The Little Stone Buddha, written and illustrated by Grace Lin. Little, Brown and Company. Hachette. 2026. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Now the little stone buddha could 
see more than the sky. He saw all the 
people and cars moving fast, the tall 
brick buildings, the crushed cans and
dirty boxes all around him. But his 
smile still stayed."

On the opening endpaper, a man pedals a bicycle carrying a load of belongings through a drab neighborhood, when a little stone buddha falls from the pile and lands near a collection of garbage. People pass by, going hither and yon, never noticing the tiny buddha lying there. He listens to the beat of people's feet, the traffic noise, always smiling though he sees nothing. 

A small girl, walking with her mother, does notice him. She whispers hello; at her mother's bidding to not touch the dirty garbage, she sets the buddha on a discarded box and suggests that someone should clean up the place. From his perch, he can now see all around him. Despite the gloominess of his surroundings, he continues to smile. A man notices that smile, and stoops to take some of the discarded empty cans away with him. 

Things look a little better. The buddha continues smiling. His smile encourages young men carrying throw-aways to a dump further down the street to keep going. A dog is discouraged from 'doing his business' where the little guy is living. The dog's owner leaves some flowers and promises a vase for them ... tomorrow. More and more people take time to stop and to make his life better. Days pass; garbage is removed; flowers are planted; a shelter is built, and gifts are offered. 

"All for the little stone buddha ... 
who continued to smile." 

Grace Lin's compelling gouache illustrations begin in the dim confines of a dilapidated neighborhood where garbage collects in open spaces, and lends an air of misery to the buddha's new home. As neighbors stop to pick up garbage and work to change the space, new and vibrant colors invites close observation and feelings of goodwill and generosity. In the end, it becomes a haven appreciated by all who live in the community. 

An author's note (complete with colorful photographs) tells readers that this book was inspired by two things: a book Ms. Lin loved as a child - The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton.  The other is the true story of the Oakland Buddha (found at the traffic median of East 19th Street and 11th Avenue in Oakland, California). 

Note: The final endpaper shows the amazing transformation of the initial space, following the many acts of kindness shown by members of the neighborhood.                                                                                   

                                                                                    

Wombat Waiting, written by Katheine Applegate. Storytide, Harper. 2026. $25.99 ages 8 and up

"A community is a living thing,
a group of people 
knit together by need or friendship, 
belief or purpose, 
even worn around the edges, 
like a household of grumpy relatives.

But when something bad happens, 
it comes together, stronger than ever, 
ready to start anew." 

Meeting Wombat is a joyous and heartwarming experience. She is a stray dog with stubby legs and silly ears, who is a survivor. She needs to be one as she feels the Santa Ana winds in Southern California blowing and takes note of a fire she can see in the distance. After an upsetting dream, she begins to hear an internal voice telling her to go THAT WAY. Her concern is that it is sending her toward the fire. Having no one, and no home, Wombat does as she is told. 

A chance meeting with a canine friend named Silas. When she tells Silas about the voice, he shares a sympathetic opinion. 

"Oh, you poor pup,
Silas sighed. 
You're one of them, aren't ya?

One of them? Wombat asked. 

You're a destiny dog, said Silas. 

He offered a toothless smile. 
Congrats. 
And condolences."

Being a destiny dog means Wombat is bound to find her person. It's a convincing observation; Wombat will follow the voice's mysterious instructions, despite the dangers. Soon readers meet Henry, a young boy who lives with his two moms and little sister in the path of the wildfire. He loves the bats at the rehab center where Mama Ro works. He and Barnabas, a fruit bat, must find shelter from the fire wreaking havoc everywhere around them. Henry is uncomfortable around dogs following a scary encounter when he was very young. 

As luck would have it, Wombat and Henry cross paths at an emergency shelter. Immediately, Wombat recognizes Henry as her destiny. Henry is wary of any contact. With endless patience and her helping nature, Wombat begins to realize she can offer hope to the displaced people at the shelter. Just as Wombat finds solace in the helping, Henry proves himself to be a willing worker who makes a real difference, too. The bond between the two unfolds as days pass by. Patience is the key to finding each other in the loveliest possible way. 

As the chapters shift from one character to another, readers feel strong empathy toward both. The verse format is perfect for early middle grade readers.Well chosen words balance the terror and acute sadness felt by both as their situation engulfs everyone. It's a story told with gentle caring and quiet humor. So hopeful and endearing. It will be the first book Chelsea and I read in July. We can't wait! 

Ripples, written and illustrated by Katie Yamasaki. Norton, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"My toes toast in the sun. 

We tend to the river. 

As we curve around a bend, the singsong
notes of "Happy Birthday" float past, 
mixing with birdsong high above
and our own voices, splashing in the river."

An overhead view of the river that flows into a large pond is pictured on the front endpaper, in verdant color that enhances the water and its surroundings. Along the shoreline, readers will notice a number of rafts with oars at the ready. The title page shows Aunty Koko and the child narrator donning life jackets and preparing to head out in one of the inflated rafts. It is a magical day.

As they paddle forward, they notice the sparkle of sun on the water and smell the wet earth on the shore. Beavers, butterflies and turtles are out sunning themselves in the warmth of the day. As they paddle further, they continue to take note of the wildlife, and of friends enjoying a wondrous day at the river's edge. Both happy noise and moments of peaceful quiet fill the air.

Soon, the two paddle onto the pond where the amount of trash increases. It becomes almost too much to handle. Luckily, the people they have met along the river arrive to lend a hand. Together they create the ripples that improve the health of this natural habitat. The art is brilliantly colorful, and in keeping with the work being done together to improve their shared environment. 
                                                                              

The Mother Tree, written by Sybil Rosen and illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. anne schwartz books, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"At sunset they walk through what's left of the woods.
Raw stumps lie amid heaps of bent and broken smaller 
trees. Sadie doesn't have words to describe how forlorn
and ruined everything looks. 
The nearer they get to the mother tree, the more scared 
Sadie feels. Will her beech still be there?" 

I have mentioned in previous posts that many published books for children today speak to them about the importance of our natural surroundings. A good many highlight trees, and what we are learning about their place in the health of our planet. 

In her book, Sybil Rosen introduces readers to Sadie and her mother who love to spend time walking in the forest that surrounds their home. They know these trees as friends who provide shade, homes for birds, and beauty at every turn. Sadie knows that trees and humans help each other when it comes to breathing. Sadie works in her notebook to note all they see on their daily walks. They often end up at Sadie's favorite tree: a two-hundred-year-old beech with a branch that offers a place for rest whenever the two stop to visit. 

Her mother answers Sadie's questions and shares new learning about how so much happens in the roots beneath their feet. When they notice that many of the trees have been marked with a red circle, Sadie is confused. She learns from her mother that the marked trees are destined to be cut down and sent to a lumber mill. Sadie is very upset when the loggers make their presence known by a terrible racket. As they get closer, Sadie shares her real concerns about her beech tree with Momma. 

Her mother wonders what Sadie would say to loggers if she could talk to them. Taking up her pencil, Sadie writes a heartfelt note. 

"Please do not cut down our mother tree.
The new forest will need her and we 
need the oxygen. 
Thank you very much.

Sadie"

After a long wait and a lot more cutting, Sadie and her mother return to the beech to find the loggers listened to one small child's voice. It's a start.  

The charcoal, watercolor and digital artwork is emotional in scope while showing Sadie's feelings about all that is happening to her beloved trees, and very helpful while sharing Momma's teachings about the nature of trees and that a mother tree plays a role of great importance. A note from the author provides more details for readers and some of the actions they can take to protect our forests.                                                                                      

Toad on the Go, written and illustrated by Jashar Awan. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Toad does not stop at Hog's Wash and Shine. 

Toad does not stop for a bite 
at Red Belly's lunch line. 

Toad does not stop for ... "

This is such an exceptionally good read, especially if your littles like helping others and love to hear a story that makes them laugh. It's a great premise for a book that is sure to be read often. 

The opening scene happens before the title page is reached. A dog is driving along at speed when he remembers he left his coffee on the roof of his car. Distracted, he bumps into a light standard and has to call Toad for a tow. 

"Little ones. 

Big ones. 

Everyone makes mistakes. 

These things happen! "

Toad is back following his initial tale, Towed by Toad (tundra, 2024). Toad loves to stop and help any stranded driver in need of a tow. He takes the vehicles straight o Pop's Tire & Car Repair, where they are attended to by ... you guessed it, Pop! While Pop examines the latest arrival, Toad is off again to help Sharp Pat who has a flat. 

Toad is driving pretty fast as he hurries to provide assistance. He zips past every other vehicle on the road, and every nearby establishment as well. He stops for nothing. Sadly, the warning comes too late for Toad to slow down. The red light is up and Toad is watching for green, rather than what is in front of him. As soon as that light turns to green, he is OFF. Too quickly, it turns out. He slams into the car directly in front of him. Oh, dear! 

Luckily, no one is hurt. While Toad is quick to tell others that 'these things happen', he is quite sure nothing like that should happen to him. His friends reassure him about mistakes. It will be up to Toad to decide how he handles the situation, won't it? Will he tell Pop the truth, do you think? 

With winning digital art, and a positive message for little ones, this book will capture attention and encourage discussion about other such situations. 

Towed by Toad, written and illustrated by Jashar Awan. tundra, 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"No matter who you are 
or where you are going ... 

... everyone needs help 
sometimes. 

That's where Toad comes in."

Introductory pages set readers up for the action to come. 

"Breakfast!

No time, Pop! 
Can't stop!"

Toad and his tow truck peel out of the garage in a big hurry. Along the way, readers take note of the many vehicles on the road, and the rush their drivers are in to get where they are going. They all have somewhere important to be. What bad luck it is when something goes wrong! Or is it? Certainly not when Toad in out there willing to provide his towing service to Pop's Garage. 

Pop offers lunch; Toad can't stop. Too much work to do. Flat tires, bumper benders, disobeying signs, broken engines all have owners keeping Toad busy every minute of the day. When he has helped everyone else, he hears loud and noisy sounds coming from his own tow truck. It's not good! When others offer help, Toad politely refuses, sure he can find the problem. Sadly, he cannot and Toad gets angry; angry enough to kick his own truck. Luckily, Toad knows just what to do. 

He calls his Pop, who brings his own tow truck. Together, they finally find time to eat a meal. Little ones will love it, and surely want to hear it again. They will pore over the digital artwork, taking in every bit of activity. They will certainly understand Toad's frustration at not being able to fix his truck, and understand how cool it is to call on his pop to help him out, just as he has been doing all day. 

 "Everyone needs help sometimes."

Luz Sees The Light and Luz Makes a Splash, written and illustrated by Claudia Davila. Kids Can Press. Revised editions, 2026. $12.99 ages 8 and up

 

"What's with the weird groceries? 
Where are our avocadoes and pineapples?

And no frozen fish fingers? 

Those cost too much now. Probably because 
they're imported from far away.

With fuel prices so high, it's cheaper to buy 
local stuff." 

The life Luz leads in the first book, with video games, trips to the mall, and using the microwave to zap her food quickly, depends on electricity and fossil fuels. She is aware that changes are happening that are a concern; she doesn't like it. Numerous power failures, and her mom's feelings about the price of things (including the sneakers she is saving for) helps Luz see that her community needs to make changes. With help from the new kid Robert, Anika and others in the neighborhood, she begins the task of turning an old empty lot into a tidy garden and playground for all. Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and inspires the community to get on board to help with the transformation. 

Ms. Davila's graphic novel presentation of her message is effective for her target audience. The fact that this revised edition delivers a message not unlike what was happening in 2011 (when the first edition was published), when it comes to climate change and efforts to help stem it, is concerning. With likeable characters, a lesson on composting, and a lead character with endless energy, it might just inspire kids to do what they can where they live to make reasonable changes. 

"A-ha!

That's where my gray water filtration 
system comes in. 

Tap water is good for drinking, cooking, 
bathing, washing ... 

After it's used once, 
it's called gray water. 

But it can be used again!"

In the second book, a heat wave and lingering drought have Luz turning to activism once more. It feels very real for me these days as we have been suffering through a record-breaking heat dome and the threat of both grass and forest fires. The community garden inspired by Luz and her neighborhood is dying. Not only that, a new plant is depleting ground water while Spring Pond outside town is nothing but mud are causing big problems. Having taken on a tough task previously, the townsfolk work together in a campaign to set up rain barrels and other receptacles to save and filter graywater. Perfect fare for building neighborhood spirit and prompting thinking about going green and how it might be done. 

The graphic novel format is sure to prove popular with kids interested in thinking about what is happening to the earth, due to climate change and thoughtless destruction around the world. The two books are a viable and useful way to inspire conversation, and the belief that small actions can have an impact. 

Looking at the Sky: How Dr. Janusz Korczak Fought For Children's Rights, written by Amanda West Lewis and illustrated by Abigail Rajunov. Kids Can Press. 2026. ages 9 and up $18.99 ages

 

"Izaak, this is Jozef. 
He'll be sleeping in the
bed next to yours. Please
show him our rules at 
Dom Sierot.

Now, it was my turn to become a guardian. 
There were many children in Warsaw who had
no families, or whose families couldn't look 
after them. There wasn't enough room at Dom 
Sierot for all of them. We knew how lucky we 
were to be there."

The first-person narration by a young Polish boy whose life was saved when he came under the care of Dr. Janusz Korczak, an educator and child advocate in Poland, is an eye-opener for middle grade readers. Amanda West Lewis' story is based on careful research and the memories of one of the children who knew Dr. Korczak, and illustrated as a graphic novel. It introduces readers to the plight of children prior to WWII. 

Izzak is a 7-year-boy living with his sisters in poverty and hopelessness when he joins other Jewish children who have found a home in Dom Sierot (Home of Orphans) in Warsaw. Their parents are both dead; the sisters, despite their young age, must find work that will offer the money needed to keep them alive. They cannot care for Izzak without help. Meeting the kind and generous doctor and his staff turns Izzak's life to the better. He has healthy food to eat. He is welcomed into a place where students take care of one another while also having time to play, help with chores, and learn what will hold them in good stead for their future. 

After 7 years, he ages out and must say goodbye to his friends, caregivers and Pan Doctor. It is a very sad departure. He goes home to his sisters, and the message that they have arranged for him to sail to Canada to live with one of his mother's sisters. With hope in his heart, as promised by Pan Doctor, he makes the long voyage under difficult circumstances; then travels by train to Ottawa to meet his new family. 

He keeps in touch through letters to his sisters. and with Pan Doctor. He makes great progress in his education. When war breaks out in Poland, contact with everyone there stops. One final letter from the doctor, asking for help for the orphanage, is received. Any attempt to make a difference, is returned to Izzak. When the war finally ends, he has heard nothing from his sisters. Much later, he learns the fate of Dr. Korczak, the teachers and the 192 children he did his best to keep safe: they were put on a train and sent to Treblinka, a place that no one came back from. Izzak never hears from his sisters again 

"I am telling you this story because 
I know that Pan Doctor would want 
you to know that you can make the 
world a better place, too. He would 
treat you and your ideas with respect. 
Because you are an important person."

These experiences are shared in clear and memorable images that effectively give historical resonance to the story being told. The graphic novel format works incredibly well to bring Ms. Lewis' stirring and unforgettable storytelling to life for readers.  

"try not to think of what should be but what can be."

Gifts from the Garbage Truck: A True Story About the Things We (Don't) Throw Away. Written by Andrew Larsen. Foreword by Nelson Molina. Pictures by Oriol Vidal. sourcebooks, Raincoast. $2024. $25.99 ages 6 and up

 

"On Christmas morning, Nelson had a gift
for each of his siblings. 

Each gift had been found and fixed.

Each had a story. 

Each was special in its own way."

As happens so often when I find a new picture book biography, I learn about a person new to me. It is always a lovely surprise to discover how they have made a difference in the world. Meeting Nelson Molina fills me with love and appreciation for the work he has done and the lives he has touched with that work. 

Nelson introduces himself in the forward to this wonderful picture book about a man who grew up with very little and learned the importance of the little things the family did have. His mother's wise guidance taught him not to discard anything that could be used again. Taking that lesson to heart in his job as a sanitation worker in The Barrio in New York City for 34 years, Nelson spent much of his time working on creating a museum called Treasures in the Trash; it houses forty-five thousand items he found in the garbage, all cleaned, repaired, and arranged for visitors to see. There is, indeed, beauty in what many consider useless junk. He asks readers to look for 'the value in everything'.  

Andrew Larsen shares Nelson's remarkable story from his early years as a collector. He found wood scraps on his way to school, took them home and his mother taught him to make birdhouses - expert advice from a true recycler. Nelson collected stamps, and displayed them in ways that interested others: by color, theme, faraway places. Anything he found that could be rescued, he rescued it. He knew there would be someone out there who would love and appreciate it. 

When he grew up, he became a trash collector in the neighborhood he loved. It was hard work. There were times when his interest was piqued by one of the bags he was collecting. Upon inspection, he always found something that could be saved. That led to his decision to begin to make a display at work for others to see. Every item was special to Nelson and he found a place for each. 

As the display grew, it told the story of the neighborhood and the people who lived there. Close to the Museum of Modern Art, it is seen today by thousands of people from around the world when they visit New York City. 

"It's an invitation to think differently
about the things we throw away. 

It's Nelson Molina's gift to us all." 

Two final pages are given to the 4 RS, upcycling, ways to use what many consider throwaways, and photos of Nelson and his museum of treasures. 

Another hero discovered thanks to Andrew Larsen. I love it! Don't miss it.                                                                                      

https://youtu.be/2OIeptFMiCY?si=w6Ssgo19uRM6xfn_

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. 

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!                                                                                 

Home for Margaret, written by Denise Davy and illustrated by Berengere Delaporte. Groundwood, 2025. $21.99 ages 5 and up

 

"The next day Emma buys a red scarf with 
matching mittens and hat. She puts them
into a bag with oranges, apples and blueberry 
muffins. Mom fills another bag with bottles 
of water and blankets, and they head to the 
forest."

Weather here this week has taken a big-time dip in temperature, reminding us that November is usually this cold. It should be a reminder that many people are going to have great difficulty keeping warm. This gentle story introduces a young girl and her mom who know the meaning of caring and compassion for others. 

Emma and her mom are spending time outside in the Cherry Hill Forest. Snow covers the ground and Emma almost buries herself in it as she makes an angel there. No one else is on the trail as they hike along. They listen to the geese as they begin their migration south; Mom offers birdseed to feed the chickadees; and Emma runs off to see what the blue thing is under a nearby tree. 

To her surprise, it is a tent that looks a lot like an igloo. Inside there is a woman who has nowhere else to go. She steps out, looking cold and tired. Emma introduces herself, and asks the woman her name. It is Margaret. Mom catches up, and introduces herself as well. Emma has some questions. Margaret explains that she lives where she is, and that she does get cold. Snow surprised with its early arrival. She returns to her tent. 

At home, Emma has more questions for her social worker mother. Mom answers those questions before checking with shelters to see if there is a spot available to house Margaret. No such luck; the shelters are full. Emma has a few ideas. The bag she offers Margaret is accepted with thanks. At Christmas, Emma and her mom return with a warm coat and Christmas dinner. They learn that Margaret didn't like all the noise at an overcrowded shelter, and is hoping for a place she can call her own. 

Margaret's tent remains when Emma returns to the forest in the spring. Margaret is not there. The summer and autumn bring no change. One autumn day as they return from their hike, Emma spots a woman on the sidewalk who might just be Margaret. Hoping to help her before winter sets in once more, Mom calls a new agency. This time, the news is much better. 

An author's note explains that Margaret was a real person, a homeless woman she met one cold winter night while on assignment for her newspaper. She also offers readers a look at homelessness, and explains why it often happens. Communities are working to make conditions better, and everyone can play some small part by supporting shelters and food banks. 

Words Matter: The Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, and the White Rose Resistance. Written by Anita Fitch Pazner and illustrated by Sophie Casson. Groundwood Books, 2025. $21.99 ages 9 and up

"They were not alone. 
They came together with others
like the petals of a rose joined at the heart.
A name for the group blossomed - 
the White Rose Resistance. 

Words, you see, unite us."

Readers know that words matter. In her tribute to Hans and Sophie Scholl, Anita Fitch Pazner tells her middle grade audience why. During WWII, the brother and sister were members of Hitler Youth and the League of German girls. At the time, it was not yet mandatory. Their family life had taught them to care about others and to think for themselves. When they realized exactly what was happening in Germany under the leadership of Hitler, they could no longer say nothing. 

Knowing that Hitler was gaining his power through lies and striking fear in the hearts of the German people, they felt the need to resist. They did it through the White Rose Resistance, a group of German students who used their words in leaflets they distributed to expose the truth. They took great risks, as explained in empathetic text that shows their bravery in overwhelming times. 

The book is a history lesson in what can be done when conscience and morality lead the way. In today's world, where many face similar threats to freedom through injustice, it shows readers there are ways to protest with truth, and peacefully. It offers middle grade readers an opportunity for thought and discussion concerning quiet heroes who want to make change in their world. How can they think clearly and with kindness to do the same?  

Their execution, with their friend Christoph Probst, concludes the book with respect for their lives, their work and their heroism; they inspired others to speak truth and work for change. This book is an excellent introduction to the White Rose Resistance for the target audience. It is the story of nonviolent resistance and is strikingly illustrated as a very powerful addition to the book. The images are emotionally relevant to the story as they balance both the darkness and the light that brought hope to many. 

Back matter is important. It includes historical notes about the Scholl family, their motivations, and the political environment of the time. Also included are an author's short note about her connection to Germany, lists of selected resources and further reading, and on the last page names of members of the White Rose who were arrested and their persecuted family members.  

"It is vital for us all to remember what happens in a society when ordinary people do not speak up."

Mariam's Dream: The Story of Mariam Al-Shaar and Her Food Truck of Hope, written by Leila Boukarim and illustrated by Sona Avedikian. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2025. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Soufra is born! 

Soufra. A feast. 
A table full of food. 

A place where women get together to cook, 
to sell their meals, and to earn a living. 

But it's more than that. 

It's where they go to share stories, 
to laugh hard, and to be themselves." 

How often do we think about life in a refugee camp? The story of the Soufra catering company brings  reality to readers; it is a reality hard to imagine. Mariam was born in the refugee camp, a Palestinian who is the daughter of refugees. Surrounded by walls in the Beirut camp the women have little. They have no work, no way of making their ideas known and lack hope for a future that is different. 

Tired of the despair that plagues her days; Mariam dreams of change. In talking with the women in the camp, she finds a way to make a start. These women love to cook; they are good at it. First a kitchen, then ingredients, and after many calls, Soufra is up and running. As her dream becomes reality, she sees women who are changing before her eyes; for their children and families, for themselves. 

Can she take Soufra beyond those walls that plague her? There is much to learn, and obstacles to overcome. As her story spreads, she finds support from around the world. It is time to find the truck that will make her dream come true. Her refugee status is a roadblock to success. It does not stop her. Facing failure, she looks to the proud women who make Soufra work. For two years she stumbles into more and more walls. 

"But Mariam does it! 

YES!"

An author's note provides further information about Mariam and the women of Soufra. A food glossary follows with descriptions and thumbnail sketches, as well as a note about refugees and refugee camps, and a selected bibliography. Ms. Avedikian's digital artwork provides a setting that is colorful, true to camp life, and forever moving forward to a lofty and successful goal. 

Spaghetti: A Mouse and His Treasures, written and illustrated by Merrilees Brown. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"At supper, Spaghetti is too upset to eat, 
even though they're having his favorite
(spaghetti, of course).

He isn't ready to get rid of any of his 
treasures. 

What can he do? 

Spaghetti puts on his thinking cap."

From the opening page, young readers are going to love Spaghetti. He is so darn cute, as they look at him through an open hole in a piece of paper holding part of a spaghetti strand in his tiny mouth. Turns out that the tiny mouse is a collector of many assorted things. It is his imagination that allows him to see in these things what others do not. To him, it is always treasure! He can turn tiny pencil stubs into stilts, or spaghetti and a toilet paper roll into a cat mask. 

His favorite thing to collect is spaghetti (hence his name). Not everyone in the mouse house loves the clutter that he collects. They don't see the beauty as Spaghetti sees it. They complain about it being a mess, about losing their own special objects, and how much space it takes. How could he have too much? When charged with that, it only makes Spaghetti want to collect even more. 

It isn't long until the demands grow for getting rid of the treasure. He's just not ready to give it up. What can he do? Wanting to please everyone in the house, the tiny mouse sets out to make something for everyone to enjoy. Watchful eyes follow his every move as he continues his work in earnest. He is the envy of all when his dream is realized. 

Digitally created mixed-media artwork will have readers returning again and again to be sure they haven't missed a single thing. It might even give them ideas for constructing something they can be proud of, as Spaghetti is proud of his work. 

                                                                                      

Together: A Book About Community, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel. Scholastic, 2025. $21.99 ages 4 and up

"But in reality, 
if we were completely alone, 
life would be very, very hard. 
Being part of a group 
makes us much 
SAFER."

Elise Gravel's popular and pleasing monsters are back to help young readers begin to learn about what communities are and how they work. It's not always an easy concept. Creating a caring community is one of the most important things we can do for the kids in our classrooms. Within that community they feel safe and protected by those they spend their days with - their teachers, their classmates, and all those who support their learning. 

They learn that having people around them can make them feel terrific. There are also those days when things go wrong, but that is part of spending so much time together. We don't always get along. Being safe to express feelings and concerns ensures that community members know they have an important role in what happens. Being alone can be a frightening feeling. 

We learn about being part of a community for our whole lives as people move in and out. We have lessons to teach each other as we care for one another and share what we have. Acts of kindness become more plentiful once we learn how good it feels to help and hear how much we are appreciated. It isn't so much about what we have as what we give. 

Because everyone in our community is important, we take a stand if one is bullied, teased, or hurt. We are stronger when we act together. Differences make us who we are, all having the same imprtance in the group. 

"Solidarity makes all of us
Safer and stronger. 
We're all in this world
TOGETHER."

Without being preachy, Ms. Gravel shows her readers just how important it is to live in communities where each person respects and supports the others who share their space in this world. An especially important lesson for the world today, I think.

One Can, written by Lana Button and Eric Walters and illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant. Groundwood Books, 2025. $21.99 ages 4 and up

 

"When I put my can in that last spot,
we all cheer! And my teacher puts a 
special snowflake right on top, to show
that we did it. One hundred cans!"

The young narrator of this tale of community is excited to be helping out with the food drive at his school. He shows his mom that he is going to take a can of his favorite Zoodelicious in hopes that whoever gets it will like it as much as he does. The plan is to bring one hundred cans of food to cover every square on the classroom carpet. 

As they walk to school, he can feel that can of food in his backpack. His blue mittens, though small, are perfect for making snowballs as they go. Students are also contributing new mittens to a mitten tree for needy families. He admires a pair of red ones. In class, the children start putting their cans on the squares until there is one spot left. His is the last one placed. A snowflake on the lid marks their success. 

He and a friend watch from the window as the food and mittens are loaded for delivery. At home, he is impatiently waiting for his mom to replace the can he has given. When she gets home, she has two surprises - a can of Zoodelicious with a snowflake on top and a pair of red mittens! His mom explains that, for now, they are getting some help from others. When they have more, they will take their turn giving. The very next day, his turn comes with a note to the person who needs his blue mittens!  

Sarang Saves the School, written by Korena Di Roma Howley and illustrated by Joowon Oh. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"The school needed just a few more students, 
Appa had said, though the building was so 
big. It could likely fit everyone in the village - 
moms and dads, aunties and uncles, grandmas and ... 

Sarang stopped short. 

Then she took off. She pedaled faster and faster, 
an idea picking up speed as quickly as her 
bicycle."

As happens in numerous small villages around the world, people are leaving for many different reasons. Sarang lives in a fishing village in South Korea, where there is great concern that the village will soon lose its school because of a dwindling number of students. 

Desks are empty and students are few. On the one hand, that offers some benefits. Questions can be asked and answered, the cafeteria line is short, and food choice is awesome. Still, Sarang is hearing, on the playground and at home, that their school may have to close. People are forced to move to the city to find jobs to support their families. 

Her parents explain that too many people are leaving. They only need a few more students, but there are none left. They will not be able to stay if there is no school for Sarang. In talking with her grandmother, Sarang learns that she will not move with them. Sarang does not want to leave Halmeoni behind. She even wonders if not going to school is an option; her grandmother explains that she cannot read or write because she had to stay home and care for her siblings. 

Sarang tries to imagine what life will be like away from all she has ever known. While riding her bike to visit the places she loves, she suddenly has an idea she wants to share. Her plan for the school soon spreads from one family to another. Keeping it a secret to the very end, she finally explains something very important to her grandmother. It's a brilliant solution to the problem of too few students. Now, the school can remain open, thanks to Sarang's grand idea. 

An author's note recalls an article in the New York Times in 2019 that discussed South Korean grandmothers attending school, something they had missed in their youth. This inspired her story. 

Big Kids, written by K. L. Going and illustrated by Reggie Brown. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Teacher says, "Everyone come to the gym 
to find your buddy." My stomach does a 
somersault. 

Everywhere I look, there are big kids. 

         Big kids walking. 

               Big kids waiting. 

                       Big kids watching."  

Lead-up images to the title page offer a real sense of what the first day of school can feel like: a group of little kids leaves their bus and heads toward the school. The child in front looks uneasy. Turn the page and he comes face-to-face with a big kid. I mean a REALLY BIG KID who, while friendly, towers over him. It's a scary beginning to that first day.

Watching them and hearing the noise big kids make is terrifying. They are so loud, so gregarious, so quick to move. The double-page spread that shows a gym filled with too many big kids calling out to each other, while the very small boy stands among them is a perfect way to make the enormity of his feelings known.  In the crush that happens as the big kids look to meet their new buddy, he hopes he will remain unnoticed. It is not to be. 

"One by one, 
all the little kids 
find a big kid. 

Not me. 

                 Oh no! 

One of the big kids is looking 
               right     at    me."

Despite the fear he is feeling, the little kid waves back. His new buddy takes him to his classroom, finds a place for his backpack, and even walks him to the cafeteria at lunch time. They go to the library to check out books. At the end of the day, the two meet on the basketball court for a final goodbye before boarding the bus for the trip home. Life is good! 

Digital artwork offers magnified proportions to provide a real sense of the perspective of the small child faced with everything new and frightening at the start of a school year. As the day ends, both buddies are a normal size and quite comfortable with their new friendship.  Having a buddy with a big heart is a terrific way to ease this new kid into the unknown. 

Birdlore: The Iridescent Life of Florence Merriam Bailey. Written by Jess Keating and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth. Alfred A. Knnopf, Penguin Random House. 2025. $2025. $26.99 ages 4 and up

"Soon she began teaching classes in the renovated 
tavern that belonged to her grandfather. She taught 
her friends about chickadees and warblers, robins 
and ruffed grouse, hermit thrushes and kingfishers.  
Every new bird she met opened another door inside 
her heart."

If you read this blog regularly, you will already know how much I love reading picture book biographies. You will also know I am a huge fan of Jess Keating's work. So, put the two together and this is a book that ups my love for both. 

As a very young girl, Florence loved being out in nature; she especially loved the birds she found there. Her patience for waiting and watching was constant; her joy evident whenever that waiting led to a chance to observe the many birds that lived in the nearby woods. Throughout the seasons, she spent her days enjoying their company. 

At night, she and her mother would find a quiet spot to watch the stars while owls swooped through the moonlight. Nature was her home; birds occupied her thoughts and made her want to spend her life learning more. Following along with her brother, she learned to take notes and preserve the birds they found. Florence was much more interested in studying live birds and learning from them. 

"Florence discovered that her birds all 
had personalities of their very own. 

Some were loud. Some were shy. Some
were even silly! Her birds were a living 
rainbow of sights, sounds, and spirits, 
and Florence took careful notes on 
every detail."

Learning that women wore hats made from bird feathers, she was appalled. How could she bring about change? She decided to do her part to teach others all she knew about birds and the need for their protection. Florence caused quite a stir! Soon enough, she was organizing birdwatching groups. Armed with notebooks, pencils and opera glasses, she led these women into the natural surroundings she so loved and encouraged them to patiently wait and watch as she always had done. It paid off; soon, she was leading more and more people to help them learn about the birds she so loved. 

The only way to spread the word beyond her own community became evident; she would write a field guide that would let anyone interested know what she had learned over a lifetime of observation. This first field guide to American birds (Birds Through an Opera Glass) was published in 1889. 

The story is engaging, the artwork impressive and energetic, and the back matter, which includes an author's note that shares further information about Florence and her work, tips on becoming a birdwatcher, and a final captioned spread of Florence's favorite birds make this an excellent addition to any home, classroom, or public library.