Taking Flight, written by Kashmira Sheth and illustrated by Nicolo Carozzi. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2026. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"Still, you gather up your courage, 
that first day of school. 
Lifting your chin, 
you step through the door. 

Instantly, many heads turn toward you, 
their eyes seem to study you. 
Your stomach stirs, 
palms grow cold, 
knees turn mushy."

What a heartwarming, and yet also heartbreaking, way to show readers the reality of the refugee experience for many. Three young children are introduced, and their journeys to safety in faraway lands portrayed in exceptional digital artwork created using graphite. The first leaves a grandmother in a Tibetan highland home. The second leaves a cozy Syrian home surrounded by cotton fields, following many others who are doing the same. The third escapes a beloved Ukrainian city in the wake of bombing that is leaving it in ruins. 

"No matter where you started, 
leaving was hard - so was that journey. 
And you finally reached safety, 
you were hungry, thirsty, worn-out.
Ready for rest."

That rest came first in a refugee camp. Then, travel to a new land happened on a plane, a boat, and a bus. All the while, hearts were filled with hope for a better life in a strange new place. It was all so different - language, noise, everything unfamiliar, school, food. Still, there are those who know what to say, what to do, how to help make things better - a friend or friends. 

"Day by day, little by little, 
as the new becomes known, 
you meet other children just like you."

The telling is so quiet and meaningful for readers, allowing a chance to develop empathy and compassion for the children they are meeting. The illustrations perfectly match the story's tone, offering readers the opportunity to sense the fear, and feel the emotions of each refugee child. There is such joy in the welcome they experience because of the children they meet who show interest, kindness, and patience. That is what most kids do, when given the chance.                                                                                        

 

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue, written by Elizabeth Brown and illustrated by Melissa Castrillon. Chronicle Bo;oks, Raincoast. 2025. $29.99 ages 8 and up

 

"Aristides hugged them more 
tightly than ever before and 
sent his sons and nephew 
home to Portugal. 

The radio announced the news -
German troops were only miles 
from Bordeaux."

This is a story I had not heard in any of the many books I have read about WWII. Aristides de Sousa Mendes worked for the Portuguese government, living as consul general in Bordeaux, France when the Nazis started pushing through that country. Always kind to his neighbors in need, Aristides turned his attention to helping refugees fleeing to safety in Portugal where they thought they would be safe and protected. The Portuguese government was not in favor of helping them. 

When faced with hundreds of travelers wanting visas, Aristides disobeyed government orders to hold them back. Over a period of 23 hectic and terrifying days in the summer of 1940, he worked endlessly to provide visas for as many people as he could. With help, he granted visas to everyone who asked, even setting up a table in the street to accommodate their requests. His disobedience led to conviction and a guilty charge. He was stripped of his job, and his home, his prestige and other repercussions for his family. At a soup kitchen where his family was being fed, he met some of those he had helped and others who had escaped. What a legacy he left.

"Over a period of 23 days, Aristides de Sousa Mendes rescued many thousands of people, including the painter Salvador Dali; the writers Margaret Rey and H. A. Rey; the entire Belgian cabinet; professors of medicine, biology, and physics who would go on to teach in America; and thousands of others whose lives are less known but no less precious." 

His story is told with honor and simplicity to hold attention and inform young readers interested in heroic people from history, and WWII specifically. What a rescue mission he commanded. It is estimated he helped upwards of 30,000 people, Digital pencil crayon illustrations offer a realistic setting and inspiration for the fine work he did. An extensive author's note provides further context, along with a timeline for the 23 days, a list of quotes and sources, and a bibliography. 

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. 

My Sister The Apple Tree: A Refugee Story of Hope and Resilience, written by Jordan Scott and Jamal Saeed with artrwork by Zahra Marwan. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"One day, I saw helicopters in the sky.
They bombed our village. We saw dust, 
and there was fire in the woods. The wind
turned into a machine." 

After watching twin goats frolicking together on village streets, a young boy asks why his mother wh they didn't have twins so that he, too, would have a constant companion. His mother tells him they planted an apple tree in the yard on the day he was born.

"You and the tree are twins. The apple 
tree is your sister."

From that day forward, he found solace with his sister. He spent time sitting with her, telling her about his surroundings, offering care and comfort. He brought her a blanket at night and slept with is window open so she would always feel his presence. They played together, and grew together, and when war came to their county and forced the family to move, they uprooted the tree and carried it with them to a new country. 

In their new country, he made a place for his sister. There, she grew taller, made friends with the sky, and welcomed new birds to her branches. His sister provided a listening ear for his stories, his worries, the longing for the life left behind. Together, they adapt and adjust to what is new and different. 

In an afterword, all three creators share their family stories of leaving their home countries for a new life, due to varying circumstances. Those stories shine through in the words and images created for their collaboration. Their story has warmth, emotion, hope, and resilience in the face of great difficulty.                                                                             

 

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."

Pocket Bear, written by Katherine Applegate. Feiwel and Friends, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $24.99 ages 8 and up

"Pocket and Berwon chatted for hours. 
They talked about bear things. 
Why they had such stubby tails. Why
bears hibernated all winter. Why they 
were obsessed with honey. 
They talked about toy things. 
The indignities they'd endured. The 
stuffy attics. The stench of mothballs. 
They talked about getting-old things. 
Loose joints. Frayed stitching. The 
inevitable, dismaying loss of precious 
fur. 
They even talked about war things."

Zephyrina, the cat narrator of this marvelous new book by fan favorite Katherine Applegate, is quite impressed with her growing record for discovering discarded toys and handing them over to Elizaveta and Dasha, refugees from the war in Ukraine, at The Second Chances Home for the Tossed and Treasured. Zephyrina's own story is one of finding and adopting these humans. 

Any plush toy goes to Pocket Bear, who determines the toy's need for human ministrations. Then, Elizaveta and Dasha do their best to clean them up, hoping that they can find their owner or a new home. Zephyrina's latest find is a very old stuffed bear, covered in spaghetti sauce and pasta, and in need of tender, loving care. Named Berwon and accepted into their fold, he is processed for discovery or adoption. It takes no time for he and Pocket to become fast friends. They are kindred spirits; the history of each is an integral part of the storytelling. Pocket was a mascot bear in WWI, tucked into a soldier's uniform to bring comfort during fighting. Berwon could conceivably be the first teddy bear ever made in Germany and shipped to the United States in 1903.  

After mother and daughter have gone to bed, the toys come to life under Pocket's leadership. They play and enjoy life until dawn, then return to their spot in the apartment window. Both an antique dealer and a museum curator show an interest in Berwon. This sets the stage for some despicable hijinks and a courageous rescue. When all is said and done, the fate of both bears is left to kind-hearted, thoughtful Dasha to make a heartfelt and difficult decision. 

"“Our job,” Pocket said, “our only job, is to wait with hope.
Always with hope. And while we wait, to care for each other.”"

The Sky Was My Blanket, written and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz. Farrar Straus Giroux, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $26.99 ages 10 and up

"I was luckier. I found work making leather bags, 
thanks to the trade I had learned in Vienna. 
Because I had work, I was able to live in Paris 
for the next year or so. I worked and I drank
wine, cheap wine, with my meals. 

Refugees who had escaped Nazi Germany kept
arriving in Paris. They spoke of the campaign
of violence and terror, of people living in fear.
I never forgot the stories I heard." 

As he did in his own memoir, Chance: Escape from the Holocaust (2020), Uri Shulevitz here tells a story of his Uncle Yehiel's life in the years before WWII. Born in Poland and very unhappy with the harshness of his Jewish upbringing, Yehiel left home at 15 in search of adventure. He found work in Austria with a leather worker, learning a trade that would be useful later in his life. 

As the Nazi party rose in power and wreaked havoc with European politics, he made the decision to leave. His travels took him to many places as he looked for work and safety. Quick thinking, kind strangers and some great good luck ensured his survival. He settled in Spain, which led to fighting in the Spanish Civil War and enduring many hardships. Later he worked with the Jewish resistance in France. Each new experience, though often trying, also helped Yehiel discover himself while learning to live on his own. Eventually, he changed his name to Henri Sulewic, married, and spent his later years painting pictures of the Jewish community where he was born.  

Uri Shulevitz, in his final work published following his death, allows readers a close look at history from the perspective of a very young man. He is deeply affected by his experiences, and has his own impact as he pursues the adventure his heart demands. Family photos add to the reality of the story told, as well as black-and-white drawings that add dimension to the people and places mentioned. It is both heartbreaking and uplifting to read this first-person powerful narrative. An afterword concludes and includes copies of Yehiel's art. 

The Friendship Train: A True Story of Helping and Healing after World War II. Written by Debbie Levy and illustrated by Boris Kulikov. Bloomsbury Children's Books, Raincoast. 2025. $27.99 ages 8 and up

 

"By the time the Friendship Train reached Chicago, it 
had so many boxcars that it had to be split in two. Eighty
cars rolled into the city - and one hundred cars rolled out, 
brimming with food. 

Flour and sugar, 
        milk and macaroni, 
              dried beans and peas, 
                     good for growling bellies." 

Before returning to a grandparents' theme, I want to mention this book that concerns community, cooperation, empathy, and an uplifting story of children looking out for others. It dates back to a time following the end of World War II. 

The war had ended; the results of the fighting had left farms destroyed, a scarcity of food, and starving children. There was nowhere near enough to eat. In the United States, a man named Drew Pearson wondered how to help; one man could not possibly provide all the food needed. Would people across America help strangers they would never know? 

In one of his columns, Mr. Pearson asked that question and was unprepared for the many letters he received in answer. The Friendship Train was a go, starting from California and ending on the east coast before what was gathered along the way could be shipped overseas. Adults were not the only ones who offered to help. Children were desperate to make a difference. They came up with idea after idea to donate, collect, and offer help where it was needed. 

Leaving California with twelve boxcars filled, the train was met by children at every stop along the way. The children kept finding ways to fill one train car after another. And still, they helped and celebrated the generosity of all who contributed over the eleven days it took to get to New York City. When all was said and done, more than 500 boxcars were filled. It took four huge cargo ships to make the final leg of the journey. 

On the other side of the ocean, after a harsh winter made easier by the food sent, Monsieur Picard wondered how to express gratitude for all that had been done by strangers with big hearts. The children of Europe wanted to be part of the Merci Train being organized; in all, forty-nine boxcars were filled with gifts of thanks to those who had given so selflessly. 

"Every single state received a boxcar
of treasures from the Merci Train. 
From stranger to stranger. 
From friend to friend."

A note from the author is evidence of the careful research done to prepare to write this uplifting story. Boris Kulikov ensures that young readers have a sense of the many who helped, and of those who benefitted from the collective effort of so many. He brings reality to the post-war world, and to the joy that comes from making a difference.                                                                                    

One Day: A True Story of Survival in the Holocaust. Written by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Benjamin Phillips. Candlewick Studio. Penguin Random House, 2025. $24.99 ages 8 and up

"We were in this camp for two months, breaking stones.
I was just skin and bone. 

Get through one day and then on to the next.
One day at a time. One day after another.

Then we were transferred to a camp at Drancy.
This was a new housing complex that been turned into
a prison camp for Jews." 

When Michael Rosen discovered that his father's uncle and aunt were on the same convoy as Eugene and Oscar Handschuh, he was inspired to tell their true story of survival. In first person narrative, he introduces the father and son who, as Hungarian Jews, were living in Paris and working in the Resistance against the Nazis. 

They had done all they could to protect themselves with false papers. While trying to get new ones, they were discovered and their lives changed. It was December 28, 1942. They were interrogated, treated poorly, and forced into a work camp. They lived their lives from then on one day at a time, never knowing what might happen next. Next, they were sent to a prison camp and worried so much about being deported that they hatched a plan to dig themselves out. When the entrance to the tunnel was discovered, the Nazis gathered needed information from one of the men who worked on it. 

Names were named, and deportation became the punishment. Eugene and Oscar were placed on Convoy 62 with twelve hundred other Jews. They knew nothing about the Holocaust, only that something bad was happening. They had prepared to find a way out, carrying hidden tools with them. Nineteen prisoners escaped, including the father and son. Two made it to Paris, while the father found a place to hide at a farm close by. When safe, he was taken to Paris where he was reunited with his son. Never had hugs been so tight. Still, they didn't know that the train was headed to Auschwitz, or what would happen there. Eugene and his father Oscar survived, Michael Rosen's relatives did not. 

The book ends with hope for father and son. Never does it fail to remember the horror of what happened to so many others. 

"What happened to the twelve hundred people on that train? 
 There were nineteen of us who jumped
on that one day. 

The rest went to Auschwitz. 
Only twenty-nine came back. 

And that's a true story."

Somber colors, created using ink, charcoal and pencil, echo the real sadness for those who endured the horrors of the Holocaust. The repeated "one day" is a reminder to all of the uncertainty of life and the need to be brave and resilient. It introduces the topic to a younger audience in a way that is both solemn and safe, yet informative about a terrible time in the world's history.  It should be shared, then read again to understand the truth of what happened to so many. Much is left unsaid, as it should be for this audience; yet, it balances truth, hope and despair in the most sensitive way. 

                                                                                       

https://youtu.be/gYWMiov0BHM?si=qv1Zb86zGP0u2mH3

The House on the Canal: The Story of the House That Hid Anne Frank, written by Thomas Harding and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup. Candlewick Studio, Penguin Random House. 2025. $25.99 ages 8 and up

 

"Not long after, a tall man in a fine suit rented 
the house on the canal for his business. Downstairs,
they mixed and packed herbs and spices. The air 
was filled with the scent of faraway lands. 

Some days, the tall man was visited by a young 
girl with a sweet smile. She had a sparkle in her
eye and a pen and notebook in her pocket. 

She was his daughter."

This book is a life story ... of a house. An archival picture following the title page lets readers know that the house sits in the middle of Amsterdam, next to a canal. It is nearly four hundred years old today, and has evolved from one to many different things over the course of its life. It is an 'extraordinary' building, we are told.

It began as marshland, supporting cows, herons, field mice and even a flock of seagulls. After many years, it was chosen for building a sturdy canal, and humans worked the land on either side. Soon, a stonemason felt it to be the perfect place to build his family home ... strong and sturdy as could be. Other houses quickly surrounded it, then a church. It was lived in by a large family before it began to deteriorate. Purchased by a wealthy merchant, it was soon returned to its former glory and provided a warm and inviting place for entertaining. 

After thirty years, the owners moved and once again, the house suffered from neglect. It began a new life as a barn for horses, spiders, mice and bats. Following that, other families lived in the house on the canal; one planted a chestnut tree in the garden. After a devastating fire, a new family made its presence known with songs and laughter. The threat of war and the arrival of trucks and tanks sent people running in fear. The house returned to emptiness. 

When the man on the cover rented the house, he could not have known how it would impact the life of his family and friends. With the arrival of the Nazis, Amsterdam became unsafe for all Jewish people. His family and four others hid in top floors of the annex, in hopes they would evade the police ... endless days of terror helped by friends who brought food and other necessities. The young girl's diary reflected all that happened while they were in hiding. 

The family was eventually found by the soldiers and taken away. Two women took the diary they found there, and kept it safe. The arrival of new soldiers brought cries of welcome and a chance for the father to return to the house ... "tired and alone". The diary was returned to him. 

' ... he read with a 
crack in his heart and tears in his eyes. 
And shared with his family. 

Then his friends. 

And then with the world."

The house again fell into disrepair. Finally, led by the father, the community worked to bring it back to a place that today stands for people to learn about the young girl, her diary, and the hope it held while it protected those she loved. 

Choosing not to name the young girl with the sweet smile until it unfolds following the text, Thomas Harding uses eloquent words to amplify the emotional impact of the house and its story. Britta Teckentrup uses mixed media to bring full impact to the house and its changes over the course of many years, all the while ensuring that readers are fully aware of the evolution of the house, where is sits on the canal, and its place in history. Back matter more fully describes the canal, the builder, the woman and twelve children who made it a happy home, the wealthy merchant, various businesses, the ironmonger, Anne Frank, and The Anne Frank House that stands today. 
                                                                                  

The Pharaoh vs, The Felines, written by J. F. Fox and illustrated by Anna Kwan. Kids Can Press, 2024. $21.99 ages 5 and up

"Yes, Egyptians were feline fanatics. But why?

Ancient Egyptians were a farming people. They lived 
closely with nature. 

Poisonous snakes were a deadly danger. 

Rats and mice carried diseases and germs and ate up 
crops, such as wheat, that the Egyptians needed for food. 

Cats hunted these pests and became cherished pets, 
protecting the health and homes of Egyptian families." 

This is the third book in the Head-To-Head History series from Kids Can Press. It is a 525 BCE story from two Fertile Crescent countries - Persia and Egypt. When Emperor Cambyses II of Persia proposed marriage to Egyptian Pharaoh Amasis II's daughter, it created a huge problem in her country. 

" ... Amasis did not want to send his daughter
off to a different country. 
Egyptians believed anyone who died outside of
Egypt could be lost in the afterlife." 

Refusing the proposal might cause a war between the two. To that end, Amasis sent a young woman, posing as his daughter, to Persia. She immediately fessed up to not being the princess. Cambyses' plans for invasion were based on what his advisors could learn about Egypt before moving forward. The one standout discovery concerned their long-held worship of cats. The attack was planned, using cats as a ploy to distract soldiers and ensure success in the Battle of Pelusium. It worked. The army would not risk harming the cats; Cambyses became the new ruler of Egypt! 

Conversational in tone, and rife with feline puns, readers will easily absorb the storytelling. The setup that leads to the battle is easily understood; the battle itself ends almost before it begins. Digital art provides the context needed for the intended audience to understand this event in history. Notes in back matter explain how historians decide what really happened, showing what is fact and what is fiction. That is followed by a glossary and a list of sources, both print and digital. 

My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story, written by George Takei and illustrated by Michelle Lee. Crown Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2024. $26.99 ages 8 and up

 

"One afternoon Henry and I saw a shaggy black dog 
behind a pile of vegetable crates. He looked so hungry
we convinced our cook Mr. Kikutani to give him a 
piece of wiener teriyaki. 
The dog gobbled it up so quickly we knew he was 
still hungry. We took him to our unit and begged 
Mama for cookies."

I am constantly amazed at what I learn from books designed for children! There seems no end to the topics, the points of view, or the importance of what has been written to spark interest and to augment learning. Children learn about key issues in books that help them understand their world. They become more empathetic. When parents, teachers, and caregivers create a sense of community by choosing and reading meaningful stories, they inspire their listeners to think beyond themselves and to put themselves in someone else's shoes. 

In the foreword to his book, George Takei describes how being different resulted in great pain and a devastating loss for his family when they were taken, although American, from their home following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Being of Japanese descent was all that was needed to declare his family enemies of the American people, and to allow them to be 'imprisoned behind barbed wire fences'.  

Geroge was 4 in 1941 when the bombs dropped on Pearl Harbor. In February 1942 all Japanese Americans were forced into prison camps. With courage and determination, his parents were able to keep their three children safe. They were first assigned to a germ-infested horse barn. Their next move was to Arkansas; conditions were not a lot better there. Working tirelessly and with help from neighbors, they made a home for themselves.  

Mr. Takei's forthright portrayal of life in the camps, from a child's point-of-view, informs his readers of what it was like to live under guard of armed soldiers. He also wants them to know that they were moments to be enjoyed. They had movie nights and baseball games, a snowball fight and Santa Claus, singalongs and dances. 

Their parents did their best at all times to make the conditions as good as they could be. They worked hard creating community for all, and comfort for their children. After their parents refused to sign papers that would have them drafted to fight for America in the war, they were called disloyal and sent to Tule Lake in northern California. 

"Tule Lake was the largest of the ten prison camps and held 
the most inmates - more than 18,000 people. Half were 
children like Henry, Reiko, and me." 

Once more, they made a home there, and found a dog they named Blackie. Life was better with him near. When the atomic bombs fell in Japan and the war was finally over, the inmates were released with $25 each to make a new life. It took time; George's father finally found work in Los Angeles and the family rushed to join him there.  

Mixed-media artwork captures attention, and gives life to the many Japanese Americans who inhabited the camps. Fine details add to the visual appeal of the illustrations and provide context for the events described. An author’s note speaks to the fact that the time following their release did not end their struggles; only perseverance and hard work helped them find their way back to a good life and much success. Archival photographs are included. 

The Hotel Balzaar: A Norendy Tale, written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Julia Sarda. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.99 ages 8 and up

 

"The world was utterly silent. 
Below them, in the attic room of the Hotel 
Balzaar, the perfume bottle mermaid sat on 
the dresser, smiling. The enormous slippers
were neatly aligned beside the bed, waiting, 
and somewhere within the Hotel Balzaar, 
Marta knew, her mother worked - cleaning 
and cleaning, her long, dark hair pinned 
beneath her cap."

Marta and her mother have not heard from her military father in a very long time; his absence has meant that the two are now living in the attic room at the Hotel Balzaar where her mother is a cleaner. Marta is allowed to explore the hotel; her mother's instruction is to be inconspicuous. She is not to garner any attention from guests or staff. Marta has a daily routine that allows her release from her lonely existence in the attic. 

When an elderly countess arrives and notices Marta, asking that the young girl come to her room to hear her stories, Marta cannot contain her curiosity. The countess, and her parrot Blitzkoff, are friendly to Marta. They are also strange and very mysterious. The countess has seven stories (although she disappears before sharing the seventh) to tell the young girl, and begins on the second day of her residency. 

The stories, as they continue, both fascinate and baffle Marta. They make connections and inspire Marta to think more deeply about their meaning. Some are related to her father. Marta is sure he will return, but unsure how he will ever find them. She is often reassured by the tales the countess shares with her. It is quite a magical time. 

Julia Sarda's black-and-white illustrations are a striking addition to the storytelling, adding detail and meaning to this second book in the Norendy series. The themes of love and loss, confidence and concern, and worry and faith are evident as Marta attaches meaning to the stories being told. 

Ms. DiCamillo celebrates storytelling in such remarkable ways. I am ever in awe of her formidable talent. 

"I want you to know that war destroys everything, always,” Marta’s father tells her in his letter. “If anyone tries to explain it to you otherwise, in some other way, in words of nobility or valor, do not believe them.”                                                                               

Two Pieces of Chocolate, written by Kathy Kacer and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. Second Story Press, 2024. $21.95 ages 6 and up

"A woman on the next bunk stared back at me. 
At first, I looked away and ran a shaky hand
over my scalp. My blonde hair had been cropped 
close so that lice would have less of a chance to 
nest there. Why is she staring? What does she 
want from me?"

It has already been four years of being moved from one prison camp to another for Francine and her  Maman. Bergen-Belsen was the worst of them all. It smelled awful, and was teeming with rats and mice. Maman pulled Francine close, reminding her that they must always stay close together. Memories of the other camps flooded their minds. 

Their first objective was to find a safe bunk. Being on the top meant it was harder for anyone to take their extra precious food or belongings. Maman worried constantly about Francine, and about Papa who was a prisoner somewhere. As they sat close to each other, Maman opened a paper bag to show Francine two pieces of chocolate. She promised she would keep them safe until the day when Francine really needed them. 

" ... when you are so sad or weak 
or have lost all hope, that's when 
I'll give the chocolates to you." 

All Francine wanted was that chocolate; it was hard to imagine there would come a day when she needed it even more that she did right then. Not knowing who to trust, Francine carefully looked around. That is when a bunkmate Helene introduced herself, doing her best to reassure the young girl that she would become accustomed to this new place and to help allay her fear. 

Francine recognized that Helene was expecting a baby. The guards could not know. It was the second secret Francine was charged with keeping. Conditions in the camp remained horrendous as Francine watched poor Helene get weaker and weaker. Only then did she bring up the subject of the chocolates Maman was so carefully hiding. Francine knew that Helene needed them more than she did. Those chocolates would make a difference for Helene. 

When her baby was born, the women protected them from discovery by the guards. The baby remained quiet and content at all times. Only when the camp was liberated by British soldiers, did she finally let the world hear her voice. What wonder comes from kindness in the worst of places! 

The storytelling is real and honest; the illustrations focus on life in the prison camp with an emphasis on the emotions felt; and an afterword lets readers know the parts of the story that are true. Back matter includes further facts about Francine Christophe, and about the Bergen-Belsen prison camp. 

Shizue's Path, written by Mark Sakamoto and illustrated by Rachel Wada. Harper, 2023. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"I wish I could skip this chapter of the story, darling. 
just as you may want to skip parts of your own life 
story in time. But you see, you mustn't do that. 
You need to know your darkness to know your light. 

And I can see so much light in you. 

So I'll keep going through the dark. 

But I'd love for you to hold my hand."

Shizue is an old woman when she tells her story to a young visitor over a cup of tea. Because of her age, she must start as her life comes closer to the end. It is a story of pain and injustice; it also speaks to the courage and resilience of people who were wronged by many. There are things from her life that are not clear memories for Shizue. Others are very real and clear.

As a young child she loved school, but she did not look the same as the other children in her class. She worried about her father, a fisherman, and his safety. She worried even more when her parents' homeland, Japan, attacked Pearl Harbor and brought World War II across the ocean. She would rather not share this dark time in her life, but is part of her story. 

The anti-Asian backlash was puzzling to Shizue. No more school, forced from their homes, and sent on a train to a faraway place. The conditions were terrible; too cold, too hot, and there was no choice but to carry on. It was two years before Shizue could attend school again. Then, one day, the war ended and the people rejoiced. They did not know what was next for the Japanese people. 

"The government was planning to send me - and 
every person of Japanese ancestry - to Japan. They 
wanted all of us, gone."

What terror for a young girl! Then, good news. Shizue was invited to study at the University of Toronto. There was so much to learn and see, including hearing Rabbi Feinberg speak at a rally demanding compassion for those people who had no part in the war. It led to Shizue's life work helping people (including her family) find a place to heal. She exuded kindness wherever she went. 

It is a story that draws inspiration from Mark Sakamoto's great-aunt's life experiences and offers readers a sensitive look at how one person can send out ripples of kindness throughout that life.  

With Dad, written by Richard Jackson and illustrated by Brian Floca. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2024. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"We ate corn kernels
fried in an iron pan
he kept in the Jeep, 
the fish grilled over 
our fire, and two pieces 
of Mom's chocolate 
mousse cake."

Father's Day is on the horizon. I want to share one of my favorite new books celebrating a father and his child. It speaks to the memories Tim has of times spent with his father in 'Michigan country'. The two would head out on a dirt road, child in his father's lap and holding the steering wheel of their Jeep, as they drove for miles together. They were on their way to a campsite. 

Once there, they would build their tent, dig a fire pit and head to the lake to fish. While Dad caught two trout, Tim had so such luck ... until he felt 'a tickle and a tug' as he delightedly caught his own fish. Dad, too, was thrilled! After learning how to gut the fish and leave the innards for a creature of the night, the two settled in for a spectacular supper. 

After a long and eventful day, it was time for a good night's rest. Listening to night noises led them outside the tent to see what the moon could show them. Light talk around the dying embers of their campfire eventually led them back to their tent for the night. 

At this point, the story changes to the present and a winter scene. Inside the warm house, Tim and his mother are now concerned with his dad driving a different Jeep through a war-torn land, while reading his latest letter and hoping for his return home soon. Then, Tim and his dad can continue their camping adventures together. 

A beautifully captured moment in text and art makes this an enduring story to share as a read aloud. Memories soothe spirits and keep our loved ones close no matter when they are.   

 “It was so amazing to see a wriggler wriggling on my own line and to hear Dad whooping with happiness.”                                                                                 

                                                                               

The House Before Falling Into the Sea, written by Ann Suk Wang and illustrated by Hanna Cha. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 5 and up

 

"After crossing 205 miles from the northwestern
shore, Mr. Kim, a fisherman from Incheon,
thanked us for helping him and his daughter, 
Sunhee. 

"With enemies at our backs, yours is the 
house before falling into the sea.""

In all the years that I have been reading picture books, I cannot remember reading one about the Korean War. It begins near a house close to the sea where a little girl is playing. From that house, her family watches as many travelers make their way to the front door. Her parents welcome the travelers; the young girl hides behind her father. She is told the many guests will be staying. 

When Sunhee and her father arrive, the little one finds a new friend. Sunhee takes her aside to let her know that they are where they are because 'some men from the north' took her father's boat and their family was forced to flee. The chaos grows in the house as more and more people find refuge from the war. Neither girl is happy with all the noise; together, they make their way to the seashore. 

When the sirens blare their loud warnings, the two are terrified and run for an agreed-upon hiding place. Underground, they are safe with the women and children while the men stand watch from above. It is a very difficult time. The child only wants things to be normal again. Her Umma and Appa appease her fears while explaining that they will do what they can to help others when their help is needed. 

Sunhee's father adds to her understanding of the importance of what their family is doing. 

"Because without your umma and appa opening your doors to us, 
we would have had no other place to go. Soldiers might have chased
us further, until we fell into the sea. 

Being here with you, safe, is a gift that Sunhee and I 
will never forget.""

In an author's note, Anm Suk Wang explains that the idea came from hearing her mother's stories of life during the Korean War when she was just a child. The illustrator reports that she based her artwork on her grandmother's remembrances of the same time. Created with watercolor, sumi ink, water-soluble color pencils, Photoshop, gouache, and poster colors, the stunning illustrations place readers in an historical time and place. Back matter also includes questions for the reader's consideration, a glossary, and a section on names chosen for their meaning in Korean culture. 

"Our visitors are not stones we can toss  

to the sea. They are people, our neighbors, 
to help and to love."

                                                                                      

Hansel and Gretel, written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Lorenzo Mattotti. Toon Books, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2014. $15.99 ages 7 and up

""Whatever is the world coming to?" she said sadly, 
and she showed the children to their little beds, the 
sheets so white and crisp, the pillows so soft. 

They slept as deeply and as soundly as if their food 
had been drugged. And it had."

Few writers tell a story the way Neil Gaiman does. I loved this book when I first read it, and am very excited to be sharing it here with you now. The writing is astonishing and memorable from start to finish. I cannot tell you how many times I stopped to reread what I had just read, or how many times I stopped to enter a passage in the journal I keep for copying phrases I never want to forget. Once read, I went right back to read it again! 

The storytelling is reflective of what happens when war leads to starvation. In times before this story is told, the woodcutter and his family were a happy group, living a simple life that gave them all they needed. War has changed that. As it gets closer and closer to where they are, there is a very real concern for what will happen to them. They will all starve. 

When Hansel hears his mother encouraging her husband to take the children to the forest and leave them there, he is stunned. She suggests that it is better for two of them to die, rather than all four. As happens in most tellings, the children are left in the forest where they meet an old woman who makes them do her bidding, while she plans to fatten Hansel to the point where he will provide the meat she needs. Once Gretel tricks the old woman into getting too close to the oven, she pushes her in and the children are free from her evil ways. They find her treasure and return home where they discover that their mother has died. Their father rejoices upon their return. 

Brushed ink illustrations by Lorenzo Mattotti are often alarming, filling every other two-page spread with black shadows and the children as obscure images in small spaces. This is very effective as an accompaniment to this brilliant retelling. 

Back matter includes information about the Grimm Brothers and various versions of Hansel and Gretel, as well as astute comments from both author and illustrator to help readers understand the choices they made for their book. 

Extraordinary! 

If You See a Bluebird, written by Bahram Rahman and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. Pajama Press, 2023. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"Ali remembers the tall mulberry tree in their 
backyard in Kabul, Afghanistan, its branches
full of sweet and silky purple fruit. He could 
see the whole neighborhood from his favorite
branch. 

He suddenly feels an ache in his stomach. He 
misses home." 

Despite the early morning, Nana lets Ali know it is time to rise and shine. They are going berrypicking together. He dresses quietly and goes to the kitchen where Nana is packing breakfast for the two of them. Ali gets the bikes, wipes the seats, and attaches their baskets. Off they go. 

It isn't long until they arrive at the blackberry patch. Ali likes the mulberries from home better than blackberries. He remembers his home in Kabul and the mulberry tree he loved to sit in while admiring his neighborhood. When war came to their home, Ali and his family were forced to leave. It was a very sad time for the family, and scary. Their journey was long; so many people trying to get out of their own country. Nana and Ali comforted each other as they left. 

Now, they are settled in a new home. When they sit to share the breakfast Nana has prepared, Nana sees a bluebird and offers a reminder. 

""Did you make a wish?" Nana asks. "If you see 
a bluebird and make a wish before it flies away, 
your wish will come true." 

Ali shakes his head. "I didn't know.""

Nana explains that all her wishes have come true. The family is safe and happy now. Ali wants the fighting to stop so they can return to Kabul. Nana reminds his that home is not really a place; it is the love the family shares. Ali understands what Nana tells him and happily returns home with her to his family.

The vivid illustrations help young readers see the difference between Ali's old and new homes.  The love that is truly home is evident in both places. An absorbing story of leaving one home and finding another, so long as family is in both places.                                                                            

Dounia and the Magic Seeds, written and illustrated by Marya Zarif. Translated by Yvette Ghione. Owlkids, 2023. $21.95 ages 7 and up

 

"They set off at sunset. Dounia holds her 
grandfather's hand tight. 
"Jeddo, I'm scared," she tells him. 
"Let yourself be rocked by the sea, 
Dounia. It will be all right."
The little girl looks at the water
stretching out around them and 
musters all the courage in her heart."

Just as has happened for too many children of the world and their families, Dounia must leave her beloved home to find peace and safety elsewhere. Leaving Aleppo, Syria is heartbreaking for them. Dounia's life there has been filled with sunshine and good friends. One of the merchants tells her that the baraka seeds she is seeking for her grandmother's cheese are magical, and will keep bad luck away. Her grandmother shares a few of those seeds with her. 

When war threatens their lives, the family accepts their fate. With hope in their hearts and incredible resilience, they do what they must do. Their journey is long, leaving them with nothing but what they are wearing. As they cross the sea, Dounia remembers the seeds in her pocket. She throws one into the sea, hoping it will protect their family from harm. It works its magic and the family lands safely in Greece. They join many others at a barbed wire fence - all are waiting for safe passage and facing angry soldiers. 

This time, Dounia throws one of the baraka seeds into the warming fire. It works to encourage the migrants to enjoy music and dancing with the soldiers. When the time comes to move forward on the next part of their journey, Dounia offers her third seed to a dove. She imagines it will find them a place to call home. Where will that be? The bird lands near a blue house and a welcoming family who agree to help Dounia's grandparents with their immigration. The last of the four seeds is planted in a flowerpot given to Dounia's new friend, Rosalie. The many seeds it provides will protect both families and allow them to share their story with others. 

An author's note speaks to the resilience of the Syrian people as they find peace and laughter again, and the fact that Dounia represents the children of war whose unbreakable spirit helps them find a new free world. Ms. Zarif's story offers parents and teachers a way to encourage empathy for those whose experiences are very different from our own. All any child wants is a home, wherever that might be.