The first things that will strike you about this book are the larger size and the vibrant end papers. Then turn inside and the first page might surprise you because it is all white with a small amount of text on one page a tiny tear-drop shaped seed on the other. Over the coming pages we follow the seed into the ground where rain drops fall and the sun shines and eventually a shoot forms. Then a sapling emerges and eventually "a magnificent leafy tree in full bloom." The tree becomes a home to a family of baby birds. There are flowers on the tree and then apples. An apple falls to the ground and splits open. The seeds inside are carried on the wind. But one seed is left in a rocky crevice.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of our tiny one."
Do you know who is talking? Yes, it is the beautiful blackcap bird you can see on the cover.
This book was originally published in Italy with the title Avro cura di te.
The highly understated but impactful opening spread shows a little seed—just a black teardrop shape in vast white space—on the recto, while the text on the verso reads “once / there was / a tiny seed. / So small in the / great, big world, / it felt lost and / lonely.” Readers will undoubtedly be curious to discover the fate of this vulnerable little pip. ... A gentle, soothing, timely story to inspire compassion and kindness. Kirkus
... a stunningly beautiful and unique picture book. Kids Book Review
I read an Italian book review which said: An introduction to the cycles of nature, a touching and poetic picture book on caring, dedicated to those bonds of solidarity and brotherhood that make up the fabric of our lives. And the publisher North South said: This comforting tale celebrates the harmonious relationship between birds and trees, reveals the quiet wonder of our ecosystems, and helps little readers appreciate the care they receive from their family and friends every day. In return, children will learn that they can care for others too and cultivate empathy and kindness.
Maria Loretta Giraldo is a celebrated children’s author who lives and works along the Brenta Riviera in Verona, Italy. Her children’s books have been translated and published all over the world. She is a long-term artistic partner of Nicoletta Bertelle.
Nicoletta Bertelle is a celebrated children’s book illustrator from Italy. Her picture books have won many awards, including a White Raven Award, and have inspired TV cartoons and theatrical performances.
They have worked on other books but some are only in Italian.
Here is a close up of the Italian cover:
And in Italy you can buy a bag with an illustration from this book!
And here are some Teacher's Notes from the publisher Blue Dot.
My friend from Kinderbookswitheverything recently set up a display in her library (she does this every week or two) filled with books linked to Italy and all things Italian. I say linked because she went way beyond books set in Italy or about the geography of Italy. Her display included books about pasta and pizza.
Then she added in famous Italians such as Leonardo da Vinci; Galileo Galilei; Marco Polo; Michelangelo; Archimedes; Antonio Lucio Vivaldi; and Leonardo Fibonacci.
And she added children's book illustrators and authors. You can pop these names into my search to discover their books.
- Felicita Sala
- Beatrice Alemagna
- Sara Fanelli
- Christina Valentini
- Sergio Ruzzier
- Giovanna Zoboli
- Roberto Innocenti
- Marianna Coppo
Here are a few of the books from her display but there were SO many more:
And here are the Kinderbookswitheverything blog posts:
No comments:
Post a Comment