Jill Lorenzini

Gillian Shield’s latest story, When the World Is Full of Friends, proves that there is always room for charming animal stories with simple lessons. Four rabbit children live an idyllic life; cozy and safe, the siblings play under their watchful parents’ eyes near a busy stream. When a squirrel family moves in on the other side of the stream, the young rabbits are determined to meet these potential new friends, no matter how difficult crossing the water may be.

On the outside, this seems like an unpretentious tale about making new friends. However, Shields and illustrator Anna Currey also deliver a gentle moral message about problem-solving, teamwork and determination. Each little rabbit has a skill or interest that lends something unique to the task at hand. Even the tiny baby rabbit has something to contribute, and the parents jump in to help their offspring as well.

Shields’ story is simple, but it unfolds naturally and makes for a perfect read-aloud. Currey’s colorful and lush illustrations have a timeless charm that is reminiscent of Beatrix Potter; the rabbits frolic in sheep-and-cow-filled meadows warmed by the sun and dotted with flowers, and even the wide stream is placid and soft. The animals’ expressions vary from intensely thoughtful to pure excitement, but they’re consistently kind, making this story ideal for bedtime.

Bookended by rhyming messages, When the World Is Full of Friends has echoes of an Aesop’s fable. When your little one asks for just one more story, you’ll be glad the world is full of books like this one.

Most American readers have never set foot in Africa; its customs and languages may seem distant and even foreign. But the words handed down by its people contain the same wisdom handed down throughout the world. In From the Heart of Africa, Canadian author Eric Walters presents 15 proverbs, gathered during his travels throughout Africa.

Representing many African countries and cultures, the proverbs are short and simple. A place of origin and a brief description (written at a child’s level) supplement each proverb, but the accompanying artwork is what truly elevates this book. The artists are from all walks of life—a street artist, a horticulturalist, art teachers and designers all lend their creativity—and they use a variety of mediums and styles. While each illustration is unique, shared traditions and cultural pride create continuity from page to page. Collectively, the images are vibrant, celebratory and full of texture.

A foreword informs readers on the importance of oral tradition, making this an important addition to school libraries. From the Heart of Africa reminds us that while Africa is at a great distance, the soul of the continent—and humanity—is never far.

This article was originally published in the January 2018 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.

Both a compelling story and an intimate look at ancient life, Nile Crossing shines with the ancient Egyptian canon—hieroglyphics, the Nile and scarab beetles—and will fill multiple roles in any library.

Against the backdrop of Egypt’s lush Nile River and the bustling city of Thebes, author Katy Beebe introduces readers to Khepri, a serious, curious and introspective child on his way to school for the first time. Using the Egyptian language of hieroglyphics to illuminate Khepri’s story, Sally Wern Comport’s illustrations feel like hieroglyphics come to life: vibrant and detailed, yet resonating with the style of ancient Egypt. As though painting on papyrus, Comport uses color and texture to create the dense night, the lush vibrancy of the Nile, the warmth of Khepri’s home, the hum of Thebes.

For those interested in ancient Egyptian culture and life, Nile Crossing provides an insider’s view. Imbued within the tale and the artwork are the Nile River’s vital role, the significance of the gods and the value of the land and family. While it seems Khepri’s story ends too soon, readers will be delighted to find passages about ancient schools, papyrus and ink, as well as the first hieroglyphic lesson he learns. A glossary of terms and titles for further reading round out this brilliant book.

Well-researched and passionately created, Nile Crossing might be one of the most fascinating, educational and unique books of the year. Beebe writes about her lifelong fascination with ancient Egypt; this book could very well launch a new generation of Egyptologists.

Perfect for a lesson on identity, multiculturalism and diversity, Why Am I Me? is less a story and more an open door for discussion. Every day we encounter other people—heading to work, playing in the park, walking down city streets, filling up the subway car. How often do we truly ponder those around us?

Linguistically very simple, Why Am I Me? relies on its artwork to open up the many cultures and lives all around us. Illustrators Selina Alko and Sean Qualls draw on their own Brooklyn experiences to fill the pages with a busy, inviting city. A cleverly placed star ties the book together, reminding us of all that we have in common. Artistic, soft renderings of faces and objects address not only our outward appearances but also musical skills, athletic endeavors and family makeup. Some faces are detailed and expressive, while others are vaguely traced in the background, keeping the artwork focused without losing its aesthetic. Details like subways, skateboards and a cat in a window give us a sense of place and belonging. As an extra artistic note, small scraps of text (newsprint, fiction, reference books, textbooks) are collage-style tucked under colorful storefronts and buildings. Certain bits of text pop out, inviting us to look more closely and ponder the artists’ intent.

Author Paige Britt keeps the text minimal and simple, opening the discussion without lecturing. Little readers may have many questions about the people painted on the page, making this a good first look at diversity for little ones, and could provide thoughtful writing prompts for older students.

Sharing a few words and a sandwich, a boy and his father travel through the quiet tranquility of a city before dawn. In those serene moments they share complex, sometimes painful truths. Solemn and truthful, A Different Pond gives us one day through which to view the life of a refugee family working to thrive in a new country.

On an artistic level, A Different Pond is a collaborative success. Based on his own childhood experience, author Bao Phi narrates as a child would, with straightforward language, enhanced with moments of poetic description. Phi, who was born in Vietnam and raised in the United States, gives us insight into traditions carried, transplanted and not always fitting easily into a new world and life. Graphic artist Thi Bui, who was born in Vietnam and immigrated as a child, tells a compelling story in the faces of her characters. Bui’s renderings are colorful but low-key, giving a sense of calm, of well-worn habits, of family sharing. The toned-down colors lend a slightly ethereal sense to those moments where both noisy city and stressful life seem tucked away. Car rust and a homeless man’s shopping cart lend authenticity and keep us grounded.

Lightly touching on experiences in Vietnam, as well as the many difficulties faced by refugees, Bui and Phi’s book would fit perfectly into school units on multiculturalism and the refugee experience. We all have stories of difficulty and obstacles; A Different Pond is a profound reminder of what we do every day to lift our families up and how we tell—and cherish—those stories.

Scary stories are best at night when shadows—and imaginations—grow with the dark. But what happens when a little spooky becomes a large and looming spooky? A clever tale, The Too-Scary Story by Bethanie Deeney Murguia is just eerie enough to make children hide a tad deeper under the covers. Murguia’s book begins with Papa’s bedtime story and two intrepid kids. Well, one intrepid kid and her younger—and more hesitant—brother. Add in the obligatory woods and glowing eyes, and Papa’s story tiptoes the line between pleasant bedtime story and campfire tale. The dense, black forest gives way to fireflies, and menacing eyes become gentle, sleepy wild animals. But what about that enormous, frightening shadow?

An expert storyteller, Murguia weaves together two layers, pulling in her characters and the reader. She skillfully pulls back before the story becomes too frightening; nobody gets eaten and no monsters turn up, and we end where we began, cozy in bed. However, Murguia doesn’t veer into cutesy, keeping just enough edge to tame even the pickiest little readers. With scenes bouncing between foreboding trees and a comfortable home, Murguia’s art is energetic and full of personality. The two kids, bold sister and cautious brother, are relatable and expressive.

Just ominous enough to win over the kids, The Too-Scary Story will also win adults with its nightmare-free approach. It’s not terribly difficult to tell a scary story. But to both captivate and charm an audience with the perfect blend of energetic narration and crafty illustration? Well, that’s positively spooky.

While his four piggy siblings go sailing, this Little Pig is stuck at home. With plenty of spare time, some bits of string and a guide to sailing knots, Little Pig is an expert knot-tier by the time Poppy arrives with a carved wooden boat. Together Little Pig and Poppy sail the boat on imaginary voyages—with tiny wooden Poppy and Little Pig sailors onboard. When the ship heads over a waterfall, Little Pig makes a daring rescue, and he finally has a story to share with his seafaring older siblings. Adventures, after all, come in all sizes.

David Hyde Costello’s illustrations are colorful, kid-friendly and expressive. The softly painted forest and stream are especially welcoming as lovely reminders of summer days. Little Pig’s sailboat may lure readers out into the wild outdoors with homemade ships of their own. A step-by-step knot diagram will entice readers of all ages to attempt a few nautical knots, so have a shoelace or rope handy when reading. The pigs’ conversations help tell the story and add a layer of comedy, especially when Poppy finds himself going head-over-heels into the stream.

A story about family and cooperation, creativity and problem-­solving, Little Pig Saves the Ship is calm enough for bedtime but will stand up to multiple rereads. The relaxing vibe of a day spent wading in a stream is perfect for a summer-themed storytime.

This article was originally published in the May 2017 issue of BookPage. Download the entire issue for the Kindle or Nook.