The 2019 Orbis Pictus Award

Summary: Journey through a Cherokee year, starting in fall and ending in summer, where each season brings unique celebrations and challenges. Discover the essence of gratitude, or 'otsaliheliga,' as the community embraces its traditions and modern life. This vibrant exploration offers a glimpse into the heart of Cherokee culture, complete with a glossary and the Cherokee syllabary. What lessons will each season reveal?

Summary: In the late 1800s, Lizzie Magie, driven by a sense of justice, invents a game to expose financial inequality. But when players revel in wealth, Charles Darrow sees a chance to transform it into a beloved family pastime. How did Monopoly become a symbol of American entertainment, and what secrets lie in its origins? Uncover the fascinating journey from a tool of social critique to a household classic.

Summary: In post-partition India, Nek Chand transforms discarded materials into a hidden wonderland, the Rock Garden of Chandigarh. For fifteen years, his secret creation flourishes until discovered by authorities who threaten its existence. As the government moves to dismantle it, local supporters rally to protect this extraordinary tribute to his lost homeland. Will Nek's visionary masterpiece survive the clash between art and bureaucracy?

Summary: During WWII, Japanese pilot Nobuo Fujita bombed Oregon, the only enemy to do so. Twenty years later, he returns to the U.S. to apologize. This true story explores the power of reconciliation and healing after conflict, as Fujita faces the community he once attacked. Can forgiveness bridge the gap between past enemies?