The Sweetest of Lemons, written by Daniel Nayeri and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell. Levine Querido, Raincoast. 2026. $27.99 ages 4 and up

 

"But for the past few years, the sweetest lemon
had been stolen before they could pluck it to 
sell to the unhappy rich. Without the lemon, the 
family had fallen into poverty, and the mother 
was fearful for her sons' futures."

It's a long wait for a young boy living in Isfahan before he can visit his grandfather's farm again. The week finally ends and the family packs the car and heads off. Even that trip in a hot car across an empty landscape takes far too long. A brief stop along the way leads to a welcome visit with Abbas, a gifted storyteller. The child longs to hear just one story. After much cajoling, Abbas agrees and begins with the usual words ... 'Once there was, and once there wasn't ...' 

Abbas regales the family with a tale of a mother and her three sons. The family's sole treasure is a lemon tree that gives only one lemon each year. That lemon is so sweet it cures sadness. Before they can sell it to the rich and sad people, the lemon is stolen. It happens again and again; the family is now poor. Each of the sons do their best to discover who is stealing the lemon. In the third year, the youngest son devises a plan that cannot fail. 

As he watches, the son sees a dark cloud hiding a giant hand reach down to take the lemon. A perfectly-aimed arrow hits the hand and elicits a terrible roar. The two older brothers come at a run and do their best to retrieve the lemon from a nearby well. After two failed attempts, the youngest takes his turn. Enduring great difficulty, he falls deep into the well and lands in an underworld where a wise shepherd offers advice. The boy follows his sage advice. 

He soon hears singing and follows its sound to a princess trapped by a sleeping giant. Knowing the pain they have endured, the princess offers the lemon, and a chance to escape. The young man will not leave the princess. They race away from the giant. With great good luck, and once again taking the shepherd's advice in reverse, the two return to the family's lemon grove. 

"They lived together happily ever after 
and died together on the same day." 

In this story within another story, Daniel Nayeri pens a tale steeped in Persian folklore. It is adventurous and winding, offering readers a tale of perseverance, bravery, and finding love. It would be perfect for a family read on a seemingly endless road trip. 

Mixed media and gorgeous artwork embellish every step of the narrative and provide beautiful jewel-toned Persian patterns and calligraphy. To set the story in the present, Ms. Bell uses gouache; to help readers transition to the story told, she creates amazing collage images. 

Notes from both author and artist are included and allow readers to understand their connection to their culture and to storytelling. Wonderful!                                                                           

A Salwar Kameez for Ambika, written by Arti Pandey and illustrated by Avneet Sandhu. Owlkids, 2026. $22.95 ages 4 and up

"Ambika felt like she was floating on a 
sea of colors. 
There was a green cloth checkered 
with multicolored thread. 
Another was a shimmering blue. 
A pale yellow one had bits of glass
threaded into the pattern."

If you have seen any photographs from Indian weddings, you will remember the glorious colors worn by those in attendance. It is Ambika's first visit to her mother's homeland; with that comes the excitement for having her first salwar kameez designed to wear to her cousin's wedding. She and her mother visit the best shop in Lucknow where they meet a kind and very helpful shopkeeper who will help them choose the fabric. 

After consideration, Ambika chooses a brilliant red with threads of gold embroidered into it. The next stop on their quest for the perfect salwar kameez is with the darzi, Shakeel. Opening his notebook, he asks a number of questions about style. With a look through a photo folder, Ambika is able to choose the style she finds will be perfect for dancing. She informs the darzi, who then takes measurements and tells mother and daughter it will be ready in a week. 

They don't have a week! There are only three days until the wedding. Shakeel promises to do his best to have it ready. There is much to do in preparation for the wedding, taking Ambika's mind off the waiting. When a package arrives on the day before the wedding, Ambika is thrilled. In fact, she finds it so beautiful, she thinks she might need one for every day of the week!

Readers who have worn a salwar kameez will appreciate seeing the beauty of the color choices and the many styles available. Those who have no knowledge of the traditional clothing will welcome Ms. Sandhu's depiction of the crowded bazaar, the fabric shop, the design work of the darzi, and the evident joy at a wedding celebration. Ambika's face is filled with all the emotions of this first memorable experience. 

Grandma, Cho Cho and Me, words by Morgan Christie and pictures by Paulica Santos. Groundwood, 2026. $21.99 ages 3 and up

"Grandma sends me to pick some callaloo
from the garden. I cut handfuls of the 
deep-green leaves before we chop and saute
them with chili flakes, garlic and a Scotch 
bonnet for kick."

It doesn't always happen that a family gathers together for a big breakfast; more often, that happens at dinner time. The young girl in this story is helping her grandmother prepare a delicious early morning meal for the whole family. In doing so, Grandma explains why breakfast is so important. As they work together to decide on the menu and to get what they need for its preparation, Grandma explains that many families do the same. Often the work of the day begins early in the morning, and does not end until moonshine leads the workers back home. That breakfast helps thems get through their long days.   

As the two talk, they work at the recipes handed down for generations. Ackee, saltfish and fried dumplings are first on the agenda, followed by some of the granddaughter's favorite sides: callaloo, stewed cho cho with spices and herbs. All the while they talk about the lessons learned from their cultural heritage in Jamaica. She explains that many people from the Caribbean eat big breakfasts; it is the way they start each new day. 

There are many reasons for big breakfasts. Grandma shares a final thought:

"When we eat breakfasts together, we are reminded,
before we take on the world, that we will always be 
there for each other. That I will always be there for you."

This story is inspired by Morgan Christie's memories as the daughter of Jamaican migrant parents. She is clear that those memories have informed her life, and made her want to write about it in a gentle and loving way. Paulica Santos uses digital mixed media and acrylic paint to showcase the brilliance of the Caribbean colors as she helps readers be a part of the planning and execution of a most delicious family meal.                                                                                          

Aya Has Never Seen A Bear, written by Geretchimeg Blackcrane and illustrated by Jiu'er. Translated by Paul Qiao. Adapted by Helen Mixter. Aldana Libros, Greystone Kids. 2026. $25.95 ages 6 and up

 

"Aya understands that this garbage must be 
completely burned. If the bears get used to 
it, they might be attracted to the human world. 
That would be dangerous for them and for humans.

This is how the Oroqen share the forest with 
bears. Respect them, be in awe of them, and 
keep away from them."

I cannot imagine any child not wanting to know more about this book from their first glance. How can you possibly not want to know more about the bear that graces its cover? 

The opening page explains:

This book takes place among the Oroqen, an ethnic group 
who live in the forests and mountains of Greater and 
Lesser Khingan, in northern China. They are hunters. 

Aya is sound asleep when Grandma calls for her to get up. Grandpa is back with food for breakfast and plans for the day. He wants to take his granddaughter with him in a search for bears. Aya has been longing for such an adventure; she has never seen a bear. The two mount their horses, leaving the noisy dogs behind them. Grandpa has always been Aya's guide to the beauty of the woodlands and all it hides. 

As they ride, they take note of all that is happening in their natural surroundings: changing colors, trees, migrating birds, a hare family enjoying the sunshine, and roe deer watching them pass by. As owl passes too closely, causing Aya and Grandpa to bend their heads and hurry away. Moving on to the wetlands, they notice that the fox family they have been watching all summer now has grown kits who are ready for their own home. Many animals share the land with the Oroqen people. 

A river valley is next. They leave the horses there and walk on to the pine woods where the bears live. Once settled in the thick bushes, they sit silently ... waiting! A mother bear and her three cubs eventually come out of forest, leaving Aya breathless. They watch as the bears play together, and finally rest. Later, when Grandpa whistles, the bears quickly depart. Before they head home, the two gather the garbage left behind by forest visitors, and light it all on fire. Grandpa does not want the bears to become accustomed to the presence of humans. 

Once the fire has been extinguished, the two head back the way they came, gathering berries along the way, a gift from the autumn forest. The bears will find no scent of humans, and will then search to find their own food as they prepare for a long winter's sleep. 

A final few pages offer further information about the Oroqen, and the way their lives have changed through the years. 

In keeping with the patience required to catch her first glimpse of a bear, the text moves clearly and quietly as it describes the shared adventure. Warm and absolutely stunning natural surroundings are shown in artwork done with mineral pigments. It is a lovely book!                                                                             

A Fly In The Chai, written by Zenia Wadhwani and illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I stop for a pistachio kulfi before we get to 
Mr. Sharma's chai stall and Nanu gets a big 
steaming cup. He leans in, about to take a sip. 

"STOP! THERE'S A FLY IN 
      YOUR CHAI!""

Nanu and his granddaughter are visiting the market where Nanu has many, many friends. Each merchant is honored with a greeting in their own dialect as the two move toward Mr. Sharma's chai stall. Nanu loves a big steaming cup. As he leans in to take a sip, his granddaughter shouts out a warning about a fly in his chai. 

Despite encouragement, the fly is going nowhere. Onlookers each have a suggestion for getting rid of it. They also have opinions about why the fly is even there. Only then does the fly have a say, offering her name and the fact that her love for chai is very strong. 

"I love the smell of cardamom. 
I love to watch the steam rise. 
I love the cozy way it makes me feel. 
I love EVERYTHING about chai!"  

Nanu shares his own love for chai and its many wonders. An argument ensues; the fly angrily returns to the cup of chai. Nanu is now also furious, and does what any sane person would do. He drinks it down in a huge gulp. Does that work? I wonder. 

Bright bold colors offer a look at a traditional Indian bazaar with great characters and many items of interest. Final pages provide a pronunciation guide for the varied greetings, a glossary to explain any unfamiliar cultural words, and a recipe for Zenia's family chai recipe.  
                                                                                  

Go, stories by Deborah Ellis. Groundwood, 2026. $15.99 ages 10 and up

"After he sees Ms. Penheligan, he'll go home. 
He'll give his parents the footstool he made. 
Maybe they'll like it. He'll be okay if they don't. 
They'll probably be mad at him for leaving Sam
stranded. He'll be okay with that, too. 
     In less than four and a half years, Brodie will 
have his own life. 
     He has plans. He has things to do. He has places 
to go." 

I am in awe of the short story genre, and of the writers who do a remarkable job of writing with such care and precision to give readers a momentous experience in storytelling. Deborah Ellis is one of the finest. Following Sit (Groundwood, 2017) and Step (Groundwood, 2022) comes Go. As she did in those earlier books, Ms. Ellis explores the world of children from different points of view. In Sit, she introduces nine children who find themselves in situations that require making a needed decision and taking action to change their circumstance. In Step, ten eleven-year-old children around the globe find themselves learning the true meaning of empathy toward others. 

In Go, readers are introduced to nine children who learn those in the adult world can be a disappointment. Through their experiences, they realize there comes a time when they must pick up and Go. Three sections, entitled Ready Set, and Go, share Brodie's continuing story about his how family expects him to step up and admit wrongdoing when he has done nothing wrong. They have no intention of doing anything for him once he admits guilt. The consequences are heartbreaking; Brodie is able to find a way through the pain and make a plan for his future. 

Joan learns that nothing she does for her cantankerous grandmother will make a difference, and knows that her parents have no confidence for her future. So, she decides to makes decisions that will improve her circumstances and not worry about what the adults think. While looking to take some money from her father's stash of bills in his dresser drawer, Janine makes an alarming discovery and keeps the secret until she can no longer ignore it. Liberi learns that stealing results in feelings of guilt, despite his impossible situation: alone, far from home, without money or papers to help him navigate his way. Bastien, whose life as an unwanted foster kid, has that life change when a wildfire threatens the town he is living in and he makes the decision to offer help where he can. 

Each child's story is heartbreaking in that the grownups in their lives have turned their backs, leaving the children to find ways to move forward from where they are. Each child learns there is somewhere to go if you take action that helps to lighten the darkness. Middle grade readers are sure to root for each of them as they negotiate circumstances created by the adults in their lives. Perseverance in really tough times result in survival, independence, and an understanding of themselves at a too early age. 

Tea Is Love, written by Adib Khorram and illustrated by Hanna Cha. Dial, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Tea is a memory

Tea is a lesson

AND TEA IS LOVE"

My Aunt Anne was the first person who sat me down and showed me how she made and enjoyed her tea. I don't remember how old I was at the time, but I would guess I was around 10. I had not been a tea drinker prior to that; she said if I was going to become one, then I should learn how to brew tea well. I was a keen observer and a happy convert. She said it was the English way of preparing it. 

In this book about tea and its many descriptors, Adib Khorram presents tea as a ceremony for some, a quiet moment of relaxation for others. However you choose to brew your tea, it will be on your own terms as it should be. Millions of people drink it in many different ways and for a plethora of reasons. Its practice is celebrated across culture and country. 

For me, it often reflects memories of tea time with my aunt; a quiet time in a busy day; a warm and welcome ending for a delicious meal; a shared experience with a friend. In an interview I read with the author, he said of his memories: 

"At its heart, the practice of drinking tea is a joyful one. Tea enervates us and calms us. Tea asks us for patience and invites reflection. When I drink tea I remember my grandfather’s laughter. When I drink I remember those nights of Dr. Mario. When I drink I remember my uncle’s diner. When I drink I feel like I’m back at my aunt’s house. And the kettle is still on.

Hanna Cha chose to use sumi ink, watercolor, gouache, chalk and colored pencils to create the exceptional scenes that perfectly accompany the author's heartfelt feelings as he describes the meaning of tea in his life. From tea's growth as a plant, to being sold in stores and markets, to the warmth of its place in family homes, she fills each spread with winning characters, bold colors, community, family, and new learning. Front and back endpapers are equally enjoyable. At the heart of the story is the love that many have for tea, no matter the time and place.  

An author's note explains tea's history and the fact that tea is now grown on every continent, and in many countries. It is celebrated in ways as diverse as the places that have a tea culture. 

Now, I am off to brew a cuppa, and I hope that you will do the same. 

When We Go Home, written by Heather Beaumont and illustrated by Natali de Mello. Kids Can Press, 2026. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Before we go home, we go to the store
to buy books, toys and clothes for family.
Mom pushes the door open but the wind
pushes back. 
"C-c-cold," Nile says, shivering."

The Caribbean family in this warm and tender tale is making preparations to 'go home' to the place the parents were born. The young narrator and her brother do nor recognize it as their 'home' and express that feeling. As the parents speak to the love they share for their birthplace and the family and friends that still live there, they explain that it is possible to have different home countries. Marlee is not convinced. 

Leaving the place where winter can still be felt and seen outside the windows to go to a place of sunshine and warmth offers many opportunities. A shopping trip ensures they have gifts for waiting relatives. Upon arrival, their grandparents provide a happy welcome. There are people everywhere and the sky is filled with starlight they rarely see in the city. 

"When we go home, I meet cousins, aunties and uncles. They all stayed up late to meet us. I am so 
excited I talk and talk and talk. 
"What dat she say?" Gran'daddy asks.
"What did he say," I ask. 
Mom explains my words to them and their sing-song words to me.
We all laugh because our words sound so different."

As days go by, the children have a wonderful time. There are so many things to see and do. They spend days at the beach drinking from green water coconuts, flying kites, finding seashells, and listening to ocean waves lap the shore. The food is delicious, the music is full of rhythm, and the company of family makes each day sweeter. It isn't long until Marlee is feeling comfortable and content in her 'home away from home'. 

Using 'when we go home' repeatedly in the story's arc is a gentle reminder that her dad knew what he was talking about when describing their journey. The rich colors and Caribbean setting add to the book's appeal.                                                                                   

Planting Sunshine, written by Andree Poulin and illustrated by Enzo. Groundwood Books, 2026. $19.99 ages 10 and up

"Theo falls silent. 
He realizes 
there's nothing
            he can do 
              to stop the war. 

Powerlessness 
towers over him 
            a tall wall 
               of bricks
blocking every path forward. 

He realizes 
          the hardest part
              is knowing 
there's nothing 
         you can do."
           

 "Do wars begin because too many people can’t say ‘I’m sorry?"

For kids who can watch what is going on around the world on their television sets, there is a rising concern for what is happening to others. Theo knows that the likelihood of a war where he lives is minimal; the toll wars are taking around the world make no sense to him. He cannot understand the root cause for the many deaths and the total devastation in those countries. 

He asks his father why there are wars; he can give no satisfactory answer to Theo's question. It doesn't seem to make a difference to his friends at school. Mrs. Lena his neighbor shares his worries as war rages in her homeland. The longer the war goes on, the more Theo feels anger and great sadness. Meeting Lily and seeing what she is doing to protest war gives him some peace. This is such an honest look at one very sensitive young man who has to finally come to terms with the fact that he can do nothing to stop any war.; no one he knows can do that. 

A hopeful ending for Theo has him working with his dad and Lily to sell Mrs. Lena's delicious perogies to raise funds for the survivors. This small difference helps to assuage his anxiety. This novel in verse is so eloquent in its storytelling, giving Theo a voice when the reality of war makes no sense to him. The writing shows middle grade readers how war is hurting so many, due only to hate and horror. Illustrations by Enzo are compelling in their honesty as well, showing war in reality as well as the war fought in Theo's imagination. 

"I know these sunflowers
these marked stones
these perogies 
        won't silence the cannons. 
               But they're a way 
                       a small way 
               to start building 
                            peace,"
     

Valuable back matter discusses war, its causes and the rules not followed, how it affects children, and offers thoughts on how to build peace. 

Suuban's First Day: a first day of herding story. Written by Shugri Salh and illustrated by Alaba Onajin. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2026. $25.99 ages 3 and up

 

"One full moon passed.  
             And another. 

Suuban was getting tired of waiting. 
"When will my front teeth fall out, Ayeeyo?"

"When you hear the frogs sing out from 
the pond," Ayeeyo replied. 

Suuban knew that the frogs returned only 
when enough rain fell. Suuban saw not a 
wisp of cloud in the sky and smelled no 
hint of rain in the air."

In this story based on the author's Somalian childhood, readers meet Suuban and her ayeeyo (grandmother) as they live a nomadic life. Suuban loves the animals the two care for every day. In early morning, Suuban is happy to go out and release the goats, sheep, and baby camels from their pens and help with feeding them. 

Her dream is to be able to care for the animals on her own. Ayeeyo explains that she must wait until she loses her two front teeth before that will happen. Four full moons is a long time to wait for the young girl. Her help with the animals every day is fine; she wants to do more. Tired of waiting for what seems an interminable time, Suuban frequently asks her grandmother for other signs. 

When she loses her first tooth, she is sure it's time. Ayeeyo tells her she must wait to lose both teeth. Impatient, Suuban takes her fate into her own hands, challenging a head-butting little goat to an encounter. It works! That very day, Suuban is given careful instructions before taking the animals under her wing and heading for the large termite mound her grandmother describes. 

Always on the lookout, Suuban proves capable and brave on her own. Herding the animals into the shade, she takes time to be sure that all forty are safe. Knowing they are, she can take time to appreciate her natural surroundings. A fox is no match for Suuban; she sends him off with well-thrown rocks. Only as evening shadows set in does Suuban know it is time to return to the compound and her grandmother. They share the day's adventure before she has another question for Ayeeyo.

""When can I take the camel to fetch water by myself?"

"When you are as tall as my shoulder," her ayeeyo said."

Digital artwork is welcome, offering a setting that enhances the storytelling and allows young readers to note the nomadic lifestyle of Suuban and her ayeeyo. They are both colorful and detailed, sharing the emotions that Suuban shows with patience and an eagerness to be of more help. An author's note places the story in Somalia and speaks to children of her life there, and the admiration she holds for her grandmother and the lessons she learned from her. 
                                                                                   

Bird Brothers: A Delhi Story, written by Rina Singh and illustrated by Barkha Lohia. Orca Book Publishers, 2025. $21.95 ages

"As we grew older, Delhi become more crowded. 
More people. More cars. 

The sky turned a muted gray and remained like 
that for months. Eye-burning smog blanketed 
the city, swallowing monuments, streets and 
traffic for days. 

But what did not change was the black kites.
Abundant as ever, they faithfully swirled and 
swooped as if watching over us."

An author's note shares the true story of two brothers whose life in Delhi, India (one of the world's most populous cities) led them to notice that birds very important to the ecosystem of their city were injured every year by the nylon thread on paper kites, as well as other threats to their existence. 

Ms. Singh wanted to tell their story for young readers, and here it is. 

The two young boys loved to watch the raptors in Delhi skies. They were everywhere and the beauty of their flight was hypnotic. Their father would throw raw meat in the air and the black kites would dive down to catch it. Their father insisted it brought good luck. When kite flying season began, the birds had to fight for space in the skies above Delhi. The glass-coated threads used for the kite battles caused death for many birds. 

When the boys watched a bird fall from the sky, they rushed to where it landed. A thread had cut its wing. They gathered it up and took to a bird hospital where nothing could be done; they did not have the food they needed to keep it alive. The boys watched the bird die. 

As the city grew bigger and the sky grew smoggier, the birds continued to take up their space in the sky. Through the years, the boys watched without knowing how to help them survive the many accidents that befell them. Finally, they took one to a vet who was able to teach them how to care for the birds they so loved. In fact, one stayed with them for twelve years. They were consumed with caring for them and learned all they could to help them survive. No one loved those birds; the two brothers did. Their work continues today, with an NGO called Wildlife Rescue. Bravo to Nadeem and Mohammad!                                                                                 

My Home Is in My Backpack, written by Eugenia Perrella and illustrated by Angela Salerno. Translated by Sally Polson. Floris Books, 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I think my special home is my family, Coco, drawing, 
and thinking about my best memories. "Everyone's 
special home is different," says Mama. "If you look 
carefully, you can see them lighting up the darkness."

I decide to ask our friends what they love doing and
draw their answers in my notebook."

A family and their dog Coco are forced to leave their home in search of a safer place to live. Leaving behind the place they love and their nights together watching for shooting stars, they pack their belongings and start a long journey with many others. Many have travelled before them. 

The going is tough, and fraught with dangers, both seen and unseen. Papa does his best to bring a lightness to the sadness they are feeling by explaining that their home stays with them wherever they go. Clara is not sure she understands what he is telling them. 

""We have left our house behind," he explains, "but our 
home is special. It is made from the people we love and 
the things we love doing.""

Taking that lesson to heart, Clara considers what is most important to her, and knows that other travelers will have different things they love doing. She asks her friends to tell her about themselves and collects their answers in her notebook: Juan loves singing, Eva and her parents talk about bright colors, baking and completing homework, Sofia loves fireflies, Maria likes stories, and Tomas plays dominos. Clara has much to think about as she drifts off to sleep. 

The following day, rain forces everyone to seek shelter in a nearby cave; it is decided to suspend travel for a day to allow children a break and a chance to play again. When they return to their camp, they pack up their gear and travel on. Perhaps, they will find a new and safe home in coming days. 

The story is told simply, and with empathy for the plight of so many in the world today. Ms. Salerno uses graphite pencil on heavy watercolor paper to allow readers a chance to see that, while the migration is long and dangerous at times, it does have lovely moments. Her palette of green, gold and blue offers a clear look at the events of their journey and the passage of time. It is a reminder to children who hear the story that they have much in common with children of the world, despite their differing circumstances. 

The Sleeper Train, written by Mick Jackson and illustrated by Baljinder Kaur. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I thought about that one time 
I slept in a tent in a field in a sleeping bag. 
There were all sorts of sounds at night
out in the country. 
The birds get up very early 
and make a lot of noise."

As darkness falls, a Sikh family boards a sleeper train in India that will take them overnight to visit friends in a different city. Shown to their cabin, they unpack and acclimate themselves to this new space. Watching what is happening outside the train's window provides entertainment before bedtime is announced and the three settle into their own bunks. Mum and Dad are quickly asleep; the little one is too excited to got to sleep right away. 

There were many questions in her head about what others are doing while she and her family are on the sleeper train. Perhaps thinking about the different places that have offered sleep will help her settle. Her first memory is of home where she silently tucks herself between her parents on nights when she is scared. Still awake, she remembers the hotel from last summer where the windows looked out on the sea. 

Every turn of the page offers up further memories that are not what she needs to help her find slumber. As she begins to feel sleepy, thanks to the rocking motion of the train as it travels through the night, she thinks of the people in the towns and villages they are passing. Perhaps another small child having trouble sleeping can hear the train as it goes by.

In the morning, the three go to the dining car where they enjoy breakfast before returning to pack their things and prepare for disembarking in the city where their friends are waiting to welcome them. The child knows that if another time comes when getting to sleep is difficult, she has the memory of the sleeper train and its rocking motion to help. 

Digital illustrations by Baljinder Kaur are filled with bold colors and familiar images of South Asian families and settings. A story of family time and love, it will soothe sleepy listeners. They will be encouraged to talk about their own memorable bedtimes in places away from home. 
                                                                               

The Last Last, written by Wendy J. Whittingham and illustrated by Brianna McCarthy. Groundwood Books, 2025. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I try to picture our new home, but I can't. 
So I gaze at the clouds and see a plane like 
the one that will carry us away. 
Next to my heart, the shell is calm and cool.
The hummingbirds in my tummy have 
flown away too."

Children who have had to do what the young narrator of this story does will find empathy and understanding as they read it. She is leaving behind the country she loves to move with her Mum and Grannie to a faraway place. It is a place she knows nothing about, and she is fearful of the changes that are to come. 

While the women rush around getting their things packed and ready, she is filled with worry about leaving all that she loves behind them. While family and friends offer help, she wants everyone to know that she had no say in the decision made to move. To avoid all that is happening at home, she goes for a last walk that takes her past many of her favorite places. 

"On my last walk, red dust warms my feet. 
I visit my school and gaze out over the 
cricket pitch. 
Last chew of sugarcane, 
last smell of sweet roast corn. 
Dogs bark, chickens scatter. 
Last time."

As she walks, she finds a swirly shell and knows she wants to pack it. Once back, she packs the treasures she will take with her in the crate that contains only 'really important things'. As she waits, she tries to imagine her new home; she knows she has memories to assure she will not forget her old one. Upon arrival at their house, a welcoming blue jay offers a sense of peace and anticipation for her new life. 

The gouache and acrylic artwork is full of the warmth of her Caribbean home. The Jamaica setting is lushly portrayed in brilliant color. Arrival at their big city home offers a bright yellow taxi, busy streets and a first connection to the nature that surrounds her. A welcoming blue jay will bring good luck her Grannie tells her. This hopeful ending offers a sense of acceptance to an important life change. The story is based on the author's own memories of immigration as a young child. It is sure to ring true with listeners who have had to make the same kind of transition. 

A Knot is Not a Tangle, written by Daniel Nayeri and illustrated by Vesper Stamper. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"We wash the wool. 
We card it to straighten 
the tangles. We spin it 
on a spindle. 

All of this takes weeks, but in my 
memory, it's one long wonderful day."

In a cultural tradition passed from one generation to the next, an Iranian grandmother teaches her grandson how to weave a rug that will replace a worn one she once made with her grandmother. They take breakfast to Grandpa who is tending the sheep, and provides wool that he has sheared for the rug making. They will work to make it the best rug ever. 

The process begins. As they work, readers are made aware of every step along the way. They dye the wool, they draw their design for the familiar work they will do together, they examine their old rug, and they are reminded of the many memories they have shared while sitting on that rug. They have everything they now need to make its replacement. 

Grandma shows her grandson the weaving process and allows time for him to learn. He wants it to be the best; Grandma cautions that it will be just right to sit on. Try as he might, he has some difficulty with getting the knots exactly right. She explains that nothing is perfect; nor should pretend to be. Once their work is completed, they take the old rug down to sit beneath the loom, and place the new one in the living room for the family. 

"A Persian rug is an imperfect thing. But 
its purpose is to make a precious memory." 

In an author's note, Daniel Nayeri explains that rugmaking is a 2,500-year-old process and it has remained much the same over that entire time. Different regions of Iran have signature designs; rugs are handmade on a loom; the number of knots per square inch account for value. None are perfect, and that is the lesson the young boy learns as he works with his grandmother. An artist's work is not meant to be perfect, but to reflect beauty.  

A Single Dreadlock, written by Xaiver Michael Campbell and illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes. Groundwood, 2025. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Lovie pictured strands of his hair 
hugging each other until they knotted. 

"My hair loves itself?"

"Yes, pickney! An' suh, you need to love
how it grows out of your head too." 

"Can you make my whole head dread?" 

"Yuh whole head?" Grandma squeezed 
Lovie's shoulders. "Yes, mi love. If your 
dads agree.""

In this second story this week of moving from a warm country to Canada, readers meet Lovie. He has moved from Jamaica where his dreads never made him feel different. He looked much the same as the other children. His life with his grandma and his dads was filled with bright color, fruit trees and gorgeous flowers. On Sunday nights he would sit with his grandma while she fixed his hair however he wanted it to be. 

There was so much to miss when the family (without Grandma) moved to Spruce Grove, Newfoundland. There was only one barber willing to try to tame Lovie's curls. It seemed those curls always did exactly what they wanted to do. His dads tried; only Grandma and her hair grease were successful in taming the tangles. 

Summer was easy; school in the fall offered obstacles. The other kids pulled his single dreadlock and teased him. Lovie felt sadness wash over him. He hid his dreadlock so no one would bother him. A surprise visit from Grandma for Chanukkah filled both with joy. Lovie shared his story from school. Grandma explained about their hair and what made it special. Using her hair grease, she rolled it into 'perfect little dreads'. Lovie could feel the wonder of being back in Jamaica. 

His next day at school changed everything, when a boy behind him again yanked at his hair.

"Yes. They're called dreadlocks, and I love 
them. And please don't touch my hair." 

This is such a lovely celebration of Lovie and also a gift of understanding for listening children, with lush, colorful artwork created by Eugenie Fernandes to explore emotionsik. It is a debut picture book that is sure to find fans. 

Dropbear, written and illustrated by Philip Bunting. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2025. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"They say ... 

"Dropbear is mean." 

"Dropbear is rude." 

"Dropbear smells like 
stinky old food.""

It is always enlightening to see what busybodies can make one believe. Dropbear's story begins with the narrator (who is nowhere in sight) offering advice for what to look at in the old gum tree. There is a beware sign in plain sight. I wonder who put it there. 

Readers are advised to look up into the tree. There is nothing to see there, unless a much closer look is taken. Oh, there it is ... 'gray hair' 'grim stare'. Why, it's DROPBEAR! 'They have much to say about him, including about his manners and how he smells. If the reader wants to know more, the narrator is willing to add even more frightening details. 

Luckily, there is someone to tell the animals gathered that gossips love to tell lies and talk, talk, talk. Their fear comes from not knowing the truth. So, they dream up crazy ideas and pass them along to ramp up that fear. Animals passing the gum tree tread softly and quickly pass. A tiny bird who has seen no proof wants to know the truth. She stands firm at the bottom of the gum tree until Dropbear does, indeed, drop down and proves there is absolutely no need for fear. All he really wants is a hug. 

A note from the author states: 

"Did you know? 

A legend in Australia, the dropbear is the evil, fanged relative of the koala. But sightings and sneak attacks - all the jabber - are nothing but jokes! That's right. Dropbear is indeed a mythical creature. Australians are great pranksters, especially on tourists!"

https://youtu.be/hJEKCxrvtNQ?si=1gWLD9xXYJxa4mqU

How To Say Goodbye in Cuban, written by Daniel Miyares. Anne Schwartz Books, Penguin Random House. 2025. $29.99 ages 10 and up

"Tomorrow turned into next week.
And next week into next month. 

Math was still tedious, but I discovered
that I liked to draw - 

and wasn't half bad at it, either. My teacher
said I had a good "visual memory". I think 
that meant I could hold pictures in my 
head and put them down on paper later." 

Daniel Miyares looks back into his family's history to describe how his father's life is changed immeasurably by the Cuban Revolution. In 1956 Carlos is 12 and living near Matanzas, Cuba in the peaceful countryside. His family lives on the same street as his aunt and his grandparents. He is living a fairly boring life there. It won't be long until Fidel Castro and a small band of exiles return to their homeland in an attempt to overthrow Batista. 

Although boring for a young boy, the family lives a life that is filled with affection. When his father wins the lottery, the family moves to the city where he can build a woodshop and make furniture for others. It is a big change for Carlos, whose love of nature and being outdoors is now non-existent. Called names at school for coming from the country is only a small problem once Castro comes to power. Filled with fear as his father's business is taken over by government forces and neighbors turn on neighbors, rumors fuel the worries of his family. When his father disappears, the family holds onto hope that things will get better. Many months later Papi returns home to tell them he has been making plans to take them to America and safety. 

Full of suspense and a family's resilience, this story is told brilliantly in words and graphic images that offer a clear look at the beauty of the Cuban setting, while also allowing readers to feel the fear, uncertainty, and pain that change can bring. Using single page entries to between segments of Carlo's story maintains the awareness of government upheaval as it affects the people living in Cuba at that time. 

How To Draw a Secret, written and illustrated by Cindy Chang. Harper, 2025. $19.99 ages 10 and up

 

"Class, let's take a look at your 
homework, I want to see all those
ideas on "What Family Means To
Me"!

I never finished my homework 
after reading Baba's email 
yesterday!

But how could I have come up 
with anything without revealing 
my family's secret to the whole 
school?"

Living in San Francisco with her mother and older sisters, Cindy must deal with a family secret, almost impossible to understand. While the rest of the family remains in the United States, Cindy's father made the decision four years ago to move back to Taiwan. The explanation is that he has moved for work. There is little communication. Her mother insists that it must remain a secret.  

Cindy is a sixth grader with artistic talent; she is encouraged by her art teacher to enter a contest that is titled "What My Family Means to Me". Uncomfortable with the truth of their family's situation, Cindy has difficulty deciding how to depict it through her art. Should she somehow create a perfect family portrait in hopes that it will bring her Baba home again?

When her father's mother dies in Taiwan, the family makes the trip to attend the funeral. While they are there, they learn the real reason for their father's absence. How will knowing this difficult truth impact Cindy's art project? Using expressive and telling art, Cindy Chang shares an emotional time for her family in her debut novel. Readers will be clearly aware of the strain placed on family members as they process the reason for the abrupt changes to their idyllic life.  

This autobiographical novel is poignant and complex. Variety in the artwork moves from the strength of her mother and sisters as they learn to accept their new reality to the anger and frustration Cindy feels in having no say about their situation. Journal entries help her sort through the myriad of feelings that eventually allow her to speak up, and accept what cannot be changed. 

My Abuela is a Bruja, written by Mayra Cuevas and illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gomez. Alfred A. Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"My abuela is a dancing bruja.
She twirls her arms wide open 
into the blue cloudless sky. 
She makes music with her 
chancletas, falling into the 
tun-tun-tan of a salsa, and 
then the tin-tin-tun of a 
bachata."

Not having any fluency in the Spanish language, I read the back matter first; it includes an author's note, a glossary of Abuela's Spanish words, and two of Ms. Cuevas' abuela's recipes. One is for sofrito and the other for her flan. 

I needed, first of all, to know the meaning of bruja. The word describes 'a woman who relies on the power of her intuition and honors the gifts of Mother Nature'. That helped tremendously with my understanding of this beautiful book. The child narrator is full of pride for her grandmother. Abuela is magical in every way, leaving her granddaughter eager to learn her secrets. 

Abuela lives high on a hillside in Puerto Rico, overlooking the ocean. The two love everything about the nature that surrounds them. The child wants to be just like her 'island bruja'. They love to share time in the garden where the child learns much under the watchful eye of her 'garden bruja'. Abuela also loves to dance and to cook. A table laden with homegrown ingredients offers everything the two need to make the sofrito that will be added to many foods. 

With full bellies, they take time to rest and read in the hammock before making a flan, 'her real kitchen charm'. The flan is a special way to end their day. As she is tucked in, she tells Abuela she dreams of someday having her magic. Abuela assures her granddaughter that she already has her own magic, rooted in family and the land that is her heritage. 

"My abuela is a bruja. 
There is magic in everything she does." 

This is a splendid book in every way. The admiration shown for Abuela and the life she lives is evident on every page, both in words and in art. Spanish words are shared throughout the telling, and every spread is filled with warmth and brilliant color. Both offer an invitation to stop and stay a while as they spend their days in each other's company. The inclusion of two photos of the author's abuela adds to the charm.