It’s never too early to teach kids about acceptance and compassion. This month’s roundup features three uplifting titles that focus on the importance of creating unity in a world that’s often defined by difference.

FORGING FRIENDSHIPS
In his irresistible new tale, The Wall in the Middle of the Book, Jon Agee uses a smart premise to impart important lessons about camaraderie and connection. A brick wall splits each spread of the book into two sections: A pint-size knight stands on one side, and a group of fearsome creatures—a tiger, a rhino and (oh no!) an enormous ogre—stand on the other. The knight is thankful for the protection that the brick divide provides. But when an emergency occurs and help quickly arrives from the other side of the wall, he realizes that friendship can arise when it’s least expected. Agee’s appealing illustrations and clever approach to storytelling make this a standout story. With a valuable message about conquering fear and reaching out to others, it has the makings of a classic.

CREATING COMMUNITY
Bestselling adult author Dave Eggers introduces readers to the concepts of community and public engagement in the smart, accessible What Can a Citizen Do? In this inspiring book, a diverse cast of young change-makers transform an isolated island into an inviting space and provide a sense of belonging to an unexpected guest—a bear in pink pants! Eggers weaves simple civics principles into the whimsical plotline, and his rhyming text is full of memorable quotes: “A citizen’s not what you are—a citizen is what you do. A citizen cannot forget the world is more than you.” Shawn Harris’ dynamic illustrations, creatively rendered in paper collage, provide an easy point of entry for readers. Parents who are looking to cultivate community-mindedness in their little ones will find rich lessons here.

OVERCOMING MISCONCEPTIONS
In The Very Last Castle, Travis Jonker tells the story of a town with a mystery at its center: a strange, medieval-looking fortress. “For reasons no one could remember,” Jonker writes of the castle, “no one ever came out. And no one was allowed in.” Young Ibb passes the castle each day and wonders what’s inside. (Her grandfather says snakes; her friend Alex suspects giants.) After Ibb bonds with the castle’s lonely caretaker, she persuades him to let the community in. Soon the townspeople are welcome onto the grounds, where they find a world of beauty and enchantment. In his striking watercolor illustrations, Mark Pett depicts Ibb as a spunky girl in yellow boots. She’s a heroine with an open heart, an open mind and the courage to ignore preconceived notions. Youngsters will love this story of discovery and acceptance.