Hello Baby, It’s Me, Alfie – written by Maggie Hutchings, illustrated by Dawn LoTundra Books, 2026 A long time ago, 1938, or 1931 if you lived in France, Babar the Elephant learned of his triplets’ birth with the sound of a cannon. Since them, many more children’s books have appeared with the purpose, more explicit … Continue reading The Fruit of Your Labor
Chanukah 2025/5786
Hanukah Money – written by Sholem Aleichem, translated and adapted by Uri Shulevitz and Elizabeth Shub, illustrated by Uri ShulevitzGreenwillow Books, 1978 This year’s celebration of Chanukah has been marked by a horrific tragedy. The slaughter of 15 people, with many more injured, is now inseparable from the religious and cultural festival this year, but … Continue reading Chanukah 2025/5786
Jane Austen’s Birthday
Cozy Classics: Pride and Prejudice and Cozy Classics: Emma –by Jack Wang and Holman WangChronicle Books, 2016 To celebrate the genius of Jane Austen 250 years after her birth (1775-1817), read or re-read her brilliant novels. If you would like to introduce very young children to her work, or just marvel at the incredible artistry … Continue reading Jane Austen’s Birthday
Let It Snow
The Snow Theater – written and illustrated by Ryoji Arai, translated from the Japanese by David BoydEnchanted Lion Books, 2025 The art of Ryoji Arai’s The Snow Theater demands strong adjectives: intense, stunning, original, but also: unpretentious, dream-like, and accessible. The reason for this contrast, aside from the artist’s incredible gifts, is the imagery’s blend … Continue reading Let It Snow
Freedom from Hunger
Maddi’s Fridge – written by Lois Brandt, illustrated by Vin VogelFlashlight Press, 2014 (paperback edition, 2022. Reading app available:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/maddis-fridge/id6748969593) Thanksgiving is associated with families sharing a plentiful amount of food, but not all Americans have access to this custom. Freedom from hunger is a human right. Historically, it has been an American right, even if … Continue reading Freedom from Hunger
Ready, Set, Anne
Anne: The Chapter Book Collection – adapted by Kallie George, illustrated by Abigail HalpinTundra Books, 2025 Anne Dares – adapted by Kallie George, illustrated by Abigail HalpinTundra Books, 2023 For fans of Kallie George and Abigail Halpin’s wonderful collaboration in bringing the work of Lucy Maud Montgomery to chapter book readers, Tundra has issued a … Continue reading Ready, Set, Anne
These Penguins Are Not All Alike
Welcome to the Penguin Cruise: A Seek-and-Find Adventure – written and illustrated by Haluka NohanaChronicle Books, 2025 These penguins do not even all dress alike. They are mechanics, explorers, athletes, musicians, and artists. Aboard their adventurous cruise, they have as many different professions as the residents of Celesteville in Babar the King. When the book … Continue reading These Penguins Are Not All Alike
Roman Holiday
Piccolo – written and illustrated by Dan YaccarinoChristy Ottaviano Books (Little, Brown and Company), 2025 Piccolo is not actually set in Rome, but rather in Bella Città, a marvelous place where animals speak Italian, visit cultural treasures, and eat delicious gelato. A lively shrew who enjoys riding his moped and frequenting cafés, the title character … Continue reading Roman Holiday
Not Just Any Store
Our Corner Grocery Store – written by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Laura BeingessnerTundra Books, 2025 Tundra Books has reissued Joanne Schwartz’s and Laura Beingessner’s classic picture book, about family and community. Originally published in 2009, this ode from a child’s perspective to her loving grandparents and their unpretentious shop seems instantly familiar. Anna Maria describes … Continue reading Not Just Any Store
Little New Year
Weiwei’s Winter Solstice – written and illustrated by Michelle Jing ChanBloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025 Even if you are familiar with traditions surrounding Chinese New Year, you may not know about an adjacent celebration, Dōngzhi; author and illustrator Michelle Jing Chan explains the origins and significance of this winter solstice festival. Falling between December 21-23, it … Continue reading Little New Year