Cloud and Wallfish by Anne Nesbet
Suggested ages: 10-14 years
One day, Noah suddenly has his world turned upside down. His parents inform him they will be temporarily moving to East Germany, as his mother has permission to do dissertation research there for 6 months. Along with the family’s relocation, Noah is informed that his name will be Jonah Brown, rather than Noah Keller. His parents share a photo book with him which illustrates a new background for him – age, school, neighborhood. New rules to live by are carefully explained to Noah, emphasizing that “they will always be listening and watching.”
Noah with his “Astonishing Stutter” has had enough to cope with in 5th grade. Completely baffled, he is full of questions which don’t receive satisfactory answers. Nevertheless, his certainty that his parents love him as they ask for his trust, strengthen his resolve and faith, as he begins this new chapter in his life. Thus opens this historical novel located in East Germany in 1989, mere six months before the Berlin Wall falls.
Perhaps one of the most difficult changes for Noah in his new home is the lack of contemporary friends. His savior comes in the form of a girl in his own apartment building, Claudia (“Cloud”), who has endured a life-changing tragedy. Together they see themselves as “changelings.” They are beings from one world who are compelled to live in another. Each, in their own way, emotionally supports the other. The author, Anne Nesbet, spent the summer of 1987 in East Berlin as well as several months in 1989 and 1990. Her experiences give an authenticity to the historical setting. She augments this fascinating and moving story with “Secret File” notes at the end of each chapter, providing historical context to the book’s narrative. Along with mystery and suspense, are the themes of friendship and family.In Cloud and Wallfish, Nesbit movingly illustrates that “Home is not mostlya place. Home is someone putting her arms around you and saying the words your heart longs to hear, always and everywhere.”
Juana & Lucas, written and illustrated by Juana Medina
Suggested ages: 5-8 years
Juana & Lucas is a three-book series starring Juana and her amigo Lucas, a lovable dog. Set in Bogotá, Columbia, the local culture as well as Spanish vocabulary are an integral part of the story. Juana’s emotions and desires are universal along with the humor sprinkled throughout.
The young reader meets Juana as she tackles new school experiences, whether it’s puzzling math problems or learning the strange English language. Her best friend, Juli, along with her Mami, and her loving family, are all a part of Juana’s days. The colored ink and watercolor artwork, enhancing the book’s pages, is energetic and expressive. With the introduction of each character, comes a fascinating full-page illustration with detailed descriptors encircling their portraits. They immediately come to life as they are integrated into Juana’s story.
Children will find Juana very easy to relate to and will be eager to join her on her further adventures. Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas is also in our collection, while Muchos Changes is on order.
We Found a Hat, written and illustrated by Jon Klassen
Suggested ages: 4-8 years
A hat is again the focus of a Jon Klassen picture book. (See his earlier books – This is Not My Hat and I Want My Hat Back.) With his signature bold pictures done in various shades of neutral colors and his sparse text, Klassen shares with children a nuanced tale.
Two turtle companions come across a lone hat. But with only one hat and two turtles, we have a conundrum! The more thoughtful turtle declares they must forget about the hat since there is only one, but the second turtle has doubts. What ensues is an unsurprising step by the doubting turtle followed by a resolution that is satisfying in its imaginative and “dreamy” conclusion.
Children’s Book Reviews are by Nancy Guist.