Geography & Cultures

From an early age, Cecilia Chiang could be found delighting in the sounds and smells from her favorite room in her home—the kitchen. Little did Cecilia know that she would one day have to escape war and travel to a faraway country, destined to change Chinese cuisine in the United States forever. Experience the dishes Cecilia Chiang enjoyed throughout her life as the seventh daughter in a large family to the owner of the famous Mandarin restaurant in San Francisco.

One WWII pilot's mission to lift the spirits of children living in war-torn Berlin in 1945 comes to life in this moving middle-grade historical account. After World War II the United States and Britain airlifted food and supplies into Russian-blockaded West Berlin. US Air Force Lieutenant Gail S. Halvorsen knew the children of the city were suffering. To bring a bit of hope, he began dropping chocolate and chewing gum by parachute. Candy Bomber is an important and interesting addition to studies of World War II.

From bustling Hanoi to the heart of Cambodia, best friends Elwis and Chen are off on a magical journey full of surprises! Their mission? To visit Chen's cousin’s amazing shoe factory in Phnom Penh. But this isn’t just any factory—it's a place where shoes are made like magic, and every room holds something new to discover!

Get ready for sunny smiles and super adventures with Elwis and Chen! Flying in from Bristol, these best friends land on the magical Greek island of Santorini for an unforgettable summer holiday. From wandering through white-washed villages and tasting delicious local treats to searching for hidden treasures and soaking up the sun, every day is a new discovery.

Nosotros, la familia Vargas Ramírez, venimos de un lugar lejano al norte de Tenochtitlan llamado Iztapalapa, lugar de la loza sobre el agua. Una tierra rodeada de autos y pasto seco. Un sitio donde estaban repartidos los pedazos de nuestro pequeño mundo. Ahí vivimos algún tiempo, pero un día mi padre escuchó un canto hermoso de un ave que se elevaba y parecía decir tihui, tihui, tihui: vamos, vamos, vamos. Y así reunimos a nuestros amigos que conformaban ese pequeño mundo y decidimos partir hacia el norte, hacia el otro lado, hacia una vida mejor.

Get ready for a super sparkly adventure all the way to Taiwan with Elwis and Chen! This year, they're celebrating the vibrant and noisy Chinese New Year with Chen’s wonderful family. The air is filled with bright decorations, delicious smells of traditional food, and the warmth of Chen’s dad giving Elwis the biggest, warmest welcome hug. Together, they’ll share special New Year dishes, laugh with Chen's brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, and cousins, and enjoy the joy of lucky red envelopes filled with surprises!

Deka lives in a small shack with his family, where toys are scarce, but his imagination knows no bounds. With only a few colored pencils and scraps of paper, he brings his dreams to life through art. One day, a traveling teacher discovers Deka’s drawings and recognizes his extraordinary talent. With encouragement and guidance, Deka’s artwork reaches beyond his small home, unlocking new opportunities he never thought possible. The Boy with the Painted Dreams is a touching children’s story about creativity, perseverance, and the power of believing in one’s dreams.

Mwangi dreams of becoming a renowned jewelry maker, but all he finds in the bustling marketplace are broken beads and discarded scraps. Undeterred, he gathers these forgotten treasures with the help of his loving mother and supportive friends. As he transforms them into beautiful, colorful necklaces, his unique creations catch the eye of a kind merchant. Soon, Mwangi’s jewelry becomes more than just adornments—they symbolize hope, resilience, and unity for his entire village.

The dala dala rumbles and roars as Musa and Dada drive off to the shore—but the bus stops for multiple detours: “Do you need a ride? It’s hotter than peppers out there in the sun! Come in, there’s room for everyone!” One stop becomes two stops which soon becomes ten, and Musa wonders when it will end: “How can any more people get in? We’re already smushed like sardines in a tin!” But there's always room for one more—if you make the room—which is the heartwarming takeaway from this bouncy, joyous tale in rhyme.

Pack your bags and join Elwis and Chen on an unforgettable adventure through Vietnam! From joyful family reunions and delicious Vietnamese feasts to exploring magical factories and strolling through vibrant city nights, this heartwarming journey is a celebration of culture, connection, and the thrill of discovering something new.

Embark on a journey through time with The Secret in Our Genes! This beautifully rendered children's book takes young listeners and their families back to the origins of our ancestors, traveling from the heart of Africa to the banks of the Nile and across lands rich in history. Through stories, family secrets, and a unique “gene code” to unlock, listeners discover how their DNA connects them to ancient places, powerful kingdoms, and timeless traditions.

In 1966, more than 200 courageous Aboriginal people walked off the Wave Hill Cattle Station in the Northern Territory. Led by Vincent Lingiari, these stockmen and their families were walking together to fight for equal pay and land rights. This non-fiction audiobook brings a landmark historical event to a new generation. Many people have seen the iconic photograph of Gough Whitlam pouring a handful of red soil into the hands of Vincent Lingiari – a symbol of the legal transfer of Gurindji land back to the Gurindji people – and recognise this as a key moment in the ongoing land rights movement.

Join Elwis and Chen as they dive into the dazzling world of the Gran Canaria Carnival—a celebration full of vibrant costumes, rhythmic music, and joyful parades! From samba dancers and giant floats to the island’s delicious treats and warm-hearted locals, this festive tale brings the spirit of the Canary Islands alive for young listeners. Bursting with color, culture, and creativity, this story captures the essence of one of Europe’s most exciting carnivals while celebrating friendship, discovery, and global traditions.

"Elwis and the Sunny Spanish Adventure" is a heartwarming journey of cultural exploration, friendship, and joyful discovery under the radiant Spanish sun! Follow Elwis, the spirited boy with the magical thumb, as he explores Spain’s vibrant traditions, colorful towns, and delicious foods. Along the way, he makes new friends, learns a few Spanish phrases, and discovers the beauty of embracing different cultures.

Get ready for a super Polish adventure with Elwis and Chen ! This delightful tale follows the duo as they fly from Bristol to Poland to visit their family. Along the way, they'll explore historic graveyards (don’t worry, they’re interesting, not spooky!), meet a new cousin in a cozy coffee shop, and join in the fun at a giant family party with dancing and delicious food. From special lunches with Elwis's Dad to relaxing in a fancy hotel , there’s so much to discover.