Translated children's books

A Mexican coming of age tale set in an old, crumbling house which has been turned into a library by Uncle Tito. Hidden amongst these many books, is one special read, the 'wild book'. Juan is the only one who can find it, but can he do it before the summer ends? This is a an unforgettable adventure story about books, libraries, and the power of reading.

A Norwegian story following Trille and Lena as they grow and deal with changes in their community. The follow up to the wonderful Waffle Hearts, this is a hilarious and heart-warming read about family, friendship and growing up. Filled with memorable scenes and stories of day-to-day adventure, this is a must read.

The Japanese classic that inspired the beloved animated film. This is the ideal read for of Manga, and follows Kiki as she leaves home to explore and learn about her own skills as a witch. A charming and touching coming of age story, this is joyous read.

Originally written in 1939 in Warsaw, this beautiful book illustrated by Ala Bankroft cornicles the events of that year from the perspective of an 8 year old. Michal has been told by his teacher to keep a diary to improve his writing. With text in English and Polish, this is a unique window into the past and an emotive read.

Italian author Davide Morosinotto explores the experience of two teenagers as Germany declares war on and invades the Soviet Union. This story is told in unique way, in full colour with diary entries, maps and photos. We follow twins Viktor and Nadya as they are separated and desperately try to reach each other during the siege of Leningrad. A historical mystery that is revealed as you read, this is a story of courage and bravery, exploring the power and concept of 'truth'. It is a unique and compelling read.

An Italian story of a girl with a degenerative sight-loss that is speeding up. Mafalda measures the distance between her and the tree at her school as a way to chart her own experience of sight-loss. The reader takes an emotional journey with Mafalda as she tries to decide what is most important to her before she loses her sight completely. A heart-wrenching read, this story is ideal for developing empathy and understanding of the struggles others go through.

A Latvian children's book set in Riga. Jacob Bird is obsessed with the local legend that one day Riga will be 'ready' and completely flooded. Jacob day dreams and thinks one day, Riga is flooded! But when the waters recede, Jacob finds himself staying with relatives in the run-down Maskatchaka district of Riga. Now Jacob must fight to save this area from developers, with the help of the district's very own gang of talking dogs. This is an enjoyable adventure story, with many twists and turns that will keep any reader on their toes!

Maia and What Matters is a beautiful story of a grandmother and granddaughter and their special relationship. However, when Maia's grandma gets ill, Maia finds all her words become muddled, only grandma could understand her. This is a beautifully story of dealing with change, family illness and understanding one another. Perfect for reading together, this is a story families with treasure.

Translated from French, this is the story of friends who get caught in a storm whilst heading to their outdoor fort. Our Fort is a gentle story about the unpredictability of nature and finding small wonders in the natural world around us. Perfect for sharing to encourage children to head outdoors, this is a lovely story of friendship and working together.

Translated from Japanese, this is a picture book about a little girl that has always wanted something that was hers, and hers alone – something she wouldn't have to share with anyone. A rubber band might not like seem like fun to many, but to this little girl, the possibilities are endless. This picture book is perfect for exploring and encouraging play with wee ones. Stripped back, playful illustrations add to the simplicity and fun of the story, which is all about the endless depths of the imagination!

Originally published in Portuguese in 2002, and then in Spanish in 2003, this is a heartwarming story about two grandparents getting ready to go dancing together. Grandmother is feeling self-conscious, so Grandfather does all he can to make her see how special she is. With beautifully understated illustrations and poetic text alongside, this is a total treasure of a picture book.

This is an enchanting Colombian story about set in Bogota, a touching drama about a boy and girl and how their lives intertwine. This is a fully bilingual book, with the same story told in both English and Spanish.

Translated from Indonesian by Ikhda Ayuning Maharsi Degoul and Kate Wakeling, this is a heart warming collection of stories about protagonist Na Willa. Join Na Willa on many endearing and entertaining adventures. This book is perfect for sharing, and dipping in and out of.

Translated from Arabic, and originally published in 2012, this is a moving and heart warming story about a little boy called Yazan, who just wants to play in the park and watch his mother paint like she always used to. Themes around living in times of conflict are told through emotive illustrations, bringing children like Yazan's realities to life. A perfect story for gently starting conversations about war with children.

In this enormously readable modern classic, Sally Jones recounts her epic adventures in pursuit of justice for her best friend Chief, who has been wrongly imprisoned for murder. Being a gorilla of extraordinary talents and unswerving loyalty only makes Sally's mission more perilous. Captivating storytelling and masterful illustrations bring Sally's ardent quest vividly to life.

Translated from French, this book combines fairytales, puzzles and lift-the-flaps. Open the suitcase that’s full of tricks and help one boy find the key to getting back home!

This Italian picture book follows Eddie – a young girl who is determined to buy her mother the perfect Fluffy Squishy Itty Bitty for her birthday – even though she doesn’t know what a Fluffy Squishy Itty Bitty is! Soon, her whole town is involved in the scavenger hunt.

This Swedish book is uplifting and hopeful, focusing on healing from loss and finding new things to be hopeful for. When Niles, a lonely man, is asked by his neighbour to care for his plant, he slowly finds hope again in the flowers that grow.

Translated from French, this search-and-find book invites you to join Pom, a gnome, on their first day of school. Along with Pom, readers can expect to meet rabbits reading books, frogs who paint and foxes cycling to school! This gorgeous book has beautiful illustrations with plenty for readers to find.

This Italian graphic novel follows Chiara after her family moves to Tehran in the 1980s. There, the house they are to live in has a walled garden that is completely wild. The garden brings a place to play, full of insects, trees and plants and, one day, a boy called Massoud. Though they don’t speak the same language, they find a way to connect in their own kingdom of Outside-Inside.