Anna's Wish

Anna’s Wish by Bruno Hachler, illustrated by Friederike Rave 2008

Anna lives in a village that has not had snow in years, yet many of the villagers still have sleds and snow shovels. When Anna and her mom walk past the local bakery she feels a soft coldness touch her cheek as she stares at a little white horse standing on a cake. Her mom tries hard to describe what snow is like, so Anna searches for and finds a red, wooden sled in the basement. She cleans the sled up and dreams of frolicking in the snow. Her wish comes true, and the entire village celebrates.

The variation in the colors of the village scenes belie the longing and joy that Anna experiences with the coming magic of snow.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Bruno Hachler on Amazon

Monsoon Afternoon

Monsoon Afternoon by Kashmira Sheth, illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi 2008

During a monsoon rain storm what is a young boy to do? Boredom causes this young man to ask each of his family members to play, but they are too busy. Finally his Dadaji (grandfather) agrees to join him. They sail boats in the washtub, and wander through the damp village. After ending up at the old banyan tree the boy asks, "Dadaji, did you ever swing on this tree?" "Oh yes. Very often," he said. "Did monsoon come when you were little?" I asked. "Of course. Monsoon came every year when I was little. Just like it does now."

The rhythm of the monsoon season reflects the bigger themes of family lineage, and the passage of time. The powerful bond between grandfather and grandson takes place on the cultural backdrop of the Indian community.

Appropriate for ages 4-8

Kashmira Sheth on Amazon