To find gift ideas for children, five Books that only have good surprises in store. We explore nature, friendship and rediscover a cult tale.
Nature can be learned
To become a future gourmet, you still need to have the basics and know that fish is not caught square and that fries do not grow on any tree, to allude to the slightly provocative subtitle of this youth documentary album, intended for ages 6-10. Lisa Voisard, graphic illustrator and nature lover, offers a “educational and gourmet trip” so that young readers can discover the products that nature produces and which end up on their plates. How do bananas grow? Are they all yellow? What can you put on a pizza? Sushi, paella, risotto, mochi, what are the rice-based preparations? Where do spices come from and what is their power?
“Yum nature” by Lisa Voisard, ed. Collection Outside, 128 p., 19.90 euros.
A dog given by winter
It's the story of a stray dog, small and with a golden coat, who was first adopted by villagers before being rejected for fear of rabies in particular. Chased away, here he goes into the forest then crosses a town while the storm threatens. Terrified, the little dog is guided by the wind then taken in by a kind old lady who sees in him her “winter gift“. This fantastic tale, imagined by Camille Kohler alias Mim, is superbly illustrated by Nathalie Ragondet who, through her poetic style, portrays the winter and snowy atmospheres very well.
“The gift of winter” by Mim and Nathalie Ragondet, Milan, from 3 years old, 14.90 euros.
Everything you need to know about insects
This educational book is first and foremost attractive because of its large format. On a matte black background, the insects are presented as if under a magnifying glass. The author of Small beasts in very large quantities is an entomologist passionate about macro photography. Rik Delhem reveals each, centipede, policeman, wasp (all displaying their scientific name) in close-up, allowing readers to observe the smallest detail of a carapace or a mandible. The colors explode against the black of the pages, with an aesthetic sense that matches the scientific objective. A work that you won't leave behind…
“Little beasts very large” by Rik Delhem, Milan, from 7 years old, 26.50 euros.
A shadow theater
A suspended moment when, in the darkness of the room, the singularity of a shared story unfolds. For this revisited version of Little Red Riding Hood, Mélanie Baligand, passionate about animated books, imagined a clever book-object device which, through the magic of a smartphone flashlight, sees the characters come to life thanks to images in cutting. We admire the technique, letting ourselves be carried away by the timelessness of the tale.
“Little Red Riding Hood” by Mélanie Baligand, La Martinière Jeunesse, from 3 years old, 24.90 euros.
Journey through the pages
Hélène Druvert is something of a specialist in albums whose refinement is as much expressed in the themes addressed as in the staging of the story. It is the same with this recent The glass house. There we meet a heroine, the young Haize, who wanders the city alone with a look of both curiosity and wonder. The discovery of an abandoned greenhouse will be the starting point of a story that combines the comfort of friendship and passion for nature. We stop on the chiseled pages to observe all the details and the very attractive fragility.
“The glass house” by Hélène Druvert, La Martinière Jeunesse, from 5 years old, 18 euros.
Books
France
