At a library event this past spring, a woman introduced herself to me and explained that she had translated Water Can Be… into Chinese for Lerner, my publisher. Cool! I just received my 5 copies and thought I’d share. The paper is porous, not glossy, so Violeta Dabija’s gorgeous art is more muted than in the U.S. edition, but it’s still wonderful to see this paperback edition that kids on the other side of the world will read!
Here are a few pictures–whee!
I think it’s published as part of a subscription series there, perhaps? It has this wrapper like a magazine’s.
Here’s the front cover. The trim is rectangular rather than square, so Violeta’s art is cropped differently throughout.
Here’s an interior page. I love the drama of this image, especially after visiting Lake Superior recently.
And here’s the back cover. The only printed English besides the copyright page are the words “Minnesota Book Award.” (Water Can Be… was a Finalist.) I can see why Minnesota is just Minnesota, but I was surprised they didn’t translate Book and Award. I guess it’s to keep the official name of the award consistent…
Laura, what a wonderful experience to see your book translated into Chinese and to meet the translator. Hooray! That has got to feel very special. So happy for you!
Thanks, Linda! It is really fun to see a totally new version. I need to find a few educators with Chinese students in their school to give these copies to.
Very cool, Laura! My friend’s niece was adopted from China and goes to a Chinese Immersion school in Minneapolis. There is also a Chinese immersion program in the Minnetonka school district.
Thanks, Jenna! I will see if one of them would like my four copies. I appreciate the leads. Happy Halloween!
So cool to imagine all those kids in China reading Water Can Be! And how nice that you got to meet the translator.
Thanks, Buffy! Yep, I met the translator in April, and she had done it prior to that, but I didn’t get to see it ’til now. Very fun:>)
Very cool, Laura… and I love the artwork both ways. Congratulations!
Thanks, Michelle–and, true, you could print Violeta’s art on newsprint or pizza coupons and it would still look wonderful!
That’s great, congratulations!
Thank you, Matt!
How great for you and for all the kids who’ll be able to read your wonderful book, Laura. That is so special!
Thanks, Linda:>)
Oh this is so wonderful to see! A beautiful book, shared more widely and a reverence for water for all our needs and around the world…. Just think you will be known in China!
Yes, yes, yes on the reverence for water! Thanks, Janet:>)
This is so cool Laura. Thanks for showing us!
Thanks, Kim! Need to find an elementary school with some Chinese-language speakers to donate them to!
This is superneat, Laura. What a thrill! It will be fun to find a school you can donate them to! Congratulations! xo
Thanks, Amy! It sounds like there are two Chinese immersion schools/programs here in Mpls (at least two), so I’m excited to get in touch with one of them. Maybe someone would e willing to translate it back into English for me so I can see what it says now that it no longer rhymes!