May’s #7StoriesSelects

May’s #7StoriesSelects : ‘Around The World in Seven Stories’

Embark on a literary adventure around the world with May’s theme… ‘Around The World in Seven Stories’! We’re thrilled to share our selections for this month, from the vast icy scapes of the Arctic to the vibrant jungles of South America, each continent holds a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered. We’ll journey to distant lands, meet fascinating characters, and immerse ourselves in diverse cultures and traditions as we celebrate the beauty of our global community one story at a time!

The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright and Jim Field

 

Picture Book Choice

Meet Kevin. A koala who likes to keep things the same. Exactly the same.

But sometimes change comes along whether we like it or not… And, as Kevin discovers, if you step outside your comfort zone and try new things, you might just surprise yourself!

From the creators of THE LION INSIDE comes a hilarious rhyming tale for anyone who finds change just a little bit worrisome.

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage

 

Five & Over

Dr Morley is about to embark on a quest to the northernmost tip of the world, to discover a creature that everyone talks about but nobody has ever seen: The Giant Arctic Jellyfish.
 
After years of research and hard graft, she gathers together a highly trained crew and a boat full of specialist equipment and sets sail for the vast icy scapes of the Arctic. Will she find what she is searching for? Or will it find her?
 
From debut author-illustrator, Chloe Savage comes a beautifully detailed adventure into the unknown, sure to captivate the imagination of young explorers!

The Explorer by Katherine Rundell

 

Middle Grade

Fred has always dreamed of becoming an explorer, of making history and of reading his name amongst the lists of great discoveries. Sat in a tiny aeroplane with the mysteries of the jungle passing below, he wishes he could land and look around.
 
As the plane crashes into the canopy, he is suddenly left without a choice.
 
He, Lila, Con and little Max may be alive, but the jungle is a vast, untamed place. With no hope of rescue, the chance of getting home feels impossibly small. Except, it seems, someone has been there before them…
 
An exciting adventure of friendship and survival, Katherine Rundell has crafted a masterpiece of fiction that we can’t recommend enough!

The Wind Rises: Alma by Timothée de Fombelle

 

YA Fave

In an isolated African valley, Alma and her family live a blissful life; until her little brother finds the only way out.
Meanwhile, in Lisbon, the petty thief Joseph Mars manages to get himself on board the Douce Amélie, a slave ship, to look for a fabulous treasure. The ship’s captain, Lazare Gardel, is also hunting for treasure, that of the notorious pirate Luc de Lerne.
Alma’s mission becomes a fight for survival when she encounters groups of Ashanti hunters who enslave anyone they encounter. While everyone is searching for something, Alma and Joseph’s lives become intertwined, both on land and at sea.
Spanning three continents, Alma tells a gripping story of hope, perseverance, and love!

This Is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe

 

All The Family

In Japan, Kei plays Freeze Tag, while in Uganda, Daphine likes to jump rope. While the way they play may differ, the shared rhythm of their days—and this one world we all share—unites them.

This genuine exchange provides a window into traditions that may be different from our own as well as mirrors reflecting our common experiences. Inspired by his own travels, Matt Lamothe transports readers across the globe and back with this luminous and thoughtful picture book.

Dim Sum Palace by X. Fang

 

Story Seller Rec

Liddy is too excited to sleep! Tomorrow she’s going to the Dim Sum Palace with her family, so when a tempting smell wafts into her bedroom, she has no choice but to follow it… to a real palace!

There are dumplings, baos, buns and more tasty treats than one girl can possibly eat. But before Liddy can take a bite, she slips and falls into a bowl of dumpling filling. The chefs are so busy making dim sum, they don’t notice they’ve prepared a most unusual dish for the Empress – a Liddy dumpling!

Inspired by childhood memories of epic dim sum feasts, X. Fang’s glorious picture book is a delicious adventure with a loving helping of food, family and culture.

Heidi by Johanna Spyri

 

Classic

Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather at the top of a mountain after her aunt takes up a job offer she can’t refuse. The friendship she makes there is soon jeopardised when she is forced to move to the city to care for a girl named Clara. Will Heidi ever return to her lovely little life in the mountains? Will she see her grandfather again?

This coming-of-age tale discusses the importance of friendship, family and the need to adapt to whatever life throws at you!

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