Fiction - Sondra Zalewski | Writer & Author

The Jade Bracelet

written by Hà Dinh, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2025 by Ra ndom House Studio

The Jade Bracelet is a touching story about family traditions and the ways in which they can be difficult for children to embrace. Young Tiên receives a special green bracelet for her birthday. Despite her mother explaining the luck and significance of this jade bangle, Tiên is only able to see that it looks nothing like the popular charm bracelets at school. Hà Dinh shows us the nuanced feelings kids have about honoring their heritage while also trying to fit in among their peers. Yong Ling Kang’s beautiful illustrations hold many details that strengthen the characters and their moods. Both the reader, and Tiên, come to see the value of traditions and the magic they hold.
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”

—Jackie Kennedy
A Snow Day for Amos McGee

written by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

48 pages, 3–6 years; published 2025 by Roaring Brook Press

Yet another winner from the dynamic duo of Philip and Erin Stead. While I have a sweet spot for the two previous Amos McGee books, this story stands well on its own. A Snow Day for Amos McGee is a charming depiction of friendship and caring for others. Readers will enjoy watching Amos and his menagerie prepare for a coming snow storm. Philip Stead’s thoughtful words and Erin Stead’s tenderly detailed art pull you into a comforting space you’ll never want to leave. See how the fun and beauty of a snowy day is much more meaningful when shared with friends.
Jonty Gentoo: The Adventures of a Penguin

written by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Scholastic Press

Given Donaldson’s reputation for outstanding rhyme, I thought Jonty Gentoo would be a fun read-aloud, and it did not disappoint. This story entertains readers with delightful phrases about Jonty’s journey in search of his true home and also includes many facts about penguins. The bright illustrations from Scheffler add to the enjoyment (plus an image of the Gruffalo!). I love the diversity of both humans and animals in the scenes, and kids will too. Another marvelous picture book from a dynamic duo!
Summer is Here

written by Renée Watson, illustrated by Bea Jackson

40 pages, 3–6 years; published 2024 by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Watson writes a lovely ode to summer that speaks of it like a cherished friend. A young girl wakes to a sunny morning seeking all the joys the day can bring. This includes splash time at the pool and a picnic in the park. Jackson’s illustrations pop off the page with bright colors and an infectious warmth. Her dynamic compositions draw the reader in and delight us with their varied vantage points. Summer Is Here welcomes the warm season with open arms and will be a comfort to read later on once she’s past.
Noodles on a Bicycle

written by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Gracey Zhang

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Random House Studio

Noodles on a Bicycle is an equally fun and fascinating tale about Japanese deliverymen who literally peddle fresh soba noodle orders via bicycles. Kids will revel at the concept of balancing towering stacks of food trays—in one hand no less—while cycling among city traffic. Maclear’s words paired with Zhang’s artwork convey the thrill and energy of this vocation. It all seems like pure fiction until you see the added black and white photo from the 1930s taken on the streets of Tokyo. Such an interesting and culturally historic topic to share with children.
The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals

written by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Clarion Books (Harper Collins)

The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals is a charming story from Deborah Underwood. This classic tale is about a rigid gentleman who enjoys his tidy home and never entertains the idea of owning a messy pet. Until a cat shows up at his door that isn’t so bad. The man grows to like the cat and then another cat, and a dog, and a menagerie of creatures that pay him a visit. The illustrations by LeUyen Pham double the charm. Pham loads each spread with fabulous details kids will love discovering. The story builds to the point where the man needs to kick all the animals out of his home or move somewhere bigger. Turns out this is an Old McDonald origin story—what fun!
Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing

written by Amy Hest, illustrated by Erin Stead

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2024 by Neal Porter Books

I love the simplicity and tenderness of this picture book, Big Bear and Little Bear Go Fishing. Hest uses few words to convey the emotional connection between Big Bear and Little Bear, but each word is chosen with care. The bears use the same level of intention to pack up and prepare for their day of fishing. Stead’s paintings are nothing short of perfection, containing just the right amount of color and content. She creates bears with body language that speaks volumes. This thoughtful combination of words and illustrations culminates in a story that truly warms the heart. Readers come to learn that a day of fishing for Little Bear and Big Bear is really about quality time with one another.
The Yellow Bus

written & illustrated by Loren Long

48 pages, 3–6 years; published 2024 by Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan Kids

A picture book about a school bus and her many uses. This touching story highlights the unique camaraderie between the bus and her community over the years. Long’s illustrations draw the reader in with a limited palette that only focuses color on the bus. The rich yellow seems to glow off the page, and kids will enjoy scanning the extra details in every scene. Long built a remarkable 3-D model of the town he depicts, something readers can learn more about in the back matter. The Yellow Bus feels destined to become a classic with appeal for all ages of kids and adults. A wonderful tale about love, devotion, and new beginnings.
Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas

written & illustrated by Matt Tavares

40 pages, 4–8 years; published 2023 by Candlewick Press

This heartfelt Christmas story has something for everyone: a talking reindeer, a flying adventure, and the kindness of strangers. Framed text blocks and subtle lighting give Tavares’ illustrations a classic feel, and the detailed close-ups of Dasher prove captivating. Kids will enjoy rooting for the impatient Dasher when she travels alone and loses sight of the North Star guiding her home. Dasher Can’t Wait for Christmas reminds readers to be brave, kind, and thoughtful—grand notions for the holiday season. (This picture book is a sequel to DASHER but each story stands alone.)