• Hold Them Close

    Hold Them Close

    by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Patrick Dougher with photography by Jamel Shabazz

    48 pages, 4–8 years; published 2022 by HarperCollins

    Hold Them Close: A Love Letter to Black Children is truly captivating and has a soulful intention. Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow’s text reads like poetry, blending words of wisdom and hopeful wishes alongside historical references. Patrick Dougher adds collage-style illustrations with vibrant patterns that envelop Jamel Shabazz’s photographs in dynamic ways. Brilliant back matter gets children started on a valuable knowledge journey. The creative trio packs endless layers of content into this picture book. What a gem to add to any library.

  • “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” 

    —Jackie Kennedy

  • The Little House of Hope

    The Little House of Hope

    by Terry Catasús Jennings, illustrated by Raúl Colón

    32 pages, 4–8 years; published 2022 by Neal Porter Books

    The Little House of Hope tells a tale of compassion in which a Cuban family helps others navigate the challenges of immigration in the US. Jennings shows how even small acts of kindness among friends and family can really make a difference. Esperanza and her brother provide proof that kids are a part of the hope and change in our society and have the ability to support their community alongside their parents. The illustrations by Colón bring warmth and beauty to the story and are sure to captivate readers with their texture and details. The fact that this story is inspired by Jennings’s childhood makes it all the brighter.

  • “I you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” 

    —Albert Einstein

  • Annette Feels Free

    Annette Feels Free

    written & illustrated by Katie Mazeika

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2022 by Beach Lane Books

    Such an interesting biography about world-class swimmer Annette Kellerman. Annette Feels Free is packed with information and yet it never feels didactic. Kellerman was a remarkable woman, and it’s fantastic to share her story with young children. Mazeika’s illustrations have delicate lines paired with powerful colors and composition. She shows how Annette went from wearing leg braces, to swimming, to winning races, and then designing her own swimwear. An amazing inspiration for females, and any child with disabilities, to show how you can break barriers and achieve success while striving to be your true self. 

  • “Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.” 

    —Malorie Blackman

  • Wishes

    by Mượn Thị Văn, illustrated by Victo Ngai 

    40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2021 by Orchard Books at Scholastic

    Such a profound message in only 75 words. Muon shares crucial information by attributing wishes to inanimate objects, and Ngai’s illustratrations add much more content to each spread. This family’s journey across the vast ocean is a scary and lonely time, but the muted color palette makes the scenes intriguing and dreamlike rather than frightening. Wishes is a wonderful, heartfelt story about refugee families and the sacrifices they make in order to better their lives. The art note adds informative historical and personal details as well. Wishes is a must-read that will inspire empathy.

  • “A room without books is like a body without a soul.”

    —Marcus Tullius Cicero

  • Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates

    Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates book cover

    by Cheryl B. Klein, illustrated by Abhi Alwar

    32 pages, 3–7 years; published 2022 by Dial Books

    A gem of a story about the challenges of relationships brought to life by cohabitating hamsters. Klein addresses this complex topic with a simple and fun scenario children will relate to. Despite the confines of a cage, Henry tries to distance himself from George, his chatterbox of a roommate. Henry speaks few words but all with optimum effectiveness. This story is both humorous and heartfelt, pairing well with quirky illustrations by Alwar. Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates is a great read-aloud with a wonderful message about compromise. 

  • “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild to pick up a book and read to a child.”

    —Anita Merina

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