Kids Read: Asia

The Adventures of Na Willa, by Indonesian author Reda Gaudiamo, translated by Ikhda Ayuning Maharsi Degoul & Kate Wakeling, illustrated by Indonesian artist Cecellia Hidayat, and published by The Emma Press, is a series of stories (sequential vignettes) about a young girl growing up in suburban Indonesia, based on the author’s own childhood. They are each a few pages, and are perfect for reading with a preschool-elementary aged child, or for an upper elementary child to read on their own. Na Willa is curious and has many adventures children around the world will relate to: flying a kite, arguing with a sibling, learning to read, friends moving away. Footnotes explaining some of the names and Indonesian words used are included, and are very helpful when discussing the stories with children. I’m glad the translator/publisher chose to keep the original words and explain them in order to help kids learn about Indonesian culture. The Adventures of Na Willa is a fun way to learn about Indonesia.