World Kid Lit Month is an annual celebration of world literature for children and young adults that takes place all September long.
It’s the perfect time to share the international books and children’s book creators you’ve discovered this year.
Children’s books are like a portal to a new world or adventure that invites young readers into the world of imagination and exploration. Books are also a way to allow world travel without leaving your zip code. Books are also a way for kids to “see themselves” in the pages of the stories they read.
In honor of World Kid Lit Month, here are some new-to-you titles that will be perfect for home or classroom bookshelves:
A World Kid Lit Month Booklist
Peace In My World by Syeda Mleeha Shah
Peace In My World by Syeda Mleeha Shah
Dedicated to the displaced children currently living in refugee camps, Peace in My World is a much-needed message that teaches about the devastation of war without saying a word about it. Instead, it amplifies what peace is and what it feels like. Told in rhyme, this book is easy to read to young children and easy for them to remember—and even sing.
A moving celebration of school and all it may signify: work and play, creativity and trust, and a supportive community that extends beyond walls.
A school isn’t just a building; it is all the people who work and learn together. It is a place for discovery and asking questions. A place for sharing, for helping, and for community. It is a place of hope and healing, even when that community can’t be together in the same room. John Schu, a librarian and former ambassador of school libraries for Scholastic, crafts a loving letter to schools and the people that make up the communities within in a picture book debut beautifully illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison.
Lupe Lopez Rock Star Rules by e.E Charlton-Trujillo; Pat Zietlow Miller
When a sassy drummer starts kindergarten, the rules of school cramp her style. What’s a young rock star to do?
When Lupe Lopez struts through the doors of Hector P. Garcia Elementary in sunglasses with two taped-up Number 2 pencils—drumsticks, of course—poking from her pocket, her confidence is off the charts. All day, Lupe drums on desks, tables, and chairs while Ms. Quintanilla reminds her of school rules. Lupe has her own rules: 1) Don’t listen to anyone. 2) Make lots of noise. ¡Rataplán! 3) Have fans, not friends. But with her new teacher less than starstruck and fans hard to come by, Lupe wonders if having friends is such a bad idea after all.
Can true star power mean knowing when to share the spotlight?
With its spirited illustrations and a simple text threaded through with Spanish words, this picture book is proof positive that being a strong girl moving to her own beat doesn’t have to mean pushing others away.
Woofism by Michelle Goldsmith & Renee Turner
This delightful picture book is based on our lovable family pet doodle named Rudy. Over the years, he had a beautifully soulful look expressing so much wisdom.
It was this that inspired us to write about the concept of a “woofism”, which is defined as smart advice from a dog communicated through barks and understood only by children. In this endearing tale, Rudy spends a hot Summer’s day with his human friends. They rely on his help, compassion, friendship, and words of wisdom to navigate the various challenges they face throughout the day.
Anisa’s International Day by Reem Faruqi
Anisa is super-excited about International Day and can’t wait to share her mother’s samosas with her class. But when someone else has the exact same idea, Anisa is crushed.
Going to her aunt’s dholki party gives her an idea for the perfect activity instead—mehndi! There’s only one problem: Anisa’s best friend doesn’t like the idea. She doesn’t even seem to like Anisa anymore.
Will Anisa ever get to enjoy International Day?
Happy Reading!
