This month, as the children are getting ready for the next school year, we would love to recommend to you a few of our favourite children’s books that are probably not on any reading list, but are great fun nevertheless.
My Island by Stephanie Demasse-Pottier, illustrated by Seng Soun Ratanavanh
This cute little book for some of our youngest readers is about “an island that has no name”. It could be about Mallorca if we wanted it to. We are all welcome to this island “if we know how to sing, to dream and to share”.
The author lives near Paris and works as a librarian, specialising in children’s books. The illustrator is also from Paris and is known for award-winning Miyuki books. My Island is published by Princeton Architectural Press from New York and available at La Salina in limited numbers.
It’s A Wonderful World by Jess French
This is another beautifully illustrated book for our young readers, but it would not be bad if adults read too. It is about how to protect the planet and change the future. The book deals with 20+ nature related issues in a fun but also very educational way. The subjects covered include atmosphere, water, plants, soil, life cycles, migration, coral reefs, deserts and so on.
The book encourages children to look after their world, not only by focusing on the problems – but by teaching them proper ways of preserving and protecting the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us. The book is printed with “responsibly sourced materials and soy ink”.
The World’s Worst Pets by David Walliams
Following on from the delightful The World’s Worst Children, The World’s Worst Teachers and The World’s Worst Parents – this summer we are treated to another laugh-out-loud book by the phenomenal bestselling author David Walliams. There are ten stories, each with vibrant illustrations by Adam Stower.
“These ten tales of the world’s craziest creatures will have you shaking with laughter. You’ll never look at pets in the same way again! Marvel at Houdini, the magician’s rabbit. Take a trip around the world with Zoom, the supersonic tortoise. Gasp at the chaos created by Griselda, a grizzly bear with a big secret. And run for your lives! It’s Furp, the monstrous goldfish!” www.casadelibro.com
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
First published in 1883, this book quickly became an “obligatory” read for young boys of generations to come. Nowadays we would probably frown upon that description and comment that young girls can be into pirate stories just as much.
In any case, the book is set in the 1700s and tells the story of a boy named Jim Hawkins whose adventure starts by coming across an old treasure map. He goes on a journey to try and recover the treasure, which once belonged to the famous Captain Flint. On his journey, he meets Long John Silver, a one-legged cook who ends up leading the pirates… A perfect story to ignite the imagination of any kid living on an island such as Mallorca…
About Marina´s Book Club
Marina also runs a couple of popular monthly book clubs in English and Spanish at La Salina. The English book club was started back in March; it is set for every first Monday of the month and lasts for about 1.5-2h each time. This month the group is reading “Mrs Dalloway” and the meeting is set for the 5th of September, so you still have time to get the book at La Salina and Join the club by messaging Marina.
La Salina Bookstore
C/ Bayarte 21 Palma
Instagram: @lasalinapalma
Web: www.lasalinapalma.com
Text: Mia Naprta
E-mail: mia.naprta@gmail.com
Instagram: @mianaprta
Photos: Private archives
Sponsored by Marina Alonso de Caso of La Salina Bookstore
