The World Through Picture Books
The World Through Picture Books
The World Through Picture Books
THROUGH
PICTURE
BOOKS
THE
Librarians favourite
books from their country
Edited by
Annie Everall OBE and Viviana Quiones
THE
WORLD
PICTURE
BOOKS
THROUGH
Librarians favourite
books from their country
Edited by
Annie Everall OBE and Viviana Quiones
http://www.ifla.org/en/node/6718
THE
WORLD
PICTURE
BOOKS
THROUGH
Contents
Foreword
7 Introduction
11
14
18
22
27
30
33
38
42
45
48
51
55
59
62
66
70
73
77
80
83
86
89
93
96
100
104
108
112
115
118
121
124
127
133
137
Algeria
Argentina
Benin
Brazil
Cameroon
Colombia
Croatia
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Guadeloupe (France)
Haiti
India
Japan
Republic of Korea
Lebanon
Madagascar
Mali
Mauritius
Netherlands
Nigeria
Norway
Philippines
Qatar
Reunion Island (France)
Romania
Russian Federation
Senegal
Serbia
Singapore
South Africa
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
USA
THE
WORLD
PICTURE
BOOKS
THROUGH
Foreword
By Viviana Quiones
Chair, IFLA Section Libraries
for Children and Young Adults
viviana.quinones@bnf.fr
We are very happy to publish the results of this participative, international, ongoing
programme, The World through Picture Books. It deals with something we childrens
librarians must never lose sight of, even if we are so busy with new technologies, budget
restrictions, everyday work: read childrens books and choose the best ones for our readers.
Of course, we could spend hours discussing what best means, but one thing it surely means
is very good books from the readers own country and from as many other countries as
possibleThis is why, inspired by Kazuko Yodas request to our Committee foradvice on the
top ten picture books in Committee members countries, we launched The World through
Picture Books programme, in2011.
Librarians from thirty-six countries have already made their choices which we publish here.
Papers on picture books in several countries were presented at IFLA conference in Helsinki
and are on line (http://conference.ifla.org/ifla78/session-99). Thanks to publishers generosity,
the selected books were exhibited in Finland during IFLA conference 2012 and at Bologna
International Childrens Book Fair 2013. Two touring exhibition collections are based in the
National Libraries of France and Japan ; they are available to be booked by any country wishing
to exhibit them.
We wish to warmly thank all country co-ordinators and all childrens librarians in all countries
that have worked for this programme: it is their participation that makes itvaluable.
Andmany warm thanks to Annie Everall for the hard co-ordinating work shehasdone and
willcontinue doing
Childrens literature is a treasure for young and not so young people. If some countries
best works are largely known, those from other countries are not We hope these lists
offavourites will allow for many happy readings all over the world.
5
THE
WORLD
PICTURE
BOOKS
THROUGH
Introduction
The Programme
By Annie Everall OBE
annie@alannie.demon.co.uk
Childrens Librarians all over the world understand how important picture books in both
traditional and digital formats are for children: for their development, their cultural identity,
as a springboard into learning to read for themselves; for their visual skills, and because of the
closeness of sharing them with an adult. It is then very important to promote picture books
and to ensure access to them. The idea behind the World Through Picture Books is to create
a list of picture books from around the world that have been recommended by librarians,
asatool for building bridges and developing understanding between countries. The project
isled by IFLA Childrens and Young Adults section with support from partners IFLA Literacy
and Reading section and IBBY (International Board on Books for Young People).
7
Book Exhibitions
Two exhibition collections of the books were created, thanks to donations by the publishers.
These were exhibited in Joensuu and Helsinki as part of the IFLA 2012 satellite and general
conferences. They are now based in the National Libraries of Japan and France and are
available for loan to libraries in any country wishing to exhibit them each country will be
responsible for costs of transportation, insurance and security. If you are interested, please
contact Yumi Tobita (y-yobita@ndl.go.jp) or Viviana Quiones (viviana.quinones@bnf.fr).
From Editorial Comunicarte, we wish to thank IFLA and all participating libraries for the project
The World through Picture Books. We share its goals and, as publishers, we try to produce quality
literature and illustration in order to give children and young people the best books. Our publishing
house is in Cordoba, a city in one of Argentinian provinces. We are very pleased that you have
chosen El rbol de lilas de Mara Teresa Andruetto and Liliana Menndez, in the series Vaquita
deSanAntonio.
8
Klaus Flugge[Andersen Press] has told me that Elmer figures in the top ten list of favourites of librarians
in the UK. Obviously I am delighted and Elmer feels honoured. Ive continually refused approaches
to make films but in spite of that the books seem to reach more and more countries. If Elmer still
continues to tell me his adventures, Ill still try to make them into books. Good luck with the project.
David McKee, author and Illustrator of Elmer
Im very happy that my picture book will be at the IFLA conference, it is an honour. Every
appreciation and recognition of my work is the greatest motivation to continue what Im doing and
the great thing is that the childrens librarians put it on the list. Im happy to announce that in the
autumn, Im finishing the sequel to this picture book and I hope children (and librarians) will love it
as much as they loved the first one.
Pika Voncina, author & illustrator of Emilija in the Land of Wheels
It is astonishing enough for me that British librarians chose to include Dear Zoo in this prestigious
top ten for the IFLA project, but the knowledge that the book will then be part of an international
exhibition as well is extremely humbling. I am quite overcome by this huge accolade, and can only
thank those librarians nationwide who felt Dear Zoo deserved to be on the list.
Rod Campbell, author and illustrator of Dear Zoo
Video children in your library reading books off your list aloud and get your Sister Library
Explore the same story that has been published in your country and the country
9
Books from
Algeria
zahia.mezaoui@if-algerie.com
11
de vivre avec eux, dans leur maison. Mais une fois son
12
strawberry tart.
10
roi pour rgner sur les deux royaumes. Ainsi, elle usa
de la princesse Yasmine.
13
Books from
Argentina
This selection speaks for us at the Biblioteca Popular Cachilo in the city of
Rosario, as mediators, and for the target group: children. It is based on criteria
that take into account the book and the reader. The selected books are
quality materials, in literary terms and in terms of illustration and publishing.
Wehave tried to go beyond the aesthetic and to cover political and ethical
issues, which reflect our vision of promoting reading, and, of course, to pay
attention to the content of each book. We have thought of the tastes and
preferences of readers: these books have been well received in the library
andin workshops. We have looked for books suitable to invite children to read,
to imagine, to dream and fly...
Mara Wernicke
Uno y otro [One and other]
Calibroscopio, 2006 ISBN 987-22204-2-5
With characters like One, Another and No one
inthemirror.
14
Claudia Legnazzi
Tuk es Tuk [Tuk is Tuk]
Ediciones del Eclipse, 2007 ISBN 978-987-9011-71-3
Tuk inhabits a varied world, with its own laws,
15
Itsvansch
Has visto? [Have you seen?]
Ediciones del Eclipse, 2006 ISBN 987-9011-83-X
When you see a colored sheet, please look
thelandscape.
16
10
17
Books from
Benin
This is the choice of two librarians working in the childrens section of the
Mdiathque de lInstitut franais de Cotonou, together with Mathilde Gall
andV.Quiones.
(Enchanting moons).
de lapprentissage.
18
face with corn flour. Then, hes put sand into the
Le Serin).
19
Askanda Bachabi
Le Pipi rouge [Red pee-pee]
Ruisseaux dAfrique, Eburnie, Kalaama, 2004 ISBN 978-99919--53-05-2, 978-2-84770-085-5
and 978-2-915343-47-2
All children have lots of fun at the village pond,
cultural traditions.
20
10
Cyrille Kakpo
La Moto de loncle Assa [Oncle Assas motorbike]
Ruisseaux dAfrique, Eburnie, 2004 ISBN 978-99919--53-01-4 and 978-2-84770-083-1
What a pleasure it is to ride on Uncles
onhealth issues.
All book reviews are adapted from those published in the journalTakam Tikou,
http://takamtikou.bnf.fr
21
Books from
Brazil
This selection made by FNLIL, the Brazilian section of IBBY, has attempted
to express the variety of Brazilian editorial production for that particular
age group (0 to 11 years), as produced in the past four decades. The choice
was nearly all based on books that stand out because of text and illustration
quality, with FNLIJs official recognition by means of the FNLIJ Award or the
FNLIJ Highly Recommendable Label. Each one expresses characteristics that
are inherent to books considered to be of good quality both here and abroad.
Finally, we would clarify that, in Brazil, we consider books with many
illustrations and short texts as a part of the children category. For textless
books, those that contain only illustrations, the category is called imagebook.
The titles of the books presented in English here do not necessarily correspond
to the way they were published in that language, and are merely an attempt
to clarify what it means to prospective readers.
Award in 1994.
22
Infantil e Juvenil.
Eva Furnari
Bruxinha Zuzu [The little witch Zuzu]
Moderna, 2010 ISBN 8516066871
This work was awarded FNLIJs Highly
Mxico e na Bolvia.
23
Ziraldo
Menino Marrom [Brown Boy]
Melhoramentos, 2001, 28th edition ISBN 8506010098
In this book (FNLIJ Children Award 1987),
24
Odilon Moraes
Pedro e lua [Peter and the moon]
Cosac Naify, 2004 ISBN 8575033387
Little Pedro is a boy who happens to be charmed
Internacional de Munique.
25
Eliardo Frana
O rei de quase-tudo [The King of almost-everything]
Global Editora, 2004 ISBN 8589907171
The King of Almost-Everything had nearly
10
26
Books from
Cameroon
27
fire de son petit Konan. Elle le serre trs fort dans ses
28
commence en sortir
All book reviews are adapted from those published in the journalTakam Tikou,
http://takamtikou.bnf.fr
29
Books from
Colombia
The publishing of picture books in Colombia is recent. Since the eighties, when
the edition of books for children and youth began in our country, only few
outstanding works have remained in our publishing market.
In this selection of picture books we want to highlight the books written and
illustrated by Ivar Da Coll, an emblematic author of our country, as well as the
work of Alekos, Clarisa Ruiz and Antonio Caballero.
Fundalectura -the Foundation for the Promotion of Reading- is a private,
non-profit enterprise. It leads interdisciplinary assessment committees, which
assess the bibliographic offer for children and youngsters. Their voluntary
work feeds the lists of recommended books of the institution.
Antonio Caballero
Isabel en Invierno [Isabel in Winter]
Panamericana, 2003 (1st ed. 1990) ISBN 958-30-0519-3
Many things happen to Isabel in Winter. She gets
30
Ivar Da Coll
Hamamelis, Miosotis y el seor Sorpresa
[Hamamelis, Miosotis and Mister Surprise]
Alfaguara, 2008 (1st ed. 1993) ISBN 958-704-372-3
Ivar Da Coll
Hamamelis y el secreto [Hamamelis and the secret]
Alfaguara, 2006 (1st ed. 1991) ISBN 958-704-219-0
As Hamamelis is famous by his discretion,
secret. Whataproblem!
Ivar Da Coll
No, no fui yo! [No, it wasnt me!]
Alfaguara, 2011 (1st ed. 1998) ISBN 978-958-758-058-7
With a topic children love as it expresses with
Ivar Da Coll
Chigiro Abo y Ata [Chigiro, Abo and Ata]
Babel, 2010 (1st ed. 1993) ISBN 978-958-8445-04-5
Chigiro, a capybara, is very intrigued and wants
31
Ivar Da Coll
Garabato: historias de Eusebio II [Doodle]
Babel, 2006 (1st ed. 1990) ISBN 958-97602-6-0
Eusebio is a beautiful cat with a look between
Im afraid.
Ivar Da Coll
Tengo miedo [Im afraid]
Babel, 2006 (1st ed. 1990) ISBN 958-97822-3-X
It is night and Eusebio, the cat, cannot sleep
sobad.
Ivar Da Coll
Torta de cumpleaos [Birthday cake]
Babel, 2006 (1st ed. 1990) ISBN 958-97602-5-2
Horacio, the dog, remembers that his friend
32
Books from
Croatia
The list was created by members of the Croatian Committee for Library
Services forChildren and YA.
Pika Vonina
Emilija u zemlji kotaa [Emilija in the land of wheels]
Leykam International, 2009 ISBN 978-953-7534-34-9
In this picture book the author presents Emilija
loves to eat, she grows with time and one day she
treba polakootkrivati.
33
Stanislav Marijanovi
Knjiga arobnih formula [The Book of the magic formula]
Sipar, 1999 ISBN 953-6415-20-8
This unusual and witty tale introduces readers
moraju ih isprobati.
matovite ilustracije.
34
Svjetlan Junakovi
Ljubav spaava ivote [Love saves lives]
Algoritam, 2007 ISBN 978-953-220-498-8
In this picture book the author succeeded to
35
nepoznati svijet.
36
10
37
Books from
Denmark
The Danish picture books were chosen by the Danish IBBY members and the
librarians in the childrens departments in Denmark. A call was sent out for
nominations and a number of very fine suggestions were received. The IBBY
board and Kirsten Boelt met and agreed the 10 Danish picture books shown
here below.
Egon Mathiesen
Mis med de bl jne [The blue eyed pussy cat]
Gyldendal, 1977 (1st edition 1949) ISBN 978-87-01-54431-3 and 978-87-01-54431-4
The blue eyed pussy cat is not like all the other
og den lses stadig hjt for danske brn. For 3-6 rige.
38
does not know how she should get the words out
39
gode rd, s der ikke sker noget ... med Finn Herman i
But one day Maria finds the finest doll that she
40
10
Ib Spang Olsen
Guden Thor [The god Thor]
In every way a great book, that gathers all the
hear him talk. A book for all ages and at all times.
Fra6rogop.
.
41
Books from
Finland
This selection of picture books is a combination of classics and interesting
contemporary authors and illustrators. Some of the stories have entertained
several generations already. The older illustrations and colors appeal also to
younger parents as retro chic. Contemporary illustrators and authors create
experimental, fresh and color-saturated reading experiences.
The books were chosen by approximately 35 Finnish children librarians around
the country, who voted for their favourites. A compiled list of 10 titles was
made from the long list of individual favourites. The final list represents both
official languages in Finland, Finnish and Swedish as well as the indigenous
culture of Sami in the northern part of the country.
Tove Jansson
Vem ska trsta Knyttet? [Who will comfort Toffle?]
WSOY, 1960 ISBN 9789150104714
Toffle is a lonely and fearful little creature, who
Knnkset: englanti
42
Swedish.
Oili Tanninen
Hippu [Nugget]
Otava, 1967, 2009 ISBN 9511232401
Nugget is a small picture book about friendship
1960-luvulta.
Maikki Harjanne
Minttu- ja Vanttu-kirjat [Minttu and Vanttu series]
e.g. Mintun ja Vantun matka [Minttu and Vanttu take to the sky]
WSOY, 1986
Translations:English.
Knnkset: englanti
43
Swedish.
Knnkset: ruotsi
Kristiina Louhi
Tomppa-kirjat [Tomppa series]
e.g.Miss Tomppa? [Wheres Tomppa?]
Tammi, 2008
OIKEIN kovasti.
Danish, Dutch.
10
Saamelaistarina Lapista.
Translations: Norwegian.
Knnkset: norja
44
Books from
France
The National Centre for Childrens Literature La Joie par les livres
(Bibliothque nationale de France) asked a selection of French childrens
librarians working inpublic libraries of different sizes and locations, to make
their choice of books.
Philippe Corentin
Plouf ! [Splash!]
Lcole des loisirs, 1991 ISBN 978-2-211-02641-3
A landscape format used vertically makes the
Claude Ponti
Blaise et le chteau dAnne Hiversre [Blaise and Anne Hiversres
BirthDays castle]
Lcole des loisirs, 2004 ISBN 978-2-211-07763-7
A great tribute to those stories that nurture
en famille !
family reading.
45
Jean de Brunhoff
Histoire de Babar : le petit lphant [The Story of Babar the little elephant]
Hachette Jeunesse, 1995 ISBN 978-2-01-223358-4
How a little elephant goes from the jungle to the
beware of counterfeits!
Tomi Ungerer
Les Trois brigands [The Three Robbers]
46
Grgoire Solotareff
Loulou
Lcole des loisirs, 1989 ISBN 978-2-211-02120-3
When a young wolf meets a young rabbit and
10
Nadja
Chien bleu [Blue Dog]
Lcole des loisirs, 1989 ISBN 978-2-211-01417-8
The friendship between a little girl and a strange
gouache.
47
Books from
Germany
loibl@fbm.htwk-leipzig.de
48
Helme Heine
Freunde [Friends]
Beltz & Gelberg, 2008 ISBN 978-3-407-77024-0
Charlie Rooster, Johnny Mouse, and Percy the
Nadja Budde
Einszweidrei Tier [One two three me]
Hammer, 2000 ISBN 978-3-87294-827-4
Did you ever notice that juice rhymes with moose?
Jugendliteraturpreis 2000.
Jutta Bauer
Die Knigin der Farben [The Queen of Colours]
Beltz & Gelberg, 2009 ISBN 978-3-407-79221-1
A young Queen lives alone in her castle, but
Janosch
Oh, wie schn ist Panama [The trip to Panama]
Beltz & Gelberg, 2007 ISBN 978-3-407-80533-1
Little bear and Little tiger live together in their
49
Philip Wchter
Ich [Me]
Beltz & Gelberg, 2009 ISBN 978-3-407-79404-8
Bears have more than a passing resemblance to
Geeignet ab 4 Jahren.
byNikolaus Heidelbach.
Geeignet ab 10 Jahren.
Peter Schssow
Gehrt das so??! [Is that right? The story of Elvis / Can it be?]
Hanser, 2008 ISBN 978-3-446-20563-5
Nobody knows why the little girl with the big
10
Jugendliteraturpreis2006.
Quint Buchholz
Schlaf gut, kleiner Br [Sleep well, little bear]
Sauerlnder, 2007 ISBN 978-3-7941-3666-7
With its tranquil pace and soft pencil drawings,
Jugendliteraturpreis 1994.
50
Books from
Guadeloupe
(France)
This selection was made by librarians and teachers desiring to give children
quality picture books to read. It has taken into account the literary interest
of picture books published in Guadeloupe today, which, more and more
frequently, do not just concentrate on teaching purposes.
Two publishers, Jasor and PLB, do remarkable work to develop quality
childrens literature. More and more, they encourage creative and original
stories, quality in texts and illustrations, in design and aspect of books. These
books offer a successful mixture to suit the tastes of children of different ages.
The recipe? Take heroes that children like, familiar animals like the anoli little
lizard, the ant, the toad (LAnoli amoureux, Toc, toc, toc ! Cest Manioc !, Frogolo
et Marcello), family characters a grandmother (Les Oeufs de Man Firmin), a
little boy and his mother (Frogolo et Marcello) or issued from folktales like an
ogress (Le Drle de festin de Commre Tartignolle) or Anansi the Spiderman (Les 7
dons dAnansi). Pour in a good mesure of feelings, love (LAnoli amoureux), anger
(Frogolo et Marcello). Add a zest of humour (Rosalie et Ti Zandoli, Le Drle de festin
de Commre Tartignolle), a snatch of the fantastic (Lowitt la grenouille qui danse,
Les Longues nattes de Potica), a pinch of popular song (Frogolo et Marcello).
Blend it all with superb illustrations made by new talents (Danielle Monsoro,
Doumey Durieux, Javie Munoz, Marielle Plaisir) or renowned illustrators. Thus
a special place is given to Sophie Mondsir who left us too soon, and to Alex
Godard, Guadeloupean author and illustrator who has not been published
locally but who represents le pays Guadeloupe and needs to be in this selection.
ofimagination.
51
Laure Galvani
Toc, toc, toc ! Cest Manioc [Knock, knock, knock! Its Manioc]
PLB ditions, 2001 ISBN 2-912300-24-X
Manioc the ant is suddenly awakened.
enfin dalbum.
ofthebook.
Alex Godard
Maman-dlo [Mama of Water]
Albin Michel jeunesse, 1998 ISBN 978-2-226-09079-9
Ccette lives in Guadeloupe, with Papoli and
andcharacters.
Gilda Gonfier Doumey Durieux, ill. Max Rippon transl. into Creole
Zandoli mand may = LAnoli amoureux [The Anoli in love]
ditions Jasor, 2010 ISBN 978-27011-5321-6
This picture book is inspired by a traditional song
52
Danielle Monsoro
Les 7 dons dAnansi [Anansis seven gifts]
PLB ditions, 2011 ISBN 978-2-35365-066-8
One day Anansi the spider wove round cocoons
enpastelgras.
53
Marielle Plaisir
Les Longues nattes de Potica
PLB ditions, 2001 ISBN 2-912300-24-X
A beautiful, big picture book, with delicate and
10
Lowitt, la grenouille qui danse
ditions Jasor, 2009 ISBN 978-2-912594-71-6
Pitou, a young boy, wants to charm Zinia, the
54
Books from
Haiti
Lourdine Altidor, librarian in Haiti, made a choice of 30 picture books,
particularly successful at lheure du conte (storytime) and other reading
programs. She sent this choice to other childrens librarians in Haiti, to arrive
at a choice of ten titles. Three librarians were able to answer in time: Adelyne
Pinchinat, librarian at the Institut Franais dHati and the person in charge
of the Digital library of the Universit dtat dHati, in partnership with
Bibliothque Sans Frontires; Fleurette Tessono, former Director of Alliance
franaise des Cayes library, founder of FONDART where she manages abook
club for young people; Gessy Tessier, former Director of the childrens section
of the Mdiathque de lInstitut Franais dHati, currently Library Assistant
atLittle RiverLibrary, Miami-Dade Public Library System, USA.
poorBouqui!
decepauvreBouqui !
by expressive illustrations.
55
Nol (2008).
56
important event.
vnement.
57
10
etdobservation.
coin trs noir, ils entendent une grosse voix qui hurle
All book reviews are adapted from those published in the journalTakam Tikou,
http://takamtikou.bnf.fr
58
Books from
India
CBTs elegant picture books with bright, rich illustrations are meant for
children below eight years. The bold text and simple, creative story lines
revolve around subjects a young child can identify with delight The Childrens
Book Trust (CBT) library for Children and Young Adults selected 10 Indian
childrens picture books based on their popularity among children in the
library and their demand in other Indian languages. The CBT has the biggest
public childrens library in India with more than 15000 childrens books. For
the World through Picture Books project, the library staff chose 20 titles of
quality childrens picture books and a notable childrens literature editor Ms.
Navin Menon with her more than 35 years of experience in CBT selected 10
picture books for the project.
59
60
10
61
Books from
Japan
When selecting 10 Japanese picture books, the Children and Young Adults
Section of the Japan Library Association (eleven members in all, most of
them are active in public libraries and others were once librarians) discussed
selection criteria and decided not to select new books but ones which have
been read by many children over many years.
In the 1960s, librarians, writers, illustrators, and publishers were eager to
distribute quality books to children. Eight out of the ten books in this list were
published during the 1960s. Picture books, especially by native authors, are the
best tool for understanding countries. There are many good books published
after the 1970s: we hope this project will grow and another TenPicture Books
list will be published in the near future.
62
Satoshi Kako
Noboru Baba
63
1945
27
61
50
21
64
18
Akiko Hayashi
10
65
Books from
Republic of Korea
Contact: Yunmee Jang
yunmeej@korea.kr
The National Library for Children and Young Adults chose 10 Korean childrens
picture books based on recommendations made by 19 members of the
Childrens materials section which is the subcommittee of the National
Library Service Council for Children in Korea. The Childrens materials section
is made up of19librarians who serve children and young adults in public
libraries and childrens libraries and write childrens book reviews, which are
shared by childrens librarians nationwide. For the World through Picture
Books project, the members chose 25 titles of quality childrens picture books
anda notable childrens literature author Ms. Ji Eun Kim finally selected the
following10titles.
66
Hyun Ju Bae
[New Clothes for New Years Day]
Sakyejul, 2006 ISBN 978-89-5828-139-1
This story demonstrates how important
Lunar New Years day is in the Korean culture.
Ittakes you through the experience of wearing
traditional Korean clothes called Hanbok,
aglorious costume complete with embroidered
socks, rainbow-striped jacket and a crimson
skirt, a warm furry vest, embroidered shoes,
lucky charm, red and gold hair ribbons, bag and
black satin hat for New Years Day. The reader
can sense how excited the little girl is to have
new clothes for New Years day. There are many
wonderful cultural details throughout the book.
The details are beautifully drawn and the text
flows smoothly.
67
68
Suzy Lee
[Wave]
10
69
Books from
Lebanon
This list is built on the investigations made by Maha Alwan* in public libraries
inLebanon. Forms were sent to one hundred public libraries in all parts
ofLebanon and responses were received from 30 libraries. The result, based
onthe projects criteria for selection, reflects the preferences of readers.
Sadly Maha Alwan has since died after an accident. We honour her memory, her
enthusiasm and her commitment to children and their books, through this list.
70
Caroline Hemadeh
71
10
* Maha Alwa (1962-2012) was the founder and Director of Mtein Library
anda member of the Standing Committee of IFLA Section Libraries
forChildren and Young Adults.
72
Books from
Madagascar
Each book on the list from Madagascar was chosen for a slightly different
reason. These reasons are included as part of the review of each book.
rid ofherhusband...
73
74
French languages.
Madagasikara.
75
10
76
Books from
Mali
inacolloquial manner.
La Lgende du Ouagadou-Bida.
77
ce que dit limage et lexpliciter. Architecture, savoirfaire, ftes, scheresse... Pass et prsent se relient
tout naturellement.
Isabelle Revol
Cadou [Cadou]
Donniya, 2009 ISBN 978-99952-0-048-0
The beautiful yellow shades of the cover make
Agreat book.
78
Moulaye et Zakaria Traor Nafogo Coulibaly, ill. Ismala Samba Traor, adapt.
Nabi mon frre
La Sahlienne, 2010 ISBN 978-99952-54-14-8
The protective and affectionate relationship
beregretted.
All book reviews are adapted from those published in the journalTakam Tikou,
http://takamtikou.bnf.fr
79
Books from
Contact: P Hauroo
natlib@intnet.mu
Mauritius
Ten illustrated titles from different Mauritian authors were selected and
the hope is that these titles will help project the new generation of our local
writers and illustrators on the international scene.
80
ofChristmas.
blue cloth with both hands. The sea came with her
corde linge.
81
10
82
Netherlands
The National Childrens Librarian Council requested all contacts within
thetwelve provinces to send their favourite 2 titles.
agood solution.
goede oplossing.
Max Velthuijs
Kikker is kikker [Frog is frog]
Leopold, 1996 ISBN 9789025860202
Frog feels sad because all his friends have
83
Dieter Schubert
Monkie [Monkey]
Lemniscaat, 1986 ISBN 9789060696408
A young boy loses his toy monkey. The story tells
plenty of detail.
Konijn Tijn wil niet langer schattig zijn! Hij wil sterk
of dat helpt?
84
10
Hans de Beer
Ijsbeer in de tropen [Little Polar Bear]
De Vier Windtreken, 1987 ISBN 9789055791859
A little polar bear drifts out to sea and floats to
the tropics.
tropen.
very special.
85
Books from
Nigeria
virginiadike@gmail.com
Books from Nigeria were selected by Virginia W Dike against the criteria
setfor the project. These are exacting criteria for picture books in a country
like Nigeria, which has published few picture books and fewer of good quality.
Moreover, there is little tradition of keeping books in print. For this reason, it
was difficult to completely meet some criteria. It is difficult to talk of classics,
and those one might consider are unlikely to still be in print. I have included
one older title (at the end) that is still available.The content (text, illustration,
message) of these are of high quality, though the physical quality in some
cases is less so. The others are very recent titles and are by one of two new
Nigerian publishers producing picture books of high quality, including high
physical quality: Cassava Republic and Farafina.The selection may seem
lopsided, but this is what is currently available. It may also be surprising that
all titles are in English, but this is another Nigerian reality. Very few childrens
books are published in Nigerian languages. I have listed the titles in order of
year of publication, beginning with the most recent.
86
byFarafina in 2009.
87
others countries.
Chinua Achebe and John Iroaganachi, with The Lament Of The Deer by Christopher
Okigbo Adrienne Kennaway (1979, Nwamife Ed. and 1989 East African
Educational Publishers), Mary Grandpre (2011, Candlewick Press in US), ill.
How the Leopard Got its Claws
Nwamife, 1972, 1979 ISBN 978-124-007-5 East African Publishing House, 1976 East African
Educational Publishers, 1989 Candlewick Press, 2011 ISBN 978-9966463647 and9780763648053
Previous edition: Originally published by
88
Books from
Norway
leikny@bergen.folkebibl.no
The Norwegian Library Associations Section for Children and Young Adults
co-operated with Norwegian IFLA members on this project inourcountry.
The project was announced with information and publicity in Norwegian
library and literature periodicals, on the internet via blogs and discussiongroups for librarians and people interested in literature. Childrens librarians
sent their suggestions to the Norwegian Library Association, and more than
100 picture books were nominated.
The final list of picture books consists of titles that both met the IFLA criteria
and got the largest number of votes. The librarians say that these books are
excellent stories to promote in their work with story-telling for children
inkindergarten and primary schools. These books are highly recommended
bythe librarians, and we are proud to send this list to an international
selection of the worlds best picture-books.
89
Ikke noe srlig, nei. Alt dette vet Odd, for hodet hans
wayout?
This book received the Brage Prize 2002.
90
Venner [Friends]
Aschehoug, 2005 ISBN 9788203246906
Five animals, who live on a farm, decide to get
Kari Stai
Jakob og Neikob [Yesper and Noper]
Samlaget, 2008 ISBN 9788252170870
Jakob and Neikob live together and are good
seier Neikob NEI til alt. Hei, Neikob! Du seier vel ikkje
dei ein tjuv. Han tar muffinsen deira og seier han har
91
komme ls fra der han har satt seg fast, lrer 1030
10
passasjerer.
passengers.
92
Philippines
The favourite books from the Philippines were chosen on the basis of their
literary and artistic worth; suitability of content and vocabulary to the
age of the readers; accuracy and clarity; positive reviews; high interest/
lowvocabulary items which satisfy the needs of reluctant readers.
93
Taho!Taho!Taho...Tahoooieyy!
amused generations.
his arrogance.
94
10
and understanding.
at pag-unawa.
95
Books from
Qatar
96
Mohamed Ali
Victory Over Abu Derya
2010 ISBN 9789992142233 (English edition), 9789992142240 (Arabic edition)
A Gulf legend that lives on from one generation
to another about the history of pearl diving
where the pearl fleet returns from another
hard season at sea after a terrible defeat
bythe legendary guardian of the sea kingdom
AbuDerya.
Many ships and sailors have been lost; but when
the grandmother of little Rashid has a dream in
which her grandsons hands are filled with pearls,
the villagers vow to reverse their fortune. Down
there, Abu Derya however is prepared to unleash
his powers.
97
"
"
Books from
Reunion Island
(France)
98
99
dumtissage.
de3ans.
de6ans.
100
Arius and Mary Batiskaf A class of year 5 from the primary school
ofChampcourt, le Tampon, ill.
Dododkol [The bird Dodos take off]
Dodo vole, 2007 ISBN 978-2-952204-3-1
This hardback square book deals with frequently
franaise
101
102
Aurlia Moynot
Vlocit [Velocity]
Epsilon, 2010 ISBN 978-2-912949-36-3
The author and illustrator of this book
10
Marie Winter
Le Paille en Queue [The Paille en Queue Bird]
Editions Azales, 1993 ISBN 2-908127-18-0
This book is a documentary book for children
qui traite dun oiseau typique qui vit dans lle nomm
103
Books from
Romania
An initial consultation was undertaken with colleagues from the Children
and Young Adults department of the Public Library of Brasov and an initial
list ofthe picture books was agreed. Secondly, a search for the titles was
carried out in many bookshops and online in order to see them, to verify if
they are eligible, appreciate them and to know if they are in stock. Afterwards,
ten titles were established and the proposition was submitted to IBBY
National Section Romania and to librarians from the Children and Young
Adults departments belonging to all Romanian public libraries via e-mail.
TheRomanian National Section of IBBY operates within the Romanian Union
of Publishers which means that the response of IBBY Section Romania also
includes the editors response. A response was received from IBBY National
Section as well as suggestions for new titles. Further searching and verifying
of titles took place and finally the ten picture books for Romania were chosen
based on the co-operation of IBBY Romania and librarians.
magic apovetilor.
104
Harap Alb este cel mai tnr i curajos dintre cei trei fii
captures anyreader.
activities.
105
ctre copii.
delight forchildren.
Gellu Naum Nicolae Vasilescu (First Volume), Gellu Naum (second volume), ill.
Cartea cu Apolodor [The Book with Apolodor]; A doua carte cu Apolodor
[The Second Book with Apolodor]
Humanitas, 2008 ISBN 978-973-50-2213-6; 978-973-50-2214-3
Both volumes relate the adventures of a
106
10
call the police and the dog has to run away, into
107
Books from
Russian Federation
Contact: Irina Mikhnova
maria.evseeva@gmail.com
This list consists of books illustrated by the most impressive Russian painters
of the present and past, which have been published in recent years. One
top ten list cant include all varieties of the Russian book art. However, the
expert group of the Russian State Children Library, which is the federal
methodological centre, have tried to find a balance between recognized
classical artists among Russian-speaking children (Ivan Bilibin, Yuri Vasnecov,
Vladimir Konashevich, Vladimir Suteev, Tatyana Mavrina) and the most
impressive representatives of the Russian modern book graphic arts (Gennady
Spirin, Nikolay Popov, Francheska Yarbusova, Kirill Chelushkin). Also, during
the process of selection the best texts (books by Alexander Pushkin, Anton
Chekhov, Korney Chukovsky, etc.) and the high printing quality have been
taken into account by the experts.
Y. Vasnetsov, ill.
: , ,
[Pat-a-cake: Russian folktales, songs, rhymes]
Detgiz, Octopus, 2011 ISBN 978-5-94887-086-1
Yury Vasnetsov is one of the most famous
(1964). , ,
.
I. Bilibine, ill.
[Russian Folktales]
Mescheryakov, 2009 ISBN 978-5-91045-078-7
Russian folktales with classic illustrations
.
.
108
. ..,
, ,
. ,
andabroad.
,
.. (
).
,
,
,
.
. ,
illustrators.
, .
, ,
, -
, ,
109
Vadim Gusev
, : ,
[What is inside read and look: either pictures
withverses or verses with pictures]
Detgiz, 2010 ISBN 978-5-8452-0434-9
Vadim Gusev illustrated his own poems
1920- .
illustrations.
,
.
Nikolai Popov
? [Why?]
Ripol classic, 2010 ISBN 978-5-386-02167-2
Nikolai Popovs wordless, thought-provoking
. ,
2003
110
, , .
10
.. ,
. ,
, -
111
Books from
Senegal
Adapt. of the text by Lopold Sdar Senghor Abdoulaye Sadji, Georges Lorofi, ill.
Les Aventures de Leuk-le-livre [The Adventures of Leuk-the-Hare]
Les Nouvelles ditions africaines du Sngal, 2003 (1st ed. 1975) ISBN 978-2-7236-1583-9
Resourceful Leuk-the-Hare has much to learn
le-livre.
everyday life.
112
113
sen occupe avec grand soin. Une nuit lne exauce son
Hlne Ngone Diop, Moustapha Ndiaye, ill., Mame Daour Wade, transl.
Jinne yu mel nune Des djinns de toutes les couleurs [Djinns in all colours]
BLD, 2008 ISBN 978-2-916859-06-4
First published in 1997 together with two other
All book reviews are adapted from those published in the journalTakam Tikou,
http://takamtikou.bnf.fr
114
Books from
Serbia
The Children and Young Adults Section of the Serbian Library Association
announced the project and call for voting on the internet via blogs, mailing
list and Facebook group. A compiled list of 10 titles was made by multiplevote titles that were chosen by childrens librarians from 27 public libraries
ofdifferent sizes from all around Serbia.
, .
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, , ,
,
.
115
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116
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again.
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.
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117
Books from
Singapore
Ian_YAP@nlb.gov.sg
The books included in the top ten list for Singapore were chosen for inclusion
because they are:
Books that feature Singapore and/or its diverse culture
Books with universal values such as friendship, love, family, etc.
Of good qualityin writing and illustrations (not didactic in the telling)
Childrens perennial favourites (e.g. Mooty)
Most of the books featured have received awards such as First Time Writers
and Illustrators award, Hedwig Anuar award or in the case of Emily Lims book,
Independent Publishers Book Award (IPPY Awards) Bronze medal in the
Childrens Picturebook category.
118
totell us something?
oftime.
Jin Pyn
The elephant and the tree
Epigram Books, 2006 ISBN 9789810561024
This story features a unique relationship
relationships.
cheerfulcolours.
119
blow! Now lets see where your little kiss will go.
ofonesskin.
inhissarong attire.
10
120
Books from
South Africa
The main deliberation was done by Jay Heale and Lona Gericke who are widely
considered to be the top authorities on childrens literature in South Africa
on(respectively) English and Afrikaans books. Additional input was received
by a number of librarians in public and school libraries.
thechickens.
121
LittleDuck.
was the best meal ever! But, Lord, can you send
122
123
Books from
Sweden
Childrens librarians nominated their favourite titles and a list was made
ofthese nominations. Voting was then done by email and the ten titles with
the most votes became the list from Sweden.
Gunilla Bergstrm
Raska p, Alfons berg [Hurry up Alfie Atkins]
Raben & Sjstrm, 1976 ISBN 9789 12 967 1254
It is a busy morning. Alfie and daddy are doing
att g till dagis. Men Alfons ska bara fixa ngra saker
frst. Raska p!
Hurryup!
Elsa Beskow
Sagan om den lilla, lilla gumman [The tale of the little, little old woman]
Bonnier Carlsen, 1897 ISBN 9789 16 385 8260 ISBN 9789 16 381 2675 ISBN 9789 18 563 3449
This is one of the classic Swedish picture books.
som bor i ett liten, liten stuga, med sin lilla, lilla ko och
Lotta Geffenblad
Astons stenar [The stones of Aston]
Bonnier Carlsen, 2005 ISBN 9789 16 384 6052 ISBN 9789 16 385 5016 ISBN 9789 17 221 4897
Aston is a dog. He collects stones. He thinks the
om dem och tar med sig alla hem. Efter ett tag tycker
124
Pija Lindenbaum
Gittan och Grvargarna [Bridget and the grey wolves]
Raben & Sjgren, 2000 ISBN 9789 12 965 5087 ISBN 9789 12 964 8843
Gittans is taking a walk in the woods with her
Berttelsen r p rim.
rhymes.
Jan Lf
Sagan om det rda pplet [The story of the red apple]
Bonnier Carlsen, 1974 ISBN 9789 16 382 6733 ISBN 9789 16 386 5329
A man in a striped suit puts an apple in the
och lyckligt liv. Han hade en vacker fru och sta barn.
funeral.
125
Sven Nordqvist
Pannkakstrtan [The birthday cake]
Opal, 1984 ISBN 9789 17 712 3354
The old man lives in a house in the countryside
to be done.
10
Anna-Clara Tidholm
Knacka p [Knock, knock knock!]
Alfabeta, 1992 ISBN 9789 17 712 3354
Knock on the blue door and enter the house.
Stina Wirsn
Vem bestmmer? [Who is deciding?]
BonnierCarlsen, 2006 ISBN 9789 16 385 0905
The little teddy and the big teddy are having a
Lilla nallen och stora nallen har det mysigt och lser
126
Books from
Switzerland
The selection of titles from all four language areas in Switzerland was chosen
by Bibliomedia Switzerland and the Swiss Institute for Children and Youth
Media, SIKJM. Bibliomedia Switzerland is a nationwide resource library for
libraries and SIKJM supports libraries by offering courses and projects in the
area of childrens and youth literature. At the basis of the choice of titles was
a comprehensive knowledge of the Swiss childrens book literary scene in all
four national languages as well as a good interconnection with public libraries
in Switzerland. Both institutions collaborate closely with librarians of all four
parts of the country.
Many Swiss authors and illustrators rely on publishers abroad (Germany,
France, and Italy). Since Switzerland is a small country, there are just very few
publishers and an even smaller number of them produce childrens books
(in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland there is no publisher at all). This
circumstance is thus reflected in this selection.
Schmetterling verwandelt.
Entdeckungsreisen ein.
127
Albertine
Marta et la bicyclette [Marta and her bicycle]
La Joie de Lire, 1999 ISBN 978-2-88258-467-0
Cow Marta is orange instead of black and white,
feats. One year later, she enrols for the big bicycle
in Bratislava.
For Bird knows all the letters and all the words.
imported by ships.
erkunden.
128
reading is possible.
Nicolas Robel
Le Tigre bleu [The Blue Tiger]
La Joie de Lire, 2002 ISBN 978-2-88258-221-8
Geneva-based comics artist Nicolas Robel
129
performer.
When Ursli returns the next day with his big bell,
artwork.
AndersenAward.
130
Hans Fischer
Pitschi. Das Ktzchen, das immer etwas anderes wollte. Eine traurige
Geschichte, die aber gut aufhrt. [Pitschi. A kitten who always wanted
something else. A sad story with a happy end]
NordSd, 1993 ISBN 978-0-7358-2278-8
Pitschi is not only the smallest of the five kittens
triste.
131
10
Valrie Losa
Sapore Italiano. Piccole Storie di Pranzi domenicali
[A taste of Italy. Littlestories about Italian Sunday meals]
ZOOlibri, 2010 ISBN 978-88-88254-57-9
For several months, illustrator Valrie Losa
132
United Kingdom
The co-ordination of the selection of the top ten picture books for the United
Kingdom was undertaken by Annie Everall. In order to draw up a list of titles,
members of the national committee of the Youth Libraries Group of CILIP
(Chartered Institute of Librarians and Information Professionals) were asked
to nominate titles against the criteria established for the project.
In addition an article was published in the Youth Libraries Group newsletter
also inviting nominations from librarians across the UK. 31 titles were
nominated, although one (Eric Carle The Very Hungry Caterpillar) was unable
to be included as it was not first published in the United Kingdom.
An electronic voting form was sent to all national committee members of the
Youth Libraries Group and its branch members. It was also sent to national
committee members of ASCEL (Association of Senior Childrens and Education
Librarians) as well as to all ASCEL members with a request to forward it on to
relevant staff in their Authorities. Every delegate at the Youth Libraries Group
annual conference in September 2011 was given a voting form in their delegate
pack and asked to complete it and hand it in before the end of conference,
with two sets of the final ten titles being offered as a prize draw for completed
application forms. In addition a notice was included in the Youth Libraries
Group electronic newsletter inviting librarians to request a voting form.
4,070votes were received and when analysed the top ten titles for the UK
arethe following:
characters
satisfying book.
133
Quentin Blake
Mr Magnolia
Random House (Red Fox Imprint) First published 1980 (Jonathan Cape imprint)
ISBN 978 1 862 30807 7 Pbk
Mister Magnolia is the archetypal English
0946 512 52
or a wonky ear.
Raymond Briggs
The Snowman
Puffin First Published 1978 (Hamish Hamilton) ISBN 978 0 141 34009 8 Pbk
One winters night, a snowman comes to life
own children.
Rod Campbell
Dear Zoo
Macmillan, 1982 ISBN 978 0330512787 Hbk
A child writes to the zoo for a pet. The zoo sends
134
Goorgomgaai).
David McKee
Elmer
First published 1968 Dobson Books 1989 Andersen Press ISBN 978 1 84270 731 9 Pbk
Elmer is the first in a series of books featuring
aTV series.
KateGreenaway medal.
135
Shirley Hughes
Dogger
Random House (Red Fox imprint) First published 1977 (Bodley Head) ISBN 978 1 862 30805 3 Pbk
Dogger is a much loved toy dog owned by a
of the medal.
Jill Murphy
Peace at Last
Macmillan, first published 1980 ISBN 978 0 230 53241 0 Hbk
Its bedtime and Mr & Mrs Bear and Baby Bear
room, the kitchen, the garden and the car but all
10
136
USA
The United States members of IFLA and IBBY, represented by Barbara Genco
(IFLA and YALSA, Young Adult Library Services Association) and Linda M.
Pavonetti (ALSC, Association for Library Service to Children, and IBBY), created
a survey for ALSC and USBBY members. The goal of our survey parallels that
which members from other nations have been researching: What books do
librarians believe are essential as read aloud offerings? We posted a series
of questions on Survey Monkey and administered by ALSC. All members of
the ALSC list serve were invited to participate. Additionally, other list serves
devoted to literature for children were also provided access aswere members
of USBBY. Altogether, there were 171 participants. Only those books submitted
through the on-line survey were counted. There were 779 individual books
named, including books that were cited multiple times. Of those books,
296 titles had an unique vote and 483 were multiple-vote titles. There were
commentsboth informative and insightfulabout most of the choices.
Maurice Sendak
Where the Wild Things Are
Harper & Row, 1963 ISBN 978-0060254920 hardcover ISBN 978-0064431781 paperback
Nearing 50 years in print, Where the Wild Things
Eric Carle
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Philomel/Penguin, 1969 ISBN 9780399208539 hardcover (and many other editions and formats)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the progress
http://www.carlemuseum.org
137
Mo Willems
Dont Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Hyperion Books for Children, 2003 ISBN 078681988X 9780786819881
Dont Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is an ingeniously
inChildrens Video.
Jules Feiffer
Bark, George
HarperCollins, 1999 ISBN 978-0062051851
Georges mother is exasperated when he refuses
138
10
Ed Emberley
Go Away, Big Green Monster!
Little Brown, 1992
Confronting night time fears is part of
UntilIsayso.
Wanda Gg
Millions of Cats
G. P. Putnam & Sons, 1928 ISBN 978-0399233159 (and many other formats and editions)
Hand-lettered text and strong, curvilinear
the very old man and his wife are left with only
Esphyr Slobodkina
Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business
Harper& Row, 1940 ISBN 978-0201091472 (and many other formats and editions)
A peddler who balances his unusual wares on top
forover 60 years.
139
ISBN 978-90-77897-61-4