Description
In the Picture Book Bundle
When It Rains (2019), by Rassi Narika. Kira always feels gloomy when it rains. She can’t read outside, can’t play in the park, and has to wear all her thickest clothes. But one day her friends Ana and Ilo ask her to join them on an adventure outside during another downpour. Kira discovers the joy of all the things that happen outside when it rains – from the new friends she makes, to the umbrellas on the streets, to the thrill of lightning, and finally, the warmth found at the end of each rainfall. With her delightful artwork and enchanting words, Rassi Narika spins a story of hope and discovery that will brighten even the rainiest of days.
“In the woods we met some frog
friends who were good at dancing.
They were also good at singing!
This is the rain song they sang:
‘Whenever it rains,
why get so sad?
The sound of the rain
goes along with our singing,
the raindrops are falling
in time with our dancing
and each splash of rain
brings us joy.’”
Page count: 32 | Publication date: 26 Mar 2019 | Paperback ISBN: 9781910139639
Queen of Seagulls: A picture book about magic and love (2018), by Rūta Briede. Translated from the Latvian by Elīna Brasliņa. Renata seems like an ordinary angry neighbour. She complains about children playing in the street, steals the food that people leave out for birds, and yells if she hears music. But there are things that Renata has forgotten about herself, and she must uncover the truth before it’s too late… What are the seagulls trying to tell her? And why do the accordionist’s songs make her so cross? Will Renata ever remember who she really is? This is a story about seagulls, magic and true love! This is a beautifully-produced, tactile, full-colour hardcover picture book. Perfect as a gift, for children and for adults
“Hiding in her kitchen, behind drawn curtains, Renata ate all of it for lunch. For some reason she found seagull food particularly delicious and she ate it with great relish, her fork clicking against the plate like a seagull’s beak.”
Page count: 44 | Publication date: 3rd May 2018 | Paperback ISBN: 9781910139134
The Dog Who Found Sorrow (2018), by Rūta Briede and illustrated by Elīna Brasliņa. Translated from the Latvian by Elīna Brasliņa. The Dog Who Found Sorrow is a beautiful, resonant picture book about sadness and healing, suitable for all ages. It tells the story of a dog who, waking to find his hometown covered in thick black clouds, goes out in search of the source of sorrow. It’s an intrepid quest, a parable about hope, and a tonic for our sorrowful times. The book is written by Rūta Briede, a leading illustrator and instructor at the Latvian Academy of Arts, illustrated by Elīna Brasliņa.
The book is beautifully produced, with a hardcover and dust-jacket.
“One morning my hometown
was invaded by black clouds –
first there was just one,
but soon I lost count.
The clouds
covered the city
like black smoke –
but this smoke
didn’t just come from chimneys.
It poured out of crooked
drainpipes, rusty tin cans,
punctured footballs – from
anything that was lonely and abandoned.”
Page count: 40 | Publication date: 22 Nov 2018 | Paperback ISBN: 9781910139547
