Books by Piet Grobler
THE MAGIC BOJABI TREE by Dianne Hofmeyr
by Dianne Hofmeyr, illustrated by Piet Grobler
Released: Oct. 15, 2013
"A lively alternative to the standard renditions, Celia Barker Lottridge's The Name of the Tree, illustrated by Ian Wallace (1989), and Joanna Troughton's Tortoise's Dream (1980). (Picture book/folk tale. 6-8)"
In an animated retelling well-suited to reading aloud, this object lesson in the virtues of concentration features starving animals, a tree that must be named to give up its luscious fruit and a particularly bad-tempered lion. Read full book review >
AESOP'S FABLES by Beverley Naidoo
Kirkus Star
by Beverley Naidoo, illustrated by Piet Grobler
ANIMALS
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
"A delightful new rendition of some old favorites. (Fables. 5-11)"
Wearing a deliberate African patina, this refreshing collection of 16 Aesop fables takes place in the South African veld, giving these timeless moral tales a visual and verbal facelift. Read full book review >
ALL THE WILD WONDERS by Wendy Cooling
edited by Wendy Cooling, illustrated by Piet Grobler
POETRY
Released: Nov. 1, 2010
"Marvelous and evergreen. (thumbnail bios) (Picture book/poetry. 6-10)"
Thirty-six verses, old and new, about the natural world are found in this British import. Read full book review >
FUSSY FREYA by Katharine Quarmby
by Katharine Quarmby, illustrated by Piet Grobler
FAMILY AND GROWING UP
Released: Oct. 1, 2008
"Savory fare for fussy eaters. (Picture book. 3-7)"
When Freya decides to become a finicky eater, it takes clever Grandma Clare to find a cure. Read full book review >
COLORS! ¡COLORES! by Jorge Luján
by Jorge Luján, illustrated by Piet Grobler, translated by John Oliver Simon, Rebecca Parfitt
POETRY
Released: March 1, 2008
"A lovely book to share, reflect upon and linger over. (Picture book. 3-8)"
Flowing watercolors and charming rhymes in English and Spanish combine to convey the colors of the natural world with simple yet sophisticated grace. Read full book review >
SKY BLUE ACCIDENT/ACCIDENTE CELESTE by Jorge Luján
by Jorge Luján, illustrated by Piet Grobler, translated by Elisa Amado
FICTION
Released: April 1, 2007
"While not essential, this is a vibrantly presented and provocative exploration of the imagination. (Picture book. 4-8)"
In Luján's free verse poem, a boy on his way to school collides with the sky and breaks it. Read full book review >
LITTLE BIRD’S ABC by Piet Grobler
by Piet Grobler
ABC BOOKS
Released: Sept. 30, 2005
The small square shape and multicolored checked spine and endpapers are reminiscent of Chris Raschka's Mysterious Thelonious. Read full book review >
LITTLE MOUSE by Lida Dijkstra
by Lida Dijkstra, illustrated by Piet Grobler
ANIMALS
Released: Oct. 15, 2004
"Livelier versions exist. (Picture book/folktale. 5-8)"
This variant of The Mouse Bride, originally published in Rotterdam, features an unlikely prenuptial pair. Read full book review >
HEY, FROG! by Piet Grobler
by Piet Grobler, illustrated by Piet Grobler
ANIMALS
Released: Oct. 15, 2002
Presented as original but with folkloric antecedents, this tale of a greedy frog who swallows up every drop of water features a cast of stylized South African creatures, and an informal tone: " ‘Hey Frog,' they shouted. ‘Unzip those lips before you pop!' " But Frog will not, despite the best efforts of Lion, who tries to scratch him, Crocodile, who tries to scare him, Crow, who hopes that his insults will provoke a retort, and other thirsty beasts, all with their own plans. Read full book review >
DOCTOR ME DI CIN by Roberto Piumini
by Roberto Piumini, illustrated by Piet Grobler
FICTION
Released: Sept. 1, 2001
"A delightful amusement with lovely and evocative artwork. (Picture book. 2-5)"
Despite his eponymous name, a wise doctor tricks a sick prince into curing himself without herbs or medications. Read full book review >