Picture Books Around the World | Ocean County Library

A Feather, a Pebble, a Shell

By Miri Leshem-Pelly (E577 Lesh)

When the Israeli author-illustrator runs in a field or swim in the sea, she looks for something to hold in her hand: a pebble or a feather. She leaves them in their habitats...for the reader to find.
A Dupatta Is...

By Marzieh Abbas (E Abba)

A lyrical and charming picture book celebrating the dupatta, a traditional shawl worn in South Asian cultures.
Eloísa's Musical Window

By Margarita Engle (E Engl)

Eloísa's struggles fade away when she sits by the window and listens to the neighbor's radio, and one magical day young musicians gather outside and turn the neighborhood into a joyful orchestra of neighbors and strangers. Includes information on different instruments.
Esma Farouk, Lost in the Souk

By Lisa Boersen (E Boer)

Esma is excited to be visiting family in Morocco. She can't wait to explore the souk - a giant market full of incredible acrobats, delicious-smelling spices, and cheeky monkeys. But while Esma is being charmed by swaying snakes, she loses track of Mama and Auntie Fatima. Esma is lost!
If You See a Bluebird

By Bahram Rahman (E Rahm)

Ali spends the morning picking blackberries with his Nana and reminiscing about his home in Afghanistan and the mulberry tree there. He remembers the day the soldiers came and the family's nighttime flight. When Ali sees a bluebird, his Nana tells him wish on it.
I'll See You in Ijebu

By Bunmi Emenanjo (E Emen)

A Catholic girl growing up in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria takes a trip to spend a week with her Muslim extended family in the countryside town of Ijebu to celebrate Eid al-Adha. Her days in Ijebu are filled with celebrations, traditions and special time connecting with family.
Stranded! A Mostly True Story From Iceland

By Ævar Þór Benediktsson (E551.21 AEva)

Based on a true story, the author humorously recounts the time his grandfather got stranded with a friend on Surtsey, a brand new volcanic island in Iceland. The adventurers face epic challenges like molten lava, melted eyeglasses and scant supplies before finally getting rescued.
My Father's House

By Mina Javaherbin (E Java)

With the first rays of the sun, Mina and her father begin a joyful day exploring the city streets of Isfahan, Iran, where Islam and Judaism intertwine and a community thrives.
Noodles on a Bicycle

By Kyo Maclear (E Macl)

When the deliverymen set off in the morning, the children wait for the flicker of pedal and wheel. It's the demae— delivery men— setting off to deliver steaming trays of noodles to hungry customers all over the city.
The Gale

By Mo Yan (E Mo)

One morning, a young boy accompanies his yeye seven miles north to the grassy field behind their home to cut satintail to feed the livestock. But when a massive gale scatters the hay—and a whole day’s work—important lessons will need to be learned.
Kapaemahu

By Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu (E398.2 Wong)

In the 15th century, four Mahu sail from Tahiti to Hawaii and share their gifts of science and healing with the people of Waikiki. The islanders return this gift with a monument of four boulders in their honor, which the Mahu imbue with healing powers before disappearing.
Feasts and Festivals Around the World: From Lunar New Year to Christmas

By Alice B. McGinty (E394.26 McGi)

From South Korea to Nigeria to the USA, come celebrate festivals throughout the year! People around the world are celebrating. In Australia, it's Christmas in summer with barbecues on the beach. In Thailand, they're celebrating Songkran, the famous Buddhist water festival.