Kindred Spirits/Shilombish Ittibachvffa, written by Leslie Stall Widener and illustrated by Johnson Yazzie. Charlesbridge. Penguin Random House. 2024. $21.99 ages 5 and up

 

"They hear about a place called Ireland, 
where families are torn apart, 
removed from their homes, 
and left to starve. 

Wrapped in the warmth of family, 
each Choctaw man, woman, and child listens. 
they feel the pain of the Irish people."

Kindness? These days anything we can do to encourage others and ourselves to spread kindness should be a goal. It takes such a little bit of effort and has a lasting impact. Reading books like this to our kids is sure to show them that we can all do our part, in big and small ways, to make the world a better place and to make them feel so much better about themselves. 

It's 1845, and we meet a young Irish girl as she makes her way through a potato field. Where yesterday everything was green and lush, today all that has changed. The potatoes beneath the plants smell rotten ... and they are. How did that happen? Following this introduction in prose, the facing page offers a historical note about the Irish Potato Famine, explaining how heat, rain and a fungus led to the death of more than a million people and forced two million others to emigrate from their beloved homeland. 

Two years later, people of the Choctaw Nation hear about the plight of the Irish and know the pain they had suffered. 15 years earlier, the Choctaw had their land stolen from them, and understood the reality of losing their own homes. Their Trail of Tears also claimed many lives. 

"Choctaw people reach into their pockets. 
They give one hundred and seventy dollars
to people in Ireland in honor of the injustice
suffered by both nations.

Shilombish ittibacchvffa. 
Those who feel the same. 
Kindred spirits." 

The story moves back and forth to tell the poignant tale of kindness in the midst of great loss. The Irish people never forget. In 2017, they honor that friendship with a Kindred Spirits sculpture. Then, in 2020, they collect money to help the Choctaw, Navajo and Hopi Nations as they raise money for food and bottled water so badly needed during the pandemic. 

Ms. Widener's narrative storytelling is enhanced with sidebars that provide further enlightenment concerning both sides of her story. Mr. Yazzie's acrylic on canvas illustrations are both emotional and vivid. Notes from both author and illustrator, further facts about the Trail of Tears and the Irish Potato Famine, and an accounting for the relationship maintained even today, a timeline, glossary and list of resources are included in backmatter. 

"United by empathy learned from hardship. 
They pass generosity and compassion on 
as kindred spirits."

This Rock is Mine! Written by Kaye Umansky and illustrated by Alice McKinley. Peachtree Publishing. Penguin Random House. 2023. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"That rock's not right. 

That rock's all wrong. 

We should have known it 
all along." 

In anticipation of some of the arguments that could happen with the arrival of Santa's gifts on Christmas Day, I thought I would tell you about this book concerning ownership. Both frogs living on the same rock think it belongs to only one of them; neither knows that, on the other side of a bank of reeds, lives the other. It's snoring that wakes them to this delicate situation. 

One is quick to make a case for the belief that the rock is his. 

"I'm always here
    come rain or shine. 
             I saw it first. 
                    It suits me fine. 
                             This rock is mine!" 

The interloper begs to differ. He has an equally legitimate belief in who is the real owner. You will know where this is going, I'm quite sure. The conversation goes back and forth; each has perfectly good reasons for believing what is true to them. It appears there will be no end to the arguing. That is ... until a long-billed heron, alert to the noise emanating from the rock, shows a distinct interest in frogs for lunch. 

The rock is abandoned. The choice clear. Finally, they are in agreement. Finding another rock is sure to be the best solution for both of them. Will they find a new abode, and agree to make it theirs? 

Amusing in all the right places, and absolutely a delight to read due to the exceptional rhyming text, young listeners will be engaged from beginning to end. They will be privy to this type of argument, and the need for resolution. Mixed media digital images capture the humor, the dramatic personalities, and the pure enjoyment that makes it a book that can be read again and again. It would be perfect as a paired share for two voices between two emerging readers.
                                                                                  

                                                                          

The Great Expedition, written and illustrated by Peter Carnavas. Pajama Press, 2024. $22.95 ages 4 and up

"Then the exploring party was assembled. 
They were a ramshackle bunch but each
member had a duty essential to the journey. 

Robert, leader: 
walk at the front and tell others what to do. 

Will, navigator: 
tell everyone which way to go. 

Ivy, botanist: 
gather plant samples along the way. 

Henry, biologist:
collect creatures native to the land. 

Lily, animal handler: 

keep the dog under control. "

Oh, I love this tale of children and their boundless imagination! Five intrepid explorers (and a dog) set off on a hazardous hike across wild country between one house and another, tasked with the delivery of a very special parcel. 

The text, as the story moves forward, is narrated dramatically and has readers fully intent on the progress the explorers are making. A different tale is told in the refreshing, amusing artwork that accompanies each new stage of their journey. Robert, their leader, is encouraged by a bathrobe-wearing parent to take on the mission. As they go, they lose one member, then another to a variety of issues. In the end, only two reach their destination, where a surprise awaits them. 

Listeners will giggle as their interest remains high for everything that is mentioned in the storytelling and shown in the captivating artwork. I think it would be a perfect book to read first without showing any of the spreads. Imagine the real surprise when, upon rereading, the pictures tell a completely different story, full of charm and humor. There is a lot of detail in the images created for readers' entertainment as this 'ramshackle bunch' does its very best to complete the task given. It's a perfect book to be read again. 

It is one terrific readaloud, and one of my favorite illustrated books this year. 

"Their story will not be forgotten." 
                                                                                  

A PINECONE! Written and illustrated by Helen Yoon. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

Family walks when our kids were young were often cut short by the number of times Bret stopped to collect the rocks he needed to fill his pockets. He did not have a real passion for those rocks, he simply liked having their weight in his pants' pockets. 

As this twosome sets out to walk the dog on a cool morning, the little one is delighted to find pinecone after pinecone. As she constantly stops to collect more and more, readers are privy to what is happening for her dad as he does his best to contain the dog's need for activity. The child is totally focused on the many pinecones she finds - and in awe of the tree that is awash with them. Dad is dragged hither and yon by the leashed dog who has no intention of spending time waiting while she fills her arms with more and more pinecones. After a minor mishap with a muddy puddle, Dad carries the writhing, shaking-off-the-mud dog home. 

The child is busy naming each of the pinecones, while following close behind her father. Once home, Dad wrestles with the dog and the laundry, while the child heads outside again to fill her dad's boots with extended family members to her pinecone collection. Only now, does Dad have time to discover the collection in its entirety; including the bugs, worms, dirt, and everything else that entered the house while he was otherwise occupied. Quelle surprise!! Another is in store for the final spread when readers discover just how creative dads can be! 

Mixed media artwork is warm and rich with details. Facial expressions bring total awareness to the feelings of each character. 
                                                                              

Eli and the Uncles, written by Jehan Madhani and illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"When all the storytelling and cooking and 
singing and dancing and napping are done, 
Eli and the uncles all sit down to eat dinner 
together. Eight uncles and one Eli at one big 
table. " 

It happens every summer. Mom helps Eli pack a bag, drives him to his uncles' house, and leaves him there for a much-anticipated visit with his EIGHT uncles. Each uncle has his own distinct look and personality. As well, they all have beards. 

The day begins with Uncle Mahmoud, a storyteller who regales his nephew with his best tales. Uncle Salim, an awesome cook, knows exactly what Eli loves to eat. He makes all of his preferred foods. Uncle Hanif's singing voice is just right for his young nephew; the other uncles cannot agree. Uncle Aman dances up a storm to the music played by Hanif. Only four to go now - Uncle Riz loves to tell a good joke while Uncle Farouk and Uncle Aziz spent much of their time arguing with anyone willing to share an opinion. And Uncle Nooru? Well, he takes naps like no one else. 

After all the entertainment, the group sits to have dinner together, and then clean up. With perfect timing, Mom arrives to collect her son. While saying goodbye, Eli gets an up-close look at and feel for each of the differing beards. Each is as unique as the uncle he is giving a goodbye hug. By the time he reaches up to plant a kiss on Uncle Nooru's peaceful cheek, Eli is also sound asleep. The ride home is filled with dreamy memories of a wonderful day. 

Detailed illustrations, created using watercolor, acrylic and colored pencils, offer a clear look at each uncle and their specific style. They add warmth, and context for the loving relationship Eli has with each one of them. 

noodles on a bicycle, written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Gracey Zhang. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"A few of us run alongside until we're out of breath,
waving goodbye as they zip onto the main road
and sail beyond the park.
Legs circling in faded blue pants. 
Bicycles shining in the sun. 
Wind lifting their hair. 

Beep, beep, honk, honk."

I knew none of this ... and that is what I love about reading books for children. I learn so much! 

A family of children sit outside and watch those men who deliver food as they set off to do their job for the day. The men begin at the Old Sobaya noodle shop near where the children live, and they are tasked with making deliveries of the noodles so carefully crafted by the very experienced sobaya chef. 

The noodles are not delivered in the insulated bags we have become accustomed to when ordering through Dash or Skip the Dishes; rather, 'the ceramic soup bowls and wooden soba boxes' are stacked one on top of the other into a tower that is much higher than the bikes the demae pilot to their destinations. One hand holds the tower, while the other guides their bike through congested streets. 

Customers wait; bystanders keep a close watch; the riders ride from place to place making sure their noodles are delivered safely and on time. The children who follow them do their best to emulate the skills they possess, encouraged by any passing deliveryman. The demae work all day, growing more and more tired from the heat, the pace, the constant work. 

"Even when our city slows down, 
the deliverymen still go. 
Hungry customers still wait."  

As the day winds down and the deliveries slow, Ms. Maclear has a lovely surprise for her readers. Can you guess who brings home noodles for Mama and their six children? After most delicious bowls of soba are eaten, the children are ready for bed. Papa is happy with a long soak in a warm tub, before tucking his children in and getting the sleep he needs before the sun rises once more, and another long day begins. 

An author's note explains that Ms. Maclear spent childhood summers in Tokyo. Noting that this method of soba delivery lasted from the 1930s into the 1970s, the bikes were being replaced by motorbikes when she was there; still, she saw the men as acrobats and gazed in wonder at the towers they carried so skillfully. Gracey Zhang used ink and gouache paints to create a nostalgic look and setting for the story. Her fine details will have readers and listeners poring over each and every page. Two archival photos, from 1937 and 1959, were part of the inspiration for her exemplary artwork.
                                                                                      

The Boy and the Elephant, written and illustrated by Freya Blackwood. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2024. $26.99 ages 5 and up

 

"A boy must find 
a way to save his 
friend before it's 
too late ... "

This child, who lives on an apartment-lined street, spends his early morning getting ready to head off to school. He makes his way from his home through the streets filled with the hustle-and-bustle that starts the day for many.  His arrival at school shows him sitting on a quiet bench, while children play at full tilt all around him. School begins and ends; he makes his way back home. 

Once there, he changes his clothes, prepares a tray of food and returns to the outside without being noticed by a distracted parent. Readers watch as he makes his way to the quiet green space next door. It is a peaceful haven for wildlife, and for a young child seeking comfort there. The trees offer companionship; one group in particular. Together, they brilliantly resemble an elephant. The first one provides the elephant's trunk, and is the recipient of one of the bowls of food he has carried with him. 

Through the seasons, the child often returns to spend time at the base of his elephant friend.  A FOR SALE sign, soon covered by SOLD banner, evokes much concern as he also watches trees being clearly marked with an X. Days pass, filled with worry. Then, one night, he makes his way to the trunk of his friend. He does his best to coax the elephant to follow him ... finally giving up when nothing happens. Exhausted, he makes his way toward home ... or does he?  Readers will be awed by the fantastic happenings that ensue. What wonder there is in hopes and dreams of a better future!

Pencil and oil paints on watercolor paper artwork, created by the exceptional Freya Blackwood, proves to be all that is needed to tell this quietly wondrous wordless story of love and loneliness. This is an emotional and powerful tale meant to be shared.