The author of The Airport Book and The Hospital Book returns with another book about a turning point in a child’s life. Told by an older sibling, the book shares a list of the places that their family has lived in. Before the younger sister was born, they lived in a tiny apartment with their grandfather downstairs. They moved to a tall apartment building with lots of stairs. Next came a larger apartment in a building with elevators near the museum. Finally, their current house where they had their own bedrooms. Now it’s time for another move, this time to a place with their grandfather.
Brown captures something I rarely see in picture books, the fact that many families move multiple times as children grow up. Each of the places they lived had something special about it from a child’s point of view: a great playground, warm bagels, a nearby museum, a grandparent right next door. The illustrations capture the packing and unpacking of boxes, the search for favorite toys, and the family working together no matter where they live.
A warm and lovely look at more than one move. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
When Auset’s parents divorce, her world splits into two. Happily, she has Sweet Honey in the Rock and Bob Marley to help her. Auset tries going to a therapist, but finds her stuffed dolphin a much better listener. Auset is doing OK at school, keeping up appearances and not showing how hurt and angry she is. Except that one time when she hit a kid at school and made him cry. Auset doesn’t tell her mother the truth, pretending to be OK. Luckily she can talk to her dad more honestly. It takes a lot of songs, love and honesty to try to get through suddenly having two homes.
Told in verse, this picture book beautifully shares the emotions of having parents divorce and the direct impact it has on a child. Auset is wonderfully both herself and also speaks universally of the journey involved in divorce and loss. The use of verse captures emotions and relationships, struggles and triumphs. The acrylic art is vibrant and depicts Auset’s feelings clearly.
A moving picture book about divorce and families. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
This is the story of people who choose to become Americans. They come from around the world at all ages. Some come alone, others being family, most leave people they love behind. Some come to study and work while others are refugees fleeing their countries. They add so much to our country. They bring new music, food, and language. They do many jobs. They study hard and eventually take a citizenship test to formally become American.
Written by an immigrant to the U.S. and illustrated by a refugee, this book is engaging and vibrant. It shares with children the many reasons people may come to live in the United States, emphasizing that they still remain part of their original culture, bringing those elements with them and not losing themselves in the process. The illustrations are full of diversity, capturing the many people from across the world coming to the United States to live.
Ideal to share in classes learning about citizenship and immigration. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
Tea Is Love by Adib Khorram, illustrated by Hanna Cha
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 28, 2025
Reviewed from copy provided by publisher
ISBN: 9780593618530
Celebrate the joy of tea as it is shared around the world. The book shows the power of tea in families as memory and between friends as gifts. It looks at learning about tea in various ways. Tea can also be shared online, in large gatherings or quietly for just one or two. Throughout all the ways to drink and share tea though, it is love.
Through gentle poetic language, readers are invited to see tea as a universal pleasure and source of connection. This book, written by an award-winning author, is perfect for sharing aloud with very simple lines that are evocative. The illustrations, by a Caldecott Honor winner, have tea swirling across the pages in a variety of pots, cups and holders. She shares a vast array of cultures as the tea weaves new connections.
A delicious delight of a book. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Waking Brain Cells 