The authors, illustrators, and translators of the books below represent four continents and at least four languages. Such diversity seems particularly appropriate to these stories, where imagination and perspective bridge divides.
The joy of story is perhaps the most valuable gift any book can offer. But reading also—often subconsciously—opens a window onto our selves. Stories and imaginative play are means by which children process real life. In Out of the Blue and Goodnight, Commander, the protagonists forge imaginary friendships that would constitute uncommon bonds in real life—one with an enemy soldier and one with a wild creature. But such stories have the potential to cultivate real-life receptiveness to individuals different from or at odds with us.
