For the Book “Dad, can we get a dog instead of an ant?”

Every year, language specialists at the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany, select recently published books that they consider especially noteworthy. This ‘premium label’ is given to books of international interest that deserve a wider reception on account of their universal theme and/or their exceptional and often innovative artistic and literary style and design.

The White Ravens list aims to promote quality in children’s book publishing and has become an increasingly useful tool for anyone interested in looking beyond national borders for books to publish in translation.

This year, the 114-page White Ravens catalogue contains a selection of 200 notable children’s and young adult books from 56 countries published in 36 languages.

 

Photiadis, Philippos (text/illus.)
Mpampa, mporume na parume skylo anti gia myrmengi? (Papa, can we have a dog instead of an ant?)
Martis, 2019. – 32 p.

ISBN 978-618-84312-0-1
Pet | Ant | Dog | Love of animals | Responsibility | Father | Son | Picture book

Ilias wants a dog for Christmas. His father thinks that this would be too great a responsibility. That is why Ilias gets a microscope and… an ant to go along with it. Despite his initial disappointment, the boy cares lovingly for the tiny animal, which he calls Miltos. A marmalade glass becomes his home, a parkour made of cardboard boxes keeps him fit. Ilias is proud, since Miltos can even walk on the ceiling – a dog can’t do that! Besides, he has nine lives like a cat – whether squashed, burned or trampled on, Miltos magically survives every normally fatal accident. After Ilias returns Miltos to his ant family after they storm the kitchen one day, he finally does get a dog. With so much experience as a pet guardian, he’s earned it! With a delightful dose of black humour, Philippos Photiadis describes in text and image the challenges of handling responsibility and loss. With his unmistakeable cardboard landscapes, the architect and artist creates a wonderful play space for his lovably ludicrous, and comic-like characters.
(IBBY Greece Award 2020, shortlist)(Age: 6+) [TA]

 

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