Children of the Sun by Micaela Chirif, illustrated by Juan Palomino, translated by Lawrence Schimel

• Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: March 31, 2026
• Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley
• ISBN: 9780802856548

Based on the Incan legend of Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, this picture book tells the story of the first people on earth who lived in caves and didn’t cook food. Then Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo were created when the Sun leaned in to see his reflection in the lake and created foam on the water. The two were entrusted by the Sun to make the first city. They would know when they were in the right place when their long stick sank into the ground. The two walked the earth for almost a year, ending up exhausted and discouraged. That’s when the stick sank into the ground and they founded Cusco, the Incan capital. 

Written by Chirif, a Peruvian poet, with art created by Palomino, a Mexican illustrator, this picture book is splendid. The story is told with such an openness and welcoming tone. In honor of its oral tradition, the book reads aloud well while still taking its time building towards the capital creation. The art is unique with a modernity but also a traditional vibe that matches perfectly with the tale. 

A journey worth taking with Latin American legends. Appropriate for ages 5-9.

Ritu in the Sun by Moniza Hossain, illustrated by Mercè López

• Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: April 21, 2026
• Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley
• ISBN: 9780593806692

Ritu loves the sun at all times of day. She loves it in the morning when the sunlight streams through the windows and she can curl up like a cat on the floor in the pools of light. She loves it in the afternoon, floating in the swimming pool. She loves it in the evening as it colors the world orange and pink and slants across the backyard. But Ritu’s grandmother avoids the sun and wants Ritu to join her in the shade. When Ritu finally asks why her grandmother hates the sun, her grandmother admits that she was raised to avoid the sun so her skin wouldn’t get darker. Ritu likes her grandmother’s darker skin and tells her so. Now it’s time for them both to embrace their love of the sun.

Based on the author’s personal experience and inspired by talking with a young girl, this book speaks very clearly to children who love the sun, spend time outdoors and enjoy a good swim. While their skin might darken, their love of play and being outside is even more important than what society or family members might think. The grandmother’s transformation is a lovely piece of Ritu’s story, showing that change is possible with love. The illustrations in this picture book share Ritu’s connection with her grandmother and their shared adoration of one another. 

A loving and strong look at skin tone. Appropriate for ages 4-6.

Thank You, Sun by Douglas Florian

• Publisher: Beach Lane Books
• Publication Date: March 31, 2026
• Reviewed from copy provided by publisher
• ISBN: 9781665966757

Children’s poet Florian returns with a winning collection of poems that offer thanks to parts of our world. The book starts with the sun, thanking the sun for light, warmth and generosity. The earth is then thanked for air, ground, food and much more. Throughout, Florian plays with poem structure and typeset, having the one thanking the wind blow across the page and the poem thanking a tree standing straight, narrow and upright. 

Florian creates poems here that are celebratory and joyous. It’s a clever way for children to connect with nature around them, by thanking them for being there and for providing what they do, whether that is birdsong or snowflakes. His writing is child friendly but never didactic or condescending. Instead he makes sure that young readers will relate to his ideas and then shares his joy of words and poetry. The art in the book is done by Florian as well. It is full of background texture, colors, friendly animals and natural scenes. 

Share this with children and they are sure to thank you. Appropriate for ages 6-10.

When the Sun Goes Down by Greg Pizzoli

• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication Date: April 7, 2026
• Reviewed from Edelweiss e-galley
• ISBN: 9780593649800

Told in soothing repetitive forms, this picture book is perfect for bedtime reading. A little girl asks a butterfly, “Where do you go? Where do you go when the sun goes down?” The butterfly then answers that they go under a leaf. The little girl asks an ant, a bird, a fish, and the cat. Finally the book asks the child what they do when the sun goes down. The book repeats then what each other creature does and asks if that’s what a child does too? Finally, the book ends with the little girl in bed asleep with the sun down. 

This book begs to be shared aloud while cuddled up together. It’s a book with a wonderful rhythm to it built by the repeating refrains and the repetition of responses towards the end. The rhythm is soothing and quiet rather than rambunctious, offering just the right feel for a bedtime read. The illustrations have a marvelous quality to them thanks to their unique process. They are done in brush pen on paper, screen printed and collaged. The result is luminous colors with an organic quality and layers. 

A brilliant bedtime book. Appropriate for ages 2-4.