On the Other Side of the Garden by Jairo Buitrago - Illustrated by Rafael Yockteng

Sensitive and poignant, Jairo Buitrago's On the Other Side of the Garden touches on the subject of family separation. Isabel is a little girl whose father has taken her to live with her grandmother in the countryside. Confused and lonely, Isabel tries to cope with her situation. At night while trying to fall asleep, Isabel meets three animal friends:  an owl, a frog and a mouse. They show her the beauty in her new surroundings and allow her time to grieve. Were Isabel's animal friends real or was she sleep walking again? Readers can draw their own conclusions.

This picture book has minimal text that is slow paced, written in the first person by Isabel. The environment is mostly solemn with bits of comic relief from the mouse but gets uplifted in the end. An emotional and thoughtful approach to helping children through the stresses of family separation. Translated to English by Elisa Amado.

The digital illustrations by Rafael Yockteng uses a limited colour palette. The depiction of the farm is wonderfully illustrated. The nighttime scenes are not too dark and the positions of the animals are cleverly placed. This bit of humour in the illustrations help to lighten the mood. Recommended for ages 5+.

Amazon
Groundwood Books 2018
Hardcover 56p
9.8" x 9.8"

Sleeping Beauty by Mahlon F. Craft - Illustrated by Kinuko Y. Craft

Kinuko Y. Craft's picture book for Sleeping Beauty remains my top choice for this fairy tale based on Charles Perrault's La Belle au Bois Dormant in 1696. Retold by Mahlon F. Craft, this edition covers the first of two parts from Perrault's tale. The story is fast paced and a quick read, the action begins at the christening of Aurora where the uninvited fairy curses the baby princess to die on her 16th birthday. This curse is softened by one of the good fairies; instead of death, Aurora will sleep for one hundred years.

The illustrations are done in mixed media with Kinuko Y. Craft's signature style of extravagant costumes, luxuriously curly haired heroines, intricate details, and effective use of light and shadows. Just like her other illustrated books, the text is adorned with lovely floral patterned borders and drop caps that are all unique. If you like Beauty and the Beast, you'll like this too. Recommended for ages 5+.

Amazon
Chronicle Books 2002
Hardcover 32p
9.2" x 11.2"

Favorite Children's Stories from China and Tibet by Lotta Carswell Hume Illustrated by Lo Koon Chiu

Presented here are 18 popular folk tales from China and Tibet. I have fond memories of reading some of these stories in elementary school. They are very similar to Aesop's fables with anthropomorphic animals and in most cases a moral to learn. The themes of kindness and cleverness is always triumphant. Enter the world of ancient China, where magic and mystical beings abound. There are not many compilations of Chinese fairy tales written in English and Lotta Carswell Hume does an excellent translation of the stories, offering readers an insight into Chinese culture. Each short story is 2-3 pages long and is suitable for reading out loud.

Lo Koon Chiu's illustrations are displayed throughout and done in watercolour in the classic Chinese brush style. His depictions of the people and costumes add authenticity and appeal. Lo Koon Chiu studied at the Art College of Guangzhou and the Canton Technical College of Arts. The new edition available this July with reduced pricing includes 7 stories. Recommended for ages 5+.

Amazon
Tuttle Publishing 2004
Hardcover 112p
9" x 9"