Juvenile Nonfiction

L is for Librarian Celebrates Los Angeles Central Library’s 100th Anniversary

L IS FOR LIBRARIAN:
The ABCs of Los Angeles Central Library

Written by Susan Lendroth

Illustrated by Alexander Vidal

(Angel City Press at LAPL; $18.99, Ages 4+)

 

 

 

L is for Librarian Cover Graphic of LAPL.

 

Publisher Description:

L is for Librarian: The ABCs of Los Angeles Central Library is an Amazing, Beautiful, Captivating, delightful, and Energizing tour of the Los Angeles Central Library. From Awesome Adventures to Zombies in the makerspace, readers of all ages will enjoy this alphabetical exploration of Los Angeles’s beloved icon.

 

Author Interview:

Welcome to the blog, Susan. It’s an exciting time at L.A.’s Central Library, so it’s wonderful you could join us!

GoodReadsWithRonna: Why did you write L Is for Librarian: The ABCs of Los Angeles Central Library?

Susan Lendroth: For the simple reason that library staff asked me to write it! I have been writing picture books for more than 20 years–this is my 10th book–so the organizers of Central Library’s 100th birthday celebration invited me to create an alphabet book for the centennial year. I wrote it as part of my job since I work for Los Angeles Public Library’s public relations department.

 

GRWR: How was it different writing a book as part of your “day job,” as opposed to writing one of your previous books?
 
SL: The first obvious difference is I worked on L Is for Librarian during my “day job” instead of squeezing my writing time into weekends or evenings. Plus, I knew from the start it would be published. What a wonderful feeling that was! I also worked with a small team on this book, who had the right of approval before it even went to the editor. I should add that they gave me free rein on structure, allowing me to make the Library itself the narrator of its story and to create dual-level text—a primary sentence or two for young readers for each letter, with additional facts in a smaller font below.

 

L is for Librarian int1 B
Interior art from L is for Librarian, written by Susan Lendroth and illustrated by Alexander Vidal, Angel City Press at LAPL, ©2026.

 

 

GRWR: With input from several sources, were there any lively discussions about which feature/aspect would be named for each letter?
 

SL: About 80% of my original letter subject choices made it to the finish line, with the other 20% being alternate suggestions from the team. I rewrote text for those letters. The “liveliest” discussion centered on the letter “O.” I discovered an octopus carved into a door lintel and fell in love. Others wanted O for Owls, which decorate the building in stone and metal. I won Octopus a place in the book, but the illustrator, Alexander Vidal, added multiple owls anyway, an “I Spy” game where the same stone owl is depicted as an earring or a book cover or one of the spots on a giraffe. The funny thing is, no one told him about the Owl versus Octopus debate!

 

GRWR: How did you decide on the approach of having Central Library itself narrate the book?
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SL: Whenever I begin a new book, somehow I simply know how I want to structure it; it only works for me if I write it that way. Very early on I felt like Central Library wanted to tell its own story, sharing the building’s attributes and all it had to offer, and that developed into first-person text.

 

 

 

L is for Librarian int2 C
Interior art from L is for Librarian, written by Susan Lendroth and illustrated by Alexander Vidal, Angel City Press at LAPL, ©2026.

 

 

GRWR: Some of the ideas and terms in the book seem a little sophisticated for young children. How did you handle that aspect?
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SL: Our goal was to present a full picture of Central Library, from its physical features to its history to how it serves the community. Whenever possible, I tried to find an angle that would appeal to young children, such as describing interesting animals in art, asking questions, or infusing action into the text: “D is for Down. Ride down, down, down to the bottom floor of the atrium …” Because I wrote the text at two levels, I tried to cover the more complicated elements in the secondary text. Also, I believe children are capable of learning more sophisticated words if those are explained, and pictures help younger readers/listeners grasp new concepts.

 

GRWR: Illustrators often add elements to a book that are not covered in the text. What are some of the elements added by Alexander Vidal that surprised and pleased you?
 

SL: The owls, definitely the owls. If you read a copy of the book and search carefully, you will find owls depicted in 18 different places, including a couple of duplicate illustrations on the endpapers. However, there are more actual owls than that because sometimes they repeat in a design!

 

GRWR: Your publisher, Angel City Press, is owned by Los Angeles Public Library. How did that relationship begin?

SL: A few years back, the couple who created and operated Angel City Press wanted to retire. They had worked for decades building a publishing house that celebrated stories connected to the Los Angeles area and wanted to keep that purpose, as well as the publishing house’s backlist, intact. So they donated Angel City Press to Los Angeles Public Library rather than trying to find a buyer.

 

L is for Librarian int3 G
Interior art from L is for Librarian, written by Susan Lendroth and illustrated by Alexander Vidal, Angel City Press at LAPL, ©2026.

 


GRWR: This is the first children’s book published by ACP. Did they take any special steps to add a children’s book to their list? 
 
SL: Because it was a new endeavor for them, they hired a freelance, experienced children’s editor to review the text and illustrations.
GRWR:  ACP released the book recently at Central Library’s Centennial Festival. How has it been received?
 
SL: The book definitely found a receptive audience with thousands of book and library fans! The publisher sold many copies of L Is for Librarian as well as several other titles. I enjoyed one of my best-ever encounters with a young fan there. A little girl named Evelyn approached the signing table. I complimented her sparkly jewelry and velvet dress, and she told me it was her “library outfit.” Ok, you’ve got my attention. Then, after I inscribed her book and said my writing might be a little hard to read, her father asked Evelyn to tell me what she calls cursive. “Fairy writing.” Awwwww. Definitely, that was one of the highlights of my day, especially when Evelyn ran back to the table a few minutes later and said, “I LOVE your book! It has a zombie in it.” Good old letter Z.

 

L is for Librarian int4 Q
Interior art from L is for Librarian, written by Susan Lendroth and illustrated by Alexander Vidal, Angel City Press at LAPL, ©2026.

 

GRWR: What’s next for you as a writer?

SL: As ever, I’m juggling multiple projects. I have a long list of ideas and a finite number of hours to write, so I’ll see where the road takes me. Though I have to say, writing an alphabet book was fun, and I’d definitely enjoy writing another.

 

Thank you for giving me the chance to talk about my new book. Proceeds benefit Los Angeles Public Library.

 

 

 

 

Author Susan Lendroth L is for Librarian.
Author Susan Lendroth at Los Angeles Central Library. Photo Credit: Gary Leonard

Bio:

Libraries have been Susan Lendroth’s second home for as long as she can remember, so joining the staff of Los Angeles Public Library a decade ago felt like docking with the mother ship. L Is for Librarian is her tenth picture book, following such titles as Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones, Hey Ho, to Mars We’ll Go! and Maneki Neko: The Tale of the Beckoning Cat. Find Susan on social media here: https://www.instagram.com/susanlendroth/

Website for illustrator Alexander Vidal: Alexander Vidal Illustration

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Celebrate Earth Day with Wildspeak

 

 

WILDSPEAK

Written by Sangma Francis

Illustrated by Lexi Vangsnes

(Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; $18.99, Ages 4-9)

 

 

Wildspeak cover girl hiding in tall grass.

 

 

 ★Starred Reviews – Indie NEXT Pick, Kirkus, School Library Journal

 

PUBLISHER SUMMARY:

Where the stream twists and sparkles? That’s SUNGLITTER. Where the sunset touches the sky? That’s CLOUDBLOOM. Come take a walk full of the delight of real nature words—mayflies, sea snails, blackbirds, brambles—and full of the joy of new words just waiting to be discovered. Perfect as an inspiration before, during, or after a walk, WILDSPEAK invites readers into the wide possibilities of the natural world, and the wild landscapes of their own imaginations!

 

REVIEW: 

This book made me want to go outside and head to the nearest beach, stream, or woods. Wildspeak: Exploring Nature Through Imagination and Creative Language, written by Sangma Francis and illustrated by Lexi Vangsnes, is just the joyful book I needed as Earth Day 2026 approaches. I felt a cool breeze as I read it. I heard the splash of water and the excited voices of children playing and discovering our wonderful “wildspeak” inviting world. Whether scenes are by the water, in a meadow, or in a forest, this picture book showcases the best nature has to offer and celebrates it in every gorgeous spread.

 

 

Wildspeak int1 sisters dipping toes in stream.
Interior illustration from Wildspeak, written by Sangma Francis and illustrated by Lexi Vangsnes, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky ©2026.

 

 

This colorful and creative approach to nature will inspire even the most reluctant of readers to embrace the curiosity shared by two adventurous sisters. Cora and Ada take pleasure not only in discovering nature’s gifts but also in inventing new words to describe them (see illustrations). Look at all the fabulous ways there are to name “seeds caught up in a breeze.” What is your favorite? Mine is airdancers, but a giant’s sneeze is a close second. Not only are these words fun to say, but they’re also invitations for young readers to come up with their own. Their very own wildspeak!

 

 

Wildspeak int2 seeds caught up in breeze.
Interior illustration from Wildspeak, written by Sangma Francis and illustrated by Lexi Vangsnes, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky ©2026.

 

 

Take readers outside to play in a field, a meadow, or at the beach, and ask them what words come to mind. It’s not just about what they see, but also what they feel and hear, because when nature embraces children, it speaks its own unique language, and no two people experience it quite the same way.

 

 

Wildspeak int3 near the lighthouse.
Interior illustration from Wildspeak, written by Sangma Francis and illustrated by Lexi Vangsnes, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky ©2026.

 

 

The scene above by the shoreline is one that resonated for me as a lover of lighthouses and tidepools. I imagined the creatures lurking beneath the water, the smell of saltwater, the roughness of the rocks, and the splashes as waves rolled in. My wildspeak words were jagged jumping, and ripply dipping. Why not join the Wildspeak excitement by celebrating “mayflies skimming the air, blackbirds calling from hedgerows, brambles tangling at the edges of hidden paths,” and then make time to take a walk today or any day.  Every read offers a new perspective on the surroundings and immerses you in the wonder of our beautiful world no matter what words you choose to use.

Other Recommended Earth Day Reads:

IF THIS WERE THE WORLD
Written by Stephen Barr
Illustrated by AG Ford
(Neal Porter Books)

YOU ARE THE LAND
by Steph Littlebird
(Nancy Paulsen Books)

OUR HOME, OUR ONLY HOME
Written by Marion Dane Bauer
Illustrated by Sophie Diao
(Candlewick Press)

WE CAN HEAR WITHOUT EARS:
And Other Things You Didn’t Know We Plants Could Do
Written by Lisa Westberg Peters
Illustrated by Danielle Ridolfi
(Astra Young Readers)

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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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Nonfiction Picture Book Review – The Legendary Life Story of The Lever

 

THE LEGENDARY LIFE STORY OF THE LEVER:

How a Deceptively Simple Machine
Moves the World Forward

Written by Christine Van Zandt

Illustrated by Lesley Breen

(Union Square Kids; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

 

The Legendary Life Story of the Lever cover kids on catapult.

 

There’s a lot to learn about levers. And I’m not lying when I say this “deceptively simple machine” has made life easier over the millennia, which is why it’s great that Christine Van Zandt and Lesley Breen have written The Legendary Life Story of the Lever. This nonfiction picture book brings us to modern times by detailing the many ways levers have contributed to civilization’s achievements and advancements, and remains a crucial tool to this day.

 

The Legendary Life Story of the Lever int1 using a lever to weigh.
Interior art from The Legendary Life Story of the Lever, written by Christine Van Zandt and illustrated by Lesley Breen, Union Square Kids ©2025.

 

 

Presented chronologically, going all the way back to the Ice Age when people hunted woolly mammoths with a spear thrower, the book engagingly combines informative text with cute, detailed art that includes children in every spread. I recommend that kids explore each scene because Breen has made a point of capturing many activities, in addition to the main one of seeking food. The illustration above shows Ancient Egypt and the role the lever played in trade. Here, readers will see how the lever was instrumental in the balance scale. By measuring items to be purchased against the weight of stones, sellers could determine a price, and buyers could be assured the “transaction was safe.” Scales may be electronic now, but remained a reliable tool for thousands of years.

 

 

 

The Legendary Life Story of the Lever int2 building the Great Wall of China.
Interior art from The Legendary Life Story of the Lever, written by Christine Van Zandt and illustrated by Lesley Breen, Union Square Kids ©2025.

 

 

Using a lever to lift heavy loads was an ingenious discovery and proved crucial in the construction of the Great Wall of China. Be sure to read the factoids as they are full of fascinating and helpful info. The artwork above shows how the pole relied on leverage “over a fulcrum (pivot point)” to lift an object. Spanning over 2,000 years, the building of the wall was intended as a defense system thousands of miles long and was actually not a single wall, “but a series of walls that were connected over time.” I cannot imagine how this feat could have been accomplished without help from the old, reliable lever, and my back hurts just thinking about it!

 

 

The Legendary Life Story of the Lever in3 Gutenberg printing press.
Interior art from The Legendary Life Story of the Lever, written by Christine Van Zandt and illustrated by Lesley Breen, Union Square Kids ©2025.

 

Jumping ahead many centuries to perhaps the invention most meaningful to me as an author is what printer and craftsman Johannes Gutenberg invented. The printing press greatly reduced the need for handwritten books, which were “rare and expensive.” It incorporated a lever that helped the machine move “back and forth” and used ink “to transfer words and images to paper.” There was movable type (even my father’s printing company used it before the advent of computers), which could be reused rather than having to carve a page of text from wood. The time saved was substantial. Approximately 250 pages could be produced in an hour, reducing costs for the public. The impact of this world-changing technology contributed to “enlightenment”, the creation of the Gutenberg Bible, and meant “the masses” could have access to the written word, provided they could read.

Some of my other favorite sections of the book credited the lever for train travel with its connecting rod allowing for movement, WWII airplanes’ throttle to control an engine’s speed and power (still in use), and the movie industry’s clapperboard to sync sound with pictures. Who knew a piece of wood could be so interesting, useful, and monumental in the history of mankind? This is the kind of book that can be read in one go or section by section. I can see parents or teachers using this book for activities that show levers in action, whether using a pair of scissors, a fishing rod, or even a seesaw! A bonus of buying this book is the step-by-step instructions for building the catapult model included. Click here to see a model of a lever in action.

 

Read a review of another one of Christine’s nonfiction picture books here.

 

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The Book of Candles: Eight Poems for Hanukkah

 

THE BOOK OF CANDLES:
Eight Poems for Hanukkah

Written by Laurel Snyder

Illustrated by Leanne Hatch

  (Clarion Books; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

 

 

The_Book_of_Candles_cover_child_and_cat_looking_at_menorah

 

★Starred Review – Publishers Weekly 

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah. HAPPY HANUKKAH!

For those of you who read this blog regularly, you’ll know how much I love poetry, so when I saw that there was a new Hanukkah book of poems, I jumped at the chance to review it. The Book of Candles, written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Leanne Hatch, is a welcoming and lyrical look at the festival of lights.

I enjoyed spending time with the family of five featured in this picture book, the youngest of whom is affectionately called Sugarpop by his mom. The poems are titled for each night of Hanukkah, spanning from the first night to the eighth, the last night.

In a dark, dark room,

one thin candle

wakes, bursts to life

 

So begins the joyful celebration. It’s also a great idea that, in addition to every poem, a helpful info box with thoughts on that particular night in each poem is included.

 

 

The Book of Candles int1 boy wishing Happy Hanukkah to man in street.
Interior art from The Book of Candles, written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Leanne Hatch, Clarion Books, ©2025.

 

 

And even though I have observed this holiday for decades, I still learned something new. For example, Snyder explains the approach to lighting the candles on a Friday night, which is also Shabbat (the Sabbath).

 

A Thought for the Fourth Night: On Friday night, we light the Hanukkah candles at least eighteen minutes before sunset because, for observant Jews, it’s against the rules to strike a match after Shabbat has started.

 

Some poems are playful while others are more solemn, but all are engaging. Together, they make this book about a moving and meaningful celebration come to life. I especially found the scenes with Sugarpop and the cat to be sweet and relatable since our family cats have always been present for Hanukkah, whether beside the menorah, mesmerized by the flickering candles, or seeking a taste of latkes with sour cream. Many readers will be delighted by the poem describing the family visiting the grandparents, when the youngest was finally allowed to light the candles. And who won’t be impressed when, in another scene, a flat tire means the family will have to improvise, using the banana Hanukkiah hack. That, along with convenience-store birthday candles standing in for Hanukkah candles, makes for a most memorable holiday!

 

 

The Book of Candles int2 flat tire.
Interior spread from The Book of Candles, written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Leanne Hatch, Clarion Books, ©2025.

 

There are myriad reasons to find The Book of Candles a fresh new take on Hanukkah, Hatch’s art being one. She captures the warmth of the holiday, particularly in her depiction of the candles burning. She also conveys the family’s closeness in a laid-back way while maintaining the holiday’s importance. I can definitely picture children wanting to have this read to them each night of Hanukkah along with many of the other wonderful Hanukkah books out this year.

 

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The Traveling Taco by guest author Mia Wenjen, featuring a Giveaway

 

 

 

THE TRAVELING TACO
Written by Mia Wenjen
Illustrated by Kimberlie Clinthorne-Wong
(Red Comet Press; $19.99, Ages 5 and up)

 

 

 

 

Let’s welcome today’s guest author, Mia Wenjen. Her most recent picture book, The Traveling Taco, takes readers around the world with some surprising food facts.

 

Did you know many well-known dishes are food immigrants? The Al Pastor Taco traveled from Lebanon to Puebla, Mexico… French fries originated in Belgium… And pasta arrived in Italy long before Marco Polo visited China. This fascinating nonfiction book featuring rhyming text takes the reader on travels around the world to celebrate foods, their history, and surprising origins. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

 

 

We are also giving away a signed copy of her book. Please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom to enter.

 

Now let’s learn more about The Traveling Taco!

 

What inspired you to write The Traveling Taco?

My husband and I like to watch food documentaries. We watched The Taco Chronicles on Netflix, which showcases a different type of taco on each episode. When I learned that the Al Pastor taco comes from Lebanese people who settled in Puebla, Mexico, and brought their shawarma tradition with them. They adapted it for what was available. Pork was swapped out for lamb. Spices were changed. Flatbread was switched to corn tortillas. I was fascinated by “food that traveled” and started researching food that you think is iconic to a country, but was actually introduced by immigrants. Like fish and chips!

 

What is your favorite spread in the book?

The Jerk Chicken spread is probably the one that we worked on the longest to get it right. Jamaica is portrayed in such a lovely way with the plants and trees, and the setting ended up being contemporary.

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Jerk Chicken from Jamaica featured in The Traveling Taco by Mia Wenjen

 

I heard there is a song about The Traveling Taco! How did that happen?

Daria World Music created this song for my book. She wrote the lyrics, sang the song, and hired an animator to create the video. I thought it would be nice to have if a teacher or librarian is using the book in the classroom. A song is a nice warm-up to storytime!

 

 

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I hope readers realize that many of the foods we know and love would not be available if not for immigrants who so generously and graciously shared their food cultures. It is also fun to learn about other cultures through food, so I hope this encourages kids to be adventurous at the dinner table and be curious enough to want to learn more.

What’s next for you?

I have a few more picture books coming out:

Fortune Cookies for Everyone, illustrated by College Kong-Savage, comes out in October. It’s the story of who invented the fortune cookie, an American invention! It takes us back to WWII and Japanese Concentration Camps (also known as Internment Camps). It’s co-published with the Smithsonian and Red Comet Press.

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FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE! by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Colleen Kong-Savage, Published by Red Comet Press


Green Homes, Happy Planet: Sustainable Houses Around the World, illustrated by Mary Atwood and published by Sleeping Bear Press, comes out in February of 2026.

Barbed Wire Between Us, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación and published by Red Comet Press, comes out in March of 2026.

To Market, To Market … Around the World, illustrated by Peng Wu and published by Barefoot Books, comes out in the Fall of 2026.

Postcards by Malcolm X, illustrated by Keith Henry Brown and published by Red Comet Press, comes out in January of 2027.

 

BUY THE BOOK:

You can purchase a copy of The Traveling Taco and support a local independent bookseller

by clicking here: Newtonville Books

 

Author Mia Wenjen Photo Credit: Tai Lee.
Author Mia Wenjen Photo Credit: Tai Lee.

 

AUTHOR BIO:

Mia Wenjen blogs at PragmaticMom.com. She is the President and Co-Founder ReadYourWorld.org, a nonprofit that puts diverse children’s books into the hands of readers. Her picture books include The Traveling Taco, We Sing From the Heart, and Fortune Cookies for Everyone published by Red Comet Press; Food for the Future, published by Barefoot Books; and Sumo Joe, published by Lee and Low.

Honors for her books include: ALSC Notable Children’s Book, Carter G. Woodson Book Award Honoree, Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, Massachusetts Book Award Long List, Julia Ward Howe Prize for Children’s Literature Winner, California Eureka Non-Fiction Award Honor Book, Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner, Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year, and Junior Library Guild Gold Selection.

To learn more, check out her website, MiaWenjen.com, and follow her on social media (see below).

Mia’s children’s books:

We Sing from the Heart, The Traveling Taco, Barbed Wire Between Us, Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!, Food for the Future, Sumo Joe, and Changing the Game.

Connect with Mia:
Blog: PragmaticMom, Instagram: PragmaticMom,  Twitter/X /X: PragmaticMom, Pinterest: PragmaticMom, FaceBook: PragmaticMom,
LinkedIn: Mia Wenjen, YouTube: Mia Wenjen, TikTok: ReadYourWorld,
BlueSky: PragmaticMom, Threads: Mia Wenjen.

The Traveling Taco SIGNED book giveaway!

Cover Reveal for THE TRAVELING TACO by Mia Wenjen

 

We are giving away a signed copy of her book. Please fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter. We can only mail to U.S. and APO addresses.

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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.
e

  • Reviewed by Roxanne Troup

 

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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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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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Eighteen New Hanukkah Books for Children – Roundup 2024

 

NEW HANUKKAH BOOKS FOR CHILDREN

∼A ROUNDUP∼

 

 

happy Hanukkah graphic.

 

 

To date, 2024 has had the most new Hanukkah books than any previous year since I began blogging. While this is certainly something to celebrate, it also means that I cannot devote as much space to each review as I’d like. Several books below include Hanukkah although they do not focus solely on the holiday. Of note is that this roundup ended up featuring 18 books, and if you’re not aware, the number 18 in Judaism stands for the “chai” or “life.” A big shout out to author Marcia Berneger for her help reviewing several books this year. I hope you’ll make tracks to your local indie bookshop to purchase these books or order them from Bookshop.org and read for yourself just how wonderful they truly are. Enjoy!

 

BOARD BOOKS

Hanukkah Hippity Hop cover kids dancing beside lit Menorah.HANUKKAH HIPPITY-HOP
Written by Barbara Kimmel
Illustrated by Ana Zurita
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $9.99, Ages 1-4)

This lively board book is just the thing to help toddlers and pre-schoolers get their” wiggles out” while the grownups make the Hanukkah preparations. The bouncy rhyme works wonderfully with the different movements that Kimmel’s created in Hanukkah Hippity-Hop. “We’ll move and we’ll groove and we’ll bippity-bop.” Set up the kids in a safe space away from the menorah so they can dance to their hearts’ content. They can stomp like a Maccabee or shake like a jelly donut. The connections to all these Hanukkah is clever and catchy. Pick up a copy today and let your little ones celebrate with a beat that’s an infectious treat for their hands and their feet! Zurita’s spirited art includes a kitty who also can’t keep still, and colorful clothing with holiday sayings and designs.

 

My Dreidel cover dog holding blue dreidel.MY DREIDEL
Written and illustrated by Ann Koffsky
(Apples & Honey Press; $10.95, Ages 0-1)

In My Dreidel, author-illustrator Ann Koffsky has created the perfect combination for our youngest readers. With a dose of Hanukkah, a theme kids will relate to, and an adorable puppy main character, the stage is set for total enjoyment. The young puppy has a dreidel, but when she tries to spin it, down it goes. She tries again and again, but the dreidel just stops and plops. Daddy comes to the rescue, showing that working together is the way to go. Little ones will learn that trying is good, but accepting help is also okay. This simple, action-filled book for ages 0-1 is destined to be a family favorite.

  • Reviewed by Marcia Berneger

 

 

PICTURE BOOKS

A Dragon for Hanukkah cover girl beside window Menorah with Dragon.A DRAGON FOR HANUKKAH
Written by Sarah Mlynowski
Illustrated by Ariel Landy
(Orchard Books; $18.99, Ages 3-8)

With over 50 books to her credit, best-selling author Sarah Mlynowski delivers her debut picture book and it’s delightful! A Dragon for Hanukkah unfolds over the eight nights of Hanukkah and is about the power of imagination. And, when coupled with whimsical art by Ariel Landy, the prose shines like the gold coins and gems in Hannah’s treasure chest. When the main character’s mom announces the guests will be arriving soon, Hannah must tidy up and stop her pretend play. That’s when the real gifts are revealed. To be honest, that was a sweet surprise for me. From a dragon stuffie and a time machine dreidel to a pair of celestial socks, Hannah’s imagination took her back in time and up to the stars. Two pages of backmatter feature Nerry the dragon stuffed animal and Hannah in a helpful and playful Q+A about the Festival of Lights for those less familiar with the holiday.

 

Beam of Light cover eight Hanukkah candles and shamash.BEAM OF LIGHT: 
The Story of the First White House Menorah
Written by Elisa Boxer
Illustrated by Sofia Moore
(Rocky Pond Books; $18.99, Ages 4-8)

This fascinating narrative informational picture book is told from the perspective of a reclaimed beam of wood in the White House occupied by Harry S. Truman. The year, 1948. Adding important context to Beam of Light, Boxer notes that just five years before this story takes place, rabbis appealed to FDR at this very same White House to help save Eastern European Jews by allowing them to emigrate to America. They were brushed aside. The results meant over six million Jews perished during the Holocaust.

As the book opens, we quickly learn that the White House was not in great shape. “I was a witness to the weakening-a wooden beam, struggling to support this structure that once stood strong …” Truman decided the first family had to leave so that a major renovation could be undertaken. He wanted to be sure the house would be stronger and safer for future generations. This would be no small task. And, so the history of this one salvaged beam that would become the menorah begins. However, the wooden beam with its powerful refrain, “I was supposed to be destroyed,” gets put in storage as 13 presidents come and go.

Then, after seven decades in a warehouse, the beam returns to the White House. “I had come home.” There’s no denying that Boxer’s personification of what is to become the White House’s first menorah gets me so emotional each time I read that moving line. With Moore’s thoughtful rendering of a craftsman at work, we see how the beam is transformed into a nine-branched menorah or Hanukkiah, symbolizing triumph over persecution. Thanks to President Joe Biden, the menorah’s first lighting is aptly in the presence of Holocaust survivors, their children, and their children’s children. He “introduced me as the first Jewish artifact ever added to the White House’s permanent collection.” Thanks to Boxer, this little-known story can now be shared with and appreciated by readers of all faiths. The meaning of this menorah’s permanent place in the White House is not lost on those of us who know that prior to 2001, when George W. Bush lit a menorah that was loaned to the White House, one had never before been lit by a president. Don’t miss the enlightening Author’s Note in the backmatter. The book’s title, Beam of Light, with its double meaning, could not be more perfect and is a testament to the enduring “resilience of the Jewish people.”

 

Charley and Seymour's Hanukkah Miracle cover chipmunk and squirrel.CHARLEY AND SEYMOUR’S HANUKKAH MIRACLE
Written by Melody Howard Ritt
Illustrated by Nia Gould
(Kar-Ben Publishing; $19.99, Ages 4-8)

If you’re looking for a sweet animal-oriented story this Hanukkah, look no further than Charley and Seymour’s Hanukkah Miracle. The chipmunk and squirrel are best buddies and love spending together, so naturally, they plan to spend Hanukkah at Seymour’s. And while Charley is tasked with bringing the menorah and candles, when the time comes to gather up stuff for the celebration, Charley remembers the menorah. I can hear kids shouting, “Take the candles” when Charley’s searching his house because they are so invested in the story. He knows he’s supposed to bring something else beginning with the letter C but cannot recall exactly what. Maybe it’s cantaloupe, or maybe it’s carrots. Before long, he’s packing up lots of things that begin with the letter C, including candy (Hanukkah gelt), but not the candles. Children will be waiting to see how Seymour deals with this dilemma but when the time comes to light the menorah, it’s actually Charley who saves the day. How does he accomplish this? The same way the Maccabees did, with oil, only this time it’s oil from Seymour’s latkes.

 

Don't Invite a Bear Inside for Hanukkah cover bear entering front door.DON’T INVITE A BEAR INSIDE FOR HANUKKAH – Marcia
Written by Karen Rostoker-Gruber
Illustrated by Carles Arbat
(Apples & Honey Press; $19.99, Ages 3-6)

With its delightful story and whimsical illustrations, Karen Rostoker-Gruber’s new picture book, Don’t Invite a Bear Inside for Hanukkah is a winner! What could go wrong if you invite a bear for Hanukkah? EVERYTHING! He’ll help you decorate your house and choose candles for the menorah. But a bear is big and somewhat clumsy. And once the food is on the table … watch out! Bears are terribly messy and somewhat greedy. If you send him away, he’ll be lonely and sad. Perhaps a compromise is in order? This is a fun story with lots of heart and a great message on being warm and friendly to your guests. A great Hanukkah tale, for sure!

  •  Reviewed by Marcia Berneger

 

Eight Sweet Nights cover diverse adults kids with Hanukkah treats and menorah.EIGHT SWEET NIGHTS, A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS:
A Hanukkah Story
Written by Charlotte Offsay
Illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt
(Doubleday BYR; $18.99, Ages 3-7)

Love and light take center stage in this lyrical picture book that’s a beautiful blend of Jewish joy mixed with interesting fact boxes. Author Offsay’s story is a warm and welcoming look at how this big family celebrates Hanukkah traditions, including cooking latkes, eating jelly donuts, and lighting candles on the menorah.

Hanukkah begins on the twenty-fifth of Kislev.
Kislev is a month on the Jewish calendar,
starting in either November or December.

These elements come together to convey the wider experience of Hanukkah in this multigenerational story. Yiddish and Hebrew words are introduced. Delicious treats such as Sticky marshmallows and melty kisses spin into sweet candy dreidels are enjoyed. And memories are being made. The family gathering reminded me of when I was a child and spent the holidays with my cousins at my aunt and uncle’s home. While this book would appeal to Jewish readers, its helpful info makes it accessible to all readers who want to learn more about the Hanukkah or Chanuka or Chanukkah experience. Backmatter shares the Hanukkah story and provides an explanation as to why the holiday has many different spellings.

 

Hanukkah Pajamakkahs cover curly haired girl in pajamas holding dreidel.HANUKKAH PAJAMAKKAHS
Written by Dara Henry
Illustrated by Oleg and Aleksey Ivanov
(Sourcebooks Jabberwocky; $18.99, Ages 4-7)

Here’s a sweet Hanukkah story about something the majority of us wear and adore, pajamas! Ruthie is overjoyed to receive PAJAMAKKAHS on the first night of Hanukkah. Her dad says they’re for the Hanakkah Pajamakkah Party but Ruthie wants to wear them “all eight nights!” Ruthie’s mom tells her she needs to keep them spotless and Ruthie promises she will. Ha! We know what’s in store right? Henry takes readers for a rollicking ride as Ruthie finds a way to somehow do the very opposite of what she was told. Beginning with getting some latke oil on them the first night and candle wax the second, the pajamakkah’s stains mount despite Ruthie’s insistence they are spotless.

Kids will find Ruthie’s array of antics relatable and the messes unavoidable, which makes for an entertaining storytime. The sleepwear continues to display signs of what Ruthie’s been getting up to, splish after squelch after splash! Uh oh! Ruthie hasn’t kept her promise to keep the pajamakkahs spotless for the party. The fun is seeing what happens on the eighth night and whether Ruthie’s pajamakkahs can pass the spotless test and deliver a Hanukkah miracle. The Ivanov’s upbeat digital art literally propels the story forward. Created in a pencil and watercolor style, the illustrations are joyful, and full of emotion as readers see Ruthie immerse herself in the holiday festivities.
e

Little Dreidel Learns to spin cover.LITTLE DREIDEL LEARNS TO SPIN!
Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Illustrated by Taryn Johnson
(Cartwheel Books; $7.99, Ages 3-5)

Prepare for plenty of laughs in this charming rhyming tale of a frustrated little dreidel eager to spin like her more experienced cousins. The author deftly weaves in Yiddish words that add another level of fun to this story of perseverance.

Little Dreidel tries again.
She flails and fumble-tumbles.
“I’m such a klutz! I stink at this!”
She mopes and mumble-grumbles.
e

While Bubbie reassures her little dreidel it takes time and practice, the top tries and tries to no avail in humorous scene after scene. Johnson’s cute and colorfully rendered dreidels take on a life of their own as they twirl away. Gardyn Levington gives a clever nod to the beloved Dreidel song when she mentions Little Dreidel is made of clay that’s dry and ready. And I loved the wordplay when the teetering top falls on her shin, too! Just when she’s ready to give up, she’s hit with a new round of determination to get spinning and a happy Hanukkah miracle occurs. The Hanukkah story is not included in the backmatter, but a Yiddish glossary and pronunciation guide are.  A recommended new spin this holiday!

 

Oy Santa cover boy with yarmulke and Santa.OY, SANTA!:
Or, There’s a Latke to Learn About Hanukkah
Written by Joyce Schriebman
Illustrated by Gila von Meissner
(Intergalactic Afikomen; $19.99, Ages 4-9)

A Jewish boy named Oliver Overstreet begins corresponding with Santa via email, a 21st-century epistolary approach I always like in picture books. He’s writing to let Santa know he doesn’t need to come down his chimney because he’s Jewish. While an occasional holiday story may focus on how some Jewish children at this age wish Santa would visit, Schriebman’s tale has a fresh take inspired by a note from her son when he was little.

And though it may be Chrismukkah this year with the two holidays overlapping, Oliver is proud to celebrate just Hanukkah. His overarching message is “… mostly I don’t want you to smush Hanukkah and Christmas together anymore.” Santa’s replies indicate he is aware of the different holidays, though he occasionally makes a mistake, such as telling Oliver to enjoy the matzah, which is actually for Passover, or being confused about when the Jewish New Year occurs.

There is humor woven throughout both the text and the art. Kids will want to explore every inch of von Meissner’s whimsical illustrations, packed with interesting things to pick out, including kitties, Santa’s toyshop activity, and both his and Oliver’s interior decor. Meanwhile, Oliver’s messages serve as an engaging way to explain the significance of Hanukkah to both young Jewish and non-Jewish readers. It’s when Oliver becomes a bit more impatient and emphatic with Santa to learn everything that he starts to worry he might land on Santa’s naughty list. Oliver is presented as a bi-racial child, demonstrating the diversity of the Jewish community to young readers, something I’ve seen in more and more Jewish picture books over the past few years and a welcome depiction. I can see parents and educators using a letter-writing exercise as a way for children to express their feelings about Hanukkah traditions. Four pages of colorful backmatter feature instructions for the dreidel game, more Oliver/Santa emails addressing holiday details, Schriebman’s son’s actual note, and author and illustrator info.

 

Uri and the King of Darkness cover Uri on Hanukkah looking out window.URI AND THE KING OF DARKNESS:
A Hanukkah Story
Written by Nati Bait
Illustrated by Carmel Ben Ami
Translated by Ilana Kurshan
(Kalaniot Books; $19.99, Ages 4-9)

Written in rhyme, this atmospheric picture book takes place in what looks like Tel Aviv. It’s windy, rainy, and dark outside, causing Uri to worry as he awaits his father’s return. His concerns are mimicked in the drawings he’s making. Ben Ami’s loose sketch and watercolor style art depict Dad changing a tire so readers know what has held him up. No doubt the bad weather has added to the delay. Tension builds as Uri watches for his father. He imagines the King of Darkness leading his invading army, harkening back to when the Maccabees fought against King Antiochus for their religious freedom. Despite Uri’s mom’s assurances, Uri pretends to go to battle against the enemy. His sister, Shir, joins in the action. When Uri’s father comes home, a special treat comes with him. Now that the family is all together and the menorah is lit, Uri can return to his picture and draw away the King. Hanukkah’s light, along with help from brave Uri and Shir, has defeated the darkness. Two pages of backmatter share the Hanukkah story and prayers to recite when lighting the candles. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this holiday through Uri’s young eyes.

 

 

CHAPTER BOOKS

A Donut in Time cover two girls holding plate of donuts.A DONUT IN TIME:
A Hanukkah Story
Written by Elana Rubinstein
Illustrated by Jennifer Naalchigar
(Apples & Honey Press; $16.95, Ages 8-10) 

For those meeting Saralee Siegel for the first time, you’re in for a treat. Saralee has a remarkable,
and somewhat unusual, superpower—a nose that sniffs out foods down to their smallest
ingredients. After learning her great-grandmother Gigi’s famous Hanukkah donut recipe inspired
the opening of the Seigel House Restaurant, Saralee just has to whip up a batch for herself. But
the smells are so powerful as she bakes, a smell-cloud opens a portal back to Gigi’s time.

Unfortunately, everyone in Gigi’s family has convinced her to stop using her super smeller and
lead a “normal” life. She abandons her dreams of selling her donuts at the Hanukkah festival, a
decision that reaches far into the future. When Saralee returns to her own time, everything is terribly different. To put things right again, she must convince Gigi to be strong, to be herself, and to pursue her donut-selling dream. A Donut in Time is a great Hanukkah chapter book with an important theme—stand up for yourself and for what you believe in, just like the Maccabees did so long ago.

  • Reviewed by Marcia Berneger

 

Rachel Friedman and the Eight Not Perfect Nights of Hanukkah cover Menorah lighting.RACHEL FRIEDMAN AND THE EIGHT
NOT-PERFECT NIGHTS OF HANUKKAH
Written by Sarah Kapit
Illustrated by Genevieve Kote
(Henry Holt and Co. BYR; $17.99, Ages 5-9)

I’m glad I got to spend time getting to know Rachel Friedman. This chapter book, the second in Kapit’s series, revolves around Rachel’s goal to complete the eight items she and her BFF Maya have created for a Hanukkah to-do list. School’s out and, at age 13, Rachel’s older brother Aaron doesn’t seem to find Hanukkah that cool anymore. Rachel is determined to change his mind. On top of that, she is still pretty peeved that her classmate, Mason, could not understand the big deal about Hanukkah after seeing a drawing Rachel had made. She was tired of people thinking Christmas was better and her list would prove it.

When Maya gets ill and cannot join Rachel to partake in all the planned activities, and Aaron has no desire to leave his laptop, Rachel has to go solo. However, building the annual Lego porch menorah is a struggle without help. So not fun! Plus the latkes Dad usually makes on the first night are not happening. He forgot to get potatoes and driving to a store in the snowy weather is not a good idea. Pizza will have to do. Things continue to go downhill despite a surprise Hanukkah present Rachel loves. Kapit makes sure to bring in positive experiences for Rachel so it’s not one disappointment after another. For example, when Aaron finally takes a break from video games to beat his sister at dreidel spinning, she sees the bright side. “Aaron did a Hanukkah thing with me! Even if he is annoying, I’m glad that he did.” It’s only when she causes Aaron to fall while ice skating at the park that, ironically, things slowly begin to improve. He admires a comic she made him and they have a meaningful heart-to-heart. Fifteen fast-flowing chapters include illustrations by Genevieve Kote that convey emotion and humor adding to the page-turnability of this story. The cover art is a perfect example of the sibling dynamic and Rachel’s personality. Kids new to chapter books will feel accomplished with this book’s accessibility, and eager to see what Rachel gets up to next.

 

MIDDLE-GRADE ANTHOLOGY

The Festival of Lights anthology cover Menorah.THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS:
16 Hanukkah Stories
Compiled by Henry Herz
(Albert Whitman & Co.; $18.99, Ages 9-12)

Every single short story in this engrossing collection is superb and I can assure you there is something for everyone here. Whether you like poetry, magical realism, historical fiction, humor, mythology, or memoir, you’ll find something in and out of your go-to genre that just makes you feel good.

There’s a story about an enchanted spoon, a girl messenger in Bletchley, 1943, a Girl Scout troop member connecting with a Jewish resident at a senior home holiday party, several about characters with previously unknown Jewish ancestry, the moving meaning of wax buildup on a menorah and much more. Several stories mention how many Christmas and holiday songs in general were written by Jewish creators and others focus on how often Jewish children are asked to sing religious Christmas songs when Jewish songs are given short shrift. I’d be remiss not to share my delight when Alan Katz’s short story mentioned the iconic department store of my childhood in my husband’s hometown of Douglaston, NY – Korvettes. Katz’s recollection of family gift-giving talked about the toy department. I recall the record department where I bought my first single, “I Think I Love You” by David Cassidy! I’m a big anthology fan, so perhaps I’m partial, but I loved reading such a rich and varied amount of approaches to the Hanukkah celebration. How terrific that this talented group of authors accepted the challenge! Read it slowly to savor every special story. It’s a keeper!

 

 

INTERFAITH FAMILIES PLUS HOLIDAY TRADITIONS AROUND THE WORLD

 

Gingerbread Dreidels cover diverse multigenerational family celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah.GINGERBREAD DREIDELS
Written by Jane Breskin Zalben
Illustrated by Thai My Phuong
(Charlesbridge, $17.99. Ages 4-7)

It doesn’t happen often, but this year, the first night of Hanukkah falls on the same day as Christmas. When the two holidays coincide, some people refer to it as Chrismukkah. For families who celebrate both, it means double the excitement. Sophie and Max are waiting for their two sets of grandparents, the Golds and the Feathers, to arrive, but the snowy weather might be holding them up. To “make the time go faster,” the children’s mom suggests baking. A mess ensues, but the time indeed passes, and soon the grandparents show up. The kitchen is a flurry of cooking activity before everyone heads out to enjoy the snow. The combination of a Hanukkah song and Menorah lighting followed by “Silent Night” and Christmas tree lighting makes for a memorable evening. My Phuong’s illustrations add to the warmth of this diverse gathering which includes Grandma Gold, an Ethiopian Jew. This picture book accurately depicts the Hanukkah and Christmas story so kids in interfaith families can see themselves reflected on the pages. Best of all is the blending of sweet traditions in the form of gingerbread dreidels, opening presents from under the tree, and of course, the priceless gift of being together. I like how Breskin Zalbin’s prose flows effortlessly much like how the family respectfully and joyfully honors the two faiths shared in the story.

 

We Celebrate the Light cover beam of light showing different light oriented holidays.WE CELEBRATE THE LIGHT
Written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple
Illustrated by  Jieting Chen
(Rise X Penguin Workshop; $18.99, Ages 3-6)

When Jane Yolen and daughter Heidi E. Y. Stemple write a story together, the results are bound to be spectacular, and their latest picture book, WE CELEBRATE THE LIGHT does not disappoint. This gentle book, illustrated by Jieting Chen’s whimsical art, whisks readers around the world to experience seven joyful winter holidays. As the title implies, these celebrations are all bound together by light. Lights adorn both Christmas trees and the bodhi, a Ficus tree decorated for the Buddist Bodhi Day. The Chanukah menorah and the Kwanza Kinara both hold multiple candles, while lanterns are lit for Diwali and for the Lunar New Year. The seventh holiday, the Solstice, celebrates the sun’s light. Each spread shows families enjoying songs, games, and tables filled with traditional foods. Chen’s warm, autumn palette weaves calmness and joy through every page. This is a holiday book you’ll want to take out every winter and read about each holiday as it arrives.

  • Reviewed by Marcia Berneger

 

The Light From My Menorah cover snowy village Menorah in house window.THE LIGHT FROM MY MENORAH:
Celebrating Holidays Around the World
Written by Robin Heald
Illustrated by Andrea Blinick
(Pajama Press; $18.95, Ages 4-8)

The cover of The Light from my Menorah exudes warmth. The first spread simply doubles down on that ambiance. A fire is burning in the fireplace, a daughter is playing dreidel, Dad and Mom are reading and a son is watching the glow of all nine candles in the menorah. And I can’t forget the comfy-looking kitty asleep on the rug.

Enchanted by the light of the candles burning, the boy thinks of the Hanukkah miracle of “long-lasting light.” He wonders where the miracle of the light is now as a swirling strand of light leads the boy to Scandinavia where a group is celebrating St. Lucia Day when people dress as the saint and candles light up the headpiece of the leader. (Kids should look out for the owl and other creatures making appearances in Blinick’s charming illustrations.) Next, “the light from my menorah zigzags up mountains.” It travels fast, and it travels far, touching down in Thailand, where darkness takes on a magical quality during Loy Krathong. Here, people light candles and incense sticks and place them on decorated floating bases. They make wishes and set the “krathong” off in hopes any bad luck will go with it. Other light-filled holidays are covered including Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Diwali. More detailed explanations can be found in the backmatter.

 

Let's Get Festive cover three diverse international girls.LET’S GET FESTIVE!: 
Celebrations Around the World
Written by Joanna Kończak
Illustrated by Ewa Poklewska-Kozietto
Translated by Kate Webster
(NorthSouth Books; $27.95, Ages 4 and up)

I learned about a host of holidays in Let’s Get Festive! that made me want to visit many of the countries covered at those times of year. Kończak chose to organize the book according to theme rather than in chronological order. The themes featured in 175 pages are “Welcoming the New Year,” “Celebrations of Nature,” “Religious Holidays,” “Carnivals,” “For the Dead,” “In Memory of People and Important Events,” and “Special Occasions.” Not only is Hanukkah thoughtfully covered but three other Jewish holidays are featured.

One holiday I particularly enjoyed reading about is called Vesak. It celebrates Buddha’s birthday and focuses on spreading joy and offering prayers for peace. It’s also been “designated an international holiday by UNESCO,” something I had no idea even existed. Another lovely and surprising holiday, this one from Japan, is called Hanami and means “flower viewing.” When the stunning pink blossoms of the beloved cherry trees are at their peak people gather for picnics to bask in their brief but undeniable beauty.

The art in this comprehensive compendium of international celebrations is cheerful and festive and would please even the youngest reader. However, the text may be better suited for ages 7 and up. With over 35 holidays and celebrations to read about, I recommend skipping the deep dive and, instead, picking one theme at a time. This extends the experience and helps what you’ve read sink in.

WE ALSO RECOMMEND:

The Day I Became a Potato Pancake
(Apples & Honey)

Let it Glow
(Feiwel & Friends)

ABOUT GUEST REVIEWER MARCIA BERNEGER:

Marcia Berneger is an educator, speaker, and writer. A retired teacher who taught elementary school children for over three decades, she has worked mainly with first and second-graders and children with special learning challenges. Marcia’s passionate about helping children navigate their world and many of her stories are taken from her teaching experiences working with fidgety students or those experiencing typical childhood fears.

Find her here.

Check out last year’s roundup here.

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Nonfiction Picture Book Review – Skybound!

SKYBOUND!:
Starring Mary Myers as Carlotta,
Daredevil Aeronaut and Scientist

Written by Sue Ganz-Schmitt

Illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

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

 

 

Skybound cover Carlotta nee Mary Hawley Myers aeronaut.

 

 

★Starred Reviews – Kirkus, Foreward

 

I’m always happy to read nonfiction picture book biographies about lesser-known women who did extraordinary things. Mary Myers nee Mary Breed Hawley was one of those women so I’m glad that Sue Ganz-Schmitt and Iacopo Bruno have shined the spotlight on her fascinating story in Skybound. To be honest, I’m surprised that, considering the amazing feats of derring-do that she accomplished, we haven’t heard about her sooner.

 

Skybound int1 balloon madness.
Interior illustrations from Skybound written by Sue Ganz-Schmitt and illustrated by Iacopo Bruno, Calkins Creek ©2024.

 

Readers meet women in a parlor circa 1850 doing what women were expected to do in the 19th century, “land a husband, have children, and stay tethered to their homes.” Only Mary had other ideas and did not picture herself bound to traditional norms. She dreamed about flying, and found herself preoccupied with aeronauts; people who chose to reach great heights in the only way they knew how, in a hot air balloon.

 

 

Skybound int2 Carlotta in balloon.
Interior spread from Skybound written by Sue Ganz-Schmitt and illustrated by Iacopo Bruno, Calkins Creek ©2024.

 

 

Mary soon married a fellow aficionado, and together they read, planned, and even invented! “… she helped her husband, Carl Myers, invent a “groundbreaking” balloon fabric. I love the clever use of ballooning terms, often in colored font, when describing different aspects of Mary’s life. Bruno’s art, which I adored in Mesmerized, takes us back in time with attention to period clothing and other details that lift this illuminating story to another level.

Using their new material, Mary and Carl experimented with different balloon shapes and even hired a professional to try them out. But they also wanted their balloons to do more than just fly way up high. They wanted an aeronaut who’d be able to gather scientific data while also entertaining crowds.

 

 

Skybound int3 two miles up in the sky.
Interior spread from Skybound written by Sue Ganz-Schmitt and illustrated by Iacopo Bruno, Calkins Creek ©2024.

 

 

Mary made the case for how she could do this and, after much thought, she transformed herself into Carlotta, an exotic name for a performer. She would take her aerial act aloft and remain there “for five miles or thirty minutes.” Even the rain did not stop her! Even the risks, and there were many! Mary’s intrepidness could not be denied. Ganz-Schmitt builds up the tension with her prose as does Bruno’s art. Would Mary, on her solo journey skybound, remain safe? Would the inclement weather prove detrimental? Would she gather the information she needed? I couldn’t wait to find out! And neither will readers.

Eight delightful pages of backmatter delve into more detail about Carlotta’s interesting life including tales of her many close calls while up in the air. I enjoyed the timeline, and seeing a hand-tinted postcard of the Balloon Farm in Frankfort, NY where it was “the only aeronautic institution of its kind in the world.” As a former New Yorker, I wondered why the Balloon Farm was not better known because I’d love to have visited it. Skybound and other picture books that highlight women’s achievements in the 19th and 20th centuries are great for children to read. There are many instances of women who were ahead of their time and these books serve as important reminders that perseverance and vision pay off in myriad ways.

 

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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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Picture Book Review – Can You Hear the Plants Speak?

 

CAN YOU HEAR THE PLANTS SPEAK?

Written by Nicholas Hummingbird with Julia Wasson

Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

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

 

 

Can You Hear the Plants Speak? cover child and parent's shoulder listening to tree.

 

 

Can You Hear the Plants Speak? written by Nicholas Hummingbird with Julia Wasson and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight is a lyrical picture book worth putting on your radar. After finishing it I immediately headed into my backyard to contemplate what I’d just read with a heightened appreciation of the often overlooked nature outside my doors. I hope that children will have the same experience; not just thinking about the stunning beauty of all the flowers and plants but the miracle of their survival throughout time.

 

Can You Hear the Plants Speak? int1 Our people believe that Spirit lives in everything.
Interior spread from Can You Hear the Plants Speak? written by Nicholas Hummingbird with Julia Wasson and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. HarperCollins Children’s Books ©2024.

 

What works so well in this memoir is how the voice of the storyteller takes readers back to his youth to show how nature has always been tightly woven into the everyday life of Native Americans. We’re pulled into the story when invited to come along on a walk. From an early age, the child learns from his great-grandparents, “Our people believe spirit lives in everything.” The influence of his elders and ancestors plays an important role in his life.

 

Can You Hear the Plants Speak int2 I spent long summer days with my great-grandparents.
Interior art from Can You Hear the Plants Speak? written by Nicholas Hummingbird with Julia Wasson and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. HarperCollins Children’s Books ©2024.

 

Goodnight’s illustrations serenely convey the respect and appreciation of every encounter. “We listened as our plant relatives spoke.” While I’ve been known to talk to my plants, I’ve never considered listening to them so these words deeply touched me.

 

Can You Hear the Plants Speak? int3 We listened as our plant relatives spoke.
Interior spread from Can You Hear the Plants Speak? written by Nicholas Hummingbird with Julia Wasson and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. HarperCollins Children’s Books ©2024.

 

When the main character describes how his ancestral land was “flattened to concrete” by those more interested in profit than plants and spirit, I grew angry. I imagined his hurt. The art shows how cities replaced countryside, decimating what stood in their way. The stark reality of how damaging this was to nature is powerfully conveyed in a four-word spread where an uprooted plant lay torn from the earth. “The land was silenced.” A gut punch.

 

Can You Hear the Plants Speak? int4 Grandfather Oak's Shade.
Interior spread from Can You Hear the Plants Speak? written by Nicholas Hummingbird with Julia Wasson and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. HarperCollins Children’s Books ©2024.

 

As the boy becomes a man, he still feels the loss profoundly. Who can he listen to?  But a sprout emerging from concrete offers hope. “Don’t give up,” it says to him. He listens. And plants. And gives back to the land he loves. The land that always provided for his relatives would now provide for his new family. He teaches his son, Tuhui, the importance of continuing to listen to what the plants tell him. Readers are then asked to listen. “Can you hear it?”

This beautifully written and illustrated book provides a subtle yet meaningful message that lets children know we are all the stewards of our world, and that we should not take our flora and fauna for granted. Respecting nature and our “plant relatives” is at the heart of this recommended read. Two pages of backmatter round out the book including suggestions on what young readers can do to help preserve the flora and flora that surround them.

 

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