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Alte Zachen: Old Things by Ziggy Hanaor ill. Benjamin Phillips

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 27 Apr 2022

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This first graphic novel from London-based indie publisher, Cicada Books, follows 11-year-old Benji and his elderly grandmother, Bubbe Rosa, as they traverse Brooklyn and Manhattan, gathering the ingredients for a Friday night dinner. Bubbe’s relationship with the city is complex — nothing is quite as she remembered it and she feels alienated and angry at the world around her. Benji, on the other hand, looks at the world, and his grandmother, with clear-eyed acceptance.

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As they wander the city, we catch glimpses of Bubbe’s childhood in Germany, her young adulthood in 1950s Brooklyn, and her relationships — first with a baker called Gershon, and later with Joe, Benji’s grandfather. Gradually we piece together snippets of Bubbe’s life, gaining an insight to some of the things that have formed her cantankerous personality.

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The journey culminates on the Lower East Side in a moving reunion between Rosa and Gershon, her first love. As the sun sets, Benji and his Bubbe walk home over the Williamsburg Bridge to make dinner.

This is a powerful, affecting and deceptively simple story of Jewish identity, of generational divides, of the surmountability of difference and of a restless city and its inhabitants.

Follow the Hastings-based illustrator on Instagram:

Shu Lin’s Grandpa by Matt Goodfellow ill. Yu Rong

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Shu Lin has just started at a new school. She stands alone in the playground and at lunchtime she eats by herself from little boxes of brightly coloured food. “What’s up with her?” says Barney.

But when Shu Lin’s grandpa comes to school and shows the class his amazing Chinese paintings, everything changes….

With a stunning double-gatefold spread revealing a beautiful Chinese picture, this uplifting story shows the transformative power of art and imagination in developing cultural understanding and empathy.

Grandpa’s Gift by Fiona Lumbers

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When a young boy finds himself thrown into a new city, his world suddenly feels very grey. But with the help of his Grandpa, he discovers that things aren’t always what they first seem and that beauty can be hidden in even the most unexpected of places.

An uplifting tale of life’s simple pleasures.

Follow Fiona Lumbers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiona_lumbers/

Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate

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“The artwork is enticing and rich, and readers will be happy to pore over the pages studying details like Grandad’s friendly dog and the textured backgrounds as they read and reread the story.” KIRKUS
“The illustrations are full of warmth, colour and joy, beautifully echoing the excitement of discovery and adventure. The depiction of a loving, same-sex relationship between Grandad and Gramps, as well as the different ethnicities of the main characters, ensure this wonderfully inclusive book reflects a range of experiences.” BookTrust
“Woodgate layers colored pencil, marker, and crayon-esque textures with digital patterns and techniques, making for a kid-friendly style that also spotlights queer iconography, such as rainbow flags and reclaimed inverted pink triangles.” Publishers Weekly

Celebrate love in all its forms, as Grandad tells his granddaughter about the adventures he used to have with Gramps. Grandad’s camper van is hidden away in the garage – now Gramps isn’t around any more, the adventures they shared travelling in it just wouldn’t be the same. As she listens to his wonderful stories, Grandad’s granddaughter has an idea to cheer him up…

Follow Harry Woodgate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrywoodgateart/

Tsunami Girl by Julian Sedgwick ill. Chie Kutsuwada

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 16 Mar 2021

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Fifteen-year-old Yuki is struggling at school with her confidence, and goes to Japan to stay with her grandfather, a well-known manga artist with whom she is very close. But during her visit, the 2011 East Coast Earthquake and Tsunami take place and her beloved Grandpa is lost.

Interwoven with Japanese folk tales, modern-day ghost stories, and the creation of her very own vibrant manga hero, Yuki finds the courage to overcome extraordinary odds and take her first steps into the world that lies beyond catastrophe. With powerful, emotional manga from Japanese manga artist, Chie Kutsuwada, this is a highly-original coming-of-age story from the relatively new imprint, Guppy Books.

We recommend this interview with the author on Tripfiction.

Click here for a selection of pages and panels from the manga element of Tsunami Girl.

The Elephant by Peter Carnavas

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ACHUKA Book of the Day 9 Feb 2021

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‘A beautiful book – not just heartwarming but heart healing’ Chris Riddell

A big grey elephant is following Olive’s father around. It leaves with him for work and trails behind him when he comes home, keeping him heavy and sad. Every day, Olive wishes it would disappear. When she is asked to bring something old and wonderful to show her class, Olive immediately wants to bring her old bike – but she will need her father’s help to fix it. Teaming up with her cheery grandad and best friend Arthur, she sets out to chase the elephant away.

A highly touching and uplifting treatment of depression and grief.

Peter Carnavas is an Australian writer and illustrator. The Elephant, his first novel, was f.p. in Australia in 2017.

Over The Shop conceived by Jonarno Lawson ill. Qin Leng

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ACHUKA Book of the Year 2021
ACHUKA Book of the Day 20 Jan 2021

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“A wordless, singing infusion of love and energy into a home.” KIRKUS

In this bustling wordless picture book, JonArno Lawson’s touching story and Qin Leng’s gentle illustrations capture all angles of the building’s transformation, as well as the evolving perspectives of the girl and her grandparent. A wordless picture book that celebrates the power of community, the joys of new friends and the magic that happens when you open your heart, and fill your home with love and joy.

Leng uses unbordered panels, sometimes full-page, sometimes small and square, sometimes horizontal. Her ink-and-watercolor paintings are gentle and dreamy, with a real beating heart. KIRKUS

A lonely little girl and her grandparent need to fill the run-down apartment in their building. But taking over the rooms above their shop will mean major renovations for the new occupants, and none of the potential renters can envision the possibilities of the space – until one special couple shows up. With their ingenuity, the little girl’s big heart, and heaps of hard work, the desperate fixer-upper begins to change in lovely and surprising ways.

Read this interview with Qin Leng.
Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qinillustrations/

 

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