Thursday, December 16, 2010

The Gorilla and the Orchid

by Laurana Serres-Giardi, Stéphane Van Inghelandt and Alain Serres. Ill. by Zaü.
The fabulous diversity of animals, plants, humans and all what lives on earth constitutes the sole true treasure of our planet. It is today in danger. Here is what we should know about biodiversity, from the gorilla to the orchid, the right whale to the fragile moss of Kansas. Like thousands of other species, they are threatened of extinction today. In this book, 30 landscapes and climates, 140 species in danger, 30 questions and answers. A great tribute to the natural world as well as a warning message. Biodiversity must be saved!
92 pages, 29 x 29 cm, from 9 years and for all

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Little Red Advert Hood

by Charles Perrault and Alain Serres, ill. Clotilde Perrin and 12 illustrators
This is an imitation of the famous tale by Perrault, where advertisement interrupts the story with no warning, just like on television or internet. Regular AD pages chant their slogans, using the famous words of the text or commentating in their own way the adventure of Little Red Riding Hood. The nice local round cakes are praised, so is the extra strong denture of the grand-mother, and if only Little Red Riding Hood had a mobile phone in her pocket, surely it would save her life! A book to laugh at and be critical about the world of ads.
48 pages, 19,5 x 27 cm, 5 years +
Rights sold: Spanish (Spain and North America), Portuguese (Brazil)

Fly Away

by Stéphane Servant, ill. Aurélia Fronty
Plunged into the heart of a small boy, the story tells how his Mum has flown away, on a windy day! Worried, the little boy goes around the city to follow the steps of his mother. He finds her, bits by bits, in various places they used to go together. The bright colours of Aurelia Fronty show how senses are important for children to build memories and recall the uniqueness of each human being.
40 pages, 26 x 26 cm, 4 years +
Rights sold: Portuguese (Brazil)

The Great Legend of Rama and Sita

by Patrice Favaro, ill. Véronique Joffre
The trusty brother of Rama, absolute symbol of loyalty, tells the adventure of the King-to-be Rama and his beloved wife Sita. Full of courage and virtue, they will have to face injustice, spite and the demons of the world to recover the throne that they deserved. A major text from the Indian culture, stunning illustrations made of paper collage, gold ink: this large format picture book widely opens the doors of the world, have a great journey!
40 pages, 35,5 x 28,5 cm, 6 years +
Rights sold: Portuguese (Brazil)

Picnic Party

by Florie Saint-Val
A leave domino set, inckuding 28 large-size dominos with numbers represented by leaves of different colours. The tree will grow while players are putting their cards down, the branches show all the small characters of the forest that are getting ready for this huge picnic party. A small booklet presents the characters, the meals and drinks, the decoration and a complete recipe.
Box size 18,5 x 9,5 x 6,5 cm including 29 large dominos 18 x 9 cm and a 24-pages booklet, 5 years +

As Much Love

Text and photographs by Coline Irwin
This gift book, illustrated with photographs, tells about the memories of a father and his daughter, and their conversation on the phone remembering these moments together. All those who love each other, but live separately, will remember these tiny details that make their love so vivid and present, despite the absence.

80 pages, 15,5 x 15,5 cm, 6 years +

Tiger, Little Tiger

by Malika Doray
A little tiger is described with the similarities he has in common with other members of his family: the tiny hears of Aunt Ursula, the happy character of his grand-mother, the softness of his dad. Although there is no doubt that he is part of this family of tigers, his own will and creativity are expressing themselves outside the family, making of this Little Tiger, a unique one.
36 pages, 17 x 23 cm, 2 years +

When Will I be Grown-up?

by Stéphane Servant, ill. Sandra Poirot Cherif
It's one of these questions that comes up at any moment during a short break or when night comes. A simple question, full of desire and appetite, but filled with worry as well. With tenderness and poetry the book gives an answer: "Soon". Enough time for all the experiences, the challenges, the pleasures that come along childhood. But the answer remains open, because "grown-ups" know well: one never stops growing-up!!
40 pages, 19,5 x 19,5 cm, 3 years +

I Am a Human Who Paints

by Alain Serres, ill. Laurent Corvaisier
This lavishly illustrated picture book describes the life of a painter today. Both playful and educative, its large format invites the reader into the everyday life of a contemporary painter. All the key moments are being told and illustrated: childhood, relationship with drawing, the sketchbook, the great masters, the workshop, the exhibitions, etc. It unveils with tenderness the human being behind the work of the artist and allows a more familiar version of art, well implanted into real life.
48 pages, 28 x 35 cm, 7 years and for all

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Playtime

by Anne Bertier
Small Round and Big Square are friends and love playing figures and forms together. They learn, while trying to mix their shapes, to build together and discover a game that is both fun and infinite. There is no longer a small and a big one, they need each other to continue. They also discover that friendship requires some generosity. As always in her work, Anne Bertier is particularly careful on the way the images and the white lay down on the page. She explores and renew the relationship between children, signs and their images.
48 pages, 22 x 22 cm, 3 years +
Rights sold: Italian, Farsi, Korean, Spanish (world)

Little Drop's Journey

by Anne Crausaz
This is the story of a small drop of water, blown by the wind and heated by the sun, it becomes vapour, snowflake and dewdrop. It discovers the sea, the mountain and the valleys. It encounters animals and plants until it lands onto Raymond the Snail! A new "natural" story from Anne Crausaz to tell children about the cycle of water. Other titles by the same author at Editions MeMo include the story of a growing seed or the birth of a snail, called Raymond, of course!
40 pages, 18 x 22 cm, 3 years +
Rights sold: Simplified Chinese, Farsi, Japanese, Spanish (Mexico).

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Monsieur Seguin's Last Kid Goat

by Alphonse Daudet, ill. by Jean-Luc Buquet
How lovely she is Monsieur Seguin’s kid goat. Lovely and in love with freedom… She doesn’t want to live tied up. She wants to gambol in the mountain, to her liking. But in the mountain, there’s the big bad wolf. Daudet’s most famous text is also one of his most delightful. The encounter of two beings who have a real love for freedom and discovery, but are bound to be enemies on their common ground. As cruel as a true fairy tale, the moral of this story tells children about the happiness of freedom and the dangers of its excesses.
48 pages, 27.5 x 30 cm, 5 years +

Big Dog

by Olivier Morel
This is the story of a little boy who has a new dog. The dog is very big, and is getting difficult; he runs everywhere, chases everybody and bites. But who is rude, the dog or the little boy? Olivier Morel, a talented painter is also a great storyteller. With a few stokes and some beautiful colours, he takes us here into a funny a witty world.
32 pages, 22 x 22 cm, 4 years +

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Mandela, the Multicoloured African

by Alain Serres, ill. Zaü and b&w photographs
20 years ago, Nelson Mandela was set free after 27 years in prison. He was to become the first black president of South Africa. From the fields of his childhood to the supreme victory, this is the destiny of an uncommon humanist, who became a universal symbol of peace and freedom. A picture book with the colours of hope.
At the centre of the book, 27 special pages tell this endless eternity: 27 black and white drawings, surrounded by two red bands that tell about imprisonment. 8 non-fiction pages with photographs also bring essential information for the understanding of Mandela's unique destiny.
68 pages, 26 x 26 cm, 9 years +
Rights sold: Korean, Italian

Thursday, September 9, 2010

The Surprise

by Janik Coat
The Surprise is a story with no text, a graphic tale on the emotions and feelings between a human being and a cat. It shows the tacit agreement of a woman and her animal on the arrival on the new born baby. Not a sound, not a word is needed to express the strength and the surprises that life has in store for us. This is Janik Coat's third title at Editions MeMo.
36 pages, 22 x 25,9 cm, 3 years +
Rights sold: Italian

The Herbarium: Small Wood Flora

By Emilie Vast
Both a botanical treatise and a book with stunning images, Emilie Vast's new herbarium shows the plant with details of their leave, fruit and seed. The thin and delicate line of the author perfectly describes the wood anemone, campanula, wild strawberry and other bluebell. Mythology, history and use of these plants are also mentioned in this poetical yet practical object. Sequel to a first title on broad-leaved trees that was granted a non-fiction mention at 2010 Bologna Ragazzi Awards.
40 pages, 21,5 x 28 cm, 6 years +
Rights sold: Italian

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Öko, Tea in Winter

by Mélanie Rutten
It's winter in the village and Madeleine, the old cicada, has just died. Everybody gathers to say goodbye to her. Öko, Mitsu, Eliott and other friends discuss around the fireplace about her, and also about this strange person wandering in the forest. The day after, it's snowing and Öko is coming across the enigmatic stranger. A tender story about meaning of life, growing love, friendship and prejudice with characters of previous title by Melanie Rutten: Mitsu a perfect day.
64 pages, 16,5 x 23 cm, 5 years +
Rights sold: German

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Creating With...


The six-titles series is introducing major artists (Picasso, Kandinsky, Vermeer, Vinci, Magritte and Warhol) to young children, while proposing activities and games created by contemporary artists.
http://www.cleditions.com/?Creer-avec
64 pages, full colour cover, black & white inside, 22 x 28 cm, 4 years +

All My Art Histories

Each of the 24 titles available explores a movement, a period or a key artist through the description of their main features, looking at commented works of art and experiencing activities on the subject. Titles include Abstraction, Art Nouveau, Impressionism, the Nabis, Pop art, etc.
52 pages, 25 x 29 cm, 8 years +

Monday, June 28, 2010

Nassim and Nassima


by Ingrid Thobois, ill. Judith Gueyfier
Nassim and Nassima live on the heights above Kabul, Afghanistan, and always spend their days together, playing and doing typical children's chores. It seems this friendship will last forever - until one day it's time to go to school - but only for Nassim; Nassima must stay at home. Her father is firm about it: school is not for girls! Nassima disagrees, however...
116 pages illustrated novel, 8 years +

The Hut on the Roof


by Stéphane Servant, ill. by Monike Czarnecki
Yanis has built a small hut on the roof of his building, where he often hides out to read, listen to the radio and daydream about the beautiful Tamaya joining him there one day. He also does there to boost his courage, because he has a difficult time with the young Momo - the self-proclaimed children's gang leader who is up to something - and wants Yanis in on it.
116 pages illustrated novel, 8 years +

I Can Only Think About That


by Karim Ressouni-Demigneux, ill. Monike Czarnecki
At school, some call 12-year-old Ismaïl "queer", but he doesn't understand and the teasing really disturbs him. He spends his days constantly wondering and worrying about what teenage life will be like. His French teacher, who doesn't hide her homosexuality, will support him and help him to grow up with a sense of self-assurance even though he wonders what adult he will be.
116 pages illustrated novel, 11 years +
Rights sold: Korean

Silver Fish

by Sylvie Deshors, ill. Monike Czarnecki
They call him "Calamity". Because he was the 13th to join the gang of the D Line, living in the corridors of the metro. There are only calamities in the cruel world of these children anyhow. Fortunately there is the tall Mila to get along with him. Although his only happiness is a tiny little thing, hidden in his shoe. The only safe place he has. A happiness made of paper, vowels and consonants, handed on by a tender grand-mother. Can it be the path to freedom at last?
112 pages illustrated novel, 9 years +

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Oh Dear! Lola


by Clotilde Bernos, ill. Olivier Tallec
At school a rumour is starting to spread: Lola is seriously ill. Some people would prefer if she stayed at her home. The word AIDS frightens them. Her friend Sam wants to stay along with her, and continue laughing together. He would so much like if she told him the truth about her mysterious blue rabbit...
112 pages illustrated novel, 8 years +

The Great Rugby Party

by Bernard Chambaz, ill. Zaü
In the South-West of France, Fausto starts playing Rugby, of course. And his team will experience one of the greatest sport adventures: an international competition in Great Britain, in Rugby, the city where this sport was born. Unfortunately, one of the players, Boubacar, can be part of the trip... Unless the spirit of solidarity around the oval ball is not only a legend...
Another sporty adventure for young boy Fausto, who experiences football, Olympic games, cycling and rugby in a four-volume series about sport and solidarity.
112 pages illustrated novel, 8 years +

The Football Game that lasted all Summer Long


by Bernard Chambaz, ill. Zau
This Summer, Fausto goes away with his father (and his football) for a big world tour. Eleven stops from Bagnolet, France to Bamako, Mali. Thousands of encounters and discoveries from the Baghdad barber to the smoked fish in the North Pole. And everywhere: the football game, the real one. A first world tour Fausto will never forget.
112 pages illustrated novel, 9 years +

Lil' Mom


by Dominique Sampiero, ill. Monike Czarnecki
Laeticia, a six-year old, knows how to make coffee, do the shopping, take care of her little brother. But one thing paralyses her: smiling. In the family, there is little money and life isn't always a fairy tale. And one day when finally a smile shines on Laeticia's face, you must quickly take a picture.
112 pages illustrated novel, 9 years +
Rights sold: Korean

The Sun Will Shine, Julot!


by Anne Kerloc'h, ill. Clotilde Perrin

Julot's mum is in very low spirits. She cries, is depressed, is giving up and Julot can't accept it. He knows how to hold back his tears. But how can he help his Mum get rid of her constantly wet Kleenex, her sorrow, and put a sunny smile on her face again?
112 pages illustrated novel, 9 years +

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

I'm a Big Liar


by Karim Ressouni-Demigneux, ill. Daniel Maja

Ismail is an awful liar. He tells his friends at his new school that he has a lion and a Jacuzzi at home. One morning he even decides to tell them he's a jew... altough his father, called Mohamed, is so proud to be an Arab. How can he now face all his friends at home for his birthday party? And how to make sense out of this messy mixture of religion, family roots and traditions?
112 pages illustrated novel, age 9+

Monday, May 17, 2010

I'm coming!

by Gay Wegerif
At the door, there are plenty of animals: Come on in, Donkey! I'm coming! Come on in birds! We're coming! And finally the Giraffe: Is anybody here? Yes, we're all here!
Just like in her previous books, Gay Wegerif uses an accumulation process to build up her story. At the end of the book all the animals are gathered, for the greatest pleasure of children.
A bright little book for young children part of the series of four titles.
32 pages, 17 x 18 cm, 2 years +

What's your name?

by Gay Wegerif
Before mentioning his name, each of the characters in the book shows a few details of him, so that the reader can try and guess. Discovering the rabbit, the pig, the frog and then finally a strange animal, slightly frightening... let's dare and ask him: What's your name?
A bright little book for young children, part of a series of four titles.
32 pages, 17 x 18 cm, 2 years +
Rights sold: English (world)

Firsts Springs

by Anne Crausaz
A little girl discovers her five senses around the four seasons: the first birds singing in the trees, the flavour of cherries, contemplating a night sky, the mixture of smells in the garden or in the forest in autumn, feeling the cold of the snow on her hands. A whole year to discover nature's changes, a whole year to grow and discover it over again when spring returns. This is Anne Crausaz fourth title at Editions MeMo, a series of "natural stories" showing small things around us that we tend to overlook.
48 pages, 18 x 22 cm, 3 years +
Rights sold: English (North America), Korean, Simplified Chinese
Silver Honor by California Reading Association's Eureka!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Ding, Dang, Dong!

by Frédérique Bertrand
Tonight, Emile doesn't want to go to bed. To continue playing, he wakes up all his toys, one after the other. Horse, tractor, lorry, fire engine, train, all follow him in his stampede. Created with pieces of paper, children will follow with their finger the illustrations of the large colourful loop that quietly brings Emile... back to bed!
56 pages, 16,5 x 22 cm, 2 years +
Rights sold: Spanish (South America)

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

All around me

by Clotilde Perrin
This large-format picture book has plenty of details, allowing little readers to look at it from various angles, going round and round to explore a wealth of new things on every side of the image. Each spread depicts a child's world close-up, from eating and bathing to going to bed. A way to start from everyday life and create an imaginative world.
36 pages cardboard book, 29 x 29 cm, 2 years +

Tom Thumb

by Stéphane Servant, ill. by Ilya Green
This Tom Thumb doesn't drop a trail of stones or breadcrumbs to find his way home; instead, ends up hanging about in the steets alone. Just like in Perrault's classic tale, however, he has plenty of pluck, enough to outsmart an ogre and grow up as he wishes. This magical, breathless, modern take on the classic fairytale is beautifully illustrated with stunning images.
40 pages, 26 x 26 cm, 4 years +

All About Dads, All About Mums



by Gwendoline Raisson, ill. by Clotilde Perrin
These two tender, witty little books paint gently humorous portraits of the parents we love. Diego's dad is a hardy man, but Zoe's dad can't knit, while Medi's mother is a worrier and Camille's mum wears high heels: this collection of mums and dads helps children laugh at stereotypes and learn about tenderness. To be shared in the family, or between parent and child for greater closeness.
56 pages, 19 x 16 cm, 4 years +

Thursday, February 25, 2010

The Herbarium

by Emilie Vast
18 different broad-leaved trees from Europe are represented here. A delicate and detailed illustration of the leaf and the full branch invite children to collect them in nature. Below, the text explains in a few lines the origins of the spice, when it was implanted in Europe, the mythological stories linked to it and the different uses of its wood or leaves.

Non-fiction Mention at 2010 Bologna Ragazzi Awards:

"Emilie Wast has created an authentic, scientific herbarium. Hers is a clear, almost stark, style infused with poetry. (...) Each plate is a typographical pearl, uncluttered and austere. Yet the herbarium also alludes to the enormous complexity behind the art of classifying the natural world."
40 pages, 21,5 x 29 cm, 6 years+
Rights sold: Italian

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Little ones

by Alain Serres, ill. Julia Chausson
Brought up, protected, encouraged, all these little animals experience life in their parents' footsteps. A series of big and small animals are paired up and together they easily get through the small challenges of everyday life: darkness at night, a river to cross, a mountain to climb, etc. The simple and luminous wood engravings show each challenge in a unique way: the little crocodile in the adult's mouth, the little bear on the back. A beautiful and tender picture book for small human beings, in which adults will surely recognize themselves!
48 pages, 26 x 26 cm, 2 years +
Rights sold: Chinese (Taiwan)

Letter to grown-ups about today's children

by Philippe Meirieu
An education expert and teacher, Philippe Meirieu offers a complete analysis of education, showing the evolution of the child's status in society, underlining our duty to educate and detailing his convictions on how to best nurture future adults and prepare them for the world of tomorrow.
This reference book is aimed at a wide readership, not only specialists on pedagogy. It conveys a culture, as well as questions and clear answers, to accompany the path of any educator, should he be a parent, an animator or a teacher. All the currents key debates about methods, discipline, school structure or the role of the adult are approached in a lively and documented manner. While he enriches his thoughts with sound examples, Philippe Meirieu defines the contours of what he thinks should be the best support to help young future citizens to reach knowledge and freedom.
320 pages, 14 x 21,5 cm, adults
Rights sold: Italian and Spanish (World)

Monday, January 4, 2010

The never-ending little books

by Malika Doray
Again, again, and again! These little books have a particular format: they can be read just like any other book by turning the pages, reading their fun and witty never-ending stories. They can be unfolded, put flat on the table and turned around. On the back the main image is reproduced in black and white and can be coloured by the children. They can also be hung like a mobile! A fifth little book is included in the box to explain the various uses, showing the format and the folding system so that children can make their own little never-ending books.
5 little books in a box,
8 pages each
10,5 x 8,5 cm folded
21 x 29,7 cm unfolded
2 years +
Rights sold: Korean

I have the right to be a child

by Alain Serres, ill. by Aurélia Fronty
In this brightly coloured picture book, each spread evokes in simple words one of the many rights stated in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. The images spread over the whole page, creating a dialogue with a factual and articulate text, almost like a slogan. Each page begins in the same way, "I have the right...", simplifying a much more complex text voted by the United Nation in 1989. A dynamic book which puts Child's rights within the reach of the youngest and which completes a series of 3 titles published by Rue du monde on the subject.
48 pages, 26 x 26 cm, 4 years +
Rights sold: Catalan and Spanish (world), Korean, English (World), Turkish.

I will be three billion children

by Alain Serres, ill. by Judith Gueyfier and black and white photographs
An artistic event celebrating the Right of the Child: large black and white photographs, paintings with striking colours and a text full of poetry. A moving book that echoes with the voices of the children.
Between reality and poetry, about forty of the rights of the child are introduced here. Each right bears the name of a child from around the world. The author invents a destiny, seriously or lightly, for this small imaginary human being. It mixes feelings and everyday life with the hope that one day all children, wherever they live on the planet, will grow with the part of childhood they deserve. At the end of the book the text of the Convention on the Rights of the Child is reproduced.
96 pages, 34,5 x 24,5 cm, 7 years +
Rights sold: Spanish (world), Korean