Education & Reference

Two New Rosh Hashanah Picture Books for 2026

 

TWO NEW PICTURE BOOKS FOR ROSH HASHANAH

 

 

 

THE SWEETEST ROSH HASHANAH
Written by Mara Bergman
Illustrated by Aura Lewis
(Candlewick Press; $18.99, Ages 4-7)

 

This feel-good picture book contains all the right elements (or should I say ingredients?) for the Rosh Hashanah holiday and an enjoyable read-aloud. Part of “The Festivals of the World” series, The Sweetest Rosh Hashanah focuses on the Jewish New Year and a little girl named Ellie. She loves helping her parents prepare for the New Year meal, especially the challah, the honey cake, and the apples and honey. But when she’s reminded that her grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins will be joining them, she remembers how bossy her cousin Lara had been on her previous visit.

Ellie decides that, rather than having Lara take something of hers and leave with it like she did last time—Ellie’s special paint set, to be precise—she’d hide her special toys from Lara. What a surprise, then, when Lara shows up with a handmade card apologizing for taking the paint set and for her bossy behavior. Ellie takes her cue from the meaning of Rosh Hashanah and forgives her cousin. In the spirit of Rosh Hashanah and turning over a new leaf, the cousins move forward with love and open minds, “… the perfect start to a sweet new year.” Lewis’s warm palette captures the festive moments in a flat, folk art style that I love, as a diverse family gathers to celebrate the holiday. Bergman captures a common childhood emotion and creates a joyful picture book in which forgiveness offers a chance for new beginnings.

With four pages of backmatter in this 32-page picture book, the story unfolds quickly, with every spread moving it toward a heartwarming conclusion. Kids will find a step-by-step recipe for making challah as well as a New Year’s card craft activity.

 

STELLA’S SPECIAL RECIPE: A Rosh Hashanah Story
Written by Melissa Stoller
Illustrated by Valerya Milovanova
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $19.99. Ages 2-8)

 

Meet Stella, the narrator of Stella’s Special Recipe. Now that she’s old enough to help her mom make the stuffed cabbage rolls, a family recipe passed down for generations, Stella can’t wait to get started. She doesn’t have to go far to gather the ingredients, since she lives on a farm where they’re easy to pick. Stoller skillfully uses catchy language tools such as onomatopoeia, alliteration, consonance, assonance, and a repeatable refrain that grows longer as mouthwatering ingredients are added.

“We chop-drop tomatoes into a pot for sauce.
Sizzle, sizzle. Steam swirls.”

 

Pure yum! One tradition that’s also been passed down in different colored ink from Stella’s bubbe, nana, and mom is adding their own personal touch. “‘Could I add my own dash or dollop?'” I wonder.” This got me curious to see what new recipe variation would get selected. When Stella added honey, I knew she’d found the perfect addition that simply shouted her name to keep the sweet family tradition going.

I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that my nana’s stuffed cabbage ranked up there with the best I’ve ever eaten, but I unfortunately don’t have the recipe. I’m thankful this picture book includes a recipe for me to test out. Milovanova’s illustrations, full of Stella’s energy and enthusiasm, pair beautifully with Stoller’s inviting prose.

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Graphic Novel Chapter Book Review – Trial and Error

TRIAL AND ERROR

Written by Robin Newman

Illustrated by Deborah Zemke

(Creston Books; $18.99, Ages 7-11)

 

 

 

Trial and Error cover art scale of justice with animals.

 

 

HONORS:

A 2026 Bank Street College of Education Best Book

Northern Lights Book Award

IPPY Bronze Medal

 

REVIEW:

In her much-lauded new series, Robin Newman has made law and order accessible and enjoyable for second- to fifth-graders. Trial and Error, a punny 64-page graphic novel chapter book, features four animal-populated cases, each a new chapter. The whimsical black-and-white illustrations by Deborah Zemke, who has teamed up with Newman on four previous books, are winners as well. Just check out the book’s cover if you want to get a sense of the humor that’s infused on every page.

Readers are introduced to Sawyer, an ant known as the “Critter Lawyer,” who, from an early age, had a penchant for following rules. Inspired by a bookworm’s advice, Sawyer became a lawyer. Think Lincoln Lawyer as an insect. But in order for this attorney’s career to take off, Sawyer needed clients.

 

Trial and Error int1 Squirrels 1.
Interior spreads from Trial and Error, written by Robin Newman and illustrated by Deborah Zemke, Creston Books ©2025.

 

As someone who cares about fairness, I found that Trial and Error resonated with me. Newman does a wonderful job of showing that “rules exist for a reason” through cleverly conceived cases that illustrate what a lawyer does, and the types of cases they handle. That includes taking a case to trial before a judge and working with clients to mediate and negotiate a settlement. Case #1 involves an alleged speeding snail, and readers’ first introduction to Officer Opossum and Judge Wise Owl; Case #2  involves two squabbling squirrels (with a surprise twist); Case #3 involves a hogging hog unhappy about his neatness-obsessed sty-mate who happens to be his twin brother; and Case #4, The Jaywalking Chicken, brings back Officer Opossum. Adding to the pleasure of reading Trial and Error is witnessing the triumphs of savvy Sawyer, whose services are sure to be in demand down the road.

 

Trial and Error int2 Squirrels 2
Interior spreads from Trial and Error, written by Robin Newman and illustrated by Deborah Zemke, Creston Books ©2025.

 

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It’s great how varied each case is and how each one touches on different aspects of the law. Newman uses legal terminology sparingly throughout the book, and when she does, it is easy to understand from context (e.g., docket, ordinance, testimony). She then breaks it down in a glossary called Legal Notes. The backmatter also contains an In Brief section explaining the role of a lawyer and how laws and rules have been created “to help people live safely together in communities.” She even applies this to home life and school.

I’m happy that Trial and Error is the first in a new graphic chapter book series, and I look forward to seeing Sawyer return with more critter cases to resolve.

Click here for a helpful curriculum guide.

Click here for a word search.

Watch a video here.

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The Little Acorn’s Big Adventure

THE LITTLE ACORN’S BIG ADVENTURE

Written by Sylvia Rouss

Illustrated by Rick Penn-Kraus

(Dragonfeather Books; $16.95, Ages 5-9)

 

 

The Little Acorn's Big Adventure cover forest animals observing acorn.

 

 

 

REVIEW:

Award-winning author Sylvia Rouss, who brought joy to picture book readers with her Sammy Spider series, has done it again with The Little Acorn’s Big Adventure, a beautifully written story about the wonders of animals in nature and how we can help our environment.

The rich greens, browns, oranges, and golds of the autumn forest, illustrated by Rick Penn-Kraus, come alive as they serve as the background for an oak tree and a small acorn falling from its branch. As the acorn topples, a black-and-red woodpecker attempts to catch it in his beak, “… but a sudden gust of wind startled the bird, and it dropped the acorn to the forest floor.” And this is where Acorn’s adventure begins.

 

 

The Little Acorn's Big Adventure int1 woodpecker snatching falling acorn.
Interior spread from The Little Acorn’s Big Adventure, written by Sylvia Rouss and illustrated by Rick Penn-Kraus, Dragonfeather Books, ©2025.

 

 

A chipmunk tries to eat the acorn, but his mouth is too full. (This is what happens when you stuff your cheeks with nuts.) When a bear passes through the forest, the chipmunk scurries up a tree only to watch the bear trample the acorn to the ground. A squirrel appears and digs a hole, covering the acorn with loose soil, leaving it in the ground as autumn turns to winter. You can almost feel the chill in the air as you turn the pages.

 

 

The Little Acorn's Big Adventure int2 warmth of the summer.
Interior spread from The Little Acorn’s Big Adventure, written by Sylvia Rouss and illustrated by Rick Penn-Kraus, Dragonfeather Books, ©2025.

 

 

Rouss takes the reader through the icy winter weather, showing where the chipmunk, squirrel, and bear sleep. The acorn remains buried in the ground. An earthworm digs a hole, “… making room for its small roots as they began to grow.” Penn-Kraus’s soft colors gently take us from winter to spring. And now we begin to see a sprout growing from the ground, enjoying the rainwater. The lovely interplay of light with the earthy tones resembles a photograph.

 

 

The Little Acorn's Big Adventure int3 little sprout.
Interior spread from The Little Acorn’s Big Adventure, written by Sylvia Rouss and illustrated by Rick Penn-Kraus, Dragonfeather Books, ©2025.

 

 

The Little Acorn’s Big Adventure concludes with the final season, summer; the woodpecker, bear, squirrel, and chipmunk return to find a growing green tree, ready to begin a new adventure. What a great way to show an acorn’s growth cycle in relation to the seasons.

Rouss’s back matter adds an extra bonus to this story. Broken down into Ten Fun Facts About Oak Trees, Ten Things You Can Do To Help Trees, and Ten Steps To Grow An Acorn, the reader learns that only 1 in 10,000 acorns grow into a tree, and if you plant trees in your garden, you need to make sure they get plenty of water.

Recycling is also essential to saving oak trees. Oak trees keep the air we breathe healthy, and it’s illegal to cut down oak trees in some states. I have oak trees on my property here in California, and it’s my city’s job to trim and maintain these magnificent trees. I also learned what to do when an acorn falls to the ground, and I am now going to make the effort to find fallen acorns and soak them in water before planting them in a pot. Children will not only enjoy the beauty of this book but also learn how we can all help our environment thrive.

If you enjoy this book, I recommend you read An Ooey-Gooeys Adventure: You’re Not Invited! written by Sylvia Rouss and David Titcher.

 

  • Reviewed by Ronda Einbinder

 

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Picture Book Review for Women’s History Month – Beatrice and the Nightingale

 

BEATRICE AND THE NIGHTINGALE

Written by Patricia Newman

Illustrated by Isabelle Follath

(Peachtree; $19.99, Ages 6-9)

 

 

Beatrice and the Nightingale cover Beatrice playing cello as bird sings.

 

 

 

From the publisher:

“In 1924, an audience of more than one million listeners across the world listened in amazement to the first live radio broadcast of a nightingale accompanying the young cellist Beatrice Harrison.”

 

From Booklist:

“A gentle gem of a story [with] charming ink-and-watercolor illustrations . . . A delightful introduction to a lesser-known life, and a welcome reminder of the wonder that exists in the natural world.”

 

Review:

Beatrice Harrison grew up surrounded by music: in her home, through her father’s regimental band …

 

Beatrice and the Nightingale int1 surrounded by music.
Interior art from Beatrice and the Nightingale, written by Patricia Newman and illustrated by Isabelle Follath, Peachtree Publishing, ©2026.

 

even in nature. But nothing stirred her heart quite like the cello. So when her mother brought one home, Beatrice practiced and practiced, dreaming of the day she would share its music with the world.

 

 

Beatrice and the Nightingale int2 Beatrice practiced.
Interior art from Beatrice and the Nightingale, written by Patricia Newman and illustrated by Isabelle Follath, Peachtree Publishing, ©2026.

 

By 17, she had won Germany’s highest musical prize. She went on to share music throughout Europe and Russia, even playing for the President of the United States.

One day, while practicing in her garden, a nightingale joined Beatrice, lending its voice whenever she stopped playing. Night after night, the pair performed, sparking an idea in Beatrice’s mind. What if everyone could hear their duet?

Beatrice struggled to convince the BBC of the merits of her plan—broadcasting her nature concert live on the radio—but eventually she did, and her concert was a huge success! For 12 years, the BBC recorded Beatrice’s annual concert with the nightingale and aired it to their worldwide audience.

 

Beatrice and the Nightingale int3 BBC and Beatrice awaiting the nightingale.
Interior spread from Beatrice and the Nightingale, written by Patricia Newman and illustrated by Isabelle Follath, Peachtree Publishing, ©2026.

 

Charming watercolor illustrations bring Beatrice and the Nightingale, this nonfiction biography by Patricia Newman and Isabelle Follath to life. Best known for her nonfiction STEM titles, Sibert Honor recipient Newman expands her repertoire with this STEAM-tastic book, highlighting the connection between music and science, while Follath’s whimsical conceptualization of musical sounds further marries that connection. As per usual, Newman’s extensive backmatter and teacher’s guide make this book perfect for the classroom—especially during Women’s History Month.

-Reviewed by Roxanne Troup

 

Please see below for links to more reviews from previous Women’s History Months.

Three Picture Books for Women’s History Month

Five Children’s Books for Women’s History Month

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An Interview with Author Tami Lehman-Wilzig

 

AN INTERVIEW WITH TAMI LEHMAN-WILZIG

A Guest Post by Michelle Orrelle

 

 

TLH Three Picture Book Covers.

 

 

INTERVIEW:

Michelle Orrelle: Tami, it’s such a pleasure to chat with you today! You and I live in Israel and share a passion for bringing authentic stories about Israel and Jewish life to young readers. Before we dive into your new books, I just want to say how much I admire your commitment to connecting children everywhere with our shared heritage.

Tami Lehman-Wilzig: Thanks so much, Michelle. Jewish content, which includes stories set in Israel, is definitely my niche. I cannot emphasize enough how important books connected to Israel are for young Jewish readers around the globe, especially now, during the troubled times we are living through. I am so grateful to PJ Library for sending out books tied to Israel and for all that they have done throughout our war. And we also have your wonderful initiative – the Am Yisrael Chai Children’s Books project, which you began after the horrendous events of October 7th, 2023, occurred, and Israel-bashing became rampant. Thanks to you, we have close to an additional 10 picture book titles connected to Israel being distributed to thousands of children throughout the United States through The JCC of North America.  

 

MO: Two of your new books – On the Wings of Eagles, and The Henna Helper – are part of what I call your Israel Lineup. Some of these books won awards, like Keeping the Promise and SOOSIE, The Horse That Saved Shabbat. Tell us a little bit about these books.

TLH: What you call my Israel Lineup are stories that are not just about Israel. They take place in Israel, reflect Jewish identity and values, and show Jewish children around the world that Israel is a country they can identify with. Take, for example, my book Stork’s Landing. The Jewish value of kindness to animals is reflected by the members of a kibbutz who nurture a wounded stork. SOOSIE, The Horse That Saved Shabbat has that element as well, but even more so shows how important Shabbat is on the weekly Jewish calendar. My new book, On the Wings of Eagles, reflects the eternal yearning of the Jewish people throughout the ages to return to Zion. Even two of my earliest books – Passover Around the World and Hanukkah Around the World are part of the Lineup because Israel was my open research lab. All of the customs in those books are still being practiced in Israel among the “tribes” that brought them over. By writing stories revolving around these traditions, the customs became accessible to all Jewish children. At the same time, they showed the mosaic that is Israel.

 

On the Wings of Eagles cover.MO: Let’s talk about On the Wings of Eagles—a powerful tale inspired by real events during Operation Magic Carpet, when nearly 50,000 Yemenite Jews were airlifted to Israel in 1949–1950. The story follows Haila, a young girl preparing to leave her village and fly to the Jewish homeland, capturing both the excitement and fear of that historic journey. The book is based on true people and events, and you dedicate it to Leah Ma’Udah, the real “Haila.” Can you share what it was like meeting her and how her memories shaped your storytelling?

TLH: Leah is such a special person. She has gone through a lot in her life, starting with her fleeing Rada, Yemen, when she was a little girl. Her entire world was her home and her city, and poof, it was shattered! Suddenly, she found herself being uprooted. That’s not easy for any child, and certainly the trek from Rada to Aden was terrifyingly difficult. It was riveting just sitting and listening to her. She remembered everything about her journey, including the robbery that figures into On the Wings of Eagles. She is a very soft-spoken woman, but her voice was full of intensity and passion while recounting the details of her trek. It helped me recreate her tale with a balance of factual accuracy and emotional storytelling.

 

The Henna Helper cover.MO: In your newest book – The  Henna Helper – you revisit the Yemenite-Israeli community in modern-day Israel and in a very different context. What do you hope readers—both Jewish and non-Jewish—will learn about Yemenite Jewry from this story?

TLH: I’m thinking Micro and Macro, so let’s start with the micro level of crafts and customs. The Jews of Yemen were the finest silversmiths in the land, and they brought their outstanding skill with them to Israel. During the early decades of Israeli statehood, Israeli jewelry was synonymous with Yemenite jewelry. Similarly, their gorgeous embroidery became another Israeli symbol. But let’s go to the macro level. The Henna Helper is a universal story about immigration. About new immigrants coming to a country with a totally different day-to-day way of life. Little Gali represents the immigrant who wants to integrate. Why does her cousin Yael have to hold a pre-wedding Henna ceremony? Who needs this old-fashioned custom? After all, Yael is a modern Israeli. Gali is at odds with her grandmother who holds on to tradition, who wisely shows Gali that one can be cool and with it while maintaining honored customs. I think that all children who have descended from immigrants who have contributed to their country can relate to this. Specifically for Israel, Yemenite Jews have made enormous contributions to Israeli culture – from music, jewelry, and fashion to cuisine.

 

Rembrandt's Blessing cover.MO: You have three new books. Let’s talk about your third new title, Rembrandt’s Blessing,  which just received a fabulous review from CLCD, Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database. I want to quote from it:  “This charming picture book gracefully introduces young readers to the world of the incredible master painter, Rembrandt van Rijn, and his unexpected relationship with Amsterdam’s Jewish community at the time … The narrative, grounded in historical fact yet told with a gentle fictional touch, explores themes of curiosity, respect, and cultural intersection.”
How does this story connect to your broader body of work?

TLH: I am in love with my Jewish heritage, and I want readers to understand that Judaism is more than just a religion. It’s a culture and a way of life that has a rich history, and Rembrandt plays into that. Rembrandt loved the bible and created over 300 works – paintings, drawings, and etchings – of biblical scenes. As my book shows, his close friendship with Sephardi Dutch rabbi Menashe ben Israel had a tremendous impact on his work. I discovered Rembrandt’s deep ties to the Amsterdam Jewish community around twenty years ago during my first trip to Amsterdam. I felt it was an important story for children because it shows a cross-cultural, inter-religious friendship that had a very positive effect. I think that Rembrandt’s Blessing fits in beautifully with two other books of mine that have historical connections: The Boston Chocolate Party and Luis de Torres Sails to Freedom.

 

MO: Let’s talk a bit about craft. You write primarily for older picture book readers, ages 5–9. What do you think first-time authors should know about the process?

TLH:  First and foremost, study the market. If you have a book idea, find out what’s out there. Maybe it’s already been done. If that’s the case and you still want to write the story, how will you make it different? Next, Vitamin P: Patience and Persistence. Writing a good story is not, as they say in Israel, “Chick-Chack” – something done quickly.

 

MO: That leads me to my next question. What has your experience been like working with editors, publishers, and critique groups?

TLH: Let’s start with critique groups: an absolute MUST. Develop the skin of an elephant because you want criticism. You want to know what should be changed, how can your story be improved. And don’t think the critique stops with your group. It is rare that a book is accepted and the editor does not want changes. I have learned so much from my editors. Let me take this opportunity to give a special shout-out to Aviva Lucas Gutnick, who was my editor for all my books at Apples and Honey Press. Her sharp eye and ear added so much to my stories.

 

MO: What are you working on now? What’s next for you?

TLH: I have a hyperactive brain so I’m juggling a lot of ideas, and even drafts. I’ve just finished the first draft of a bible story revolving around a character who has never been touched but is so very important to the Jewish story. I also have two other stories that I’m working on. One deals with a female Israeli scientist, and the other takes place in Italy. And I’m flirting with a story idea that takes place in Japan.

 

MO: Tami, thank you so much for sharing your time, insight, and passion with us.

TLH: Thank you for interviewing me. It was a special treat!

GRWR: Thanks to you both for this enlightening discussion! I hope readers will visit their local independent bookstore to purchase the books mentioned, or order online via Bookshop.org.

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Author Tami Lehman-Wilzig Photo Credit: Sharon Lapidot
Author Tami Lehman-Wilzig, Photo Credit: Sharon Lapidot

TAMI’S BIO: 

Tami Lehman-Wilzig is an award-winning author of sixteen picture books. Originally from Manhattan, she and her husband moved to Israel 48 years ago.  She served as one of Israel’s leading English language advertising copywriters for 35 years. Her career as a children’s picture book author began over 20 years ago during the second Intifada, which she hopes no Jew will ever have to go through again. At that time, business was down so she decided to see if she could turn her hobby of writing children’s stories into a second career.
For more on Tami and her books: https://www.tlwkidsbooks.com/

FIND TAMI HERE:

Author Michelle Orrelle Photo Credit Sarah Raanan
Author Michelle Orrelle, Photo Credit: Sarah Raanan

MICHELLE’S BIO: 

Michelle Orrelle is an Australian-Israeli children’s book author. Her debut board book Todah, I Am Grateful, and debut picture book Habima Magic will be published by Kar-Ben Publishing in 2026 and 2027.  Along with her husband, she founded Crew 972, an animation production company, and she is also a guide at ANU – Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, where she helps visitors connect with Jewish history, culture, and tradition.
For more about Michelle: www.michelleorrelle.com

FIND MICHELLE HERE:

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How I Published a Graphic Novel as an Author by Lydia Lukidis

 

 

HOW I PUBLISHED A GRAPHIC NOVEL
AS AN AUTHOR
—AND HOW YOU CAN TOO

A GUEST POST BY LYDIA LUKIDIS

 

 

THE INSIDE SCOOP:

If you’re an author dreaming of publishing a graphic novel but you’re “just” the writer, I’ve been there—and I’m here to say it can be done, though it may be challenging. My graphic novel Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog (book 1- Pancake Panic) hit shelves on July 15th, and it’s the culmination of a journey that began way back in grade five when I was editor of my elementary school newspaper, Pizzazz. Inspired by Garfield comics, I created a grouchy comic strip character who—believe it or not—started as a dog named Squeak. Years (and many revisions) later, he evolved into Groucho, the grumpy groundhog crime-fighter of Critter Creek.

 

Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog int1 Good Morning Neighbor!
Interior art from Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog, written by Lydia Lukidis and illustrated by Tara J. Hannon, Andrews McMeel Publishing ©2025.

 

 

The road to publication wasn’t quick. It took about three years to fully develop Groucho’s character before I even began scripting the book. For this book, character came before plot—I had to know exactly who Groucho was before telling his story. The manuscript itself took about a year to write, and the second volume came a bit quicker at eight months.

 

As a writer only, submitting a graphic novel can be tricky. Publishers often prefer to work with author-illustrator packages, since GNs are labor-intensive. After receiving a helpful rejection from a major publisher, I decided to take that feedback and apply it to my work. Then I decided to team up with an illustrator. I already knew and admired Tara—she’d illustrated a previous book of mine, No Bears Allowed—and when I pitched Groucho, she jumped onboard and created character sketches and sample pages. That collaboration was key. Keep in mind, she did all that for free so she had to feel passion for the project. She took a chance, as did I. Anytime we submit our work, we’re taking a chance. That’s part of the journey.

 

Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog int2 Critter Creek is in BIG trouble.
Interior art from Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog, written by Lydia Lukidis and illustrated by Tara J. Hannon, Andrews McMeel Publishing ©2025.

 

 

Tara and I both have agents, and they submitted the project together. We included a thorough proposal: character sketches, a synopsis, a chapter breakdown, and sample spreads. After some rejections and radio silence, we got an offer from Andrews McMeel Publishing six months later. It was a two-book deal. I found out while sitting at my daughter’s swim meet at 9 pm—proof that publishing news rarely arrives at a glamorous moment!

 

Here’s the truth: being the author-only of a graphic novel means your advance may be smaller than the illustrator’s. That’s fair—illustrators spend months, even years, creating visuals. But I was thrilled just to bring Groucho to life. The revision process, which included input from critique partners, agents, and editors, was extensive and collaborative. And though I obsessed over formatting (there’s no one “right” way), clarity and consistency are key when writing a GN script.

 

 

Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog int3 the new plan.
Interior art from Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog, written by Lydia Lukidis and illustrated by Tara J. Hannon, Andrews McMeel Publishing ©2025.

 

So, if you’re writing a graphic novel without illustrating it, don’t give up. Find a creative partner, lean into feedback, be patient, and keep submitting. It took me about five years from seriously diving into graphic novels to selling my first one. And remember that rejection isn’t failure—it’s redirection. Every “no” sharpens your “yes.” Keep going!

 

 

Author Lydia Lukidis Photo Credit Magenta Studios.
Lydia Lukidis Photo Credit: Magenta Studios.

BIOGRAPHY:

Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner for the Canada and North America division, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, a Cybils Award nominee, and winner of the Dogwood Readers Award.

 

A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books. Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. Lydia is represented by literary agent Miranda Paul from Aevitas Creative Management.

 

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BUY THE BOOK:

Here’s a link for U.S. purchases.

https://bookshop.org/p/books/groucho-the-grouchy-groundhog-volume-1-lydia-lukidis/21883985?ean=9781524898397&next=t&affiliate=1688

Here’s a link to Lydia’s fave bookstore for Canadians:

https://livresbabarbooks.com/item/pTAB62uRFDrUgOXAvK0QEQe

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website: http://www.lydialukidis.com/

Blog: https://lydialukidis.wordpress.com/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/LydiaLukidis

FB: https://www.facebook.com/LydiaLukidis/

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lydialukidis.bsky.social

 

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Picture Book Review – Rachel Carson’s Wonder-Filled World

RACHEL CARSON’S WONDER-FILLED WORLD

How the Scientist, Writer, and Nature Lover
Changed the Environmental Movement

Written by Kate Hannigan

Illustrated by Katie Hickey

(Calkins Creek; $18.99; Ages 7-10)

 

 

 

Rachel Carson's Wonder-Filled World cover Rachel typing surrounded by nature.

 

 

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

“This STEAM picture book biography highlights how scientist and writer Rachel
Carson became the author of the groundbreaking book Silent Spring and the mother of the modern
environmental movement.”

From Kirkus Reviews: “A soaring tribute to the perceptive naturalist and writer who jump-started the
modern environmental movement.”

 

REVIEW:

In the early 1960s, author and environmentalist Rachel Carson spurred readers to action in her book Silent Spring, which called out the deadliness of DDT and similar chemicals. But before writing that bestseller, Rachel loved exploring the outdoors with all her senses.

She shared her awe of the natural world through poetry and magazine stories before studying science in college. Though Carson did not finish school, she began writing for the Bureau of Fisheries, combining her poet’s eye with the science she learned in college.

 

 

Rachel Carson int1 nature is a fairyland.
Interior spread from Rachel Carson’s Wonder-Filled World, written by Kate Hannigan and illustrated by Katie Hickey, Calkins Creek ©2025.

 

 

In time, Carson began publishing books about the wonders of the natural world and sharing that love with her nephew. But after World War II, Carson’s wonder turned to worry. The suburban housing boom led to the loss of forests, and urbanization meant fewer people growing their own food. Farmers turned to chemical herbicides and pesticides to boost production. But were such chemicals safe for wildflowers, animals, and humans?

 

 

Rachel Carson int2 Rachel finds work writing radio scripts for the Bureau of Fisheries.
Interior spread from Rachel Carson’s Wonder-Filled World, written by Kate Hannigan and illustrated by Katie Hickey, Calkins Creek ©2025.

 

 

Again, Carson turned to her writing—this time with a warning for readers. And though she lived to see her book published, she would not live to see its impact. Because of Silent Spring, the US government ordered a review of pesticide policy, which ultimately led to the banning of some chemicals. And it inspired other efforts to protect the Earth, including Earth Day, which we continue to celebrate to this day.

 

 

Rachel Carson int3 Rachel and Roger nature is fragile.
Interior spread from Rachel Carson’s Wonder-Filled World, written by Kate Hannigan and illustrated by Katie Hickey, Calkins Creek ©2025.

 

I recommend this beautifully illustrated nonfiction biography by Kate Hannigan and Katie Hickey, which honors the “mother of the environmental movement.” Sprinkled with Carson’s own words, this book encourages readers to experience nature as Rachel Carson did—with each of their senses—while Hickey’s layered art effectively showcases the color and wonder of nature. A timely and important read for a new generation of caretakers for our planet.
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  • Reviewed by Roxanne Troup

 

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Picture Book Review – The Juneteenth Alphabet

 

 

THE JUNETEENTH ALPHABET

Written by Andrea Underwood Petifer

Illustrated by Ana Latese

(Sourcebooks; $14.99; Ages 3-6)

 

 

 

The Juneteenth Alphabet cover children marching and playing instruments.

 

 

 

Review:  

For decades, advocate and teacher Opal Lee fought to give Juneteenth the recognition it deserves. In 2021, her hard work and dedication came to fruition when the U.S. government, under President Joe Biden, officially recognized Juneteenth as a holiday. Author Andrea Underwood Petifer saw the recognition as an opportunity to educate both young children and adults about the history behind June 19th, which inspired her newly released children’s book, The Juneteenth Alphabet, with illustrations by Ana Latese.

 

 

The Juneteenth Alphabet int1 A is for Album.
Interior spread from The Juneteenth Alphabet written by Andrea Underwood Petifer and illustrated by Ana Latese, Duopress ©2025.

 

 

Creating a story that explains 200 years of slavery, the Emancipation Proclamation that was meant to end all slavery, and the resistance of Texas to follow through with freeing the slaves for over two years is a lot for children (and quite honestly, adults) to grasp. Petifer has articulated the complexity in an alphabet book that breaks down the history from A to Z, starting with A is for Album (photo album that is) and Ancestors, and ending with Z is for Zeal, “an eagerness to endure after hearing no. It is brave, it is hope, it is joy, it is determination.”

Before the reader dives into the alphabet story, Petifer opens with the background of Juneteenth and how it’s regarded in African American communities as the second Independence Day. Four million African American people were not thought of when the Declaration of Independence was created, so this holiday celebrates the troops from the Union Army arriving in Galveston, Texas, two and a half years after independence was declared to free the remaining slaves.

 

 

The Juneteenth Alphabet int2 F is for flag and freedom.
Interior art from The Juneteenth Alphabet written by Andrea Underwood Petifer and illustrated by Ana Latese, Duopress ©2025.

 

 

Illustrator Ana Latese creates full-color jubilant art that beautifully complements the story using Procreate, iPad Pro, or Apple Pencil. The spreads feature brown and black hands held high, a red, white, and blue Juneteenth flag flown, and the African American community smiling while parading in the streets as gospel singers belt out the hymn Happy Day drawn above H is for Happy.

 

 

The Juneteenth Alphabet int3 H is for happy.
Interior art from The Juneteenth Alphabet written by Andrea Underwood Petifer and illustrated by Ana Latese, Duopress ©2025.

 

One of my favorite items in this book is the fact/info bubbles. The reader is asked to turn to their child and discuss questions that pertain to the topic on the page. Underneath the letter H, the bubble asks, “What are you feeling?” and then asks the child to share their thoughts with the reader. I think introducing social and emotional learning is a great way for kids to better understand this challenging and complex time in history. J is for Joy explains that when we express joy, we take back our story. Great words of wisdom!

Representing the letter O, Opal Lee, dressed in bright purple, stands at a podium with the White House behind her as she petitions the government to recognize the holiday. And, of course, the reader turns the page to S is for the Sounds of Songs that are Sweet and Savory; while T is for Talents and Traditions. Black rodeos, parades, and poetry readings prove there is more than just pain to the story.

The Juneteenth Alphabet concludes with a brief summary of terms (there are A LOT of new words for young readers). Children learn the meaning behind Equality, the quality of being the same. This was a very informative book, and I have to admit, I learned a lot about Juneteenth history that I was unaware of before reading this picture book. Parents can share this book over and over again, explaining the past while teaching their children the importance of treating all people the same. Latese creates a banner that reads “Fight for the Future,” and I think those are imperative words to ponder on June 19th. Happy Juneteenth, everyone!

 

  • Reviewed by Ronda Einbinder

 

 

 

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An Interview with Debut Picture Book Author Leah Schanke

AN INTERVIEW WITH

DEBUT AUTHOR LEAH SCHANKE

ABOUT HER NEW HISTORICAL FICTION PICTURE BOOK

FREEDOM AT DAWN

(Albert Whitman & Co.; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

 

Freedom_at_Dawn_cover_Smalls_and_Lizzy

 

 

 

 

INTERVIEW:

GoodReadsWithRonna: Welcome, Leah. Congratulations on your debut picture book, Freedom at Dawn: Robert Smalls’s Voyage Out of Slavery. It’s terrific to have this chance to chat with you on the blog. I’m guessing most people don’t know about the courageous escape to freedom made by enslaved boat pilot or wheelman Robert Smalls during the Civil War. Can you tell us how you first learned about him and what inspired you to write about this historic event?

Leah Schanke: I first learned about Robert Smalls when I was researching another US Civil War story. Smalls was a Civil War hero, yet he was forced out of a streetcar in Philadelphia because of the color of his skin. I made a note to myself to learn about Smalls because I was not familiar with this important figure in US history. I was inspired by his daring, dangerous plan, his fearlessness, and his accomplishments after the escape to freedom. I also feel a personal connection to his story because of my family roots in South Carolina.

 

 

Freedom at Dawn int1 attack on Fort Sumter.
Interior spread from Freedom at Dawn: Robert Smalls’s Voyage Out of Slavery, written by Leah Schanke and illustrated by Oboh Moses, Albert Whitman & Co. ©2025.

 

 

GRWR: I love how you’ve made Lizzy Smalls, the oldest of Robert Smalls’s two children, the narrator. It brings the reader right on board the Planter with the family. Did you try other approaches?

LS: In 2012, I wrote a picture book biography of Robert Smalls. There were already other picture book biographies, and mine didn’t stand out or offer anything unique. I put the story aside until 2020. My critique group did a brainstorming exercise, and one of the items was to tell a story from a different perspective. That is when I decided to try telling the story from Smalls’ daughter’s perspective.

 

GRWR: Readers learn from Lizzy that soon the Union will launch an attack on Charleston, meaning the harbor will be harder than ever to escape unless they leave right away. It helps that Smalls knows the secret whistle code to pass Confederate boats. You build tremendous tension in these scenes as Mama, Lizzy, and baby Robert wait for Papa’s boat to arrive. Then, once on board the Planter, Lizzy’s descriptions make my heart race with every read. “The guards on shore must think Papa is the real captain.” What would they do if they saw he was not white?. Was this one of the most challenging parts of the book to write, or was it when they raised the white flag?

LS: Writing the suspenseful elements of the story was a lot of fun. It was more difficult writing the part about raising the white flag. In an earlier version of the story, I gave Lizzy more agency in which she shouts to the crew to pull down the Confederate and South Carolina flags (and replace them with the white flag of surrender). I agreed with a critique I received that this deviated too much from the historical facts.

 

 

Freedom at Dawn int2 Someone's pulled the whistle cord.
Interior art from Freedom at Dawn: Robert Smalls’s Voyage Out of Slavery, written by Leah Schanke and illustrated by Oboh Moses, Albert Whitman & Co. ©2025.

 

 

GRWR: What was your reaction the first time you saw Oboh Moses’ stunning artwork? He manages to capture the atmosphere on board and the strong emotions all the escapees are feeling as they hide below deck in this life-or-death situation. Do you have a favorite spread?

LS: When I first saw black and white illustrations, I was impressed at how Oboh Moses captured the story, but when I saw them with color, to say I was absolutely amazed is an understatement. My favorite spread is the battle at Fort Sumter (top illustration). The spread really shows a very important battle in US history in an engaging way. I hope it sparks curiosity in learning more about the US Civil War.

 

GRWR: How long did it take you to write Freedom at Dawn, and then how long to find an agent and sell the book? I applaud you for making it look easy.

LS: Writing Freedom at Dawn took about one month for the first draft because I already knew the story well from the traditional biography I had written years earlier. I had an agent when I wrote the story, who showed little interest in it and with whom I parted ways. I submitted to agents in the hopes of another agent relationship, but it didn’t lead to an offer. I sold Freedom at Dawn on my own through the fall 2023 Savvy Authors Pitchfest and engaged a literary attorney to negotiate the contract on my behalf.

 

 

Freedom at Dawn int3 I try to be brave.
Interior spread from Freedom at Dawn: Robert Smalls’s Voyage Out of Slavery, written by Leah Schanke and illustrated by Oboh Moses, Albert Whitman & Co. ©2025.

 

 

GRWR: I learned even more about Robert Smalls from the backmatter. Are there any interesting facts that stand out to you after all your research?

LS: It was important to me to give information in the backmatter about Elizabeth (Lizzy) Smalls’ life since I told the story of the escape from her perspective. I was amazed that she lived to be 101 years old and had 11 children.

I had a timeline that had to be removed from the backmatter to maintain the 32-page format. It was very interesting to learn that in the summer after the escape, Robert Smalls traveled to Washington, DC, and met with President Abraham Lincoln, Secretary of the Navy, Gideon Welles, Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, and Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon Chase. Although the details of the meetings are unknown, it is believed Smalls was an instrumental voice in reminding them that African American men were capable and willing to join the fight against the Confederacy.

 

GRWR: What’s it like after so many years to finally have a debut? Does it seem surreal at times?

LS: It’s been a thirteen-year journey to reach this point! It does feel surreal, but I’m so glad I stuck with it and kept working on improving my storytelling craft. I hope my long journey to publication helps other writers to not give up. The submission process and passes or no response at all can wear you down. Sometimes it helps to recharge by disengaging from submitting, and focusing on writing stories and reconnecting to the love of writing for children.

 

 

Freedom at Dawn int4 Raising the white flag.
Interior spread from Freedom at Dawn: Robert Smalls’s Voyage Out of Slavery, written by Leah Schanke and illustrated by Oboh Moses, Albert Whitman & Co. ©2025.

 

 

GRWR: What is your writing regimen? Do you write daily? And do you have a favorite place where your ideas can flow unimpeded?

LS: I work full-time and commute over one hour in each direction to the office. During the morning commute, I focus on anything writing-related, e.g., writing, revising, critiquing, and catching up with social media. I also go to the library on the weekend to do research and write.

 

GRWR: Have you always been focused on writing for children?

LS: Yes, I have always been focused on stories for children. I enjoy bringing stories about little-known but important figures and events in US history to a younger audience.

 

 

 

Freedom at Dawn int5 Mama with Baby Robert in her arms.
Interior spread from Freedom at Dawn: Robert Smalls’s Voyage Out of Slavery, written by Leah Schanke and illustrated by Oboh Moses, Albert Whitman & Co. ©2025.

 

 

GRWR: Please let me know if there’s anything I didn’t ask that you’d like to mention.

LS: While the story is focused on the escape and Smalls’ skills and fearless leadership, he could not have pulled off the escape on his own. He needed the crew to operate the ship. There was a community of people on board who worked together and risked their lives for freedom. Everyone on the ship was brave. I’d like readers to understand that there are different ways to be brave, and that in the story Lizzy learns that she is brave too.

 

GRWR: Thank you, Leah, for sharing your perspective with us today. I’m excited for children to read Freedom at Dawn!

BUY THE BOOK:

Purchase copies of Freedom at Dawn here.

 

Author Photo Credit: Clifford Mason

BIOGRAPHY:

Leah Schanke is a children’s book author whose multicultural heritage and interest in U.S. history inspire her to write historical fiction and nonfiction books for children with a focus on little-known but significant figures and events. FREEDOM AT DAWN, illustrated by Oboh Moses, is Leah’s first children’s book. With family roots in South Carolina, she was especially intrigued by the idea of telling a children’s story about Robert Smalls’ heroic life. Leah lives on Long Island, NY, with her family.

Find out more at https://www.leahschanke.com

e

FOLLOW LEAH:

https://www.instagram.com/leahschanke/

https://bsky.app/profile/leahschanke.bsky.social

ILLUSTRATOR OBOH MOSES INFO:

https://www.instagram.com/obohdraws

https://bsky.app/profile/obohdraws.bsky.social

Portfolio: https://www.agoodson.com/portfolios/oboh-moses/

 

 

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Awesome Earth by Joan Bransfield Graham for Earth Day and National Poetry Month

 

AWESOME EARTH

Written by Joan Bransfield Graham

Illustrated by Tania Garcia

(Clarion Books; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

 

 

Awesome Earth cover concrete poems landforms.

 

 

 

★Starred Review – Booklist

 

There are so many things I love about this fabulous 40-page poetry book, Awesome Earth, written by Joan Bransfield Graham and illustrated by Tania Garcia! Considering its title, it can easily be called an Earth Day book.

 

Artwork: The most obvious is the eye-catching artwork. Tania Garcia uses such vibrant hues and striking color combinations that I was surprised to learn it’s her first ever picture book. Her seemingly simple illustrations deliver a powerful message. If you weren’t awake before reading this – both physically and symbolically —you will be afterward.

 

 

Awesome Earth int1 desert with camel and oasis.
Interior spread from Awesome Earth written by Joan Bransfield Graham and illustrated by Tania Garcia, Clarion Books ©2025.

 

 

 

Concrete poetry: closely related to the bold artwork is the graphic arrangement of the words. Words shapeshift on every page to emphasize what’s written. Just as importantly, they underscore the book’s core message that earth never stands still.

 

Rhythm: I loved the variety of rhythms in this book. They felt fresh and reminded me of spoken word poetry, which kept me engaged with each poem.

 

 

Awesome Earth int2 volcanoes and chasm.
Interior art from Awesome Earth written by Joan Bransfield Graham and illustrated by Tania Garcia, Clarion Books ©2025.

 

 

Science: This book is slyly educational … I was so focused on admiring the elements mentioned above that it took me a while to realize I was actually learning about landforms, too!

 

A Love Story: This collection of poems goes beyond simply educating readers about landmasses. It makes us fall in love with our planet all over again:

 

The earth is an artist, at work every day, with powerful tools that come into play: pressure, time, wind, water, ice, too — all forming wondrous features to view. It sculpts, chisels, carves, etches, creating awe-inspiring sketches. Explore the world, enjoy its glory, listen to it whisper its unfolding story. Walk gently, with care, when you roam. Earth is a treasure, the earth is our home.

 

Even More Learning! As if this weren’t enough of a great book, the end is filled with interesting facts, definitions, and additional resources to explore.

 

  • Reviewed by Susan Corry. Susan Corry writes picture books and has more than ten years of experience writing and editing articles for top universities and corporations. She lives in LA with her husband, daughter, and two fluffy rescue dogs. Bluesky: @susancorry.bsky.social

 

 

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Best Children’s Books for Passover 2025

 

 

SEVEN NEW CHILDREN’S BOOKS

FOR PASSOVER 2025

~  A ROUNDUP ~

 

 

 

If only I had more time! This year’s offering of new Passover books for children seems to be the largest I’ve seen in a long time. It was so hard to choose what to include, and I really hoped to cover them all. Please scroll to the end to see other books I was unable to review but recommend.

 

REVIEWS:

My Seder Plate cover seder plate shaped board book.MY SEDER PLATE
Written by Kristen Weber
Illustrated by Yaara Cellier
(Clarion Books; $10.99, Ages 0-4)

My Seder Plate: A Passover Book is Kristen Weber’s debut, and it’s a charming one! This book would have been a big hit in my home when my children were growing up. It’s not only richly illustrated, but it includes interesting seder details for those who are older. At the same time, it can be appreciated as a clever interactive way for little ones to simply enjoy the pictures during the celebration. Traditionally, the seder plate, like the board book, is round, “with spots for special foods.” Each food represented is significant in the retelling of the Passover story.

Open the sturdy book to reveal the seder plate and its contents on one side, a multigenerational family on the other. It includes the food name in Hebrew and in English. One word I have learned in Hebrew from attending many seders is Beitzah, egg, the second food shown. Each food item explained is in bold. The font is smaller for the more detailed portion, which a relative might explain, or perhaps an older sibling, a cousin, or a family friend. I also like how the first paragraph is in verse, which will add to a youngster’s engagement.

“A roasted egg sits on our plate,
warm and round and hard,
a symbol of the cycle of life
and hope for a new start.

The egg can be both a reminder
of the sacrifices Jewish people have
made and a symbol of new life.”

Now that all the Passover foods are covered, it’s time to try them! A big positive about My Seder Plate is that children can keep it with them and follow along while also being entertained by the art and the surprises that await them with every page turn. Chag Passover Sameach! •Reviewed by Ronna Mandel

 

Matzah Day cover family members holding matzah.MATZAH DAY!
Written by Charlotte Offsay
Illustrated by Jason Kirschner
(Holiday House; $18.99, Ages 3-6)

Charlotte Offsay has a talent for writing picture books with rhyme that 1. always entertain, 2. propel the story forward, and 3. employ a catchy rhyme scheme that invites read-alouds. She did it with Challah Day! and succeeds once again with Matzah Day!

This lively written and whimsically illustrated holiday story celebrates the popular Passover cracker made from water, salt, and flour that can be enjoyed in as many ways as matzah is spelled. You can even see it in this roundup spelled matzah, matzoh, and some times matza, and matzo. Are there other spelling variations that I don’t know about? Maybe! But no matter how you spell it, there is much to love about the food that came to be when “The Jewish people fled from Egypt in such a hurry that they didn’t have time to wait for their dough to rise.”

Don’t miss the three recipes included to try with the help of a parent, as well as information about exactly what matzah is, what Passover is, and why we eat matzah for Passover. I appreciated the tight rhyme when Offsay describes the different (and delicious) ways matzah can be eaten as the family gets fuller and fuller. “Like it salty, plain, or sweet? No wrong way to eat this treat! Toffee, chocolate, salted top. Once you start, it’s hard to stop.” Too right. It’s one of my Passover weaknesses, along with matzah brei, a breakfast matzah mashup my family loves year-round. The zany spreads where Kirschner has made the family members smaller sized as they play on the larger scaled ingredients are quite funny. As a feline fan, I also appreciate the adorable kitty added for good measure. What a great new read to add to your family’s Passover picture book collection. •Reviewed by Ronna Mandel

 

Written by Alan Katz
Illustrated by Adam Auerbach
(Harper Collins BYR; $12.00, Ages 4-8)

The Cohen family is enjoying the Passover seder at Grandpa Murray and Grandma Norma’s home. It is time to hide the afikomen and Grandpa Murray is searching for the perfect spot which his grandchildren won’t be able to locate. However, when he hears that the matzah ball soup is being served, he rejoins his family. After the meal, it’s time to find the afikomen . . .  but the kids don’t know where their grandfather hid it, and Grandpa Murray doesn’t remember either! So, where is the afikomen? We probably all can relate to this.

Young detectives will enjoy the pen and ink illustrations, which combine different angles and vantage points, adding both interest and a sense of mystery to the story, which has a simple yet satisfactory solution. •Reviewed by Freidele Galya Soban Biniashvili

 

 

Happy Passover, Edie Rose cover Edie hugging young neighbor Mia.HAPPY PASSOVER, EDIE ROSE!
Written by Joy Preble
Illustrated by Valeria Cis
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $18.99, Ages 4-9)

Though not new to writing for children, Joy Preble’s debut picture book, Happy Passover, Edie Rose!, is a heartwarming take on the Passover story. Young readers will admire the meaningful relationship between an older woman, Edie Rose, and a young girl, Mia, neighbors in their close-knit apartment building. Edie Rose has created a tradition with her neighbors where they gather together in her home for a Passover seder that not only includes matzah ball soup and charoset but takes them on a journey similar to the one Moses and the Jewish people took from Egypt to the land of Israel.

Early on, Valeria Cis’s appealing artwork details Edie Roses’s seder to-do list along with illustrations of the smiling and diverse mix of neighbors. And, of course, Edie’s adorable red and white dog, Mo, is always by her side. Turning the page, we see memories of past seders with Edie and her friends coloring paper frogs and crossing through Edie’s living room pretending it’s the Red Sea. Mia spends a great deal of time with Edie when her mother works late, and despite being from different generations, the two have become great friends.

Next up, Edie is baking her chewy macaroons just before this year’s Passover. Mia’s mom walks through the door as Edie carries the hot, out-of-the-oven macaroons from the kitchen. Preble skillfully sets up the scene as Mo, unable to control his sniffer and overjoyed by the yummy aroma, dashes up to steal a cookie. The two collide. Macaroons scatter everywhere. Edie ends up in the hospital with a broken arm. Mia, with her caring neighbors’ help brings Passover to Edie. Just like in the Passover story, young Mia creates the best seder ever. “We marched together,” Mia tells Edie proudly. “All of us. Like you said.”

This charming tale with a twist asks kids why this night is different from all other nights, but this year, the answer is that all the neighbors worked together for Edie Rose—a wonderful lesson in kindness and gratitude. I loved how it showed that holidays don’t always have to be spent with blood relatives. Friends are family, too. •Reviewed by Ronda Einbinder

 

roadside seder cover seder on a logROADSIDE SEDER
Written by Anna Levine
Illustrated by Naama Lahav
(Apples & Honey Press; $19.95, Ages 5-8)

Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma, Benjy, and Matzah the dog are on their way to their seder in Jerusalem when the traffic comes to a standstill. What is the cause of the jam? How will they, and all of the other people on the road, reach their seders? Will there even be any seder that night? A story that keeps you guessing will also keep you turning the pages!
As sundown approaches, Benjy, dressed in his Moses get-up, comes up with the solution for a perfect seder for everyone present. And when it’s time to find the afikoman, the reader is invited along to find it in the drawing. A Passover story that gets youngsters involved is pure fun! Beautiful, inclusive representation of the religious and ethnic diversity in Israel is depicted in the colorful and cheerful cartoon-like illustrations. A letter from the author, words to know, and a recipe for charoset round out this joyous celebration of sharing Passover traditions, even in the most unusual circumstances. •Reviewed by Freidele Galya Soban Biniashvili

 

Ellis Island Passover cover immigrants on ship seeing Statue of Liberty.ELLIS ISLAND PASSOVER
Written and illustrated by Marissa Moss
(Creston Books; $19.99; Ages 5-10)

Sometimes, you read a book that brings you back to a time long ago, and that’s what happened to me as I sat down to read award-winning author-illustrator Marissa Moss’s latest picture book, Ellis Island Passover. The story begins with a seven-year-old girl in a grumpy mood. (That was relatable.) Her family is coming over for the first night of Passover, and she has already been yelled at by her mom for bad behavior and sent to her room by her father for leaving a messy kitchen. She’s clearly not having a good day.

Moss’s evocative pastel drawings of the extended family being welcomed into the little girl’s home include Great Uncle Ezra, who has arrived from Chicago with slicked-back grey hair and glasses. He lives so far away that this is his first Passover with the little girl and her family. She doesn’t say hello to him, but no one notices—except Uncle Ezra. “’What is wrong with my cupcake?’ he asks.” She wonders if he can see she is in a bad mood. He sits on the floor with her and begins to tell her a story.

The story begins when he is nine years old. He’s shipped from Russia to America to live with his brother to escape the intolerable conditions the Jewish people were subjected to in their birth country. My grandfather escaped Russia as well, and reading Moss’s words made me remember the stories he told us.

Life in America had to be better than life in Russia. Once in New York, Ezra was put on a small boat to Ellis Island, the big immigration center. Ezra was given one week to stay there while authorities searched for his brother Mendel—and if Mendel couldn’t be found, he would be returned to his homeland. During his stay on Ellis Island, Ezra realized it was Passover. The Jews on Ellis Island did not have a Haggadah to read, so they decided to tell the stories with a Hebrew Bible. They didn’t have matzoh, so they used American crackers. That night, each of us was reading the story of Exodus and living the story of our own exodus, from the old world to the new, from oppression to freedom. And though Uncle Ezra has celebrated many Passovers since that first one on Ellis Island, this night, he had a new Passover story—his first Passover with his niece.

This picture book beautifully puts into words how Passover has been spent over generations while teaching Jewish children the history of their ancestors. The faded tones and pale palette of the art felt just right for this immigration story. My kids may be adults, but I still plan to share this story with them so they can understand what their great-grandfather endured for them to live in a free country. •Reviewed by Ronda Einbinder

 

One Little Goat cover boy and goat time traveling.ONE LITTLE GOAT: A Passover Catastrophe
Written by Dara Horn
Illustrated by Theo Ellsworth
(Norton Young Readers; $18.99. Ages 8-12)

Starred Review – School Library Journal
e
I was not prepared for the wild and wonderfully rewarding reading adventure that Horn and Ellsworth’s graphic novel took me on. Inspired by Horn’s thoughts during Passover when she was growing up, this rollercoaster ride of a story should resonate with many young readers. When I opened the first page of One Little Goat, the narrator, known as the “wise child,” quickly pulled me in when he said his seder had gone horribly wrong. I had to find out how.
Anyone who has ever attended a Passover seder that seems to go on forever will find this novel’s tongue-in-cheek humor relatable. Can you remember your stomach’s constant growling, the one relative who insists on doing things a certain way, and definitely the long way, an older cousin dipping his pinkie in the wine a little bit too much, or never finding the afikoman and winning the dollar coin? These are just a few of the Passover things we have come to expect, all captured over six chapters in 152 pages, though I wish there were more!
We meet the narrator as the seder begins, and the house is packed with family. From our safe spot, like a fly on the wall, we watch as the chaos unfolds. We learn that Dad was originally from the Soviet Union, where he could not practice Judaism, and Mom is pregnant with her fifth child. Great-Grandma, at 98, is a Warsaw Ghetto survivor. And somehow, over time, the meaning of the seder has been lost on the narrator.
To end the seder, the afikoman, or half the piece of matzah that gets hidden early on, needs to be found. However in The Little Goat, it goes missing when the baby sister tosses it into a portal where the titular goat finds and hides it someplace safe in another time zone. But he can’t recall exactly when or where. Without that important piece of matzah, the seder continues for six months! Thankfully, those I’ve attended have never lasted so long, though they may have felt that way. Talk about taking an idea and going over the top! Even more outrageous is that this particular seder is one taking place on top of layers of seders occurring concurrently over millennia. The narrator learns this when that cheeky little talking goat shows up and leads him back in time to seders of old. It’s an eye-opening experience for him as he travels through the space-time continuum, learning about the significance of the Exodus from Egypt and all the hardships the Jewish people have endured from the Spanish Inquisition to WWII where his brave Great Grandmother lived in the Warsaw Ghetto, from Minsk, USSR 1981 where his father grew up, or New York City, 1990, where his mother lived as a child.
I enjoyed how the story’s wicked humor and educational aspect paired perfectly. Ellsworth’s artistic interpretation, in black and white, of Horn’s text is impressive and easy to follow. The two work so seamlessly together that it’s hard to believe that not just one creator did it all. The novel ends in such a satisfying way that I was ready to sit back down and start it all over again. Don’t miss this recommended read. •Reviewed by Ronna Mandel

 

MORE RECOMMENDED PASSOVER READS:

MY MATZAH
Written and illustrated by Ann Koffsky
(Apples & Honey Press; $10.95, Ages 0-5)

 

 

 

The Curious Case of the Pot Roast cover child detective inspecting roast.THE CURIOUS CASE OF THE POT ROAST
Written by Jamie Kiffel-Alcheh
Illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt
(Green Bean Books; $13.99, Ages 4-7)

Available for purchase in the U.K. now.
Available for purchase in the U.S. on May 30, 2025

 

A Purr-fect Passover cover cats at seder.A PURR-FECT PASSOVER
Written by Jenna Waldman
Illustrated by Erica J. Chen
(Apples & Honey Press; $19.99, Ages  3-6)

 

 

 

Next Year in The White House cover Obama first seder.NEXT YEAR IN THE WHITEHOUSE
Written by Richard Michelson
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis
(Crown Books for Young Readers with PJ Library; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

Starred Review  – Booklist, Kirkus

 

 

 

Zayde_Babysits_Before_Passover_cover_Zayde_and_Ruthie_at_supermarket Zayde Babysits Before Passover cover Zayde and Ruthie at supermarket. ZAYDE BABYSITS BEFORE PASSOVER
Written by Jane Sutton
Illustrated by Kate Chappell
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $18.99, Ages 4-9)

 

 

 

Passover on Everest cover two hikers and tents below.PASSOVER ON EVEREST
Written by Rachelle Burk
Illustrated by Craig Orback
(Intergalactic Afikomen; $19.99, Ages 4-10)

 

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Three Picture Books for Women’s History Month

 

 

THREE PICTURE BOOKS
FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

∼A ROUNDUP∼

 

women's history month clip art

 

 

 

Unshakable Eleanor cover Eleanor Roosevelt giving speech.UNSHAKABLE ELEANOR
Written by Michelle Markel
Illustrated by Alejandro Mesa
(Balzer + Bray; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

I felt the author’s admiration for our former First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, from the very first page of this timely, well-written biography. As the longest-serving First Lady, Roosevelt’s human rights impact was unmatched. This picture book details how Roosevelt’s powerful voice and popularity grew throughout her lifetime, leaving an impressive legacy of leadership that has profoundly impacted the role of first lady.

But, Eleanor wasn’t always outspoken. As a child growing up an orphan in New York, Eleanor is described by Markel as shy. “She’s been told she’s homely and made to feel like a failure.” Not exactly confidence-building. Yet this persevering young girl found love and encouragement in the letters from her late father. She clearly was well-to-do since the Roosevelt name carried clout and connections. We also learn she was sent to “finishing school” overseas. Eleanor came into her own during this period, already eager to help poor immigrants. Throughout the book, Mesa’s illustrations do a terrific job of conveying emotion and atmosphere.  Young readers may not know that Eleanor was a distant cousin of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and that their eventual marriage proved to be a powerful combination. While FDR focused on politics, Eleanor focused on unfair practices from child labor and unsafe factory conditions. Her work as a reformer was just getting started.

When she became First Lady, the country was in the throes of the Great Depression. In her new role, Eleanor brought women’s issues to the fore and even persuaded FDR to appoint women to high ranking positions. But she didn’t stop there. She helped people fight poverty and starvation as she traveled across the USA. She got involved in the struggles of Black Americans against “white lynch mobs” and worked tirelessly to help them be treated as equals. And while she faced a lot of pushback and bad press, she never let it deter her. “Every small victory makes a difference.” Eleanor always managed to keep those in need of justice on her radar, so it seemed fitting when the newly formed United Nations invited her to “lead a committee on the rights and freedoms of all human beings.” This Universal Declaration of Human Rights still exists. With a career as long and as storied as Eleanor Roosevelt’s was, Markel manages to keep to her theme and provide many jumping off points for further research for older readers (and I do think kids as old as 10 would enjoy this book). The highlighted examples reinforce Roosevelt’s vast accomplishments for the younger ones, making her a role model for budding activists. Four fantastic pages of backmatter detail just how much good Eleanor did and include a timeline where I learned the Ku Klux Klan once placed a $25,000 bounty on Eleanor’s head! There’s also a select bibliography, a section about “More About People of Color and Women During the Depression,” one on “People of Color and Women During the New Deal,” and one on “Mary McLeod Bethune, Walter White, and the Roosevelt Administration.” I’m glad to still be learning new things about Eleanor Roosevelt all these years later.

 

 

One Girl's Voice cover Lucy Stone in DC.

ONE GIRL’S VOICE:
How Lucy Stone Helped Change the Law of the Land
Written by Vivian Kirkfield
Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon
(Calkins Creek; $18.99, Ages 7-10)

I hope that reading about the women movers and shakers from the 19th and 20th centuries in this roundup motivates young girls today to continue making their voices heard as Lucy Stone did from a very young age.

Enlightening quotes from this women’s rights advocate are used throughout One Girl’s Voice making Stone’s advocacy that much more meaningful when you consider the era during which she grew up. Kirkfield notes that in 1830, in Massachusetts and across the United States, the law said the voices of girls and women didn’t count. In other words, they should be seen, especially in the kitchen, and not heard, out in public that is. Even Lucy’s father agreed with that sentiment, which caused Lucy no end of anguish.

Lucy was determined to show that women’s voices mattered despite how her father and society felt. She’d earn her own money to pay for books, and then college, but a rude awakening awaited her at Oberlin College. Women were not permitted to speak in the public speaking class! So Lucy met with other women and practiced debating in secret. But they still had to put their newly acquired skills to the test. And though she persuaded her professor to let the women speak in the classroom, when the administration got wind of this, all future debates by women were banned. This blatant lack of equality irked on many levels since Lucy also discovered she was working to pay for college at half the pay her male classmates received. Lucy wrote a letter arguing against this inequity and was rewarded with equal pay. A small but meaningful triumph. After the college invited her to compose a speech for graduation, she learned a male student would deliver the speech so she withdrew. But, soon she was offered a job by the head of the New England Anti-Slavery Society, and that position secured her national reputation as an inspirational orator. “Now all we need is to continue to speak the truth fearlessly, and we shall add to our number those who will turn the scale to the side of equal and full justice in all things.”

The art, rendered in vivid acrylic ink and colored pencil, creates just the right tone for this story of one woman’s unwavering perseverance and gift of persuasion. Stone, allow me the word play, left no stone unturned in her quest for equality for all. She fought for the abolition of slavery as well as suffrage for all regardless of gender or race. She also pushed for the passing of a law that gave married women property rights. And while she wouldn’t live to see women gain the right to vote, it was her powerful and unceasing voice that helped lead the way. Six pages of backmatter contain an Author’s Note, a timeline and a personal fave, “Fun Facts.” It’s here I learned that Lucy Stone kept her married name just like I did. Women who chose to do so back then were referred to as Lucy Stoners!  This is a recommended year-round read that reinforces how important all voices are.

 

 

Hiding in Plain Sight cover Kate Warne Detective Abraham Lincoln.HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT:
Kate Warne and the Race to Save Abraham Lincoln
Written by Beth Anderson
Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport
(Calkins Creek; $18.99, Ages 7-10)

Starred review – Booklist

I knew about Kate Warne’s involvement in the famed Pinkerton Detective Agency, but I never knew about the foiled plot to assassinate Lincoln that this picture book covers. Beth Anderson has chosen an episode in history that is not that easy to explain since major logistics were involved for the mission to be a success. Between Anderson’s storytelling and Wern Comport’s mixed-media collage art with maps, old photos, and pencil drawings that evoke a bygone era just a few months before the Civil War, Hiding in Plain Sight weaves a tale of intrigue that kept me turning the page.

The book’s design, with dates and locations on most spreads, makes navigating Lincoln’s thirteen-day train journey from Springfield, Illinois, to his D.C. inauguration full of tension despite knowing he avoids harm. Kids will find Kate Warne’s spying skills rather cool, especially for a 19th-century woman when that kind of career would have been frowned upon. Pretending to be a “Mrs. Barley” she fit in with the Baltimore crowd and learned about the rebel’s plan to kill Lincoln when his train passed through Baltimore, the only way to get to Washington. She alerted Allan Pinkerton, who seemed to already know about the plot. They had to let the future president know his life was in danger. That meant delivering a message to his assistant, Mr. Judd. Now, imagine the pressure Kate was under. She had only a few days to thwart the plot, but she also needed Lincoln’s okay to change his schedule.

When Lincoln “refused to cancel plans,” Kate and Pinkerton had only one other option, which I won’t reveal here. Spies were probably everywhere, and the new plan left no room for error. Here, Anderson keeps the suspense at a fever pitch. Even though I knew Lincoln would be safe, I worried. How would they pull this off when anyone could leak details of this top-secret mission? Well, as history proves, Kate and Pinkerton succeeded, and Lincoln made it to his inauguration in D.C. Phew!! Seven pages of interesting backmatter featuring an Afterword, photos, a Great Western Railroad Time Card, code names, and more add to this picture book’s appeal.

 

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Picture Book Biography – As Edward Imagined

 

AS EDWARD IMAGINED:
A Story of Edward Gorey in Three Acts

Written by Matthew Burgess

Illustrated by Marc Majewski

(Knopf BYR; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

 

 

As Edward Imagined cover Edward drawing with cat on neck and desk.

 

 

Starred reviews – Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal
A NEW YORK TIMES/NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST ILLUSTRATED CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE YEAR!

REVIEW:

If you’re looking for a fascinating picture book biography, look no further than As Edward Imagined: A Story of Edward Gorey in Three Acts, written by Matthew Burgess and illustrated by Marc Majewski. I was first introduced to Gorey’s foreboding and darkly comical art when I developed a love for Edward Lear’s limericks, some of which Gorey illustrated. Then, there was the enticing opening sequence for each episode of MASTERPIECE Mystery!, a personal fave etched in my memory. When I discovered his wildly irreverent and irresistible holiday cards, I knew exactly which friends would appreciate them.

 

 

As Edward Imagined int1 Edward in his family library.
Interior spread from As Edward Imagined written by Matthew Burgess and illustrated by Marc Majewski, Knopf Books for Young Readers ©2024.

 

 

So, in honor of Gorey’s 100th birthday, February 22, 2025, I am thrilled to introduce this unique talent to a new generation. I don’t know about you, but I always thought Edward Gorey was English for some reason. Maybe that’s because Lear was. Gorey actually grew up in Chicago, and his artistic ability appeared when he was still a toddler. He taught himself to read at a young age, too. “And before he turned six, he finished a long, spooky novel about a vampire named … DRACULA.” At six!! Gorey did not shy away from marching to the beat of his own drum, whether that meant writing and illustrating books or painting his toenails green. In these three acts, Burgess has homed in on exactly what info would appeal to young readers, especially those who are also original thinkers. And Majewski’s acrylic on paper illustrations pair perfectly and convey a  Gorey-esque vibe.

 

 

 

As Edward Imagined int2 Act Two Edward in the city.
Interior art from As Edward Imagined written by Matthew Burgess and illustrated by Marc Majewski, Knopf Books for Young Readers ©2024.

 

 

In Act Two, Burgess takes us behind the scenes as Gorey’s creative career takes off after moving from college in Boston to the “bustling island of Manhattan.” I learned that Gorey attended nearly every New York City Ballet performance for over twenty years! That’s devotion. Gorey illustrated covers for others’ books while working on his story to earn a living. The character he invented was called Mr. Earbrass. It took a while for his books to catch on, but they did. That led to a commission designing costumes and the sets for a Broadway production of “Dracula.” It was a huge success and “nominated for important awards.” More comfortable at home than on a glitzy red carpet, Gorey chose to skip the award scene and hang out with his feline friends instead.

 

 

As Edward Imagined int3 Mr. Earbrass still broods and frets.
Interior spread from As Edward Imagined written by Matthew Burgess and illustrated by Marc Majewski, Knopf Books for Young Readers ©2024.

 

 

Did success spoil Edward Gorey? Nope. Act Three reveals a content man who chose to leave the city for the fresh air and relaxed life in Cape Cod. After several years of spending time there “when the ballet close for the season,” he eventually made it his full-time home. There, he wrote plays for the local theatre company and continued writing books. He lived life on his terms and found comfort in a vast collection he had accumulated over the years. Teddy bears, sea stones, skeletons, and books filled his home, and much of it can still be seen on a visit to The Edward Gorey House Museum. One of the spreads I like returning to is the one that depicts Gorey’s packed library with wall-to-wall shelves and a floor covered in books as cats roam around the room. The art throughout is captivating, and Burgess has chosen to go into more detail in his Author’s Note in the backmatter, where children can also find a two-page timeline that touches on parts of Gorey’s life not elaborated on in the story. This much lauded biography helped me understand and appreciate Gorey’s genius through a fresh and colorful new lens. I’m happy kids can now meet him, too.

 

Read about another talented artist here.

 

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Picture Book Review – Nancy Bess Had a Dress

 

 

NANCY BESS HAD A DRESS

Written by Claire Annette Noland

Illustrated by Angela C. Hawkins

(Gnome Road Publishing; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

 

 

Nancy Bess Had a Dress cover Nancy sewing while sitting atop flour sacks.

 

 

 

Nancy Bess Had a Dress, written by Claire Annette Noland and illustrated by Angela C. Hawkins, is a feel-good read-aloud that works on many levels. First, it’s historical fiction set in late 1930s rural America; second, it’s about watching your pennies when times are tough; and last but not least, it highlights a young girl’s ingenuity in repurposing a flour sack.

 

 

Nancy Bess Had a Dress int1 in store choosing flour sack.
Interior spread from Nancy Bess Had a Dress written by Claire Noland and illustrated by Angela C. Hawkins, Gnome Road Publishing ©2024.

 

 

When Nancy and her mom go to buy a new sack of flour, Nancy chooses a pretty one decorated with daisies. During the Depression Era, flour sacks served multiple purposes for families. Of course, they held flour for baking. Once empty, flour sacks could be used to make household items and clothing. I love how Noland shows children exactly how this worked. I had heard about flour sack dresses but admit I knew very little else, so I appreciated being enlightened.

Handy with a sewing machine, Mama helps Nancy Bess make a dress. Nancy is delighted with how the dress looks and wears it everywhere. Readers will notice Hawkins’s sewing and patchwork motif throughout the story. I didn’t catch it all initially, but I was glad when I did upon further readings. I also think parents or teachers can point out the different things children did in the 1930s living out in the country. Try to spot the adorable mouse that pops in and out of the pages. I found myself searching each spread to see if it was included. Look for the one with it sweeping. Hawkins also incorporates comic-style panels into several illustrations, adding variety to the already engaging art.

 

 

Nancy Bess Had a Dress int2 the belt got tattered and torn.
Interior spread from Nancy Bess Had a Dress written by Claire Noland and illustrated by Angela C. Hawkins, Gnome Road Publishing ©2024.

 

 

 

Soon, Nancy Bess grows out of her dress. She then makes it into an apron. As Nancy Bess goes about her activities, it tears. So she turns it into a smart-looking satchel. This flour sack clearly has as many lives as a cat, and as such, Nancy Bess continues to find worthwhile ways to get as much wear out of it as possible. Seeing how she does this is part of the motivation to read on. After the satchel rips, it’s time to make what remains into a scarf, but a “cherry red stain” from pie soon ruins that creation. What will she make next?

A catchy refrain Noland employs to engage children was also pleasing to my ear:

Nancy Bess knew how to make do.

 She measured, 

 cut,

stitched,

and saved the unused bits.

 

As time passes, young readers may also spot Mama’s growing belly. A baby is on the way!

 

 

Nancy Bess Had a Dress int3 making do with scraps.
Interior spread from Nancy Bess Had a Dress written by Claire Noland and illustrated by Angela C. Hawkins, Gnome Road Publishing ©2024.

 

 

Nancy Bess still finds new ways to fashion accessories for herself and her puppy. But as satisfying as the sack dress was in the beginning, its new purpose, something specially sewn for her new sibling, is by far the most rewarding!

Can you tell I thoroughly enjoyed this picture book? It blends history with recycling, which is still as popular as ever with the resale and vintage clothing stores, though no longer from flour sacks. I’ve recently discovered a craft store near me where people donate clothing and fabric scraps for others to repurpose. Backmatter dives a bit deeper into how flour sacks became popular. Maybe after reading Nancy Bess Had a Dress, children will want to fashion something new from something old or worn or torn. I know it’s got me looking at the clothes in my closet in a new “green” way.

 

Click here for a paper doll activity. Color and then cut out characters!

Download this helpful educational resource guide here.

 

 

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Picture Book Review – One Day This Tree Will Fall

 

 

ONE DAY THIS TREE WILL FALL

Written by Leslie Barnard Booth

Illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

(Margaret K. McElderry Books; $18.99; Ages 4-8)

 

One Day This Tree Will Fall cover enormous tree filled with birds insects.

 

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the Publisher: “Discover how a tree’s wounds and decay bring new life to the forest ecosystem in this lyrical nonfiction picture book for fans of Because of an Acorn and A Stone Sat Still.”

From Horn Book: a starred review “Lively, poetic writing and beautiful illustrations . . . Even the youngest of readers and listeners will grasp the concepts of ecosystems and the continuity of life. A model of what an excellent STEM-focused picture book can be.”

Kirkus Starred Review

 

REVIEW:

I couldn’t agree more! What begins as a “basic” tree book from STEM author, Leslie Barnard Booth’ and illustrator Stephanie Fizer Coleman …

 

One_Day_This_Tree_Will_Fall_int1_Look_at_it_wounded_worn
Interior spread from One Day This Tree Will Fall written by Leslie Barnard Booth and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman, Margaret K. McElderry Books ©2024.

 

 

quickly becomes a poetic look at the life cycle of a forest tree that survives despite wind and ice and drought; despite fire, and animal and human activity …

 

 

One Day This Tree Will Fall int2 Survived This tree touched the sky.
Interior spread from One Day This Tree Will Fall written by Leslie Barnard Booth and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman, Margaret K. McElderry Books ©2024.

 

until it finally falls to the ground with a magnificent CRACK! and becomes something else entirely;

 

One Day This Tree Will Fall int3 a secret city brims.
Interior art from One Day This Tree Will Fall written by Leslie Barnard Booth and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman, Margaret K. McElderry Books ©2024.

 

begging the question, “Does anything in life ever truly end?”

A perfect pairing with Whale Fall by Melissa Stewart (Random House Studio, 2023) for use in the classroom. This beautiful book’s simple, poetic language and gorgeously detailed nature illustrations will have kiddos clamoring for re-readings and personal time with the book to look more closely at the illustrations.

 

*Highly Recommended!

  • Reviewed by Roxanne Troup

 

 

 

 

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