Books published by North-South Books

Time is relative! Award-winning illustrator Torben Kuhlmann’s brilliant new book bends time and imagination. Bank Street 2022 Best Children's Books of the Year list September/October Indie Next Kids Pick, 2021 Society of Illustrators Original Art, 2021 National Science Teachers Association 2022 Best STEM Books, December 2021 Bronze Winner– INDIES Book of the Year Award, 2021When an inventive mouse misses the biggest cheese festival the world has ever seen, he’s determined to turn back the clock. But what is time, and can it be influenced? With the help of a mouse clockmaker, a lot of inventiveness, and the notes of a certain famous Swiss physicist he succeeds in traveling back in time. But when he misses his goal by eighty years, the only one who can help is an employee of the Swiss Patent Office, who turned our concept of space and time upside down.  From the creator of Lindbergh–The Tale of a Flying Mouse, Moletown, Armstrong – The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon, and Edison – The Mystery of the Missing Mouse Treasure comes Einstein. Torben Kuhlmann, in his fourth mouse adventure, explores the question: Suppose Albert Einstein’s famous theories first came into being through an encounter with a little mouse? Rave Reviews for Einstein: His unique ability to combine fun, facts, science and biography makes Einstein a real triumph. BookPage, Starred Review "As in Armstrong (2016) and Edison (2018), Kuhlmann employs a mix of narrative and fantastically detailed mouse’s-eye-view pencil-and-watercolor scenes to portray a small, furry investigator intrepidly tackling scientific and technological challenges in a human-sized world—here involving old records in a certain Swiss patent office, clock gears and computer parts, trial and error, and equations on chalkboards." - Kirkus, Starred Review 

What lies behind the sun, the moon, and the stars? Ida can't stop thinking about these and other very important questions. Then one night, a flying whale wakes her and takes her on an amazing journey--where some of her questions are answered and even more created. Full color. 5/8.

Seventeen of Ovid’s enduring stories stunningly illustrated.Known the world over, Ovid’s canonical work has spanned centuries, never losing its relevance. Retold by award-winning Austrian author Heinz Janisch with transcendent illustrations by Ana Sender, this collection includes some of Ovid’s most popular and potent stories—sure to reach new hearts and minds.  From The Story of the Origin of the World to Midas, Pan, Europa, Apollo, Daphne, Narcissus, Echo, and Fama, the goddess of rumor and stories, we see the multifaceted world of Ovid’s Metamorphoses. These tales about gods, goddesses, humans, nymphs and other beings remind us that transformation and the power of story is never ending. 

"It's time for Bruno, the little brown bear, to hibernate.It will be many nights before spring comes again, so Mother Bear must find something special to help him sleep. When Mother Bear tells Bruno she'll tell him stories, he can hardly wait. From an ocean swimming elephant, a flower picking panther, a flying squirrel, a hippo who wants to dance, and more, Mother Bear's captivating and funny stories do the trick"--

Friendship makes us brave! This delightful story—part of Hans de Beer’s beloved Little Polar Bear series—is now back in hardcover.On a quiet day in the arctic, Lars, the Little Polar Bear, hears a cry coming from a deep hole in the ice. It’s Hugo, a scared little hare, who is trapped and needs to be rescued. The two become fast friends with Lars teasing Hugo for being timid, and Hugo wishing Lars was just a little more careful! But when Lars lands himself in trouble, Hugo has to show just how brave he can be in an emergency. "Lars gains a new friend in his latest adventure . . . Such teamwork and fond friendship will win readers’ hearts while the falling snow and expressive faces will dazzle their eyes."—Kirkus Reviews   

Your dreams can change the world! Colorful mosaics, playful flowing forms, imaginative facades—Barcelona shines with the buildings of Antoni Gaudí. How did the son of a Catalan blacksmith become a world-famous architect? The first years of Gaudí's life were challenging. Because of an illness, young Gaudí couldn’t attend school and was often alone. Many of his days were spent out in nature, which he would later call his great teacher. Even during his training as an architect in Barcelona, his teachers were puzzled, wondering: is he a “genius or a fool?” Many considered his unusual ideas eccentric, sometimes even crazy. But Gaudí was simply ahead of his time. His buildings are now a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site.   With an insightful eye into the world of an inspired genius, award-winning author Susan B. Katz tells of Gaudí's life and work. Linda Schwalbe's dazzling and powerful illustrations reflect the inventive, daring, and flamboyant style of Gaudí's work.

Fun is just a fresh perspective away in this entertaining book about boredom. What a boring day! Badger doesn't feel like doing anything. Unfortunately, Fox, Squirrel, Blackbird, and Rabbit feel the same way. One after the other, they appear at Badger's door. Even together they don't know what to do. But when Mouse comes over wearing an eye patch, she gets the ball rolling-or rather a pirate ship in motion-and the treasure hunt begins! Badger and his friends are finally on an adventure. Grumpy Badger is back in Moritz Petz's humorous story-that could take place in any child's room-reminding us that boredom often gives rise to the best ideas. Amélie Jackowski's illustrations keep the laughs coming with her unique and humorous details. Praise for The Day Everything Went Wrong "Amelie Jackowski's illustrations are wonderful."- Youth Services Book Review "This sweet Swiss import gives a fresh take on altruism and friendship."-Booklist

Opposites attract in this playful book by Binette Schroeder-one of Germany's most beloved illustrators!Mr. Gray thinks his neighbor-the colorful and cheerful Frieda Frolic-is unbearable. She whistles while gardening and happily romps around with her miniature pig. All of this bothers Mr. Gray who only enjoys thinking about his beloved numbers. Then one day Frieda Frolic's bright yellow canary barges into his home. It's an outrage! But when Mr. Gray falls under the spell of Frieda Frolic's wonderfully gray eyes; he soon discovers there's more to life than numbers. Binette Schroeder tells the story of an unlikely couple with humor and charm. In bold, bright illustrations, she shows us what we gain when we open ourselves to chance and let color into our lives. Binette Schroeder's vibrant story is sure to brighten the grayest day.

A beautiful, classic addition to the family bookshelf-with beloved Swiss designer, Celestino Piatti's fun and retro illustrations! This classic fable about enjoying the miracle of everyday life, first illustrated by Celestino Piatti in 1963, is being reissued in celebration of Piatti's distinctive artwork. Known for his innovative use of fonts, Piatti once said, "You can draw an owl a thousand times, and never find out its secret." Why are these owls so happy? That's just what the chickens, ducks, and geese want to know. But when they send a peacock over to find out why, they're incredulous at the reply. How could anyone be happy simply to see the rain and sunshine? What could be so joyful about the flowers and butterflies? "Every imaginative child will cherish this rare and beautiful book."-New York Times Book Review "It should be two stars-- one for each eye. The use of brilliant color is beyond simple description-- it's an eye-fest."-Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

This off-beat spring story about a chick who won't hatch until it's Easter is bound to bring a smile.Hilda the Hen's beautiful egg doesn't hatch. Instead the talking egg asks: "Mother when is Easter?" Hilda can't believe her ears. But when is Easter? Sometimes it's in March, sometimes it's in April. The date changes every year. Why? Hilda needs to find out because her baby chick is determined to be born on Easter Sunday. So she sets out to discover the secret and?with some advice from a wise owl?create an Easter dream come true in this delightful holiday story. Adding to the fun is a bunny seek-and-find, with rabbits hidden in many of the pictures for youngsters to find. "With art that offers comedy, hidden pictures, a little science (the phases of the moon) and the possibility of religious discussion, this book is definitely worth a good look."?Publishers Weekly

Take a hike with this father-daughter adventure that's sure to inspire you to get outside. When a young child reminds her dad about the hike they planned, her father is hesitant ?To the tippy top? It's a great day to watch futbol (soccer). But as the two climb on, her enthusiasm is contagious. Filled with setbacks, surprises, and stunning views, this warm and humorous story highlights in vivid colors the bonding power of a shared experience. A list of creatures at the end prompts a second look for keen-eyed readers to make discoveries of their own. Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcántara (co-creators of The Field) have teamed up again! Baptiste's humorous and tender text, with a sprinkling of Creole words straight from the Pitons, and Jacqueline Alcántara's vibrant and evocative illustrations capture the wonder and emotions experienced on the trail and the special relationship between a parent and a child. Praise for The Field: Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2018 School Library Journal Best Book of 2018 The Horn Book Best Picture Book of 2018 Shelf Awareness Best Children's Book of the Year Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year "Irresistible fun." Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review "Vibrant illustrations . . . match the vigor and excitement of the text." The Horn Book, Starred Review "Excitement overflows from the pages and the children." Booklist, Starred Review

Eight heartwarming classic tales for the Christmas season-illustrated by Bernadette Watts--in one beautiful volume.A beautiful Christmas collection that includes The Smallest Snowflake, The Little Drummer Boy, Shoemaker Martin, The Star Child, The Snow Queen, The Little Donkey, The Christmas Story, and Varenka, this collection of stories will get you in the Christmas spirit. "Watts' watercolors overlaid with crayon-like texture are appealing and rustic."-School Library Journal Praise for Little Red Riding Hood (illustrated by Bernadette Watts) "My what big talent she has! The old is new again here, and this is a welcome addition to the fairy-tale shelf."-Kirkus Reviews "A master in choosing a palette to fit each story."-Eric Carle

Could everyone be right in this light-hearted story about different perspectives? The bear knows exactly what the mountain looks like-a forest. The sheep, octopus, and ant also know the mountain. It's a meadow! It's surrounded by water! It's a maze of tunnels! The chamois and snow hare have their opinions too. It seems the mountain looks different to every animal. How can that be? And whose point of view is right? Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger's insightful story about tolerance is told in their feather light way. "A natural for storytime, this humorous tale elevates the beauty of many perspectives."-Kirkus Reviews