Little Pickle Press is right up my alley (or maybe boulevard, here in France!). I discovered them at the SCBWI conference in LA in August. They are a small press dedicated to “helping parents and educators cultivate conscious, responsible little people by stimulating explorations of the meaningful topics of their generation through a variety of media, technologies, and techniques.” Now who among you couldn’t buy into this raison d’être?
Today’s review is one of Little Pickle Press’ What Does it Mean to Be’ series. You won’t be surprised to know I chose ‘What does it Mean to Be Global?” by Rana diOrio and illustrated by Chris Hill.
This pedagogical book begins to answer the question posed, by giving some silly answers that will immediately engage young children. Does being global mean studying planets?? Well, you get the picture! Kids can: learn ‘hi’ in many languages, visit the Pyramids, join in Chinese New Year celebrations and learn some Rasta music, to name a few of the topics covered. “Global” encourages children to explore the world’s various cultures, religions, languages, and traditions. It takes the young reader further, though, than just inciting an interest in other cultures, it suggests that by tasting the different foods, understanding the different beliefs, visiting different places, knowledge will grow into respect and exchange. Of course, the pages are overflowing with kids of all sorts of ethnic backgrounds, all with huge, endearing grins. The illustrations are colourful, whimsical and happy and match the simple text and message well. For children from 6 – 9. While I am sure this has the classroom as a target, I think it would make a great present and basis for discussion, with any child.
Watch their “Global” video.
Other titles in this series are What Does it Mean to be Green? What Does it Meant to be Present? And What Does it Mean to be Safe?
Little Pickle Press prints on recycled paper with soy inks, and ships green (sells direct). They also donate 10% of all book purchases to “non-profit partners dedicated to helping children in great need”. What Does it Mean to be Global benefits Starlight Children’s Foundation.
This # 91 in the There’s a Book Read to Me Picture Book challenge.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
Love the name Little Pickle Press. Oooooooh — I’d love this book. I think it is important to talk to children about our one big global family with all of it richness and diversity. Will have to look up this one. I did look up the organization on my own. I have heard a great deal about their good work. Great review.
Just watched the video on YouTube — excellent and very interactive!
Pat, thanks so much for pointing out the links, which weren’t working – now rectified. I would love to have a look at some of the others in their “What does it Mean?” series.
And, yes, awesome name for a press!
Yes, the one that caught my attention was “What Does It Mean to be Present.” You know my interests! 🙂
This press and the books they offer sound wonderful! Ages 6-9 is a little different for a picture book… is it the usual 32 page format? Or is it longer? Or does it have more text?
Susanna, 6-9 were my estimates, maybe it could be fine for a little younger. Yes it is the standard 32 page format.
Nice!
they have just put out a a video trailer for their latest What does it mean to be Safe? http://blog.littlepicklepress.com/2011/10/what-does-it-mean-to-be-safe-new-book.html
Loved the book and concept. It is along similar lines of an idea I have for a picture book. Also watched the youtube link. I didn’t see this Pickle press when I was at SCBWI, now wishing I had taken more notice.
I think there is plenty of room for more on this subject, Diane 😉
Sounds like a cool and timely book! Thanks!
Thanks for highlighting this book. It will go perfectly with my “Read Around the World” theme that I am using in the library this year.
Hi Heidi, I loved the focus of your blog. I often review books with a global or multicultural theme too!