Kashmira Sheth takes a look at the life of the urban Indian middle class, whilst at the same time creating a sensitive portrayal of growing up. Jeeta is 16 years old and her mother is frantically trying to find good catches for her two older sisters to marry. Jeeta herself would be the next who should be married off. If only she weren't so stubborn …The author knows how to describe with a humorous touch the life of a young girl trying to find her own place in the world against the grain of traditions. Without employing a one-dimensional aesthetic of what India is, she handles her subject with respect and in the process, creates a vivid story that is both enjoyable and riveting - for readers of all ages.

Kashmira Sheth, "Koyal black, mango sweet", Hyperion Books for Children, New York, 2006.

In powerful, highly expressive black-and-white pictures, one of South Asia's best known cartoonists tells of a vanished world. Mat grows up in the fifties in a traditional Malaysian village. The story depicts a boy's little adventures, going fishing, school, excursions. In a very humorous, laconic way and with expressive illustrations, Lat shows us what it was like to grow up as a Muslim boy - a narrative comic which children will enjoy, but adults even more.

Lat Dato'Mohd Nor bin Khalid: "Kampung Boy: Yesterday and Today", First Second Books, New York, 2006

With her colourful pictures, Texan-Mexican artist Carmen Lomas Garza tells of the everyday life of a Mexican family, its festivals and traditions. We find out what a piñata is, how to make empanadas and tamales, and how important her 15th birthday is for a Mexican girl. The brief Spanish and English texts are good for reading aloud and for beginner readers in both languages, and of course, to learn Spanish. The teaching material with information on the author and the country, didactic observations and worksheets are a practical help for all teachers.

Carmen Lomas Garza: "Family Pictures/Cuadros de Familia", Children's Book Press, San Francisco, 2005

Africa, as it says here in the foreword, is more than just one dreadful piece of news after another. Yes indeed! Africa is self-confident, pulsating, lively and bursting with freshness and youth. So are Aya and her friends from Abidjan. With their graphic novel series "Aya", the author Marguerite Abouet and illustrator Clément Oubrerie take the reader to the heart of the confusion of these youngsters from West Africa and without glossing over anything, show the self-confidence of these kids in overcoming their daily difficulties. An enjoyable taste of African joie de vivre!

Marguerite Abouet / Clément Ouberie, Ivory Coast, "Aya", Drawn & Quarterly, Quebec.