Celebrating the Unique Cultural Geography of “Rural Life Around the World”

Rural Life Around the World Series by Elena Folkerts

Elena Folkerts’ series, Rural Life Around the World, opens the minds of young children to the traditions and customs of rural people around the globe. From Ukraine to Nepal, to Germany and New Zealand, this series filled with poetic text, regional intonation, and vibrant illustrations opens up a world of possibilities for curious young minds.

A Glimpse of Rural Life in Four Different Countries

Ukrainian Air: How Sunny Sonechko WON by Olya Samilenko, one of two Rural Life books featuring Europe, conceptualizes the recent bloom in global support for Ukraine in a way that educates and entertains children and adults alike. Colorful illustrations depict young Sunny’s visit to a typical Ukrainian granny in Eastern Ukraine. The radiant light that Sunny emits not only makes the sunflowers bloom, but also fills the village people with optimism and determination. This enables them to withstand a storm cloud, representing oppressive Russia. In the end, Sunny and his beloved sunflowers bring peace to the village, which has remained resilient, despite the lingering darkness of war.

A vastly different depiction of Europe is featured in Elena Folkerts’ German folktale, Freesland Fresh Air: Teacupke’s Rose. A typical porcelain teacup takes flight on a windy day and begins a quest to find a Frisian rose, more real than the roses painted on its delicate surface. Across grassy landscapes, cafes and soccer fields, there unfold the lowlands of the German coast, soaked by rain, swept by wind, illuminated by sunshine and dazzled by rainbows. The meticulously detailed illustrations make children yearn to frolic in the fields, chasing the elusive teacup across Friesland.

In Sherpa Bel-Air, Khumbila, a divine protector in Nepali Sherpa culture, acts as a guide across the vast white expanse of the Khumbu region, as he teaches the days of the week in Sherpa dialect. The young readers follow Khumbila through pages of elegant illustrations in traditional Tibetan style, depicting the snowy landscape of Mount Everest, Buddhist customs, traditional clothing and the rich history of the Sherpa people. 

Waitomo Air by Sarah Johnson is a watercolor-illustrated journey through the Waitomo region of New Zealand that explores its natural wonders and ethnic diversity. The story follows a young boy, living on a farm with a multitude of animals. While exploring a limestone cave, the boy admires the glow worms and cave formations. Before long, he is back home enjoying the stream behind his house until dinner is called and a rainstorm breaks the heat. Waitomo Air introduces children to Māori expressions and depicts Māori art featuring various koru designs — a spiral-shaped symbol of creation, new life and growth.

Educates and Entertains Young Children

Ultimately, this remarkable series enables children to understand that rural life in every corner of the globe is colorful, varied and unique. Most importantly, it helps them recognize the universal thread that connects these four books to their own lives — love of stories, beloved grannies, good food and fun outdoors.