The Humble Pie, written by Jory John and illustrated by Pete Oswald. Harper, 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"And here I am in the background, 
mopping up the spills, 
taking out the trash, 
refreshing the appetizers,
wrangling with toddlers, 

and making sure everything runs smoothly. 

It's who I am. 
It's what I do. 
I'm used to it."

This new book in the Food Group series has fans meeting a pie that must learn to stand up for himself when he is pushed to do more than he should be doing. Humble Pie readily admits that he is easy to get along with for many reasons. There is nothing he does that makes him stand out from his group of friends. In fact. he prefers the background where he can go about supporting those who need it. 

While he is a bit perturbed about always being overlooked, he can handle it. His best friend Jake is quite the opposite; good at everything, he makes it all look easy. He very much likes being the center of attention. Humble Pie remains in the background doing everything he can to make things run smoothly. 

"Fact: Nobody notices pie when there's cake nearby." 

When the two choose to work together on a science presentation, things change dramatically. Jake busies himself with his favorite pursuits: playing the piano and basketball, skiing and reading, soccer and the math club. The night before the project is due, Jake says he will be late. Humble Pie has had ENOUGH! He knows he needs to have a say ... and he does. Will Jake understand how his friend is feeling? Maybe, by working together, they can get the work done. Both learn a very important lesson, and the getting there is worth it. 

This is another enjoyable book from this team. Classic wordplay and many charming visual jokes will keep fans entertained and learning as they share it. Humility and courage are worthy traits for all. It's a winning addition to this much-loved series. 

The Language of Birds, written by Jon-Erik Lappano and illustrated by Zach Manbeck. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Mostly the kids at school left Mira alone. 
So she spent recesses sitting under a maple
tree, feeding seeds to a crow.

         She didn't mind. 

                                            Not really."

Mira's love for birds began as soon as she was old enough to hear their song while napping in her carriage in the park. She loved to sing like the doves before her second birthday. Her cat's gift of a bird into their house had everyone in a panic. Mira was the epitome of calm. She offered the love and peace the bird so badly needed. 

"She paid attention. She watched the birds and learned their language.
She drew them in her notebook. Eventually, she and the birds understood 
each other completely."

Mira was not nearly so comfortable with the people she encountered, including at school. Then, one day, a new boy arrived. It turned out that Jad was different from their classmates; just as Mira was. Although Mira wanted to tell him, she could not find the words that would let Jad know she liked him. 

Jad loved trees in the same way that Mira loved birds. Neither one had much to say to the other. It took two birds to spark an idea with Mira that changed the relationship between the two children. The resulting artwork created by the two almost-friends was just exactly what both needed to find common ground and a lasting (though very quiet) friendship. 

The warm, peaceful world created by Zach Manbeck is perfectly complementary to Mr. Lappano's quiet, thoughtful prose. 

When Rabbit Was a Lion, written and illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes. Owlkids, 2023. $21.95 ages 3 and up

 

"With oodles of things that had to be done, 
the rabbit whispered to himself. 
"One thing at a time, Rabbit. One thing at 
a time."

He mowed the lawn and weeded and raked
and watered the garden and scrubbed and 
baked. He gathered flowers and decorated 
the yard." 

Rabbit is keen on his friends and likes having them near. The little girl, who lives with him and knows him very well, is surprised when he suggests he would like to have a party. Rabbit doesn't like noise or crowds, but he likes those friends. So, she helps him with plans for the costume party. 

Rabbit immediately begins work on his mask, keeping what he plans to be to himself until he is finished his work. It's a busy time for both as they make preparations for a good time. When everything is done and the party is about to begin, Rabbit starts to question himself.. 

"What if I look silly in my costume? 
What if the party is a flop?"

The little girl assures him that it might be very good and a lot of fun. As the guests arrive, Rabbit is impressed with their costumes; the guests are delighted with the party. The air is filled with music, laughter, talk ... all very loud! The rabbit, dressed as a lion, is happy to see his friends having a great time. Then, he isn't. He finds a place to rest as the noise hits a crescendo, covering his ears before landing in a flower bed. Poor rabbit. He is done. 

His friends realize what is happening and very quickly change the tone of the celebration. Speaking softly, choosing quiet pursuits, and having time to paint leads to a happier lion. When asked the following day what he would like to do next week, the rabbit has a surprise in store for his friend. Or is it? 

Warm, softly-colored images fill the pages and offer a story that speaks for those introverted kids who like to party in their own quiet way. Rabbit is lucky to have thoughtful, caring friends who accept him for who he is and honor that.                                                                                       

Mole Is Not Alone, written and illustrated by Maya Tatsukawa. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2023. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"I need to push myself ... 

Change myself? 

I wish I had stayed home. 

I should have stayed home. 

Maybe it will be easier if I 
get there first ... 
or last?"

Rabbit is hosting a Moon Harvest Party and Mole has been invited. Mole's worries quickly surface. Will Rabbit be the only familiar party goer? Mole tries to be positive, making and boxing cream puffs to take as a gift. Rabbit loves cream puffs. The journey begins with Mole remaining unsure about the decision to attend. 

Watching Mole travel through a series of tunnels on the way to the party, and hearing the thoughts and worries that are consuming the reluctant guest gives readers a chance to consider how those who have social anxiety and like to be alone really do feel. That premise offers a chance to empathize, rather than criticize shyness. The tunnel becomes more twisted and intricate the closer the distance to Rabbit's house. Mole's comments are ever more doubtful. 

Emerging from the tunnel, Mole meets Skunk, another reluctant invitee. Neither is sure that being at the party is the best decision. Rabbit greets both with enthusiasm. When asked if they would like to come inside, both explain that they would rather not. Rabbit understands. The two head back to Skunk's house for a cup of tea and a quiet visit. 

Comfortable, accompanying artwork, created in a muted palette using stencils, rubber stamps, handmade textures, and Photoshop, are filled with charming features that ensure readers are able to relate to the two creatures whose story is told here. Gracious and sensitive to the emotions felt deeply by those introverts in our lives. 

Be sure to watch for Skunk in the above-ground scenes as the forest animals make their joyful way to Rabbit's party. The endpapers are also worthy of rapt attention.                                                                                  

Sometimes It's Nice To Be Alone, written by Amy Hest and illustrated by Philip Stead. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2023. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Sometimes it's nice to 
be alone. 

Just you, reading your 
book, alone, and the 
only sound in the world
is the whispery sound of 
you turning pages. 

But what if a friend
stops by?"

I don't mind being alone at all. That is not to say that I don't appreciate spending time with friends and family. Sometimes, it's the quiet I seek ... no sounds except what I can hear outside my window or door. 

For the little girl who narrates this story, she knows that feeling. A quiet snack with a favored stuffie close by provides pleasure. A friend's visit could be welcome. At this point, the elephant stuffie becomes gigantic, and helps itself to a chair for sitting and sharing the snack. Turn another page, and she finds joy in being alone with a book, with a tiny blue horse as companion. Reading that book on the trotting horse's back is quite the accomplishment. Each new turn of the page takes readers to another place, another treasured friend, and a new solitary pursuit. 

There is joy in every spread. Young readers will be captivated by the accompaniment of very special stuffie friends to share the wonder in being alone ... well, sort of! 

Amy Hest's text is simple and expressive, the circumstances engaging and creative, and the repeated trajectory of the solitary and companionable activities inviting. Philip Stead's monoprinting techniques for the artwork exhibit the wonder to be found in a child's imagination. I love the way he shows her large and full of life on her own pages, then smaller in comparison to her imaginary friends who sometimes make her day better. One of my favorite books this year. 

This is for Chelsea on her birthday, who has imagination galore. Happy birthday, sweet girl! 

How to Party Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab and illustrated by Kelly Collier. Owlkids, 2022. $19.95 ages 4 and up

 

"Lately, Snail 
hasn't been invited 
to many parties. 

Instead, he
spends a lot of 
time waiting. 

And waiting ... 

And waiting ... " 

Snail is convinced he's a party animal. Unlike others, he likes the quiet things about parties: an indoor voice, confetti, whispered wishes, and the very quiet moment before everyone yells SURPRISE! As anyone who attends parties knows, they are not nearly quiet enough for Snail. When it gets loud, Snail finds comfort inside his shell. 

Hidden there, he can enjoy some of the party's fun. His friends wish he would join them. Snail is content. He tries to explain to those friends who don't seem to understand that quiet is very important to him. It makes Snail wonder if he is the only one who feels that way. He does notice that invitations are lacking. He waits patiently. 

When a letter finally does arrive, it is addressed to Stump. Poor Snail! Turns out that Stump is a much-valued guest at all parties. Poor Snail! What's to be done? What if he hosts his own party? 

"First, he invites himself. 
Then he makes a pot of warm milk
and lip-syncs to all of his favorite lullabies." 

Then, he decides it should be even quieter. All alone, it soon worries him that something essential is missing. It's Stump to the rescue with an understanding that parties can be different for each of us. 

Funny, expressive and charming, this book is SHHHure to please the introverts and quieter children  with whom it is shared. Great storytelling accompanied by engaging, humorous artwork makes this a terrific read aloud. 

https://youtu.be/wMF6KL0Utjg

Everything in Its Place, written by Pauline David-Sax and illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow. Doubleday Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2022. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"My favorite is Maggie:

short hair, 

scruffy clothes 

(just like me), 

fork in one hand,

book in the other, 

as she eats Mama's pie."

Nicky loves being in the library with Ms. Gillam. She spends recess time there, welcoming borrowed books back and helping them find the places where they belong. Outside the window children, who love the same activities, have found each other and are spending their recess time together. Nicky prefers to be doing what she is doing. 

Today brings a surprise. Ms. Gillam is going to be away for a week; Nicky will be outside for recess while she is gone. At her mom's cafe after school, Nicky appreciates that it is fine to be on her own, as are some of the guests. Of them all, Nicky likes Maggie best. Maggie is a reader who lends her books to Nicky when she has finished reading them. Nicky admires Maggie's happy, carefree life. 

Maggie's Saturday visit to the cafe introduces a new group of friends. They all ride motorcycles as Maggie does. They are members of the same group, yet Nicky notices that each one is different from the others too. When Monday rolls around and Nicky must be outside at recess time, she finds herself wishing for Ms. Gillam and Maggie to keep her company. As she reads and rereads a poem from Maggie's book of poetry by Mary Oliver, she looks up to see a girl who also loves poetry. Is it time to take a chance on a new friend? 

Collage and pen-and-ink images invite careful examination and interest. They add context to the clear emotions felt by Nicky as she discovers that being quiet (and liking it) doesn't limit her from finding a friend.