Happy Tuesday, kidlit friends! This past weekend my sister and youngest niece (14) came to town and we visited my 96-year-old grandmother, who is looking so much better after her fall earlier this year! She’s moved in with my uncle and I think being around people every day has helped her a lot.
This week I’m reviewing two great new picture book releases and some new Jewish-themed board books. Before we get to those reviews, check out Book Riot’s newest newsletter for readers looking for fascinating stories, informed takes, useful advice, and more from experts in the world of books and reading. Subscribe to Book Riot’s newsletter The Deep Dive to get exclusive content delivered to your inbox. Choose your membership level today at bookriot.substack.com.
Bookish Goods
Frog and Toad Stickers by GetStickyWithItStore
These Frog & Toad stickers are so adorable and come in many sets. $5+
New Releases
Sari-Sari Summers by Lynnor Bontigao (picture book)
In this heartwarming intergenerational picture book, Nora visits her Lola in the Philippines every summer to help her run her sari-sari store. Nora loves measuring out groceries for the customers. However, this summer is so hot that no one is coming to the store! When Lola makes Nora a special sweet treat, the two come up with an idea to help the store thrive despite the heat. This includes an ice candy recipe in the back!
Welcome, Rain! by Sheryl McFarlane, illustrated by Christine Wei (picture book)
This rhythmic, colorful picture book celebrates all things rain. At first, the narrator loves the rain, splashing with her brother in puddles, watching her Gran’s garden grow, seeing robins hunt for worms. But as the rain continues, she feels less enthusiastic about it. Maybe the rain could let up for just a little bit? In the withering heat of summer, however, she’s ready to greet some rain once more. This is a great seasonal picture book for spring and summer.
For a more comprehensive list, check out our New Books newsletter!
Riot Recommendations
I had meant to post about these Jewish board books last week for Passover but felt it was important to highlight books about school shootings instead. However, these four Jewish board books are excellent reads all year round!
Help-A-Lot Shabbat by Nancy Cote
A brother and sister team help their family prepare for the weekly Shabbat celebrations in this sweet board book. From making cholent to picking out flowers, this duo is excited about welcoming family and friends to their home to celebrate a Shabbat meal. I especially love the diversity of families in the illustrations in this rhyming board book.
Pippa’s Passover Plate by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Jill Weber
The 2021 picture book of this rhyming passover modern classic has been reissued as a board book now. It follows Pippa the mouse as she overcomes her fears of her animal neighbors to find her missing Seder plate. Afterward, when she finally finds the Seder plate, she invites them all to dinner to celebrate Passover with her.
Mazal Bueno! by Sarah Aroeste, illustrated by Taia Morley
This sweet board book shows Sephardic Jewish parents welcoming their newborn baby using the Ladino greeting “Mazal bueno!” There’s also a QR code on the back to listen to the author sing a Ladino song! Sephardic Jewish experiences are rarely represented in children’s books and this one, with its warm illustrations and lyrical prose, is really special.
My Family Haggadah by Rosalind Silberman, illustrated by Hiroe Nakata
This is another lovely, simple Passover-themed board book. A child prepares for Seder dinner by setting the table, eating matzah, listening to the Passover story, and more. This board book is a companion to A Family Haggadah I and A Family Haggadah II, which are for older child readers.
We’ve had a lot of storms here in Tennessee the past few weeks, and so many trees have fallen at our local parks. It makes me sad, though it does make for more adventurous trail hiking, which my daughter enjoys.
If you’d like to read more of my kidlit reviews, I’m on Instagram @BabyLibrarians, Twitter @AReaderlyMom, and blog irregularly at Baby Librarians. You can also read my Book Riot posts. If you’d like to drop me a line, my email is kingsbury.margaret@gmail.com.
Until next Tuesday!
Margaret Kingsbury