Everyday Bean by Stephanie Graegin (9781774886205)

In ten little stories, readers meet Bean, a very small hedgehog who lives with her Grandma. There is a story of Bean’s favorite blanket getting smaller as it is loved until it is finally a bandana. There are ghost stories that are entirely unscary. There is a tale of Clem, Bean’s favorite toy who keeps her safe from storms. Then there are stories of the delights of big boxes and jumping off of swings. 

Told with a winning simplicity that is entirely charming, this book is just right for other little ones with big imaginations and who love ghosts and strawberries. The illustrations are digital and are full of warmth and a timeless childhood feel. 

Terrific tales of a tiny hedgehog. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from library copy.

The Family Tree by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Fiona Lee (9781665948371)

Everyone in Penny’s family is always busy and never has time to slow down. They are always hurrying to the next thing until suddenly a tiny sprout appears on their kitchen floor. The sprout grows and becomes something they can’t ignore or rush past. Penny starts to water and care for the tree with help from her dog. Each day it gets more special and bigger with its roots going down into the earth. Soon it is a tree and everyone in the family makes room for it. But that’s not enough, and the house needs to be changed to accommodate the tree that is breaking through the roof. The tree has everyone in the family spending more time at home, slowing down and being together. Now they all feel at home, thanks to the tree. 

This book uses an astute way to speak to the rushing of modern life and families. The use of the tree as a form of physical connection and an invitation to slow down and be together with one another works particularly well. As it grows, it becomes a central feature, something to nurture, transforming their home. The illustrations are jaunty and playful, celebrating the tree, new connections and family joy. 

A picture book to savor with those you love. Appropriate for ages 4-7.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Beach Lane Books.

How to Grow a Family Tree by Bea Birdsong, illustrated by Jasu Hu (9780823453962)

Emmylou’s class is presenting their family trees. All of the others have lots of branches filled with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. For her, it’s just her and her mother. Her mother doesn’t like to talk about Emmylou’s grandparents or her father. Emmylou realizes that her neighbors are more like family to her. There is Mrs. Patel who shares her mango chutney, Mr. Li who taught Emmylou to ride a bike, and Rosa and her twins where they all watch out for one another. But those people don’t belong on a family tree, or do they?

Birdsong tells her story in brief text that captures Emmylou’s worry about class clearly. It also shows just as vividly her strong relationships with her neighbors, her found family. The illustrations, done in watercolor, are beautifully textured and deeply toned. They show Emmylou’s emotions roiling as her presentation comes closer as well as the warmth and connectivity of her neighborhood.

A brilliant picture book about how some families aren’t related to one another. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Edelweiss and Neal Porter Books.