What could that be? Reza Dalvand translated by Baobab Books.

 

One day, the forest gleamed in colours more beautiful than ever before. 

There in a clearing, between trees that glittered green and red, lay something small.

Well, what could that be?

The leopard thinks it may be one of her spots. A crow thinks it might be a piece from a star. The fox thinks it could be a jewel that has been lost by the princess. 

"The bear thought the object was a bit of horseshoe from the hoof of a warhorse. The enemy was near!"

The owl thinks it might be a dragon's egg. 

"By now there was complete confusion in the forest. ... Everybody was very excited about the mystery."

Have you read Harvey Slumfenbuger's Christmas?  Do you remember the wonderful ending with the words "I wonder what it was?"  This ending is perfect because it allows your young reading companion, or in my case the whole class in the library, to use their imagination. The open ended question allows the story to continue. It also, I would ague, makes rereading this book fun every time. What could that be? has this same delightful open ending. 

This is also one of those very special books you could share with a range of ages. It is of course magical to imagine this object might be a dragon's egg but what about the implied threat as the army of soldiers march out from the palace? There are also things to discuss here about curiosity, suspicion and fear along with all the possibilities that are afforded by this mysterious object. 

Now onto the book design used here.  WOW WOW!  I love the way the cover stretches out to reveal a larger image and even better there is a surprise under the dust jacket:

Image Source: Reza Dalvand Something Black

Here are the scrumptious end papers:

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned Reza Dalvand from Iran.  This week, thanks to my friend from Kinderbookswitheverything, I have now seen his fabulous book - What could that be? (2020). This book was originally published in German with the title Etwas Schwarzes which translates as Something Black. The book was also translated from Farsi by Nazli Hodaie.  

About the author: Reza Dalvand (*1989) was born in the Iranian city of Andimeshk. As a child he had but one idea in his head – to draw. After studying graphic design at Isfahan University of Art he completed a master's degree in illustration at the University of Tehran. He has illustrated many books for children in Iran and abroad. His works have been recognised at international exhibitions and competitions. Something Black was originally published by Baboab Books and has since been translated into English, French, Turkish and Korean. Besides his position as Art Director of an Iranian Publishing House Reza works as a freelance illustrator in Tehran.

Here is the cover of the French edition of this book.

Here is the cover of the German edition:

Boabab Books say they publish books, promote intercultural reading skills and initiate international projects. "In today's multifaceted society, characterised by constant change and migration, Baobab Books stands for respect for people with different backgrounds or beliefs, as well as for solidarity and equal opportunities in global society."