Discovering the World, One Page at a Time: A Look at Post Wave’s Translated Picture Books
Post Wave Books specialises in bringing global children's literature into English, and I had the joy of exploring a selection of their titles - some fictional, some factual, all beautifully made. These picture books range in tone and age group, but they each offer something fresh, whether it’s a gentle laugh, a fascinating fact, or illustrations you’ll want to linger over. Below are the covers and links to find out more, followed by some thoughts on each book.
(Clicking on the following images will take you to the publisher's page.)
Reflections on the Books:
Peggy Goes Gardening
A quietly lovely picture book for the very young, Peggy Goes Gardening follows a child’s sincere (if chaotic) efforts to help in the garden. Peggy’s mistakes—overwatering, pulling up herbs instead of weeds—are met with gentle patience from her mother, making this a warm story about learning by doing. The hazy illustrations match the soft tone, and it’s a great introduction to gardening as well as family cooperation.
Tiger, Don’t Worry!
This one shares a similar premise—helping out, making mistakes, learning—but with a dash more energy. Tiger's size and strength make tea harvesting tricky, and after a major mishap, he flees in shame. But when he and Mei return, they find forgiveness and solutions. The colourful artwork is bold and engaging, and I learned something too: I hadn’t realised tea leaves were churned! A sweet, reassuring story with a cultural twist.
The Water Flower
Equal parts story and science, The Water Flower follows the journey of a lotus flower from seed to bloom, told in gentle, poetic language and delicate watercolour-style illustrations. It’s full of lovely surprises—like the short blooming window of the flower—and makes a beautiful choice for quieter reading moments, with a meditative quality I think both kids and adults will appreciate.
The Ordinary Life of Jacominus Gainsborough
Utterly different in tone and style, this translated French title is a true standout. Jaco the rabbit lives an ordinary life in a richly illustrated animal society, and that ordinariness is what gives the book its charm. Big spreads full of detail alternate with written reflections and vintage-style imagery. It’s thoughtful, unusual, and something I imagine children returning to again and again, noticing new things each time.
What’s New in the City?
This one’s for curious minds. A non-fiction look at how cities can evolve with greener, more sustainable ideas, it’s part architectural primer, part imaginative look at the future. The illustrations balance technical and childlike styles, and the accessible tone keeps it inviting. I especially liked how it framed solutions positively, focusing on improvements rather than fear.
Banana Banana Banana
Joyfully silly and utterly toddler-friendly, this board book is all about a love for bananas. Bright colours and cleverly designed cut-throughs make the visuals pop, and the repeating rhymes are just the kind of language play little ones adore. A read-aloud favourite in the making!
The Whale’s Song
The most detailed of the set, this illustrated non-fiction book dives deep into the lives of whales. It’s a wealth of knowledge presented with charm, covering different subspecies and habits from sleeping to migration. I was fascinated to learn that the shapes of their plumes vary—it’s the kind of fact that sticks. A fantastic choice for curious readers who want to know more about the giants of the sea.
This is a fantastic set of books. I can't wait to see what else Post Wave will be producing - they've set the bar very high, and I've no doubt they will continue to exceed it.
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