. (6+) ☼

Special Mention - Denmark (Danish) - 1998 - 186
Seighali, Morteza (text)
Rød, Signe (illus.)
Lagkage på flugt ( = Kolac u bijegu)
(The cake on the run)
Århus: Husets forlag, 1997. 29 p.
ISBN 87-7483-379-0
Despotism - Resistance
The birthday cake of a king, who has let his country starve in order to gorge himself, runs away and lets itself be eaten up by those who helped to make it. This fable - written here in six languages (Danish, Croatian, Persian, Somalian, Arabic and Turkish) - and accompanied by naive but unerring illustrations, brings the Danish democracy into play for children who have come to Denmark from those countries where dictatorship rules. (6+) ☆

Special Mention - Denmark (Danish) - 1998 - 187
Vebel, Susanne (text)
Edeltoft, Anne Mette (illus.)
Manden og katten
(The man and the cat)
Hillerød: Alma, 1997. 30 p.
ISBN 87-7243-167-9
Love - Cat - Metamorphosis
This ancient fable tells of a man who falls in love with a cat who, even after she has been transformed by Venus into a lovely young girl, is unable to renounce her true nature. The moral of the story still holds today: one should let each individual live according to his or her nature. And a further, rather bitter truth: love alone cannot overcome any barriers. In this first picture book created completely on her own, Anne Edeltoft has refined her typically vigorous contour lines to attain a light touch of caricature, but retains her rather somber palette of colors. (5+)

Special Mention - Denmark (Danish) - 1998 - 188
Winding, Thomas (text/illus.)
Hentze, Peter (illus.)
Emile og naturens orden
(Emile and nature's order of things)
Frederiksberg: Branner og Korch, 1996. [28] p.
ISBN 87-411-5773-7
Order - Imagination
For an African boy whose parents are artists, home is the quintessence of order and Nature that lies beyond it the quintessence of chaos. As a way of explaining that every part of Nature carries its own order within itself, even if not immediately evident, the illustrations which are at first fairly naive are then followed by a series of almost abstract compositions in which the shape of animals is only barely recognizable in the chaos of colors. A cow stung by a bee that ultimately tramples over the mother's jars of paint does indeed bring about a real chaos, the breakdown of order. (6+)

Special Mention - Norway (Norwegian) - 1998 - 197
Nyquist, Arild (text)
Graff, Finn (illus.)
Gullens drøm om en øy
(Sweetie's dream of an island)
Oslo: Aschehoug, 1997. [61] p.
ISBN 82-03-24182-4
Father/Daughter - Sexual abuse
A young girl, who is at the mercy of her father's advances because she gets no support from her weak-willed mother, dreams of being rescued by a dog, a sailor and a bird and finally fleeing from her somber home to live in peace on an island. Both text and illustrations handle this delicate topic neither in a blunt way, nor in awkward or crude manner, as in some other works, but in a poetic, alluding narrative with even more direct insinuations in the illustrations. These pictures make it clear that the father's fixation on his daughter may well be accompanied by an erotic ambivalence. The artist gives expression to this through the surreal scenes in which the very relaxed posture of the daydreaming girl - the composition copies a painting by Balthus - do not portray a suffering child, but a creature with an erotic aura. (12+)

Special Mention - Norway (Norwegian) - 1998 - 198
Sortland, Bjørn (text)
Hiorthøy, Kim (illus.)
Den solbrente mammaen som blei bytta mot ti kamelar
(The sun-burned mother who was traded for ten camels)
Oslo: Aschehoug, 1997. 83 p.
(Lesehesten)
ISBN 82-03-24208-1
Jordan - Vacation - Culture clash
An unplanned vacation in Aqaba, in Jordan, leads to a surprising cultural experience for a Norwegian family when the mother, in good fun, accepts the bride price being offered by a native Jordanian. This is a burlesque novel with a touch of exotic by the now internationally renown author Sortland. It won the publisher's prize as best children's book in 1997. Just as unusual as the story are the binding and illustrations in a strictly linear style, which are a welcome change from the average naturalism of many children's book illustrations. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1998 - 203
Larsson, Mona
August Strindberg. Bilder ur hans liv
(August Strindberg. Pictures from his life)
Stockholm: LL-Förlaget, [1997]. 74 p.
ISBN 91-88180-35-2
Strindberg, August/Biography
In a very simple and factually condensed form, that is nonetheless quite interesting to read, this book presents Strindberg's life, documented with historical photographs, and creates a portrait of his times. This citation is also meant to give recognition to the remarkable publishing program of LL (Lättläst stands for ), which produces books that take their readership seriously. Some titles deal with developmental disorders, autism, aphasia or dyslexia, fighters, reluctant readers or immigrant children. Among LL's specialities are the heavily abridged re-editions of classics such as by de Maupassant, Shelley or Lagerlöf. Photodocumentary stories tell about the vacation of two developmentally retarded young women or about the love relationship of a woman in a wheelchair. The books are exceptionally attractive, well-illustrated, printed on good paper and nicely bound. Also the didactic conceptualization of the information books is excellent, their graphic design of lovely pictures and photographs is clearly arranged, and the text is kept as concise as possible. (12+) ☼

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1998 - 204
Lekander, Nina (text)
Zweigbergk, Helena von (text)
Ahlbom, Jens (illus.)
Pojken och staden
(The boy and the city)
Stockholm: Bonnier Carlsen, 1997. [28] p.
ISBN 91-638-0657-6
City life - Everyday life
Books which depict life in the city are still a relatively rare thing. All the more reason to welcome this picture book in which the daily troubles of city kids and their vexed parents are portrayed in witty, exuberant scenes of life. The city of Stockholm is readily recognizable, but the episodes involving parking violations, busses full of children, dog poop, and grocery shopping can be found in many similar cities. Typically Swedish is, however, the touch of local color, for instance, in the state-run alcohol shop with the advertisement »Buy a little less, be happy in moderation. (6+)

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1998 - 205
Lindgren, Barbro (text)
Höglund, Anna (illus.)
Nu är vi gorillor låssas vi
(Now let's pretend we are gorillas)
Stockholm: Eriksson & Lindgren, 1997. [28] p.
ISBN 91-87805-10-3
Play - Patronization
With their »alternative« picture books for the youngest readers, not those sweetish and ridiculous ones, Scandinavian publishers are still far advanced. This one deals with children at play, deftly illustrated with naive pictures that focus on the essentials of the plot. While adults are always faulted in children's books for being so patronizing to children, here the older child is allowed to get away with playing the »father« to the younger one, much to their mutual delight. (4+)

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1998 - 206
Ollars, Janne (text)
Örtengren, Lisa (illus.)
En onsdag i Karl Grans liv
(A Wednesday in the life of Karl Grans)
Stockholm: BonnierCarlsen, 1996. 95 p.
ISBN 91-638-3296-8
Personality development
Karl Gran, a boy who cannot yet tell the difference between fantasy and reality, brings confusion to the adult world around him with his ideas. The naive tone of the narrative, told from Karl's perspective, is an ironic portrayal of adult fallibility. The traditional style line drawings are skilful caricatures. The author won the publisher's competition with this book in 1995. (8+)

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1998 - 207
Schenkmanis, Ulf (text)
Johansson, Sven-Gösta / Forsberg, Lasse (photos)
Waltmark, Barbro (recipes)
Vanliga bär
(Common berries)
Stockholm: LL-Förlaget, 1997. 72 p.
ISBN 91-88180-90-5
Berries
The brief text gives a minimal explanation of the essential botanical details and other practical information. Very beautiful photographs of the individual berry sorts (including the well-known kinds of currants, wild and cultivated strawberries, and Scandinavian specialities such as blueberries, cranberries and others) make them easily recognizable. Several easy recipes which young adults will not hesitate to try are included at the end of the book. (10+) ☼

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1998 - 208
Toss, Anna (text)
Ahlbom, Jens (illus.)
Jag, mamma och Socka Musen
(I, Mommy, and Sockamouse)
Stockholm: Alfabeta, 1996. 77 p.
ISBN 91-7712-744-7
Mother/Child - Storytelling
A mother tells her young son phantastic stories in which the younger sister always plays a heroic part. The stories are understandable without being laboredly childlike and written with a dry humor that older children will also appreciate. This is an unpretentious read-aloud book with simple but skilfully drawn black-and-white illustrations. (6+)

Special Mention - Sweden (Swedish) - 1998 - 209
Wahl, Mats
De övergivna
(The forsaken)
Stockholm: BonnierCarlsen, 1997. 206 p.
ISBN 91-638-3461-8
Juvenile delinquency
The by now widely-known author could not resist the temptation to write a sequel to »Vinterviken« as the middle volume of a trilogy. But Wahl's narrative skill, his inimitable portraits drawn from the oppressive milieu of social misfits, which he once knew first-hand as a social worker, and his dialogues are so captivating that one gladly gets drawn into his stories. Naturally the focal point is once again the socially marginalized hero, 19-year old John-John, who together with two friends becomes petty thief and runs up against big-time criminals, who force the boys to take part in a kidnapping. (14+)

Special Mention - Poland (Polish) - 1998 - 219
Musierowicz, Małgorzata (text/illus.)
Córka Robrojka
(The Rob-Roy girl)
Łódż: Akapit Press, 1996. 219 p.
(Musierowicz, Małgorzata: Jeżycjady; 11)
ISBN 83-86129-80-8
The first young adult novels by the graphic artist
Małgorzata Musierowicz which she wrote at the end of the 1970s represented Poland's first significant modern novels for teenage girls. In this book, Robert, a distant relation of Walter Scott's novel hero Rob Roy, returns to his home town of Posen (Poznań) together with his daughter Arabella. At one level, the narrative describes the activities of the not especially pretty, but quite dynamic and assertive Arabella and day-to-day life of adolescents in Poland. On another, inserted into the narrative as flashbacks, one learns of the unhappy story of Robert. The individual episodes ultimately fit together like a puzzle to form an overall picture. Musierowicz employs a very vivid language and does not avoid addressing problems or making allusions to current political issues. (12+)

Special Mention - Poland (Polish) - 1998 - 220
Thor, Piotr Robert (arrangement)
Szancer, Jan Marcin (illus.)
Kolędy. Chwała na wysokości a pokój na ziemii
(Christmas songs. Jubilee on high and peace on earth)
Poznań: GMP, 1997. 144 p.
ISBN 83-8511-14-9
Christmas songs
This very beautiful Christmas song book contains both songs from the different regions of Poland and internationally known songs which are widely sung in Poland (in Polish translation). The illustrations, which transplant the Christian motifs and setting to Central Europe and also make use of Polish folk customs, are by the great Polish graphic artist Jan Marcin Szancer (1902-1973). (5+)

Special Mention - Slovakia (Slovak) - 1998 - 224
Plická, Karol (text)
Valíček, Karol (storytelling)
Ševellová, Katarína (illus.)
Zámok na horúcom mori. Slovenské ropzprávky z Rumunska
(The castle at the hot sea. Slovakian tales from Romania)
Martin: Osveta, 1996. 182 p.
ISBN 80-217-0565-5
Romania/Slovakian/Tales
After the Second World War a small Slovakian minority in the Transylvanian Alps returned to the land of their forefathers, where they were discovered by Karol Plická in 1953 during a photography tour of northern Moravia. The tales of this ethnic group that he recorded then remained unpublished until now. Because these Slovakian storytellers had been isolated for nearly 150 years from the rest of their people and the influences of modern civilization, the language and narrative structures that were passed along retained their authenticity. The tales about witches, wizards, fairies, werewolves, talking animals and trees, dragons and golden castles are depicted in especially beautiful illustrations. The watercolors, both full-paged and vignettes, are full of atmosphere and the figures portrayed in a style reminiscent of Amedeo Modigliani. (8+)

Special Mention - Slovakia (Slovak) - 1998 - 225
Sliacky, Ondrej (adapt.)
Končeková-Veselá, L'uba (illus.)
Biblia pre deti a mládež. Čitanie zo Starého zákona
(The Bible for children and young people. Stories from the Old Testament)
Bratislava: D&D Studio, NONA, 1996. 248 p.
ISBN 80-967622-0-6
Children's Bible
This very attractive children's Bible is notable for its excellent text version by Ondrej Sliacky, who has kept close to the traditional Slovakian translation. Modern phrasing has been used cautiously, without endangering the biblical style of expression. Remarkable is also that the editor addresses both Christian and atheist families in his foreword, stressing not only the religious but also the literary, philosophical and cultural significance of the biblical texts, thus orienting them around modern social reality. This volume is beautifully designed with an imitation vellum binding and antique-style gilt edge. Some of the illustrations by the popular Slovak painter L'uba Končeková-Veselá may well be considered masterpieces of art. (8+)

Special Mention - Belgium (Dutch) - 1998 - 227
Dreesen, Jaak (text)
Heymans, Annemie (illus.)
Marieke, Marieke
(<Proper name>)
Averbode: Altiora, 1997. 44 p.
ISBN 90-317-1269-8
Death/Child - Grief
In this magnificent poetic picture book the firstperson narrator is waiting, desparately missing Marieke. He has laid out all kinds of things under the apple tree, waiting for her to come and play. The combination of a melodious rhyming text and grey-tone illustrations evokes an atmosphere of increasing tension. Then, with the arrival of Marieke's mother, it becomes clear that the girl will never come again, though this is not stated explicitly. In spite of the tangible sense of emptiness, the open ending provides some comfort - Marieke is gone but will always be present in another way. (6+)

Special Mention - Belgium (Dutch) - 1998 - 228
Driessen, Iny (text)
Westerduin, Anne (illus.)
Bruine ogen, Blauwe ogen
(Brown eyes, blue eyes)
Hasselt: Clavis, 1997. 43 p.
ISBN 90-6822-487-5
Adoption - Cultural identity
Six-year old Benjamin doesn't share the excitement of his parents and three brothers about the coming of two new sisters and it takes some time for him to accept the new situation. Simone and Erlan, the two sisters from Haiti, must take leave of their mother to join their new well-to-do family in Belgium. From Simone's perspective we learn about their sense of grief and difficulties of adjusting to their new lives. The two narratives in this book give an excellent picture of the experiences of adopted children and their families. It is written with warmth and respect while also providing useful background information. (8+)

Special Mention - Belgium (Dutch) - 1998 - 229
Elias, Bettie (text)
Westerduin, Anne (illus.)
Water van zout
(Bitter tears)
Mechelen: Bakermat, 1997. 108 p.
ISBN 90-5461-133-2
Death/Father - Grandfather - Grief
When their father dies in a car accident, eight-year old Dries and his sister have a very difficult time coping with their grief. In simple short sentences recorded in his diary, Dries is able to work through feelings of disbelief, anger, confusion and guilt. His grandfather is a constant presence and full of understanding. Both he and Dries' sister help him to come to terms with his sorrow. The attractive black-and-white pen drawings render the atmosphere of this sensitive story very well. (8+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1998 - 237
Mileau, Sofie (pseud. of Carry Slee) (text)
Heymans, Margriet (illus.)
De verborgen prins
(The hidden prince)
Houten: Van Holkema & Warendorf, 1997. 36 p.
ISBN 90-269-8923-7
Lesbian - Romance - Eroticism
Inside herself, Lotte hides a second person, a prince who demands to be dressed up in a cape and cap secretly in the attic. One day Lotte's new neighbor, Eva, stands in front of her window, dressed as a princess. Later she persuades Lotte to visit her garden house and begins a ritual which has veiled erotic overtones. Yet Lotte's initiation is not innocent, as Eva turns their relationship into a power struggle, with the naive Lotte in a subservient role. Their fairy tale-like ritual turns malicious when Lotte breaks the barrier between fiction and reality and kisses Eva in the schoolyard. Eva betrays their »lesbian romance« by laughing at Lotte. This is a short story magnificently rendered in a strongly stylized narrative. (11+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1998 - 238
Sluyzer, Betty (text)
Hout, Mies van (illus.)
Dierentuin
(Zoo)
Naarden: Kimio, 1997. 19 p.
ISBN 90-71368-65-3
Zoo - Animals - Grandfather - Human behavior
A black girl and a white boy visit the zoo together with the boy's grandfather. They observe how the behavior and appearances of the different animals resemble those of human beings. In this simple picture book funny sketches consisting of black outlines filled in with fresh colors on the left-hand pages are set off against short rhyming texts and small colored drawings on the right side, in which the two children comment on what they see. The author and illustrator capture the experiences of the children in a very appealing way. (4+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1998 - 243
Krontēra, Lēda (text)
Liapē, Bally (illus.)
Protē gnōrimia me tus Delphus tu Apollōna
(First encounters with the Apollo Temple in Delphi)
Athēna: Ekdotikē Athēnōn, 1996. 142 p.
ISBN 960-213-350-3
Delphi - Greece/Ancient times - Archeology
This is the fourth volume in the series about cultural sites in ancient Greece. It takes the reader to the fascinating landscape and mythology surrounding Delphi and tells, for example, about the religious significance of the competitions held in honor of Apollo. This book tells the history of this holy site from its founding up to the modern day and also offers an excursion into the world of musical instruments. With its rich assortment of visual documentation, this volume stands out as an all-encompassing survey. The excellent selection of illustratory materials, for which the publisher is well-known, is further proof that children's books can be appreciated by all ages. (9+) ☆

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1998 - 244
Pyliōtu, Maria
Tziapher Giasint Alē
(<Proper name>)
Athēna: Patakēs, 1997. 170 p.
(Syllogē kyknoi; 26)
ISBN 960-600-022-2
Cyprus - Friendship - Political conflict
This novel by one of Cyprus' best-known authors depicts the effects of the division of Cyprus on the daily life of the younger generation. The friendship between two young woman is put to the test when one of them gives shelter to a young Turkish man (in fact, Kurdish) and falls in love with him before helping him to flee to Germany. Her girlfriend doubts his claim of having a degree in agriculture because of his interest in poetry and the nature reserves on the island and has to decide whether to betray him (and her friend) to the police. Pyliōtu tells an exciting, suspenseful tale against an authentic background. (12+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1998 - 245
Simopulos, Dionysēs P.
Ho thanatos tōn astrōn
(The death of the stars)
Athēna: Ereunētes, 1997. 102 p.
(Ta mystika tu sympantos)
ISBN 960-368-062-1
Astronomy - Stars
The second volume of the series »Secrets of the universe« by the internationally renown astrophysicist Dionysēs Simopulos describes the origin and death of stars. In the wide selection of color photos and drawings, he presents complicated questions of astronomy such as the significance of mass for the origins and death of stars, what a black hole is, where matter goes when it disappears into a black hole, or what a red giant is, in an easily understandable and humorful manner. (10+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1998 - 246
Skiadaresē, Maria E.
Kōnstantinos Kanarēs
(<Proper name>)
Athēna: Ammos, 1997. 55 p.
ISBN 960-202-156-x
Greece/History 1821 - Sea battle - Fire ship - Kanarēs, Kōnstantinos
This book is an interesting account of an episode in the life of Kōnstantinos Kanarēs, a hero of the Greek revolution against the Turks in 1822, who was highly respected even by his enemies and later became a prudent and moderate politician. At the request of a Russian admiral, he relates in the first person his version of the attack which used burning ships set to explode after being tied to the enemy ships - a retaliatory measure following the massacre of Chios in 1822. The well-researched narrative brings a piece of European history alive and is accompanied by excellent visual graphics from several museums and a short biography of Kanarēs. (8+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1998 - 247
Zacharopulu, Katerina (ed.)
Tsoklēs, Kōstas (illus.)
Ho hagios Geōrgios kai ho pythōnas
(Saint George and the Python)
Athēna: Kastaniotēs, 1996. [32] p.
(Paichnidi me tēn technē)
ISBN 960-03-1749-6
St. George and the Dragon - Python - Art appreciation - Modern art - Tsokl's, KÇstas
The editor of the series »Fun with Art«, herself an artist, endeavors to acquaint younger children with contemporary Greek art. In this volume she offers an appreciative portrait of the internationally known artist Kōstas Tsoklēs. It is not only an activity book, but also an opportunity to let children be creative and interact with modern art in an uninhibited manner. (6+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1999 - 10
Nishida, Toshiya
Ryōte no naka no umi
(The sea in one's hands)
Tokyo: Tokuma shoten, 1997. 200 p.
ISBN 4-19-860673-0
Father/Son - Transvestite - Self-fulfillment - Father image - Tolerance
While his mother is away on a long business trip, Kazumi's father, who had left the family four years earlier after a personal identity crisis, suddenly appears. Kazumi is disgusted to find him living as a woman and using the female form of speech. Against Kazumi's will his father stays and takes over the household work. The more Kazumi learns about the earlier, inner conflicts his father experienced and his conviction that a person must be honest with himself, the more he can understand and accept his transformation. Before Kazumi's mother returns, the father disappears again forever, leaving Kazmi behind with a positive father image and a new perspective on life. This comical novel offers many amusing scenes with substantial dialogues between father and son. A remarkable testimony for self-fulfillment and tolerance toward those who are supposedly different. (15+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1999 - 11
Oka, Shūzō (text)
Tachibana, Naonosuke (illus.)
Boku no jinsen. Shigeru no baai
(My life. The case of Shigeru)
Tokyo: Popular-sha, 1997. 143 p.
(Junia bungakukan ; 29)
ISBN 4-591-05524-8
Handicap - Muscular atrophy - Love - View of life - Self-confidence
Life for twelve-year old Shigeru is extremely limited due to muscular atrophy and outside of his special school he is completely dependent upon the care given by his mother and younger sister. Sometimes he wishes they would devote more time to him, although he realizes they are overburdened ever since their father deserted the family. Desires and feelings of resignation haunt his mind, filling him with self-depreciation. A talk with a teacher and then the realization that his mother loves him in spite of everything help to change his view on life one day, leaving him with more self-confidence. The realistic portrayal of Shigeru's emotional life brings the reader face to face with the life circumstances of a handicapped youth. (11+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1999 - 12
Sekiguchi, Shun (text/illus.)
Hoshizora no hanashi
(Night Sky Watching)
Tokyo: Fukuinkan shoten, 1998. 48 p.
(Kagaku no hon)
ISBN 4-8340-1549-1
Constellation (Star) - Stargazer - Mythology
At sunset two children hurry impatiently to the mountain top where they will be able to gaze at the stars a whole night long with their amateur astronomer grandfather. The magnificent starry sky holds many secrets. Grandfather begins to tell them about the constellations, their movements, mythology and horoscopes. Designed for the young reader's first encounter with astronomy, this information book is easy to follow and entertaining. The night-time hue of blue, especially in the illustrations of mythological figures and in the glowing star map on the reverse side of the foldout bookcover is particularly aesthetic. (8+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1999 - 13
Sueyoshi, Akiko (text)
Komine, Yura (illus.)
Amefuribana saita
(Where the rainflowers bloom)
Tokyo: Kaiseisha, 1998. 278 p.
ISBN 4-03-727070-6
Japan - Goblin - Friendship - Help - Time travel - Love - Self-knowledge
Eleven-year old Yuka makes the acquaintance of the goblin living in a guest house during her holidays in the mountains. Together with him, she finds herself travelling 150 years back in time. There she is an observer of the very difficult lives of a young woman and her daughter, and realizes how precious life is. As a result, she is prepared to deal more seriously with her own life. In Japanese children's literature the goblin known from Japanese traditions is seldom to be found, and thus it is all the more enjoyable to find him »revived« in this suspenseful and mysterious story. (12+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1999 - 14
Tajima, Yukihiko (text/illus.)
Sōbē makkurokenoke
(Sōbē in space)
Tokyo: Doshinsha, 1998. 40 p.
ISBN 4-494-01236-X
Tightrope walker - Moon - Stars - Adventure
The rabbit in the moon asks the earthlings to visit its master, the moon, to cure her illness. Out of curiosity an doctor, a monk from the mountains and the tightrope walker Sōbē follow it. To fulfill their task, the battle with the spira nebula, they get involved in a dispute among the stars, and have a jolly time. The artist, who has won several international prizes, is known for his unique technique of patterns and dyes. This is his third adventure story about Sōbē, which is set in the pre-modern day Japan, and illustrated with dynamic pictures in folk-tale style. Particularly inventive is the portrayal of the moon and the constellations as well as a text consisting only of dialogue. (7+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1999 - 15
Tanikawa, Shuntarō (text)
Nakatsuji, Etsuko (illus./photos)
Yoru no yōchien
(Kindergarten by night)
Tokyo: Fukuinkan shoten, 1998. [40] p.
(Nihon kessaku ehon shirīzu)
ISBN 4-8340-1539-4
Monster - Kindergarten - Nighttime - Imagination - Onomatopoeia
Even the title and cover of this book, with its unusual color contrasts, give cause to suspect that this book will be full of surprises. And indeed it is highly amusing, thanks to the congenial cooperation between author and artist. At nighttime little monsters appear in the kindergarten, only to disappear again at dawn. Scenes of their boisterous activities are paralleled in very brief, onomatopoeical phrases. In fact, the names of these comical figures are matched with astonishing perfection to their movements and action - a delight of melody and word sounds, for listening and looking. The illustrations are based on actual black-and-white photographs of a kindergarten, to which have been added colors and additional details - making a clever contrast to the colorful and naive-style monsters. (3+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 1999 - 16
Tokyo kodomo toshokan (ed.)
Ōkoso, Reiko (illus.)
Namakura Tokku
(Tokku, the lazy girl)
Tokyo: Tokyo kodomo toshokan, 1998. 171 p.
(Aizōban ohanashi no rōsoku ; 2)
ISBN 4-88569-051-X
Modern fairy tale - Children's poetry - Storytelling - Reading aloud
This anthology, in an attractive pocket-sized format, is a compilation of folktales and modern fairy tales as well as poetry from Japan and other countries. These are select tales which the director of the Tokyo Children's Library, Kyoko Matsuola, and her storyteller co-workers have carefully prepared to oral presentations and already put to use with great success. For the first time these stories are being published with black-and-white illustrations in a bibliophile edition, in order to reach a wider audience of children and adults who appreciate the lively style of narration. (8+)

Special Mention - Republic of China (Chinese) - 1999 - 20
Zhou, Hui-zhu (= Chou, Hui-chu) (reteller)
Lin, Hong-yao (= Lin, Hung-yao) (illus.)
Lehunle tou. Meinaodai de Afu
(Silly With Joi. Foolish Ah Fu)
Taibei: Fuguang Chubanshe (Fokuang Publishing), 1995. [33] p.
(Baiyujing Tuhuashu ; 20)
ISBN 957-543-384-X
China - Buddhism - Sutra/Adaptation - Passion - Discipline
The two stories in this picture book have been taken from the Buddhist book of »The Illustrated Sutra of the One Hundred Parables« and retold for children. In the first story a foolish man has cooked a sweet syrup for his guest and tries to cool it off with a fan although the fire is still burning under the pot. The lesson is that a person who cannot tame the fire of his passions, will not find peace and enlightenment. The second story is about a man who prepares fire and water in the evening in order to cook dumplings, only to find the fire extin- guished and the water evaporated the next morning. This teaches that a person who cannot give up worldly pleasures will always be tormented by them. The vivid narrative style relays the spirit of the original text in a clear and simple form. The pictures by the prize-winning illustrator are done with fine contours and gentle colors, which resemble paintings from the Tang Dynasty, making these Buddhist teachings pleasurably accessible. (7+) ☆

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1999 - 30
Toft, Kim Michelle (text/illus.)
Sheather, Allan (text)
One less fish
St. Lucia: University of Queensland, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 0-7022-2947-4 (paperback)
Counting - Fish - Great Barrier Reef - Environmental protection
Using the melodic chant of a counting rhyme which descends from twelve to zero, the authors present a multi-faceted introduction to the dangers facing the ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef, which is the habitat of twelve stunningly beautiful species of fish. The young reader can actively follow the countdown by noting the disappearance of one fish at each number and comparing the nearly identical illustrations on the recto and verso sides of a page. The countdown chant on the recto shows the playful fish confronted with an intruder. In a brief text on the verso, facts about the effects of human behavior on marine life are discreetly presented below the illustration. Along with the informative text, an attractive layout and a glossary of scientific terms on the last page, the book's most stunning feature is the brightly coloured silk-screen paintings of marine life. Taken together, all these features synthesize into a captivating reading experience and will encourage reflection and re-reading. (5+) ☼

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1999 - 31
Weare, Romayne
Malanbarra
Broome: Magabala Books, 1997. 168 p.
ISBN 1-875641-36-X
Australia/History 1900 - Stolen children - Cultural identity - Racial tension
Set in a period of Australian history when children of mixed racial parentage were given up or taken forcibly by white authorities for preferential treatment such as better schooling, this story tells about one family caught between the fronts. Attempting to keep her children but unable to flee with them, a mother sends her son and half-white daughter to hide in the bush. After dangerous adventures, they are finally brought to the ancestral village. A tribal rebellion is barely avoided when authorities try to enforce their policies. The Australian setting and cultural background of the Aboriginal way of life are especially well-drawn. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - Australia (English) - 1999 - 32
Wild, Margaret (text)
Argent, Kerry (illus.)
Miss Lily's fabulous pink feather boa
Ringwood: Viking, 1998. [32] p.
ISBN 0-6700-88004-3
Loneliness - Friendship - Confidence - Quest
In this parable-like tale about individuality and the quest for fellowship, a small Australian creature, that thinks itself to be The Last Potoroo, spends a month at a guest house run by a huge, warm-hearted, merry-making crocodile. Miss Lily's gentle sympathy and tacit understanding of the shy, lonely Potoroo finally inspire it to go off in search of other Potoroos. The exquisite watercolor illustrations beautifully capture the house's ambient and the emotions of the main characters in this strikingly well-designed, oversized picture book. (6+)

Special Mention - New Zealand (English) - 1999 - 37
Lasenby, Jack
Taur
Dunedin: Longacre, 1998. 160 p.
ISBN 1-877-135-18-6
Post-apocalypse - Good/Evil - Love - Death - Grief - Friendship - Survival - Nomad
With the inner strength gained through his years of survival in a post-apocalyptic barren land and the wise teachings of his old companion (Because we were the travellers, 1997), Ish is able to overcome his grief at the murder of his dearest friends and intended wife. He befriends a slave castrated by the cruel leaders of the Salt People and they continue their odyssey in search of a peaceful, settled life while being relentlessly pursued by the enemy tribe and endangered by new enemies. This vivid, engrossing adventure story, told in the first-person, depicts a bleak, danger-filled life where survival is only possible through sheer will-power and belief in the future. (12+)

Special Mention - New Zealand (English) - 1999 - 38
Lay, Graeme
Leaving One-Foot Island
Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1998. 73 p.
ISBN 0-908783-33-7
Family/Separation - Outsider - City life/Rural life - Cook Islands - Island - Diary
Tuaine has grown up in a sheltered, tight-knit family with her grandparents on Aitutaki (One-Foot Island), one of the Cook Islands. Because of her high marks at school, a New Zealander teacher recommends that she go to Auckland to complete her schooling. After two months with her widowed aunt's family, Tuaine begins to record in an excercise book - inspired by Anne Frank's diary - her experiences of being caught between two worlds as she tries to adjust to a new school life and to the stressed family life in a impoverished family in a big, cold city. The story has a naturalness of language and an authenthic ring that gives immediacy to the feeling of being a guest and a stranger in a foreign place. (12+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Philippines (English) - 1999 - 42
Reyes, Severino (text)
Lumbera, Bienvenido (comp.)
Cordero-Fernando, Gilda (transl.)
Gamos, Albert (illus.)
The best of Lola Basyang. Timeless tales for the Filipino family
Manila: Tahanan, 1997. 244 p.
ISBN 971-630-034-4
Philippines/Modern folktales
More than 400 tales were written under the pseudonym of Lola Basyang (a well-known storytelling old matriarch in Manila) by the businessman, folklorist, dramatist and editor Severino Reyes (1861- 1942) and published in the vernacular Tagalog in a weekly magazine, »Liwayway«. Twelve of the best stories appear here for the first time in an English translation, which tries to preserve the richness and the spirit of the original, along with an introduction which explains the special qualities of these narratives and the author's intention to capture the nighttime storytelling ambience. The reader will recognize familiar folktale themes (such as Cinderella and Bearskin) woven into these elaborate, well-structured tales. Albert Gamos received an honorable mention at the 1985 BIB and was a runner-up at the 1992 Noma Concours for Picture Book Illustrations. His richly detailed twotone pictures in decorative frames resemble the elaborate illustrative style of the late 19th century. (8+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1999 - 45
Leapman, Michael
Witnesses to war. Eight true-life stories of Nazi persecution
London: Viking, 1998. 127 p.
ISBN 0-670-87386-1
Germany 1933-1945 - Persecution - Childhood/War - Stolen children - Survival
Along with the story of Anne Frank, the world's best-known story of a childhood destroyed by political persecution and war, this book by an awardwinning British journalist depicts the devastating experiences of seven other children who were born in Germany, France, Czechoslovakia, Poland and England and survived terrible ordeals in World War II. Leapman writes highly readable accounts of their experiences - at once informative and moving - based both on his interviews with them and general background information, which can also provide a well-grounded, sober introduction to the Holocaust. The intention of the book is to speak to the humanity of every (young) reader, preparing them for the sad realization that »war and conflict persist, in Europe and elsewhere, and children are still the innocent victims.« (14+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1999 - 46
MacDonald, Alan (text)
Williamson, Gwyneth (illus.)
Beware of the bears!
London: Magi, 1998. [30] p.
ISBN 1-85430-456-9
Fairy tale - Bear - Visitor - Wolf - Mistake
In this clever continuation of the famous fairy tale about Goldilock's visit to an unattended house, her victims, the three bears, seek revenge. After Little Bear follows her to a house across the forest, Mother Bear and Father Bear join him to ransack the unlocked house. The merrily colored watercolor illustrations of their zany antics - in sets of three, of course - make great visual entertainment. When Goldilocks comes back to retrieve her forgotten teddy bear, they all just barely escape discovery by the house's real - big, bad - owner. The surprise ending may encourage the young story-hour listeners to create further possible sequels. (4+)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1999 - 47
Manning, Mick (text/illus.)
Granström, Brita (text/illus.)
Out there somewhere it's time to...
London: Watts, 1998. [31] p.
(Wonderwise)
ISBN 0-7496-3037-X
World - Time zones
In the cheerful watercolor illustrations of these double-spread scenes of everyday activities in cities or spots around the world, the concept of time is introduced to young readers. They show what different people are doing simultaneously because they live in different time zones of the earth. Each picture is accompanied by short texts in two type faces, a running story narrative and an informative fact about the place. A world map with picture captions and a glossary of helpful words conclude the book. The author-illustrator team won the silver Smarties Award in 1996 for another book in this series. (5+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1999 - 48
Oldham, Mary
Alwena's garden
Llandysul: Pont Books/Gomer Press, 1997. 206 p.
ISBN 1-85902-438-6
Handicap - Shyness - Parental conflict - Romance - Arthritis
A teenage girl lives with her parents in a ruined mansion in a remote area of Wales. She has become too shy to meet new people or go to school, fearing others' reactions to her severely disfiguring rheumatoid arthritis. By chance a young man with dreams of becoming an architect becomes a regular visitor to the house on a school assignment and helps Mary overcome her fears and face family secrets. The author, a school librarian, draws on historical events in a real mansion in Wales to create an authentic Welsh setting. (13+)
(Tir na n-Og, 1998, Shortlist; NASEN Special Educational Needs Children's Book Award, 1998)

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1999 - 49
Onyefulu, Ifeoma (text/photos)
My grandfather is a magician. Work and wisdom in an African village
London: Frances Lincoln, 1998. [28] p.
ISBN 0-7112-1211-2
Nigeria - Family life - Herbal medicine - Grandfather/ Grandson
This picture information book presents a child's view of his family's professions in a village of southeast Nigeria. The boy's first-person narrative is accompanied by attractive photos of adults at work. In his childlike way, the boy ranks the skills of his grandfather, an expert in tribal medicine, above all the other important professions (such as lawyer, baker, or blacksmith) he observes and hopes to continue one day in his grandfather's footsteps. A brief afterword gives scientific details about the herbs presented. This very personal approach to a multidisciplinary topic (family, professions, medicine) represents an interesting way of portraying cultural facts to children. (6+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Great Britain (English) - 1999 - 50
Stannard, Russell (text)
Levers, John (illus.)
Ask Uncle Albert. 100½ tricky science questions answered
London: Faber and Faber, 1998. 197 p.
ISBN 0-571-19436-2
Science - Nature - Curiosity
The author, a former professor specializing in high energy nuclear physics, offers another volume in his highly acclaimed series of question-and-answer books for young readers on scientific subjects. Here one finds 100 questions grouped in 19 categories of subjects ranging from the universe, materials, time, computers to human and animal life. Stannard writes in a conversational style, directly addressing his real-child correspondent, and cites both facts and various scientific opinions as well as giving his own conjectures. He often draws connections between other numbered questions and has added 38 quiz questions to chew on throughout the text. This informational book makes for most entertaining reading. (10+)

Special Mention - Canada (English) - 1999 - 54
Bell, William
Zack
Toronto: Doubleday Canada, 1998. 165 p.
ISBN 0-385-25711-2
Interracial marriage - Search for identity - Grandfather - Prejudice - African slavery
Zack's adolescent discontent with life in his last year at school is compounded by a move from the middle of an exciting big city to a remote rural area. It is gradually assuaged when he takes on a school project that leads to historical detective work involving African freed-slave settlers and also gets romantically involved with a girl. His identity as the son of a black blues singer and a white Jewish historian was never an issue, but his new knowledge about the treatment of the former slaves leads him on a secret odyssey to meet his mother's estranged father in Mississippi. In a taut and plausible plot, the first-person narrator makes decisions that help him to gain maturity and a better understanding of other people. While the family rift is left open in the end, Zack is now ready to face adulthood and pursue academic studies. Much ground is covered in this well-constructed novel, made especially readable by the witty, perceptive narrative tone. (14+)

Special Mention - Canada (English) - 1999 - 55
O'Brien, Lisa (text)
MacEachern, Stephen (illus.)
Lights, Camera, Action. Making movies and TV from the inside out
Toronto: Owl Books/Greey de Pencier, 1998. 64 p.
ISBN 1-895688-75-2
Film-making - Television production
As a creator, writer and producer of TV shows for children as well as an acting teacher, the author brings a well-grounded insider's perspective on a topic which is of great interest in the modern media age. This information book is packed full of facts and vignettes organized into six chapters. The attractive layout of the landscape-sized pages uses a wide variety of visual presentation styles, lively cartoon- like illustrations, and different type fonts to set off the many different capsules of information. Throughout the book terms are explained clearly and quiz questions given which reveal interesting film trivia. (10+)

Special Mention - Canada (English) - 1999 - 56
Raskin, Lawrie (text/photos)
Pearson, Debora (text)
52 days by camel. My Sahara adventure
Toronto: Annick, 1998. 88 p.
ISBN 1-55037-519-9
Sahara - Travel - Adventure
A Toronto man's boyhood fascination with the desert (triggered by a Donald Duck comic and nurtured later by David Lean's film of Lawrence of Arabia) and his unwavering pursuit of his evermore concrete dreams led him to the Sahara. Finding an old road sign »Timbouctou 52 Jours« inspired him to seek out this ancient, mysterious city. Here he documents his journey in exquisite photographs, hand-drawn maps, and a running narrative interspersed with boxed explanations on topics related to the people, language and geography of the desert. The layout design of text and illustrations is pleasantly varied and adds a special dimension to this travel adventure book. (10+) ☆

Special Mention - Canada (English) - 1999 - 57
Matas, Carol
Telling
Toronto: Key Porter, 1998. 120 p.
ISBN 1-55013-933-9
Single mother - Siblings - Growing-up - Peer pressure - Love relations
Three sisters, each very different from the other, ranging in age from thirteen to seventeen have a close relationship, partly due to their divorced mother's long working hours. They have a ritual of sharing their experiences in nighttime truth-only »telling« sessions. As each in turn recounts the events of recent weeks during one summer holiday, issues arise - drinking too much alcohol, going along with a group decision one disagrees with, coping with ego problems of a boy one likes, keeping a gay friend's secret, having sex - that make them grow up and see things better by talking them over. This first-person narrative flows easily and gives much food for thought. (12+)

Special Mention - Canada (English) - 1999 - 58
Withrow, Sarah
Bat summer
Toronto: Douglas & McIntyre, 1998. 174 p.
(A Groundwood Book)
ISBN 0-88899-351-X
Boy/Girl - Child/Death - Friendship - Outsider - Imagination - Bat - Child neglect
When summer holidays arrive and his best friend, Tom, is gone to camp, Terrence finds himself drawn to Lucy, a strange girl his age who hangs around the same city park and thinks she is a bat. Not only does he begin to understand and enjoy her make-believe world, he also gets caught up in the crisis triggered in part by her family's chaotic and neglectful style of life. The situation escalates when she hides for days in a cave and he is torn between feelings of loyalty and concern for her wellbeing. This first novel is an absorbing read with a child-like (first-person) perspective, sharply observed details, and wide cast of believable characters. (10+)
(Groundwood twentieth anniversary first novel for children contest winner, 1997; Governor General's Literary Award, 1998, Shortlist)

Special Mention - Canada (English) - 1999 - 59
Wynne-Jones, Tim (text)
Petričič, Dušan (illus.)
On Tumbledown Hill
Red Deer: Red Deer College Press, 1998. [32] p.
(Northern lights books for children)
ISBN 0-88995-186-1
Monsters - Hide-and-seek
The theme is monsters (or else »painting-on-awindy- afternoon-amidst-chaos«). The literary form consists of sentences, each having one word less than the previous one. The eye-catching graphic format is made up of six rows of black block-letter words, one word to a square, which progressively disappear to reveal more of the underlying illustrations. The zany scenes of events on Tumbledown Hill are done in pastel watercolors, the whimsical narrative has a melodic, lyrical flow. At the end of the day the protagonist's painting and the story converge at a question which every young viewer will delight in answering. This two-layered anecdotal tale is a congenial collaboration between an esteemed writer and a talented artist who began his artistic career in Yugoslavia. The book is highly suitable for reading aloud and intensive looking over and over again. (4+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 1999 - 69
Wells, Rosemary
Yoko
(<Proper name>)
New York: Hyperion, 1998. [32] p.
ISBN 0-7868-0395-9
School - Ethnicity - Sushi - Rejection - Curiosity - Friendship
In this charming animal fantasy Yoko is a Japanese girlcat who attends first-grade at a multi-cultural school. When Yoko unpacks her Sushi at snack-time, her fellow classmates join together in a chorus of teasing. Inspite of the teacher's intermediary efforts, only one child is finally tempted to try Sushi (and loves it) at their International Food Day. Wells relates a common childhood experience - differentness and rejection - based on experiences of her own and of her daughter as young school children. She chose to make Yoko an animal because she finds they »are better than humans in conveying certain ideas and feelings«, and a cat to reflect her quiet, sweet nature and emerging independence. True to her intent, as stated in the journal »Book Links« (September 1998), Wells superbly succeeds in expressing the »emotional connection« between her characters in carefully colored, precisely composed picture portraits. (4+) ☆

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1999 - 72
Janisch, Heinz (text)
Kállay, Dušan (illus.)
Die kleine Marie und der große Bär
(Little Marie and the big bear)
Wien: Betz, 1997. [24] p.
ISBN 3-219-10693-5
Bicycle - Accident - Unconsciousness - Fabled animal
Marie has had an accident while riding her bike, but the reader learns this only at the end of the text. At first she dreams, while still unconscious, that her big Teddybear wants to dance with her. As she twirls and dances she sees many other familiar and unfamiliar fabled animals and even herself, though much older and wearing glasses. At least she becomes dizzy and falls into a deep sleep. When she awakens, she is surprised to find her parents standing at her bedside next to people in white overcoats. In these dream and phantasy scenes Dušan Kállay has taken a theme that no other artist could capture better. Earthy tones, bizarre shapes and figures, in all sizes and crowded together, take the reader-viewer along to a world of fantasy. (6+)

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1999 - 73
Klement, Robert
Sieben Tage im Februar
(Seven days in February)
Wien: Jungbrunnen, 1998. 141 p.
ISBN 3-7026-5698-7
Burgenland (Austria) - Bomb attack - Father/Death - Roma - Ostracism - Racism
In the Austrian province Burgenland four men from the Roma settlement at the edge of town are killed in a bomb attack. Josef's father is one of them. Why? A well-respected, inconspicuous elderly gentleman considers this settlement a thorn in the side. All of his negative emotions intensify into an obsession. He wants to destroy these idle vagabonds. He manages to build a bomb without anyone taking notice. The plot of this story is based on an actual occurence which received media coverage. The author succeeds in depicting the gulf that can develop between people which cannot be bridged by even the best of intentions and good will. (14+) ☆

Special Mention - Austria (German) - 1999 - 74
Konsek, Dieter (text/illus.)
Vincent und das Farbenwunder
(Vincent and the miracle of color)
Wien: Picus, 1998. [28] p.
ISBN 3-85452-816-7
Magician - Colors - Music
Long ago, when the world was still grey and colorless and music had not yet been invented, the magicians held a gala party once a year. Each presented what he could do best. Only little Vincent had nothing to show off. Then one day he noticed that when he blew into his reed pipe, the world was bathed in a rainbow of colors. Soon he convinced the singing birds to help him with his presentation. And hence he discovered the most valuable magic trick of all. The artist renders his story in archaic shapes and earthy tones. (5+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1999 - 92
Johansen, Hanna (text)
Berner, Rotraut Susanne (illus.)
Bist du schon wach?
(Are you awake?)
München: Hanser, 1998. 23, [9] p.
ISBN 3-446-19323-5
Waking up - Grandmother - Questions - Reading aloud
Dodo is the first in her family to wake up. It's Sunday. She doesn't know what to do first. Quietly she goes to her parents and asks each of them »Are you awake?« No, they answer softly. Too bad. But Grandmother says, »Yes. I never sleep.« She reads Dodo a story about a little girl who wakes up early one morning. In this story it is the mother who asks »Are you still sleeping?« »Yes,« answers Dodo. »Why do you ask? I know! Because you like to ask questions. « This is a game with language and talking, bound up in a story that imaginatively interweaves the worlds of experience and of telling, thus offering many subjects for further questions. As in a doll house, the attentive reader sees all the protagonists talking and interacting with one another at the same time. (6+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1999 - 93
Könnecke, Ole (text/illus.)
Elvis und der Mann mit dem roten Mantel
(Elvis and the man in the red coat)
Hamburg: Carlsen, 1998. [32] p.
ISBN 3551-55158-8
Santa Claus - Accident - Gift-giving
Santa Claus has an accident with his reindeer-drawn sleigh on Christmas Day. He has to seek help from crazy Elvis in order to »get to work«, as he mysteriously says. His request is fulfilled, but Elvis has no idea whom he has helped. In all his hurrying around, he neither looked nor listened to the sleigh-driver. Only Elvis's grandfather vaguely remembers, who the man in the red suit must be, but he forgets again right away. The irony and humor of this story create a very special Christmas spirit, in good part with the help of the comic-like characters in the illustrations. (6+) ☼

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1999 - 94
Köster, Magdalena (ed.)
Härtel, Susanne (ed.)
Sei mutig und hab Spaß dabei. Acht Künstlerinnen und ihre Lebensgeschichte
(Be courageous and have fun. Eight women artists and their biographies)
Weinheim: Beltz & Gelberg, 1998. 307 p.
ISBN 3-407-80849-6
Artist - Biography - Anthology
Eight women artists are presented here in short but well-founded and thoroughly researched biographies. Their professions range from acting, dance, painting and architecture to fashion design, literature and photography. The appearance of an anthology only of women's biographies implies that the achievements of women in male-dominated professions still need to be accorded special attention in order to gain wider acquaintance among the general public. And this is done in a concentrated and vigorous style. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1999 - 95
Mebs, Gudrun (text)
Marcks, Marie (illus.)
Ohne Suse ist das nix! Geschichten von Opa Hans und Suse
(It's no fun without Suzy! Stories about Grandpa Hans and Suzy)
Hamburg: Carlsen, 1998. 83 p.
(Inhauser)
ISBN 3-551-59801-0
Young girl/Old man - Assistance - Everyday life
Suzy doesn't have a grandfather and her mother is away from home all day. So she adopts Hans, a man in her neighborhood, as her grandfather. First they have to clean up his apartment, and then they can start fooling around. Suzy is happy, and so is Grandpa Hans. Often a not-so-good day turns out to be quite a nice one with Suzy's help. The author convincingly depicts the pleasures of a relationship between young and old made possible by mutual affection. The caricaturist Marcks does a superb job of showing this visually. (6+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1999 - 96
Meißner-Johannknecht, Doris (text)
Ellermann, Heike (illus.)
Die Puppe Bella oder bloß keine Schwester!
(Bella the Doll, or anything is better than a sister!)
Oldenburg: Lappan, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 3-89082-183-9
Jealousy - Siblings
Perhaps there is a way to get rid of Baby Inga? Perhaps one could ruin her pleasure in the new doll? But perhaps she gets lots one day in the woods and everyone is afraid she is lost forever? And surely one can protect her one day from big bullies. The author understands how to depict the agonies of sisterly jealousy until in the end an opportunity for surprising affection opens up. The pictures adopt different styles and perspectives to represent the continuing stages of development from hated baby to accepted little sister. (7+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1999 - 97
Orlev, Uri (text)
Gleich, Jacky (illus.)
Pressler, Mirjam (transl.)
Der haarige Dienstag
(Hairy Tuesday)
Weinheim: Beltz & Gelberg, 1998. [32] p.
ISBN 3-407-79213-6
Hair care - Resistance - Hair cut - Compromise
Tuesday is hair-washing day, the cause of deepest agony for three-year old Michael. His loud protests move the whole family to pity - even Mother. Michael's sister, Daniela, finds a solution: no hair - no hair washing. Michael only needs to get rid of his hair. With a shock he imagines his future hairlessness and comes to a decision. He chooses the lesser of two evils: crying rather than being shorn bald. A thoroughly realistic story about the helpless desperation of a young, patronized minority told with wit and irony, illustrated from the perspective of childlike chaos. (4+) ☼

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1999 - 98
Prinz, Alois
Beruf Philosophin oder die Liebe zur Welt. Die Lebensgeschichte der Hannah Arendt
(Profession : philosopher or: For love of the world. The life of Hannah Arendt)
Weinheim: Beltz & Gelberg, 1998. 326 p., [8] p.
ISBN 3-407-80853-4
Arendt, Hannah/Biography
Hannah Arendt earned her doctorate in 1928 under Karl Jaspers but had to flee Nazi Germany in 1933, emigrating first to Paris and then to the U.S.A. Thus she experienced her greatest achievements as a university lecturer and scholarly writer there. She also played an active role in the post-war discussions over the Holocaust, climaxing in an analysis of the role and personality of Adolf Eichmann. She also returned to teach at German universities. The author portrays his subject as a person, a woman and philosopher, all three in active unity. The reader experiences the indivisibility of life and profession. (14+) ☆

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1999 - 99
Richter, Jutta (text)
Janssen, Susanne (illus.)
Der Hund mit dem gelben Herzen oder die Geschichte vom Gegenteil
(The dog with the yellow heart or the story of the opposite)
München: Hanser, 1998. 110 p.
ISBN 3-446-19258-1
Dog - Talking animal - Creation - Home
Dog, homeless, knows how to talk and tells (invents) the story of his life for Lotta and her brother. He tells how he has been to see the inventor G. Ott and admire his pictures, which showed the entire world. And how he then has gone in search of G. Ott's best friend, who had been banished from the garden of paradise. That the garden door is closed when they try to return to G. Ott. In return for his story Dog is given a home with the children and Grandfather Schulte, who strangely enough bears much resemblance to G. Ott. There is considerable meaning to be found in this enjoyable, but quite serious interpretation of the creation story. (8+) ☼

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1999 - 100
Schulz, Hermann (text)
Erlbruch, Wolf (illus.)
Auf dem Strom
(On the river)
Hamburg: Carlsen, 1998. 136 p.
ISBN 3-551-58035-9
Tanzania - Father/Daughter - Boat trip - Healing
A German missionary in Tanzania believes that he can only save the life of his daughter with the help of the white doctor's medicine. And so he undertakes a dangerous journey by boat. Out of necessity, but against his Western-Christian beliefs, he learns to trust the black healers' help. His relationship with and love for his daughter takes on a new shape when she is healed through the help of the Africans. This literary, compelling story is based on a true incident. The author writes about Africa on the basis of his own experiences there, full of respect for the customs and values of the black inhabitants. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1999 - 101
Seidemann, Maria
Big city rap
Würzburg: Arena, 1998. 160 p.
(Arena-Taschenbuch ; 2591 : Arena life)
ISBN 3-401-02591-0
Big City - Youth gang - Foreigner - Violence - Social inequality
Alexander Abel lives with his mother in a high-rise section of a major German city. There is a high potential for social conflict in their neighborhood. With this material the author composes an intricate story and captivates the reader with a narrative style that does not curry to teenage slang. The story does not have the appearance of a »problem book«, but takes instead the genuine perspective of the young first-person narrator. The problems being described can be understood at the experiential level, without resorting to black-and-white descriptions or an evaluative authorial voice. (14+)

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1999 - 102
Steinhöfel, Andreas
Die Mitte der Welt
(The middle of the world)
Hamburg: Carlsen, 1998. 459 p.
ISBN 3-551-58029-4
Twins - Father/Search - Single parent - Promiscuity - Homosexuality - Death
The twins Phil and Dianne live alone with their mother on the margin of society in a small city in Europe. They know nothing about their father and experience the promiscuous life of their young, attractive mother with mixed feelings. Phil is gay; Dianne is lesbian and the great love in her life has been lying in a coma for years after a traffic accident. The author describes their roles in their social situation with great understanding. In this modern »Bildungsroman« all the values of the (petty) bourgeois society are put to question. In the end Phil has come of age. He sets out for America in search of his father. (16+) ☆

Special Mention - Germany (German) - 1999 - 103
Zimen, Erik (text)
Lausche, Katharina (illus.)
Mein Esel. Ein Rotfuchs-Sachbuch
(My donkey. A Rotfuchs information book)
Reinbek: Rowohlt, 1998. 93 p.
(rororo Rotfuchs ; 20899)
ISBN 3-499-20899-7
Donkey - Animals - Pets
In this fascinating mixture of inventive donkey-lore and real experiences with two of his own Sardinian dwarf donkeys, the animal expert Zimen arouses the reader's interest in this ancient breed of pets. The very exact anatomically and psychologically accurate illustrations by Katharina Lausche are ideally suited for a book which will expand the enthusiastic fan group of this loveable grey animal. (8+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1999 - 108
Mühlenweg, Fritz (text)
Berner, Rotraut Susanne (illus.)
Nuni
(<Proper name>)
Lengwil: Libelle, 1997. 142 p.
ISBN 3-909081-83-5
Journey - Homecoming - Imagination - Constellation - Animals
Nuni is kidnapped from her parent's yard. She has to transverse imaginary worlds with names like »Desert Dull« and the dangerous »Forest Evergreen.« She makes exciting new friendships when the animals in the zodiac help her find her way home and the calendar man mixes up the course of time. Naturally Nuni is filled with fear. But in the end she finds her way home. The author packages little rules of life, which are hardly recognizable to children, into the fascinating plot, which takes its course, so to speak, between heaven and earth and essentially represents the maturation of a childlike consciousness. Moreover, the dynamic pictures and lovely layout are a delightful enhancement of this new edition of the classic Nuni story, which was first published in a different format in 1953. (6+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1999 - 109
Schendel, Andreas (text)
Renn, Lola (illus.)
Die Geschichte von Gina und Herrn Seeger
(The story of Gina and Mr. Seeger)
Zürich: Palazzo, 1998. 53 p.
ISBN 3-907588-04-5
Old/Young - Friendship - Play - Death - Comfort
Gina is seven years old and Mr. Seeger's best friend. Mr Seeger is retired and lives with his wife live on the groundfloor of the same house. They love to tumble about together, playing makebelieve lion mother and lion baby. Then one day Mr. Seeger is no longer there. Gina dreams often of their afternoon walks and how she had to rescue him from his musty old books. An unsentimental story about friendship and leaving-taking. (7+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (German) - 1999 - 110
Waechter, Friedrich Karl
Der rote Wolf
(The red wolf)
Zürich: Diogenes, 1998. 58 p.
ISBN 3-257-00848-1
Wolf - Dog - Learning - Death
A young dog is brought up by wolves and learns to hunt and catch his prey just like any wolf. When he is wounded by wolf-hunters, he finds a new home with a young girl. She promises to take him back to the wolves' den, to his friends, when it is time for him to die. But if that were the whole story, it wouldn't be by Waechter. It so happens that this animal's fate takes place at the end of World War Two, when man and animal are on the run, some to the West, others - the wolves - to the East. In moving, lyrical images and text an unusual dog's life passes before the reader's eyes. (8+)

Special Mention - Mali (French) - 1999 - 113
Kulubali, Baabilen (text)
Aaron, Fatinia (illus.)
Diyenkoroba ou Vieux-comme-le-monde
(Diyenkoroba or As old as the world)
Bamako: Donniya, 1997. 26 p.
(Text in French and Bambara)
ISBN 2-911741-07-2
God/Man - Illness - Healing - Ingratitude
Ethical-religion instruction is the purpose of this classical story about God when he travels the earth disquised as a vagabond and receives nothing but ingratitude from the people he heals of their illnesses. The only thankful person he encounters is rewarded with rich blessings. All the others are punished again with their old sufferings. In addition to the text in Bambara and French, citations from the Koran and the Bible are given in an appendix. The illustrations have dignity and brilliancy. The key scenes of the story are set in the foreground while in the background the leisurely rhythm of everyday life continues, women go about their tasks, children play their games. The daily habits, living styles and traditional garb of the Mali culture are made visible inobtrusively. The meticulous, artistic layout underscores the timeless wisdom of this legend. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - Belgium (French) - 1999 - 116
Norac, Carl (text)
Joos, Louis (illus.)
L'espoir Pelican
(Hope Pelican)
Paris/Bruxelles: École des Loisirs, 1998. [36] p.
(Pastel)
ISBN 2-211-04675-4
Africa - Illness - Hope - Magic
A city, a village and the jungle of Africa are the settings for this story, and the stations for the rites of passage which the young heroine must go through. An ambulance has taken the dangerously ill mother off to a clinic, the child remains behind, alone. But she is not helpless. »My hope is bigger than I am,« she says, and sets off to find a way to save her mother. The miracle worker gives her a magical bundle that she must carry to the end of the world. Her path is marked by the messengers of death, the vultures and jackals. But as she reaches the final abyss, a pelican appears as the bird of life. And here the story ends. Joos' illustrations are steeped in magic and conjuring spells. The rich contrasts, created through the very different drawing and painting techniques, has the powerful effect of giving even the more abstract pictures an atmosphere of intensity. (6+) ☆

Special Mention - France (French) - 1999 - 133
Mwankumi, Dominique (text/illus.)
La pêche à la marmite
(The catch of fish with the pot)
Paris: École des Loisirs, 1998. 37 p.
(Archimède)
ISBN 2-211-04458-1
Congo - Fishing - Rural life
Two hundred kilometers from Kinshasa there is a fishing village called Panu. In the rainy period the river is overflowing with fish. Kumi and his friends set out to fish. It is not without danger. Suddenly a crocodile approaches. Fortunately, Kumi is alert enough to scare it off. The luminous power of these illustrations of this true story which capture the lively experiences of Congolese children let the reader know that these are scenes from the childhood of the Congolese painter now living in Brussels. Parallel to the story, the mood of the story is unfolded as the color tones shift the yellow of the hot midday to the shadowy hues of evening and nighttime. The reader is transported into a world of childhood far beyond the routine of school-days and safety-inspected playgrounds. A brief afterword describes the current living conditions of Congolese fishermen and their families. (5+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - France (French) - 1999 - 134
Ottenheimer, Laurence (conception)
Truong, Marcelino (illus.)
Une journée à Hanoi
(One day in Hanoi)
Paris: Hachette Jeunesse, 1997. [34] p.
(Demi page)
ISBN 2-01-291618-X
Hanoi - Family life - Daily routine - Traditions/Modern life
The seven landscape-sized tableaus show a day in the life of the family Tran in bustling Hanoi. The traditional and modern ways of life are intermingled. One observes ceremonies of ancestor worship taking place adjacent to relics from the French colonial period, such Baguette from the bakery or steam engines. The recent past is called to mind by a passer-by crippled during the war. Ricksha drivers, apparently unemployed intellectuals, read while waiting for customers. Illnesses are also in evidence. The extreme closeness of the living quarters is made relative by the unperturbed cheerfulness of the residents. In an appendix there is a photodocumentary afterword. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - France (French) - 1999 - 135
Perez, Serge
La pluie comme elle tombe
(Raindrops keep falling)
Paris: École des Loisirs, 1998. 179 p.
(Médium)
ISBN 2-211-04282-1
Boy/Girl - Holiday camp - Puberty - Communication problems
In alternating inner monologues, a girl and a boy reflect upon their experiences at a holiday camp. Both loners, they hate the way their social activities are strictly organized. Although the girl makes an effort to win the boy as a friend, their monologues never manage to become one dialogue. Each remains the focus of his or her own thoughts. The casual style of teenaged jargon only appears to cover up each one's inability to communicate, and especially the boy's nearly pathological introversion. The compelling literary rendering of each protagonist's inner life involves the reader in the oppressive disasters of unsuccessful encounters in numerous variations. (14+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1999 - 136
Roger, Marie-Sabine (text)
Roca, François (illus.)
A la vie, à la vie...
(To life, to life...)
Paris: Nathan, 1998. 118 p.
(Pleine Lune ; 83 : Roman réaliste)
ISBN 2-09-282231-4
Illness - Pain - Fantasy/Reality - Dying
The young protagonist of this novel knows that he will die soon. The narrative describes his last days from his point of view. Gentle dialogues with his mother and fantasy games with his neighbor, an old sea captain and great storyteller, intermingle with the nightmares of pain, feverish dreams and longings. The illustrations done in black-and-white-and-grey maintain a balance between distorted and realistic drawing, in keeping with the pulse beat of this invalid story, in which the fatal end of the child is experienced as a happy embarkment as ship's mate on the captain's pirate schooner. (10+)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1999 - 137
Sadeler, Joël (text)
Robin, Ségolène (illus.)
L'enfant partagé
(The shared child)
Chaillé-Sous-Les-Ormeaux: Dé bleu, 1998. 47 p.
(Le farfadet bleu)
ISBN 2-84031-073-2
Father/Child - Poetry
On the title page of this poetry collection on the theme of father and child one sees two little houses. They belong to mother and father who live separated. Between the houses there is a narrow foot-bridge. The child is standing there with a heart »between two doors.« The poems speak of the bitterness of a double- life, but also from all-absorbing game, day-dream phantasies and having fun. From his adult point of view, the father sensitively observes the charm and incalculable self-reliant nature of his child. (12+)
(Prix Poésie Jeunesse, 1997)

Special Mention - France (French) - 1999 - 138
Teisson, Janine
Au cinéma Lux
(In Cinema Lux)
Paris: Syros Jeunesse, 1998. 74 p.
ISBN 2-84146-549-7
Cinema - Blindness - First love
The logical explanation for the gentle narrative tone of this novel is found only in the final pages when the reader learns that both protagonists, a young girl and young man, are blind. The unbiased reader encounters them in the cinema - a very unusual place, considering their handicap. As members of a film club, they get emotionally involved week for week, side by side, in each screen story. Shy and with tender deference they become closer friends, their accidental acquaintanceship turns into love. The happy ending is moving and shows an astonishing zest for life that is beyond any form of pity. (13+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1999 - 143
Guarnieri, Paolo (text)
Landmann, Bimba (illus.)
Un bambino di nome Giotto
(A child named Giotto)
Milano: Arka, 1998. [28] p.
(Collana Perle d'arte)
ISBN 88-8072-062-7
Giotto <di Bondone> - Art - Painting
This narrative picture book presents the legendary life of the painter Giotto as an introduction to art. Beginning with Giotto's childhood as a young shepherd and his fortuitous meeting with Cimabue, the outstanding master and innovator in pictorial art of his times, the author entertains the young reader both through the story and informative descriptions of the techniques involved in fresco painting. Full-page plates in warm, earthy tones resembling altar pieces describe not a saint's life but that of the celebrated Romanesque painter. Especially striking is the use of decorative elements that convey the Byzantine influences on Giotto's education and work. (7+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1999 - 144
Lanzotti, Paolo
La parole magiche di Kengi il Pensieroso
(The magic words of Kengi the Pensive)
Casale Monferrato (AL): Piemme Junior, 1998. 302 p.
(Il batello a vapore / Serie rossa / Serie oro; 5)
ISBN 88-384-7705-1
Sumer - Adolescence - School - Learning
Kengi, a thirteen-year old farmer boy in Sumer in ancient Babylonia, has a dream. He wants to learn to write and become a scribe. Through a fortuitous event he is able to enter a school for scribes where he is entrusted to a cruel teacher who thwarts his learning. Kengi finds himself up against several hostile people who oppose his desire to improve his status. This is a well-constructed and fascinating historical novel, rich in adventures, that will stimulate the reader's imagination. Kengi's enthusiasm and longing for knowledge represent adolescent fragility but also perseverance in pursuing one's aspirations. (12+) ☆
(Premio Il Battello a Vapore, 1997)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1999 - 145
Lavatelli, Anna (text)
Vignale, Silvia (illus.)
Alex non ha paura di niente
(Alex is afraid of nothing)
Casale Monferrato (AL): Piemme Junior, 1998. 56 p.
(Il battello a vapore / Serie bianca; 27)
ISBN 88-384-3427-1
Fear - Hospital - Appendectomy - Courage
A timid child, Alex, is filled with panic at the thought of the appendectomy he must undergo. In hospital he makes friends with a younger child who mistakenly thinks him courageous. This gives Alex the strength to overcome his hidden fears. This simple and direct narrative turns children's fears of doctors and hospitals into a story of courage that may also help young readers to face other adversities of life, too. The easyto- read tale in paperback format is enhanced with humorous, dynamic line drawings that reflect the emotions of the protagonist. (5+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1999 - 146
Lucchini, Matilde
Fuggo da tutto
(Total escape)
Milano: Mondadori, 1998. 77 p.
(Shorts ; 12)
ISBN 88-04-44686-2
Adolescence - Runaway - School - Mass media
The two school friends, Marco and Numia, are as different as day and night: he is introverted and chaotic while she is outgoing and resolute, he is white and she is black. But they share the desire to escape from their families. While on a school trip to Florence they spontaneously join forces and decide to runaway. Sure that no one will expect them to stay in Florence, they hide there and follow the dramatic sensationalized reports of their »flight« in the newspapers and on television. Told in a lively, light-handed style, this novel is sure to absorb its readers from the very start. (12+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1999 - 147
Nanetti, Angela (text)
Balbusso, Anna (illus.)
Balbusso, Elena (illus.)
Mio nonno era un ciliegio
(My granddad was a cherry tree)
Trieste: Einaudi Ragazzi, 1998. 144 p.
([Einaudi Ragazzi / Storie e rime] ; 96)
ISBN 88-7926-270-x
Tree - Grandfather/Granddaughter - Death - Love - Life philosophy
A cherry tree named Felice is planted in commemoration of the birth of a girl and grows up with her. The cherry tree is the focus of the narration, the children's playmate, a place of knowledge and adventure, a symbol of life's continuity. But the tale's most important figure is the grandfather, who, with his vitality, sense of freedom, and ability to hear the tree's breathing, is somewhat „crazy". With a light touch, the author is able to deal with topics such as suffering and death, with lyrical emotionality, to convey the belief that »you don't die till someone loves you and till the cherry trees keep on living for you.« The charming illustrations create a harmonious balance between the story's different emotions. (10+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1999 - 148
Nava, Emanuela (text)
Carrer, Chiara (illus.)
Ciliegie e bombe
(Cherries and bombs)
Firenze: Giunti, 1998. 93 p.
([Giunti ragazzi universale / Under 10] ; 31)
ISBN 88-09-21324-6
Yugoslavia/Civil war - Orphan - Diary
Nine-year old Dragan is a war orphan from ex-Yugoslavia living in an orphanage in Italy. During the long months the staff look for a family to adopt him, he records his fears and hopes, his memories and experiences in a diary and makes acquaintance with people who want to help restore peace and quiet to his life. This is an intense, melancholic and moving story, brightened by occasional flashes of irony and fun. The illustrator's witty and sensitive style conveys the universal child's fears and emotions with warmth and humor. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1999 - 149
Nava, Emanuela (text)
Carrer, Chiara (illus.)
La mummia che fuggì dal museo
(The mummy who escaped from the museum)
Firenze: Salani, 1998. 124 p.
(Gl'istrici ; 130)
ISBN 88-7782-720-3
Mummy - Adventure - Love
After spending thousands of years in a sarcophagus, a pharaoh's wife - now a mummy - tires of her lazy existence in a museum and decides to escape. Finding refuge in southern Italy with an old nurse who rears crocodiles - the symbol of fertility - in her garden pond, the mummy discovers love and turns into a fascinating and radiant woman with sex appeal. All efforts by the police and public health officers to make her leave are in vain. She even finds help from the statuettes of her Egyptian servants buried with her. Throughout the colorful story the reader is given a humorous interpretation of Egyptian culture, which is also presented in comic style illustrations. (9+) ☆

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1999 - 150
Pitzorno, Bianca (text/illus.)
La voce segreta
(The secret voice)
Milano: Mondadori, 1998. 188 p.
(Contemporanea)
ISBN 88-04-45621-3
Infant - Magic - School - Growing up
Though not yet old enough to go to school, Cora is considered old enough to look after her new-born twin brothers. Most of her free-time is spent playing with the neighborhood children, learning irreverent games, nonsense rhymes and »metropolitan spells«. With one of these magic formulas, she makes a pair of wings sprout on one of the babies' backs. And this gets Cora into trouble because her winged brother does not behave like an angel. In her well-practiced style, Pitzorno depicts the world of children through Cora's naive, but at the same time sharp and critical eyes. (10+)

Special Mention - Italy (Italian) - 1999 - 151
Vivarelli, Anna (text)
Toesca, Maria (illus.)
Storie per gioco
(Tales to play)
Roma: Nuove Ed. Romane, 1998. 90 p.
(Nuova biblioteca dei ragazzi; 26: Narrativa)
ISBN 88-85990-56-8
Play - Child/Adult
This collection of short stories was inspired by ten traditional children's games such as »snakes and ladders «. Playing games is the common theme that leads the readers to rediscover the simplicity of childhood and the importance of human relationships in today's high-tech society where a child may sit alone in front of a television or computer screen. The light and clear manner of writing emphasizes how easy it is to find enjoyment in playing games and will appeal to both children and adults. The unpretentious sketches highlight key episodes in each story. (6+)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1999 - 157
Peña Muñoz, Manuel
Mágico Sur
(Magical South)
Madrid: Ed. SM, 1998. 175 p.
(Gran Angular ; 177)
ISBN 84-348-6178-x
Chile 1940s - First love - Farewell - Memories - Returning - Homeland
Fourteen-year old Víctor Manuel travels at the end of the 1940s with his mother from Valparaíso to the tiny village Maillines in the southern part of Chile. His mother has been asked to deliver an ominous-looking blue packet from Spain to a long-lost man whom she was once in love with, during their youthful years in Spain. Maillines is a slumbering, secluded place, a world of its own that follows its own slow rhythm of life and time. In this „magical" place, which signifies the final destination of a journey to the past for the mother, and the beginning of the boy's passage into adulthood, the life stories of quite dissimilar persons are interwoven for a few days. Maillines becomes the symbol for homeland, meeting and parting, hoping and waiting. Writing in a calm, compact and atmospheric language, the author (born in 1951 in Valparaíso) helps the reader to appreciate the poesie of the moment and the moods (e.g., intense anticipation, sadness, melancholy) of the novel's figures. (12+)
(Premio Gran Angular, 1998)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1999 - 158
Piérola, Mabel (text/illus.)
No sé
(I don't know)
Madrid: Ed. SM, 1998. 30 p.
(Los piratas)
ISBN 84-348-6289-1
Naivity - Curiosity - Philosophy of life
Children are hungry for knowledge, they observe our world with their own eyes and are interested both in the big questions and the little details of life. Why don't we walk on four legs? Why do I get goosebumps? Or even: where was I before I was born? On each double-spread of this picture book one such question is posed. Each question stands alone, but together they give an entertaining and profound insight into the way children think. Mabel Piérola has created her dynamic, sparingly colored illustrations using mixed media on torn greyish brown and white paper, completely from the children's perspective. (4+)
(Premio Internacional de Ilustración de la Fundación Santa María, 1997)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1999 - 159
Plaza, José María (text)
Gallego, José María (illus.)
El paranguaricutirimicuaro que no sabía quién era
(The paranguaricutirimicuaro who didn't know who he was)
Madrid: Espasa, 1998. 131 p.
(Espasa juvenil ; 55)
ISBN 84-239-9027-3
Animals - Difference - Search for identity
A curious, adventurous little animal sets out alone, leaving parents and familiar territory behind it, in order to discover the world. On its random course it encounters a wide variety of animals who all make fun of the naive stranger. For the frog its eyes are too big, for the snake, its legs too long, for the ant it is much too large. And on top of that they all want to know: who are you? This becomes clear in the end: a paranguaricutirimicuaro - although this name gives rise to even more questions. The diversity of the animal world and the search for one's own identity are the themes of this amusing and accessible story. (7+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1999 - 160
Prada Samper, José Manuel de (reteller)
Filella, Luis (illus.)
Las mil caras del Diablo. Cuentos, leyendas y tradiciones
(The thousand faces of the devil. Folktales, legends and traditions)
Barcelona: Ed. Juventud, 1998. 246 p.
(Colección cuentos universales)
ISBN 84-261-3072-0
Devil/Folktale/Legend
The folktales and legends in this extensive anthology all deal with the figure of the devil. José M. de Prada has done a meticulous job of researching and re-telling the traditional tales from many countries and cultures. The result is an interesting mixture, that enables a multi-faceted view at a well-known, many-sided character. Using a thematic approach - such as the origins of the devil or the classical motif of the devil's pact - the author offers interesting connections. Initial vignettes, black-and-white and some color illustrations, as well as an extensive list of sources and secondary literature round out this exemplary book. (10+) ☆

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1999 - 161
Ramírez Lozano, José A.
El cuerno de Maltea
(Maltea's horn)
Madrid: Alfaguara, 1997. 102 p.
ISBN 84-204-4473-1
Goat - Superstition - Large city - Rural life
When is sister and brother-in-law move to Sevilla, Lulino has no choice but to accompany them. The crass adjustments from provincial life in the country to life in the big city are further exacerbated by the fact that the boy had insisted on bringing his goat Maltea with them. Maltea gets loose and causes various upsets, is taken for an incarnation of the devil and in the end must play with its life on account of human superstition and of being alien and intolerably disruptive to city life. Told from Lulino's naive, at times almost picaresque point of view, this is a colorful, humorous story with a sense for situational comic. (10+)
(Premio Literario Jaén, 1997)

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1999 - 162
Sierra i Fabra, Jordi
Un hombre con un tenedor en una tierra de sopas
(A man with a fork in an earth of spoons)
Madrid: Bruño, 1998. 171 p.
(Paralelo Cero ; 22)
ISBN 84-216-3194-2
Chiapas (Mexico) - Aborigines - Oppression - Social Conflict - Photographer - Suicide
The younger brother of a Spanish photographer wants to find out why his brother chose to commit suicide, even though he had received an important prize for the publication of a photo of a massacre in the Mexican state of Chiapas only a short time before. The question leads him to the center of the conflict, the jungle of Lacandona. This suspenseful, ficticious story by one of today's most widely read young adult writers in Spain is based on the real suicide case of a photojournalist. The book not only sheds light on the background of this socio-political conflict but also shows clearly the implications of journalism. (12+) ☆

Special Mention - Spain (Spanish) - 1999 - 163
Ventura, Enrique
Estricnina con yogur
(Strichnine with yoghurt)
Madrid: Anaya, 1997. 129 p.
(Espacio abierto ; 51)
ISBN 84-207-7563-0
Holiday camp
Verónica only wants nothing more than to spend a romantic weekend with her boyfriend at a holiday camp for highly gifted teenagers (though she finds the camp itself terribly boring). What happens in the time between her arrival and that of her boyfriend can hardly be summarized in this short space because this fastpaced narrative is so absurd and grotesque. In less than 24 hours Verónica runs into five Doberman dogs with psychopath looking faces, is nearly killed by a catapult, and much more. All in all a rather unspectacular story but it provokes laughter again and again. The author has a masterful way with words and a conspicuous talent for unconventional, spontaneous, and imaginative ideas. (13+)

Special Mention - Switzerland (French) - 1999 - 166
Martingay, Claude (text)
Cardinaux, Xavier (illus.)
La rivière
(The river)
Genève: Joie de Lire, 1998. 22 p.
(Dialogues avec grand-père)
ISBN 2-88258-112-2
Grandfather/Grandchild - Love - Imagination
Grandfather is sitting in his chair. His little grandchild insists, »Teach me how to fish!« »First you must sit still for a long time next to the river until it begins to talk to you,« the grandfather answers, because it will then be possible for the young child to tell about his river, the words becoming like living fish that the grandfather can catch and eat. This short, gentle intercourse is accompanied by illustrations in shining gold-tone reflections of light and color, as segments taken from the several meters high abstract triptych by the Genevan painter Xavier Cardinaux. They encompass the patterns in both the carpet and grandfather's chair in the room, interwoven with the changes tones of a sun-flooded river. It awakens the association with the dreamy look of a child with half-closed eyes, drifting off into a fantasy world. (5+)

Special Mention - Argentina (Spanish) - 1999 - 168
Wolf, Ema (text)
Sanzol, Jorge (illus.)
Pollos de campo
(Country chickens)
Buenos Aires: Alfaguara, 1997. 150 p.
(Infantil - juvenil)
ISBN 950-511-290-4
Circus - Circus artists - Odyssey (Journey)
Big Rita, Lithe Mimí, the Magician Jesús and the Bear (who, one never knows, is perhaps human after all) are in a terrible quandary. The other members of their circus troupe have moved on to the next engagement without them. That wouldn't be much of a problem if only one of the four could only remember where it is. When the 13-year old circus acrobat Pedro suddenly turns up in their rickety old circus wagon, they begin an adventure-filled odyssey through the Argentine province searching for their colleagues and Pedro's missing brothers. In the course of their travels, during which they earn their keep with impromptu performances, the five highly individualistic characters encounter a large number of no less unique people. Ema Wolf's story burst full of amusing ideas and scenes. As already proven in previous children's books, her sense for absurd and screwy situations and rich imagery are successfully united here in this highly entertaining book. (12+)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1999 - 185
Pelletier, Maryse
La musique des choses
(The music of things)
Montréal (Québec): Courte Échelle, 1998. 150 p.
(Roman+ ; 52)
ISBN 2-89021-319-6
Puberty - Musical talent - Self-discovery
A sixteen-year old boy, son of highly respected professional musicians and himself musically talented, is caught up in a crisis of identity. Searching to find his own way in life, he begins to doubt his artistic talent. The unexpected encounter with his previously unknown grandparents helps to correct the image of his deceased father that had been conveyed by his mother. He learns to enjoy the company of his peers and appreciate their points of difference. Growing in maturity, he recognizes that his talent lies in music. The sensitively constructed psychological perspective of a young man's problems conveys to its readers an insight into the at once precarious and protective interconnectedness of human relationships within a community. (13+)

Special Mention - Canada (French) - 1999 - 186
Simard, Rémy (text)
Pratt, Pierre (illus.)
Monsieur Ilétaitunefois
(Mr. Onceuponatime)
North York, Ont.: Annick Press, 1998. [26] p.
ISBN 1-55037-545-8
Storytelling
The many storytellers in the town are quite annoyed with the little man who calls himself »Mr. Onceuponatime «. As soon as the magical introductory phrase used by every storyteller is spoken, he suddenly appears and announces, »You called me!« To preserve the peace, they lock him up and then finally rebaptise him with the name »The End.« From now he appears, politely donning his hat, at the end of every story. And so it is possible to keep this little man, the amusingly grotesque personification of storytelling, under control. This tall-tale from a pre-television age is illustrated in the style of colorful woodcuts with black outlines. (6+)

Special Mention - Finland (Finnish) - 1999 - 194
Kouros, Alexis (text)
Reichstein, Alexander (illus.)
Gondwanan lapset
(Gondwana's children)
Helsinki: Lasten Keskus, 1997. 120 p.
ISBN 951-627-157-X
Search for identity - Personality development
Alexsis Kouros, an Iranian living in Finland, won the premier children's literature prize »Finlandia Junior« in 1997 for this title. The story tells about a little penguin who by chance is born in an albatross' nest. Of course he wants to learn to fly like the others. Pursuing one of the classic themes of children's literature, »Who am I? Where do I come from?«, Kouros explores the question of identity and foreignness and shows that there are different ways to see the problem. Alexander Reichstein's mixed media photos give his own interpretation of the story. It can be the bedrock which gives safety, carrying both the past and the future, but also opens up the possibility for a new life. (10+)

Special Mention - Finland (French) - 1999 - 195
Laulajainen, Leena (text)
Hakkarainen, Anna-Liisa (illus.)
Kultamarja ja metsän salaisuudet
(Kultamarja and the secrets of the forest)
Helsinki: Tammi, 1998. 32 p.
ISBN 951-31-1242-X
Boy/Girl - Coldness - Adventure - Friendship
This mythical fantasy book won the »Finlandia Junior« prize in 1998. It is a fascinating modern fairy tale of friendship between Kultamarja and Reidar, who try to save their village from coldness of the blue horse. This story is based on Finnish motifs of forest, darkness and coldness. The illustrator Hakkarainen tells her story in naive pictures which are colorful, bright and full of secrets. (7+)

Special Mention - Finland (Finnish) - 1999 - 196
Levanto, Marjatta (text)
Vuori, Julia (illus.)
Nykytaide suurin piirtein
(All about modern art, sort of)
Helsinki: Otava, 1998. 80 p.
ISBN 951-1-15005-7
Modern art
This information book introduces the young reader to modern art through a chronological overview of the most important periods and major works of the modern art. The author and illustrator describe how an artist approaches, among other things, a human being, the world, harmony, dreams, thoughts, the past and memories. Their personal voices and well-chosen examples form an interesting dialogue on art. The illustrator Julia Vuori also contributes to the dialogue in a humorous way with her own fantastic animal illustrations. (10+)

Special Mention - Finland (French) - 1999 - 197
Majaluoma, Markus (text/illus.)
Olavi ja Aapo. Merten urhot
(Olavi and Aapo. Heroes of the sea)
Helsinki: Tammi, 1998. 28 p.
ISBN 951-31-1312-4
Ocean - Dream - Ship travel - Adventure
Markus Majaluoma is an original Finnish illustrator who tells fantasy stories about two small boys in this new picture book series. Their exciting journey through the ocean starts when the boys fall asleep. Majaluoma uses a light and harmonious palette of colors. His illustrations are expressive and slightly grotesque, but also let the child reader feel that he is being taken care of. (4+)

Special Mention - Finland (French) - 1999 - 198
Nopola, Sinikka (text)
Nopola, Tiina (text)
Toivonen, Sami (illus.)
Havukainen, Aino (illus.)
Risto Räppääjä ja kauhea makkara
(Risto Räppääjä and the horrifying sausage)
Helsinki: Tammi, 1998. 96 p.
ISBN 951-31-1145-8
Aunt/Nephew - Adventure - Parody
The sisters Sinikka and Tiina Nopola are wellknown Finnish children's fiction writers. Their stories are often parodies on adults and their everyday life. Risto Räppääjä is the hero of this new fiction series. In this second fantastic story, their search for a green pepper sausage leads Risto and his aunt on a great adventure to Budapest. Their journey is filled with absurd and comical happenings. Modern style illustrations interpret the text in an ironical spirit with an emotional touch and would lend themselves well to animation. (6+)

Special Mention - Finland (French) - 1999 - 199
Väyrynen, Taru
Väyrynen, Tarmo
Karri ja öiset valot
(Karri and the night lights)
Helsinki: Tammi, 1998. 137 p.
ISBN 951-31-1322-1
Boy/Girl - Friendship - Divorce - Single father - Narcotics - Tolerance
This young adult novel is one of a new detective series. Karri is a teenage boy who has just moved from the country to a large city after his parent's divorce. Karri meets a girl, Kirsikka, who often avoids going home to her alcoholic parents. Karri, sensitive and caring, takes an interest in Kirsikka and they become best friends. The suspenseful plot finds a happy end when Karri and Kirsikka help to expose a drug dealers' ring in their neighborhood. (12+)

Special Mention - Norway (Norwegian) - 1999 - 205
Sandemosse, Iben (text/illus.)
Hva med meg, da?
(What about me?)
Oslo: J. W. Cappelens Forlag, 1998. [32] p.
ISBN 82-02-17916-5
Falling in love - Insecurity
The self-doubts of a young boy in love could hardly be portrayed more concisely than the artist does in these few pictures. By using a make-believe animal as protagonist instead of a human figure, with all its limitations, she turns the eternal problem of successful flirting into a universal one. The boys dissatisfaction with his looks and his helpless attempts to elicit attention by changing his appearance are depicted in impressively uncompromising and quite witty pictures set against a white background. Only when he offers his heart (a touching, old-fashioned figure of speech that still holds true) does he find his love reciprocated. It is high time that the books by this original illustrator become known outside of Norway! (10+) ☼

Special Mention - Norway (Norwegian) - 1999 - 206
Svalheim, Peter (text)
Moursund, Gry (illus.)
Himmelkua
(The heavenly cow Kua)
Oslo: J. W. Cappelens Forlag, 1998. [40] p.
ISBN 82-02-17896-7
Cow - Friendship - Sun - Wish - Horse - Transformation
Kua the cow can no longer bear staying in the barn all winter because she misses her friend, the sun, so much. So she moves into the horse stables. There she is advised to quit dreaming and make her dream come true. So the next day Kua rides off with the horse-loving young girl Ingunn and flies toward the sun. And when her overflowing udder gives painful reminder of her true cow nature, she lets her milk rain down upon earth, directly into people's mouths and jugs. Then Kua is content to return to the other cows, who are now grazing in the meadows. This idyllic story is told in quite non-idyllic, bizarrely comical pictures whose strong colors and distorted shapes cleverly draw on upon stylistic elements of modern painting. (7+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1999 - 230
Kuyper, Sjoerd (text)
Haeringen, Annemarie van (illus.)
Malmok
(<Proper name>)
Amsterdam: Leopold, 1998. 28 p.
ISBN 90-258-3789-1
Pelican - Secret - Lost child
Everybody asks Malmok the pelican about the storm, but he keeps his beak closed. Even when they try to get Malmok talking by offering him all kinds of delicious things. Finally, when a women comes to the pelicans, looking for her son who is lost in the storm, he reluctantly opens his beak and the little boy that Malmok had picked up during the storm can be returned to his mother. In this touching and fairly original story the author uses the continuous building of tension followed by an anticlimax starting with »...but Malmok...«. In particular the illustrations make the book special. Van Hearingen is able to sketch the situation with a few, well-chosen lines and the illustrations are one continuous movement of tension from the beginning to the end. The colors are subdued, but therefore especially convincing. (4+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1999 - 231
Meinderts, Koos (text)
Fienieg, Annette (illus.)
Hoe Sjoerd in een hond veranderde
(The way Sjoerd changed into a dog)
Tilburg: Zwijsen, 1998. 47 p.
ISBN 90-276-3951-5
Parent/Child - Child abuse - Boy/Dog - Transformation
Sjoerds parents definitely agree on one thing: children only exist to be able to draw child support or to earn some extra money, for example, through sport competitions. But Sjoerd is not good at anything. The only useful thing he does from his parents' point of view is run the entire household almost singlehanded. Sjoerd is very unhappy and would preferably be a dog. Then suddenly this wish comes true and everything changes drastically. An absurd story in which characters have extreme opposite characteristics. The parents are extremely bad and Sjoerd (a kind of male Cinderella) is extremely nice. The narrator is clearly present in the story and sometimes addresses the readers directly, involving them in the story even more. (8+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1999 - 232
Oomen, Francine (text/illus.)
Stoute Sammie
(Naughty Sammie)
Amsterdam: Van Goor, 1998. 28 p.
ISBN 90-00-03170-2
Anger - Tolerance - Co-existence
The mother of Sammie, the rabbit, is angry at him, but Sammie does not understand why. That makes Sammie angry, too, and, without further reason, he starts teasing his friends. And his friends don't put up it. Little by little everybody is angry at everybody and nobody knows exactly why. The simple story is unfolded very nicely in the form of an accumulation of occurrences on the theme of 'arguing and making up' and lends itself perfectly to exploring together with pre-school children. The full-page, colorful illustrations definitely appeal to the viewer, fit in with the story seamlessly and add an extra dimension to the story. (3+)

Special Mention - The Netherlands (Dutch) - 1999 - 233
Veldkamp, Tjibbe (text)
Hopman, Philip (illus.)
22 wezen
(22 orphans)
Rotterdam: Lemniscaat, 1998. 26 p.
ISBN 90-5637-109-6
Orphanage - Play
The twenty-two orphans of the orphanage know how to play readily with everything they find, or enjoy doing nothing and going about their own business. But one day, a new, sincerely concerned director arrives and makes the orphans go to bed right away. They are bored and together they dress up as a huge elephant. The director cannot find her wards and - together with the elephant - she starts looking for them. In an inventive manner it is made clear that adults should not interfere with children and that an exaggerated concern and too much protection is not good for them. The well-composed text and highly detailed illustrations are matched to one another magnificently. (4+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1999 - 236
Apostolakē, Alexa
Stampoglē, Helenē
Alphabētari tēs Kypru
(An alphabet of Cyprus)
Athēna: Kaleidoskopio, 1997. 119 p.
ISBN 960-7846-00-1
Cyprus/History - Culture - Archaeology - Art - Political history
Using the alphabet to give form to the book, the history, rich culture, customs and everyday life of Cyprus are made vivid and accessible for readers of all ages. Writings ranging from the classical period to modern times document the eventful history of an island which has often been occupied during its history, but is still largely unknown beyond its borders. Short, pithy texts, enrichened with excellent, attractively designed illustrative matter have been chosen by experts for this excellent introduction to Cyprus that invites repeated browsing. A chronology of historical events rounds out this compact handbook of a country which will soon become a member of the European Union. It may be hoped that this new publishing house continues to present such meticulously edited books. (10+) ☆

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1999 - 237
Basileiu-Maninēs, Dēmētrēs (text)
Dugalē, Paschalē (illus.)
Stis pēges tēs historias: Megas Alexandros
(Alexander the Great V. 1-5)
Nea Smyrnē: Ekd. Akritas, 1997. 122 p.; 127 p.; 129 p.; 128 p.; 133 p.
ISBN 960-328-079-8; 960-328-080-1; 960-328-081-x; 960-328-082-8; 960-328-083-6
Alexander the Great
Demetres Manines, who is well-known for his translations from Ancient Greek, introduces children to the life of Alexander the Great through original texts from the antiquity. In particular he draws upon the writings of Arrianos, Plutarch and Ruphos without making any additional comments, thereby also encouraging the young reader to delve into the original writings by Alexander's contemporaries. The descriptive texts are translated word-for-word, and only the overly lengthy passages were carefully abridged without interrupting the flow of the story. (8+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1999 - 238
Chatzē, Giolanta (text)
Aigyptos. Hoi hellēnes zōgraphoi tu Phagium
(Egypt. The Greek painters of Al-Faiyūm)
Athēna: Ammos, 1998. [48] p.
ISBN 960-202-188-8
Egypt/Art history 30 B.C. - Al-Faiyūm - Greek portrait painting
Beginning with a general introduction into Egyptian history and culture, with special emphasis on the Hellenistic Period, twelve portraits from this period, which have been splendidly preserved due to the dry climate, are presented and explained in a superlative manner. The reader learns how the clothing and jewelry of the naturalistically portrayed persons give indication of their social rank and about the painting techniques used. The editor, Euphrosyne Doxiade, a painter herself, has been working in this field for many years and has published the only internationally known scholarly work on these portraits. (10+) ☆

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1999 - 239
Kalerante, Euangelia (text)
Tsekura, Charis (illus.)
Me ton Elytē stēn Hellada
(With Elytis in Greece)
Athēna: Peribolaki, 1997. [32] p.
ISBN 960-7412-57-5
Elytis, Odysseas - Poetry/Greek
This is a highly successful attempt to present children the poetry of Odysseas Elytis, the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1979. The author accomplishes the nearly impossible task of re-telling the themes, motifs and rhythms of his poetry without losing the vivid language and originality of his work, which draws on folk tradition. The illustrations are also modelled on the poet's works and harmonize well with the text. (8+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1999 - 240
Kapantaē, Ismēnē (text)
Desphiniōtu, Melina (illus.)
Sto krypho scholeio
(In the underground school)
Athēna: Potamos, 1997. [28] p.
ISBN 960-7563-14-x
Greece/Turkish occupation 1453-1821 - Resistance - Child - Everyday life - Rural life
This picture book puts an end to the myth originated in the 19th century about the clandestine Greek schooling which was said to have existed during the Turkish period of occupation (1453-1821). Beginning with a famous painting on this theme by Nikolaos Gyzes, the author allows two children come to life and take the reader on a tour of the everyday life of the rural society during the period of occupation. The children are fascinated not only by their early morning walk to school, but also by the story of Odysseus which they learn there and later tell to their uncle, a Klephtes, a Greek nationalist living in the mountains. The pictures by the young illustrator, Melina Desphiniotu (*1962) have a fascinating power of expression and hold promise for future children's books. (5+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1999 - 241
Muntes, Matthaios (text)
Kordēs, Giōrgos (illus.)
Histories apo tē Biblo. Palaia Diathēkē
(Stories from the Bible)
Athēna: Kastaniōtēs, 1998. 140 p.
(Neanikē bibliothēkē ; 192)
ISBN 960-03-1372-5
Old Testament - New Testament - Children's Bible
Stories from the Old and the New Testament are re-told here in two volumes by the highly esteemed Byzaninist Matthaios Muntes and fill a significant gap in the Greek children's literature. Both volumes are greatly enriched by the illustrations of the well-known icon painter Giōrgos Kordēs (*1956). (9+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1999 - 242
Psilakēs, Nikos (text)
Papadēmētriu, Angelo (illus.)
Krētes theoi
(The gods of Crete)
Hērakleion: Karmanōr, [1998?]. 117 p.
(Mythologia / Nikos Psilakēs)
ISBN 960-7448-14-6
Crete/Mythology - Crete/Sculptures
In this re-telling of the Greek mythology, the journalist and writer Nikos Psilakēs gives a highly vivid narration of the legends of the ancient gods of Crete. A particularly noteworthy feature of the book is its illustration with photos of sculptures which were created especially for this project, making this an nonpareil bibliophilic edition . (6+) ☆

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1999 - 243
Schizas, Giannēs
Attikē. Mia oikologikē periēgēsē sto parelthon kai to mellon
(Attika. An ecological tour through the past and future)
Athēna: Sabbalas, 1996. 271 p.
(Anoiktes epistēmes ; 11)
ISBN 960-460-174-1
Attika (Greece) - Ecology
This is just one title in a series of information books for young adults which offers well-founded treatments on an astonishly wide selection of themes, ranging from topics such as earthquakes, the universe and cosmology, to the values of ancient Greek civilization. This volume, prepared by a writer with a strong commitment to ecology and a clear, concise style of writing, deals with the history of Attika and its multi-faceted ecological situation in historical and contemporary contexts. The reader becomes acquainted with scholarly writing while acquiring a clear overview of the topic, which is also documented in an extensive bibliography. (14+)

Special Mention - Greece (Greek) - 1999 - 244
Skiadaresē, Maria E. (text)
Zarkada, Marilē (illus.)
Ho thēsauros tu Asprogenē
(Whitebeard's treasure)
Athēna: Patakēs, 1998. [40] p.
ISBN 960-600-419-8
Island - Individualism - Consumerism - Homecoming
Fed up with life in the big city, a man returns to his home on an island, only to find it thoroughly changed. No longer does one find the old folk gathering at the central square, there is no bread to be found at the bakery, no fishermen in their boats. The only familiar figure still remaining from once-told stories seems to be the beard of the pirate Asprogenes (»Whitebeard«) and this helps the story's hero to re-introduce happiness and a sense of community among the inhabitants of the island. (5+)

Special Mention - Iran (Persian) - 1999 - 248
Murādī Kirmānī, Hūšang
Murabbā-i šīrīn
(The sweet jam)
Tihrān: Intišārāt-i Muʻīn, 1998 (= 1376 h.š.). 92 p.
(In Arabic letters)
ISBN 964-5643-32-5
Indifference - Persistence - Civil courage
Evidently no one feels concerned that the jar tops of one jam and marmalade producer do not screw on tightly. Not only because of this technical defect, but also incensed at the apathy of fellow citizens, a twelve-year old pupil decides to sue the production company even against his mother's will. The company makes an investigation, corrects the production error and rewards the boy for his civic involvement. This entertaining story takes issue with the indifference of so many people who find it easier to accept bad or inadequate conditions out of pure laziness and ignorance or for fear of causing trouble for themselves. (12+)

Special Mention - Iran (Persian) - 1999 - 249
Šaʻbānī, Asadallāh (text)
Husrawī, Nasrīn (illus.)
Pūlak-i māh. Maǧmūʻa-i ši'ar
(The moon's scale)
Tihrān: Kānūn-i Parwariš-i Fikrī-i Kūdakān wa Nūǧawānān, 1996 (= 1375 h.š.). [24] p.
(In Arabic letters)
Poetry/Iran
This is an illustrated selection of ten poems for children by Asadallāh Ša'bānī. Each poem is accompanied by a full-page, dreamy color illustration. (6+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 2000 - 9
Ogawa, Mimei (text)
Takano, Reiko (illus.)
Ushionna
(The cow woman)
Tokyo: Kaiseisha, 1999. 36 p.
(Nihon no dōwa meisakusen)
ISBN 4-03-963700-3
Japan - Death - Soul - Motherly love - Justice
For his efforts to give artistic shape to stories for children the author Mimei Ogawa (1882-1961) is called the patron of modern Japanese children's literature. »The cow woman« (first published in 1919) describes a deaf-mute mother who is given this title by the other villagers due to her physical size and gentle character. After her death, her soul is unable to rest because her young son is left all alone in wretched poverty. She appears in various guises to help and guide him. The literary speciality of Ogawa lies in expressing the Oriental religious philosophy symbolically, revealing the continuity of life. The decay of living things is not an absolute, as life takes on another form of expression, as in this example of motherly love. In mixed media technique, including copper-plate etchings, the artist interprets the mystical effects of the soul of the deceased mother in palpable, atmospheric illustrations, while also depicting the people and landscape of northern Japan. (10+) ☆ ☼

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 2000 - 10
Saragai, Tatsuya (text)
Hasegawa, Shūhei (illus.)
EE' shōkōgun
(Children of the »EE«-syndrome)
Tokyo: Komine Shoten, 1998. 159 p.
ISBN 4-338-10712-X
Teacher - Pupil - Conflict - School performance
In order to gain recognition for the best class of pupils, a teacher transforms his weaker pupils into gold fish and sells them at the market. In an elite school many pupils are found to suffer from the »Empty-Elite Syndrome« which is a bad conscience from not being ambitious enough. A practice teacher who is being bullied by his pupils gets unexpected help one day from his strong, but long-dead brother. Inspired by his sceptical views of the strict, performance-oriented school system in Japan, the author wrote these four spooky and phantastically absurd short stories. They are sure to keep the reader thinking long after reading. (11+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 2000 - 11
Shingū, Susumu (illus.)
Chiisana ike
(Little pond)
Tokyo: Fukuinkan Shoten, 1999. [32] p.
(Nihon kessaku ehon shirīzu)
ISBN 4-8340-1594-7
Pond - Water surface - Nature - Reflection
Deep underneath the clouds there lies a wee pond. But a closer look reveals a wonderful dramatic world of nature. The wind, the animals - both in and over the water's surface -, the rain drops, the glowing hot sun, the swimming leaves, and the star-strewn sky constantly cause the surface of the water to change its appearance. In the end the pond lies once again deep below the clouds, barely recognizable in the blue nighttime stillness. The question that Susumu Shingu asks at the beginning and the end of the book - »Can you see a little pond?« - could just as well be »Can you see the universe?« With all its expressiveness, the natural world lets us sense the cosmic greatness of the universe in this wordless picture book. (6+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 2000 - 12
Tada, Satoshi (text/illus.)
Kabutokun
(My friend the Beetle)
Tokyo: Kogumasha, 1999. [40] p.
ISBN 4-7721-0153-5
Insect - Friendship - Habitat
One winter day a boy finds an insect larva in the woods. He takes it home and builds a »beetlehouse « of leaves and earth for it in his garden. In the summer it transforms into a splendid beetle as big as the boy himself. They become friends, eat watermelon together, play and take a bath together. The glorious days end, however, when the boy has to accept the fact that his home is not the proper habitat for a beetle. So he lets his friend fly back to the woods after he promises they will meet again. The author, who like most boys was fascinated by big beetles as a child, depicts his »beetle-dream« in warm, child-like naive pictures. (6+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 2000 - 13
Terada, Shiori (text/illus.)
Higashi, Nana (transl.)
Muttan no umi
(Muttan's ocean)
Tokyo: Kumon Shuppan, 1999. 32 p.
(Kumon no edōwa)
ISBN 4-7743-0310-0
Japan - Mud-flats - Dehydration - Animal life - Environmental damage
In 1997, despite the protests of citizen action groups, a gigantic dyke was built up off the Isahaya Bay near Nagasaki. As a result, many species of animal life lost their habitat. This event led one school girl, then nine years old, to draw a picture book in which the little fish Mutusugor (Mudskipper), a rare and beloved fish in the bay, plays the leading role. This portrait of environmental destruction and the suffering and the hopes of the animals for a better future is impressively told in the words and images of a child. At the same time the young writer cleverly manages to inform the reader of the natural food-chain of the animals, which humans are ultimately dependent. The text is in Japanese and English. (6+)

Special Mention - Japan (Japanese) - 2000 - 14
Umeda, Shunsaku (text/illus.)
Umeda, Yoshiko (text/illus.)
14sai to Tautausan
(The fourteen-year old boy and Mr. Tautau)
Tokyo: Poplar-sha, 1999. (2nd ed.) 299 p.
ISBN 4-591-05874-3
School - Bullying - Truancy - Self-discovery - Old age
In their previous, prize-winning picture book (»Shiranpuri«, [»Ignore it!«]) the husband-wife writing team Umeda portray the inner conflicts of a boy who refuses to take part in school bullying. In this book the main character is the victim. The solution to the problem here involves going beyond the school setting and getting other people in the victim's surroundings involved - a strange old man named Tautau, the grandparents, a neighbor child, and the sea. They all play a significant role in the boy's healing process. In the colored wood-block pictures, the grainy texture supports the psychological state, the situation and the landscape, giving each scene its own unique depth. (13+)

Special Mention - Republic of China (Chinese) - 2000 - 15
Ban, Ma
Wushi-de-chenchuan
(The sunken ship of the wizard)
Jiangxi: 21-Shiji-Chubanshe, 1998. 5, 5, 171 p.
(Dahuanxiang-wenxue : Zhongguo-xiaoshuo)
ISBN 7-5391-1323-5
Ancient prince - Qiang - Ship
Two thousand years ago a prince of the Qiang - an ancient tribe in western China - produces a large, many layered ship from a magic tree and calmly sinks it in the Three at the river bend in the unpopulated middle reaches of Yangtze River. 2000 years later the ship is discovered by a little girl called Hong and her cormorant. Laomu, a »psychologist « of the ancient and an expert in uncovering mysteries using emotional wisdom instead of mental knowledge and high-technology, befriends Hong and her cormorant and learns that they, as former servants of the prince, can travel back and forth in time. The ship is the soul of the prince, a wizard who has been sleeping under the river for 2000 years, and hence the proof that this ancient dynasty Qiang really existed. The story combines legends and historical facts perfectly and draws readers to a fantastic world which is full of poetic atmosphere, and sparks the imagination with unresolved mysteries. (12+)

Special Mention - Republic of China (Chinese) - 2000 - 16
Bing, Bo (text)
Zhou, Xiang (illus.)
Xiaoqingchong-de-meng
(The caterpillar's dream)
Hunan: Hunan-Shaonian-Ertong-Chubanshe [et al.], 1997. [40] p.
(Heiyanjing-congshu)
ISBN 7-5358-0959-6
Caterpillar - Music - Dream - Butterfly
An ugly caterpillar loves music and likes listening to the cricket's singing. The cricket always drives her away because the music is beautiful but the caterpillar is ugly. The caterpillar is so sad that she hides in a cocoon. She falls asleep while listening to the music and has a wonderful dream. When she wakes up she finds herself turned into a beautiful butterfly and her wings are full of pictures of the moon and stars. The cricket is enchanted by this fairy-like maiden. This is an »ugly duckling« story with a poetic narrative and dreamlike pastel illustrations against a delicate translucent blue background. (6+)

Special Mention - Republic of China (Chinese) - 2000 - 17
Shen, Shixi (text)
Xiao, Aozi (illus.)
Honghuli
(Red fox)
Jiangsu: Jiangsu-Shaonian-Ertong-Chubanshe, 1998. [24] p.
(You'er-wenxue-xinzuo-huaku)
ISBN 7-5346-1949-1
Fox - Hunter - Greed - Revenge
A hunter catches a small red fox about two weeks old and puts it in a cage. In the evening mother fox comes to rescue her child but the cage is too solidly made. On the second day the mother fox sends a colorful pheasant to the hunter as an exchange - and again the third day. But the hunter keeps the baby fox as a ready source of income and adds one more lock to the cage. On the fourth day the hunter finds a dead mouse near the cage; on the fifth his roof has a hole; on the sixth all the hunter's cocks have lost their neck feathers. At last the hunter sets the baby fox free. This humorous story criticizes human greed and appreciates the wisdom of animals. This is a recurrent theme of the most important animal-story writer in China. (6+)

Special Mention - Republic of China (Chinese) - 2000 - 18
Ye, Shengtao (text)
Xu, Dungu (illus.)
Daocaoren
(The scarecrow)
Hebei: Huashan-Wenyi-Chubanshe, 1997. 171 p.
(Zhongguo-ertong-wenxue-mingjia-jingpinwenku)
ISBN 7-80611-536-6
Scarecrow - Metaphor - Intelligentsia
This is the first collection of 23 short stories which were written especially for children in China and first published in 1923. The most well-known - »Daocaoren« (The scarecrow) - describes a scarecrow standing in the field. He sees many tragic and unjust things happening around him and is pained because he can not do anything to change society. The scarecrow is regarded as a symbol of Chinese intellectuals in the 1920s. Though it also contains some beautiful romantic stories, this book was controversial. It was out-of-print for a long time, but the author revised it in 1986, when he was 92 years old, and finally included the stories in a compilation of his complete works. This reprint edition includes illustrations from the 1923 edition. (7+)

Special Mention - Republic of China (Chinese) - 2000 - 19
Meng, Haoyan [et al.] (comp.)
Xiao Yu [et al.] (illus.)
Chuchu-wentiniao. Gei-haizi-de-100-shou-gushi
(Birds singing everywhere. 100 Chinese classic poems collected for children)
Taibei: Xinyi-Jijin-Chubanshe, 1997. 116 p. (With 2 CDs and playing cards)
ISBN 957-642-388-0
Poetry/Chinese
This volume of poetry is part of a set which includes two picture books (the companion book is called »Fish playing among lotus leaves«), three CDs that demonstrate the ways of singing classic poetry, and one »Guide and games« book. The compilers have consciously chosen three kinds of poems - pictorial poems, poems describing common human feelings and poems about children's everyday life - and provide after each a readable essay explaining its meaning. Each is accompanied by a striking ink-and-wash illustration. The publisher introduces splendid Chinese traditional arts to the young readers with modern multimedia. And the whole set of books strives to fulfill the Chinese saying: »Pictures in the poems and poetry in the paintings.« (6+)

Special Mention - Republic of China (Chinese) - 2000 - 20
Cao, Junyan (text/illus.)
Jiabeidai
(The doubling bag)
Taibei: Xinyi-Jijin-Chubanshe, 1998. 27 p.
(Cao-Junyan-chuangyi-tuhuashu)
ISBN 957-642-465-8
Greed - Cloning
The colorful doubling bag is a great treasure since it can make a duplicate of anything one puts in it. A greedy person steals this cloth-bag and gets into it. Behold! Two gluttons come out and they immediately begin fighting over the magic bag. The author has a gift for rendering his philosophy of life into simple but interesting stories. He uses different illustration techniques in each book. The stylized figures of this book resemble shadow-puppets and paper cuttings, traditional Chinese forms of art, so that the characters look stiff but appealing. In a note he explains that he wants to give children a wider visual and aesthetic experience. (6+)

Special Mention - India (English) - 2000 - 35
Ravishankar, Anushka (text)
Ramanathan, Rathna (illus.)
Anything but a grabooooooberry
Chennai: Tara Publ., 1998. [48] p.
ISBN 81-86211-43-8
Poetry/English - Daydream - Imagination - Nonsense
The green and red graphic illustrations of this book play with the words and ideas of a simple, melodic nonsense poem about »what I want to be.« Beehive is written letter for letter into a honey cone, the word elephant looks like one, the letters of the rocking chair move up and down. Both the poem and the highly imaginative play with shapes and forms are so enchanting that one wants go right back to the beginning. This recently founded publishing house is developing an ambitious program of well-designed books for all age groups. (4+)

Special Mention - India (English) - 2000 - 36
Sadykov, Turat (text)
Roy, Subir (illus.)
Singh, Varyam (transl.)
Manas
(<Proper name>)
New Delhi: Children's Book Trust, 1998. 32 p.
(Transl. from Kirghiz)
ISBN 81-7011-815-8
Folk tale/Kirghizia - Hero
Late in life an old, rich man became father to a child. Shortly before the birth of the child who would be named Manas a wandering doctor and seer who was passing by fed the mother meat from an ancient animal that destined the child to have extraordinary powers. Even as a child he used his incredible strength to perform useful, heroic deeds that are still told today. This attractively illustrated booklet contains three tales that reveal the customs and traditions of the pre-dominantly Muslim, worldly open mountainous country of Kirghizia, which became an autonomous republic after nearly 130 years of Russian rulership. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - India (English) - 2000 - 37
Saxena, Ira (text)
Gayen, Prithvishwar (illus.)
The virus trap
New Delhi: Children's Book Trust, 1998. 144 p.
ISBN 81-7011-797-6
School - Computer software - Hacker - Theft - Detective
Anshuman attends a special school well-equipped with modern computer facilities where he and his two friends spend so much time that they are considered »geeks«. Computering is also the special bond between Anshuman and his adopted uncle Deepak, a computer company executive who develops network software. When it becomes clear that someone is trying to steal or sabotage Deepak's new systems software, Anshuman and others become the target of attacks. While tracking down the culprits, he realizes that he needs to expose the thief with the help of a computer virus. This is fast-paced, action-filled mystery story that is filled with the details and jargon of the computer world. The manuscript won first prize in a writer's competition by the Indian IBBY section. (12+)

Special Mention - New Zealand (English) - 2000 - 40
Holcroft, Anthony (text)
Preiss, Leah Palmer (illus.)
A visit to the orchards of heaven
Christchurch: Hazard Press, 1998. 76 p.
ISBN 1-877161-26-8
Fairy tale - Desire - Character - Justice - Contentment
This is a delightful collection of nine literary fairy tales narrated as only an experienced storyteller can do. There is magic and suspense in each plot, mostly set in realistic but different places around the world. In some tales the main character is a magician or witch; in others the hero - a child, a young husband, or old man - encounters a creature - a bird, a leprechan, or enchanted dancer - who uses supernatural powers for good or evil purposes. A common thread in these tales is the lesson of contentment. The heroes often experience the consequences of following temptation and impetuous desire and, in most tales, finally recognize the satisfaction to be had at home and in human companionship. Each tale is distinct enough in setting, cast of characters and unpredictability of plot to remain memorable. Illustrated only with singular, characteristic vignettes, these tales need only their words to create lively pictures in the mind of the reader or listener. (8+)

Special Mention - New Zealand (English) - 2000 - 41
Mataira, Kāterina (text)
Huége de Serville, Sylvia (illus.)
Kapa Haka
Raglan: Ahura Enterprises, 1999. 31 p.
ISBN 0-908692-05-6
Father - Daughter - Separation - Dance - Imagination
Kereana and her mother experience terrible unhappiness when their father and husband leave them behind in New Zealand to work overseas. When Kereana takes up practicing Maori dances, the waiata-a-ringa, the pain in her heart begins to subside. Soon she enters school and learns the welcoming songs and dances of the kapa haka group, but still feels sad that her father never sees her. Her grandmother suggests that she could imagine her father in the audience and this helps Kereana become a very good performer. This read-aloud story about adjusting to separation is universally appealing, while the colorful pencil illustrations opposite each page of text provide an appealing view into a modern Maori childhood. (5+) ☆

Special Mention - USA (English) - 2000 - 69
Philip, Neil (ed.)
McCurdy, Michael (illus.)
War and the pity of war
New York: Clarion Books, 1998. 96 p.
ISBN 0-395-84982-9
Poetry/English - War - Heroism - Idealism
This anthology by a British writer and folklorist draws together a wide and well-chosen range of poems from all historical epochs. In a valuable introduction he points out his criteria and intentions. Because of the wisely limited number of entries, the reader can become absorbed in the subject matter without feeling inundated. The poems include translations from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, Ojibwa, Polish, and Russian. Most striking is the layout of each page. The large, solidly black sanserif typeface on stark white paper and generous linespacing please the eye, while the scratchboard illustrations and ornamental vignettes by the distinguished illustrator set an aesthetic accent. This is a highly commendable and very moving treatment of a perennial, tragic theme. (12+)

Special Mention - USA (English) - 2000 - 70
Silverman, Erica (text)
Gaber, Susan (illus.)
Raisel's riddle
New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1999. 34 p.
ISBN 0-374-36168-1
Folktale/Jewish - Cinderella <motif> - Kindness - Wisdom
When Raisel's grandfather, a Talmudic scholar, dies, she must give up her learning and find work as the kitchen helper of a well-to-do rabbi in the town. In return for her kindness, a beggar woman grants her three wishes which she wisely uses to win the heart of the rabbi's son. First she attends a Purim party dressed as Queen Esther in order to meet him. But he must also use his wits to answer her clever riddle. The full-page pastel colors use a variety of perspectives to characterize persons and situations. This is a memorable, culturally centered re-telling of the Cinderella tale with an intelligent female protagonist. (8+) ☆

Special Mention - USA (English) - 2000 - 71
Wiesner, Da