May 29 – National Bike Month

About the Holiday

Established in 1956 and sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month celebrates all the fun and benefits of cycling. Communities around the country celebrate with special events, tours, and safety lessons. The month also hosts Bike to School and Bike to Work days to encourage people to leave their cars at home, get fresh air and exercise, and have fun at the same time. Although the month of May is winding down, biking is always a fantastic way to enjoy family time! For more information visit the League of American Bicyclists.

Yellow, Red, Green—Go!

Written by Ellen Mayer | Illustrated by Ying-Hwa Hu

Mommy and her child are off on a bike ride to visit Grandma! On the way, Mommy points out the traffic lights they pass—and sometimes need to stop for. Mommy explains what each color means and the pattern the colors make. “‘Yellow means we have to slow down,’ says Mommy.” When the light changes, her little one is excited to explain “‘Red means stop.'” But in a minute, the eager tyke urges her on: “‘Green, Mommy! Go!'”

Illustration copyright © 2024 by Ying-Hwa Hu. Text copyright © 2024 by Ellen Mayer. Courtesy of Star Bright Books.

As they continue on, the pair continues to repeat the pattern, making a playful game of it. They pass a toy store and go inside, where they find more patterns in the toys and displays. It’s one more fun thing to tell Grandma! Back on their bike, they soon roll into Grandma’s neighborhood. Here the little one finds a pattern on the facade of her apartment block and points out, “‘Window, light, door. Window, light, door. Window, light . . . .'” Wait! there’s a surprise! “‘Window, light . . . Grandma!'”

The story includes a Note for Parents and Caregivers from Dr. Ashli-Ann Douglas, a Research Associate II at WestEd, whose
research focuses on improving mathematics teaching and learning to support children’s development of strong math skills and
positive math beliefs.

In her Note, Dr. Douglas discusses the benefits of talking to young children about recognizing patterns—one of the important building blocks to understanding many parts of math that children will encounter as they move through school. Dr. Douglas then invites adults to engage their children in pattern scavenger hunts within the story’s text as well as at home and away while encouraging them to find patterns in sounds, routines, and other areas of daily life.

Endearing parent-child interactions are at the heart of award-winning author Ellen Mayer’s Small Talk Books® that model rich conversations between a young child and an adult and enhance fun learning opportunities naturally present in many daily activities. In Yellow, Red, Green—GO! the child’s excitement to show an understanding of patterns is infectious, and youngest readers will eagerly want to join in around their own home and community. Readers will notice the strong back-and-forth patter between Mommy and child as they get on the bike and react to what they see on the way to Grandma’s—a stimulating dynamic that creates a fertile environment for language development and is a sweet way to build bonds.

Ying-Hwa Hu’s adorable illustrations glow with the child’s giggly enthusiasm for finding patterns and the close relationship between Mommy and her little one. Hu populates the community with other child-adult pairs and favorite objects and scenes that readers can talk about. She also includes plenty of opportunities to point out other patterns and to name colors, animals, toys, and other city features. As Mommy and the child interact, Hu demonstrates ways in which adults can engage their children through body language. Fans of other books in this series will be excited to see familiar objects and characters throughout the pages.

A delightful addition to the Small Talks Books® series, Yellow, Red, Green—GO! is a must for every library, daycare, or preschool board book collection and is highly recommended for any young child’s home bookshelf.

Yellow, Red, Green—GO! is also available in a Spanish/English edition

Ages 2 – 5

Star Bright Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1595729798 | Bilingual Edition ISBN 978-1595729804

Ellen Mayer is an award-winning children’s author who has worked as an education researcher and early literacy home visitor. Her other math story books published by Star Bright Books include Banana for Two, Clean Up, Up, Up!, and Leaves to My Knees. She lives with her husband in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Visit her at ellenmayerbooks.com.

Ying-Hwa Hu is an award-winning illustrator. Her work has been exhibited at the Bologna Book Fair and The Society of Illustrators Original Art Show. Ying-Hwa has illustrated over 30 books, many of which she collaborated on with her husband Cornelius Van Wright, also an illustrator and author. They live in New York City. Visit her at yinghwahu.com.

National Bike Month Activity

Yellow, Red, Green–Go! Activities

You can find lots of Yellow, Red, Green—GO! activities, including a pattern coloring page; a song sheet with lyrics for “The Wheels on the Bike,” a take off on “The Wheels on the Bus;” an original song that explores patterns, sung by Anna Adler; a Teaching Guide by California Early Math Project; and more to download on the Star Bright Books website.

You can also find the above activities and a fun craft on Ellen Mayer’s website.

You can purchase Yellow, Red, Green—GO! from these booksellers

English: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

You can order ¡Amarillo, rojo, verde… pasen! / Yellow, Red, Green—GO! from these booksellers

Spanish/English: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

May 6 – National Hug Holiday Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Introduced by Kevin Zaborney in 1986, National Hug Holiday Week is celebrated each year from May 7 – 13. Just like it sounds, the holiday encourages people to show how much their family and friends mean to them by enveloping them in a warm hug. These days you don’t even have to be together to share a hug! Emojis, GIFs, videos, or even an “old-fashioned” postcard or letter can convey your hug. Kids especially respond to a loving hug, so this week be sure to pull them in for a sweet squeeze!

Mama Says I’m Fine

Written by Brittney Cooper | Illustrated by Tamisha Anthony

Sometimes a mom wishes for a tidy, meaningful way to express all the affection and admiration they have for their child—a shorthand, if you will, that both mother and child recognize and immediately feel seen, empowered, comforted, Loved. In Brittney Cooper’s Mama Says I’m Fine, a young girl reveals the two words that her mama always says to her: “‘You’re fine.'” She continues: “It’s just two little words. but those two words can mean a lot.”

It’s true! She’s heard “you’re fine” in so many situations—when she needs reassurance, encouragement, acknowledgement of her accomplishments, and “the courage to stand up and speak out.” She’s also taken those words to heart when in shared moments with her mama, she understands them to mean “I’m the most beautiful little girl she ever laid eyes on.”

Over time, this girl has gained far more than just “in the moment” validation. She feels deep inside the accumulative effect when “two words can become a thousand. Thousands of words can become a million,” and those millions of words telling her that “nothing can knock me down . . . become the truth.”

The young girl doesn’t keep that confidence and self-esteem to herself, either. She channels it into empathy and understanding for the person she’s closest to—her mom! She can tell when her mother is having a tough day or feels down, and works to make her feel better, whether through homemade treats or flowers, she knows just the words to add—words full of meaning and love: “You’re fine!”

In their Author’s and Artist’s Notes following the story, Brittney Cooper and Tamisha Anthony Author’s talk about the influence and inspiration their own mothers imparted to them.

In her uplifting book, Brittney Cooper gives parents a simple phrase that echoes with all the lessons they want to impart, the amazing attributes they see in their child and all the love they feel for them. Such a shared expression can become a touchstone for families through time, one passed down to younger generations. Written from the little girl’s point of view, the story will resonate with children and make them feel as cherished as she does.

Tamisha Anthony’s lovely color palette and lush pages lend a sophistication to the story befitting the young girl’s wisdom. As Anthony states in her Artist’s Note, the abundance of flowers, shared cups of tea, and art theme honor the influence of her own mother and grandmother. These, as well as the sweet and understanding looks between mother and child, also suggest the child’s blooming girlhood and the woman she will become.

A poignant and vibrant ode to motherhood, Mama Says I’m Fine is a story children will want to hear often and one that will continue to resonate as they grow. The book would enhance any library collection and make a perfect Mother’s Day, birthday, or “just because I love you” gift.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1338763867

Brittney Cooper is the New York Times bestselling author of several books, including her debut picture book Stand Up! 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change, and the novels Feminist AF: A Guide to Crushing Girlhood and Eloquent Rage: A Black Woman Discovers Her Superpowers. A professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and Africana Studies at Rutgers University, she cofounded the Crunk Feminist Collective, and her cultural commentary has been featured on MSNBC’s All In with Chris Hayes, Melissa Harris-Perry, The New York Times, New York Magazine, Marie Claire, The Cut, The Washington Post, NPR, PBS, Al Jazeera’s Third Rail, Ebony.com, Essence.com, TheRoot.com, and TED.com, and has been named four times to The Root 100.

Tamisha Anthony has illustrated several children’s books, including Sparrow Loves Birds by Murry Burgess, Seoul Food by Erin Danielle Russell, There’s No Place Like Hope by Janet Lawler, and Most Perfect You by Jazmyn Simon. Her love of educating has led her to teach for organizations such as the New York Historical Society and Make Art That Sells, and to write and illustrate a recurring column for Uppercase magazine. Learn more at tamishaanthony.com.

National Hug Holiday Week Activity

Mama Says I’m Fine Activity Pages

These two Mama Says I’m Fine activity pages let kids express their love for their moms!

Mother’s Day Card | Mama Says Fill in the Blank

You can purchase Mama Says I’m Fine from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

April 14 – Yom HaShoah/Holocaust Remembrance Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

This year Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) began on the evening of April 13 and continues until nightfall today. Yom HaShoah is an annual day of remembrance for Jewish communities around the world to commemorate the six million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust, also known as the Shoah. Yom HaShoah occurs on the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, which was the largest act of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust and lasted for 29 days. To learn more, find research resources, and listen to or read Holocaust testimonies, visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum at ushmm.org.

Thank you to Abrams Young Readers for sending me this book for review.

Three Pieces of Broken Glass

Written by Emily Barth Isler | Illustrated by Vesper Stamper

When the narrator visits her Great-Grandmother Inge, it’s always a special occasion with treats served on an elegantly set table. But one day the young girl knocks over one of the shimmering water glasses, sending it crashing to the floor. Great-Grandma Inge dries her granddaughter’s tears, telling her, “‘It’s not only good luck to break glass sometimes but also tradition.'” For the first time the girl notices three shards of glass on the windowsill and asks about them.

Picking up the first piece, a bit of glimmering blue, Grandma explains the Jewish wedding custom in which the new husband smashes a glass underfoot, the many shards symbolizing their infinite joy and love. The next piece—sharp and clear—holds the memory of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, when “‘all the windows in all the Jewish homes and shops and synagogues in Germany. . . were smashed and broken.'” This piece reminds Grandma Inge that while sad, something broken can also “‘save your life.'” She then relates that her parents and others heeded the warning of the broken glass and knew it was time to flee.

The third came from Inge’s mother’s favorite glass. Inge considers it lucky because on the day her mother dropped it, Inge—who had been separated from her family for a long time—was reunited with them. Inge says she has carried it with her for all her important events, including the days her sons and her great-grand daughter were born. Inge sweeps up the shards from the water glass and gives one piece to her great-grand daughter to remind her of all the stories she’s heard that day and hoping it will bring her luck. Thinking of all the history that had led to that moment, the girl knows that “‘it already has.'”

An Author’s Note, with photographs, reveals that the story is based on the life of her husband’s grandmother Inge as well as her own experiences listening to stories from her relatives and friends who survived the Holocaust.

In her poignant intergenerational story, Emily Barth Isler inspires readers to embrace life, its good and hard times and the memories that remain, reminding them that strength, compassion, understanding, love, and our connections to one another are forged from our own and shared experiences. Her references to the Holocaust—Kristallnacht and the separation of Grandma Inge from her family—are sensitively addressed for children while providing the resonant history that unites Inge, her great-granddaughter, and their extended family. The affectionate relationship between Great-Grandmother Inge and her granddaughter is warm and trusting and will swell readers’ hearts.

Vesper Stamper’s watercolor and gouache illustrations radiate emotion and meaning. Her rich color palette reflects the depth of history each glass shard represents, and their lovely rainbow refractions glow as a metaphor for the significance each piece holds. Images of Great-Grandmother Inge and her granddaughter together are compassionate and supportive.

Tender and loving, Three Pieces of Broken Glass is an uplifting book that readers will take to heart. The book is a must for all library collections and would be a meaningful addition to home bookshelves.

Ages 4 – 8

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-1419778728

About the Author

Emily Barth Isler is the award-winning author of the middle grade novels AfterMath and The Color of Sound. Her writing has appeared in Allure, Oprah Daily, O Quarterly, Kveller, Publisher’s Weekly, Today.com, and more. As the cofounder of the Burbank Book Festival in Southern California, Isler loves providing opportunities for all kinds of stories to be heard. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their two kids. Visit her at emilybarthisler.com.

About the Illustrator

Vesper Stamper writes and illustrates books that tell stories of broken things being put back together. Her debut novel, What the Night Sings, was a Sydney Taylor Book Award winner, a National Book Award nominee, and a National Jewish Book Award finalist. She and her husband, Ben Stamper, have all sorts of artistic escapades near New York City, where Vesper teaches illustration at the School of Visual Arts. Visit her at vesperillustration.com.

You can purchase Three Pieces of Broken Glass from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

April 10 – National Siblings Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Today we honor the special bond that brothers and sisters share! Whether you’re celebrating with your own siblings or creating a special day for your children to show their appreciation for each other, today is for remembering and making memories to be cherished. Today, take time to reach out to your own siblings and enjoy togetherness at home!

My Sister, Goose

Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli | Illustrated by Hyewon Yum

When it comes to dressing, Miranda knows her little sister Goose (real name, Graciela Rose) is a free spirit. But a bathing suit at school? Chunky heels at the playground? A tutu in the snow? Goose’s flashy first choices often leave Miranda astonished. But she loves her little sister, and her little sister really, really loooves her clothes. What’s a big sister to do?

Miranda knows! She gently makes suggestions: something to cover the suit? Goose tries on different looks until one is just right and they run off hand-in-hand to the school bus. A different pair of shoes, perhaps? “But I love them . . .” Goose says, doing a little tap dance, but she admits she can climb and “run fast” in her fancy sneakers. Another great choice! Miranda tells her.

All this dressing up points to something else Miranda loves about her sister: her “really big imagination.” Like when they play “Bubble Queen” in the bathtub, complete with frothy crowns for both of them. And when Goose crawls, gallops, and dances in her zebra costume even though bedtime gets delayed and delayed and . . . . Still, Miranda imagines that “Goose had wonderful dreams about zebras that night.”

Sometimes, Goose’s outfits are so perfectly amazing the first time that Miranda asks for fashion advice. She knows, of course, that whatever Goose chooses will be extraordinary—just like her little sister!

There’s so much to love about Alyssa Satin Capucilli’s My Sister, Goose. No sibling rivalry, no tears. Just mutual love, support, and appreciation. Even though Goose’s first inclinations sometimes leave her big sister flabbergasted, Miranda patiently guides her to find her own more practical outfits. Miranda also applauds Goose’s sense of adventure and imagination. While practicality is often appropriate, one of Capucilli’s greatest gifts in this book is Miranda’s openness to embracing her sister’s quirkiness and joining in her free-wheeling, creative, self-expression. Through the sisters’ dialogue, Capucilli models positive language that encourages instead of discouraging individuality among siblings. Capucilli’s first-person storytelling also emphasizes Miranda’s admiration for her little sister.

Hyewon Yum’s charming colored pencil illustrations accentuate the loving relationship between Miranda and Goose with plenty of shared smiles, hand-holding, and hugs at home and away. Miranda’s initial reactions to Goose’s outfits are realistic and humorous, making her patience and thoughtful help all the more authentic. Kids will eagerly anticipate each of Goose’s outfits, which are all adorable and as colorful as she is.

Full of humor and heart, My Sister, Goose is a joyful portrayal of sisterly love that both adults and kids will adore sharing again and again. The book would make a perfect addition to any library collection.

Ages 4 – 8

Hippo Park, 2026 | ISBN 978-1662640995

Alyssa Satin Capucilli is the award-winning creator and author of the Katy Duck series and the bestselling Biscuit series, which has sold over twenty-four million copies. A dancer as well as a writer, she lives with her family in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. Visit her at alyssasatincapucilli.com.

Hyewon Yum is an author and illustrator of many picture books, including Grandpa Across the Ocean and The Twins’ Blanket. Her book Saturday Is Swimming Day was named as a Charlotte Zolotow Award Honor and Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten! received the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator award. She also illustrated Ode to a Bad Day, Not Perfect, Luli and the Language of Tea, and many more. She was born and grew up in Seoul, Korea. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family. Visit her at hyewon-yum.squarespace.com.

Meet Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Spend a moment with author Alyssa Satin Capucilli as she talks about the inspiration behind My Sister, Goose!

National Siblings Day Activity

Dress-Up Craft

With this easy craft you can make a fun sheath dress for playing dress-up. It’s also a great party activity! All you need is a plastic or paper party table cloth, Sharpies, and your imagination!

Supplies

1 plastic party tablecloth (1 cloth will most likely make 4 dresses) or a pillow case
Sharpies or other permanent markers
Ribbon, scarf, crepe paper garland, or other material for a belt
Scissor
Newspaper, old sheeting, or other material to protect the crafting surface

Directions

Fold the table cloth in half. The folded edge will become the dress’s shoulder. Cut a rectangle through both layers the appropriate size for your child
In the middle of the folded edge cut a V-shaped or rounded opening for the child’s head. Begin with a small opening and enlarge it as needed
Lay the dress on newspaper or other material to protect the crafting surface
Draw and color shapes, lines, figures, or other designs on the dress
Add a belt, ribbon, or scarf to complete the look!

You can purchase My Sister Goose from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

April 7 – Week of the Young Child

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

This year marks the 55th anniversary of Week of the Young Child, an annual initiative hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (which itself is celebrating its 100th year!) to promote learning and spotlight young children, their families, and their teachers. Themes for each day of this week focus on ways that children learn. These included Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday. To get more information on this week-long celebration and discover extensive ideas and activities to make each day of the week fun for your family or students, visit the NAEYC website.

Thank you to Orchard Books/Scholastic for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Beautiful Black Boy

Written by Sophia Robinson | Illustrated by Ken Daley

Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, teachers, and all of the important adults in a child’s life want them to grow up knowing how much they are loved and how special they are. Sophia Robinson’s lyrical ode to Black boys does just that with stirring, confidence- and esteem-building affirmations that celebrate Black joy while identifying and reinforcing qualities their children already possess and that will sustain them throughout their life.

Each of Robinson’s verses offer a poignant starting point for adults to share not only a specific characteristic—like resilience, leadership, courage, and curiosity—but to expand on it, sharing examples from the child’s own life. They also provide a spark for conversations between children and caregivers about their experiences as well as their hopes and dreams for the future.

Ken Daley’s exhilarating illustrations portray Black boys full of wonder, intelligence, confidence, courage, and pride in their accomplishments. His kinetic backgrounds are subtly layered with words from the text, a poignant reminder that the praise children receive echoes like a song’s refrain in their hearts and minds into adulthood.

Notes from Sophia Robinson and Ken Daley about the creation of Beautiful Black Boy follow the text.

Inspiring, motivational, and full of love, Beautiful Black Boy is a book to cherish and share over and over again as a child grows. It is a must for any library and will be a favorite on home bookshelves. The book also makes a meaningful gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and end of year presents for teachers.

Ages 4 – 8

Orchard Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1338864649

About the Author

Sophia Robinson was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. She has been an elementary school teacher for over 20 years, where she shares her love of picture books with her students. Visit her at sophiarobinsonauthor.com.

About the Illustrator

Ken Daley is an award-winning artist/illustrator who lives in Tillsonburg, Ontario. His art and illustrations are inspired by his African-Caribbean heritage, and he has exhibited his work in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. Ken has illustrated numerous children’s books, including Joseph’s Big Ride, Jayden’s Impossible Garden, A Feast for Joseph, Black Boy, Black Boy, The Little Regent, and more, as well as received an Américas Award Honor Book and a Kirkus Best Picture Book for Auntie Luce’s Talking Paintings. Visit him at kendaleyart.com.

Week of the Young Child Activity

CPB - Heart Jar

Jar Full of Hearts

Whenever your child feels the need for more love or reassurance in their life, this jar full of hearts can be a visual reminder of the love that surrounds them, can be used to encourage discussions about experiences and feelings, or can provide meaningful tokens of their own love kids can give to family and friends.

Supplies

A clear jar with a lid
Red felt
Scissors

Directions

1. Cut red hearts from the felt

2. Add hearts to the jar. The jar can start out full or hearts can be added over time. Here are some ideas for using the jar with your child:

Add one heart for each thing you love about your child or that a child loves about their sibling or friend.
Give a new heart whenever the recipient of your jar does something nice for a sibling, friend, or someone else.
If talking about feelings is difficult for your child, encourage them to bring you a heart from the jar to start a conversation.
Encourage the recipient of your jar to pass the love along! Tell them they can give a heart from the jar to someone else.

You can purchase Beautiful Black Boy from these book sellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

March 30 – National Take a Walk in the Park Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Take a Walk in the Park Day is as easy as it sounds, but getting outside and enjoying nature can make a profound impact on your emotional and physical wellbeing. Walking, whether on a paved path or testing your stamina on a rugged trail, provides many health benefits, and immersing yourself in the sounds and often surprising sights of wildlife going about their busy and playful lives brings joy and offers new perspectives and appreciation for the world around us. To celebrate today, visit a favorite or new local or state park with your family!

Thank you to Yosemite Press for sending me a copy of this book!

Forest en Familia / El bosque en familia

Written by/Escrito por Cynthia Harmony | Illustrated by/ Ilustrado por Renata Galindo

While Emilia’s family waits for Abue Tita to arrive, Emilia and Papi finish packing up their lunch, including sweet and spicy tamarind treats, and Abuelo Beto’s treasured compass. Emilia and her family are going to forest en familia day at the big state park, and while her brother, Nico, is rarin’ to go, Emilia feels timid about being out in the wild. But soon—¡vámonos!—they’re off!

At the park gate, the friendly ranger hands Abue Tita a map. Emilia is captivated by the fresh scent of the pine trees. On the trail, their grandmother encourages them to “‘keep ears, eyes, and hearts open to sorpresas.” Emilia is ready! She loves surprises! And just then, a fluttery sorpresa finds her! Nico, running and leaping, discovers a little salamander on a mossy log. Then they all find more surprises everywhere they look.

After enjoying lunch under Abuelo Beto’s “favorite kind of tree,” they clean up “every wrapper and stray crumb. Then—¡Arriba!—climbing higher and higher on the trail, they come to the “biggest forest en famila sorpresa” of all. With “hearts wide open,” they gaze at the glorious panorama spread out in front of them. Back home, Emilia’s heart is full of the forest and all she’s seen.

This bilingual book presents the story in both English and Spanish side-by-side. Back matter includes a glossary, a prompt to find all the creatures in the illustrations and the answer key, and tips on making the most of a visit to public lands.

Cynthia Harmony’s lyrical and enchanting bilingual story will touch the hearts of all readers with its invitation to discover the surprises nature has waiting as well as its embrace of family traditions, culture, and remembrances. Through Emilia and Nico, Harmony positively recognizes that children embrace new experiences at their own pace, a welcome character arc in this inclusive story. Equally strong are the family connections, shown in Emilia’s packing both her and her brother’s favorite treats, the children’s close relationship with their grandmother, and the use of their abuelo’s keepsake compass along the trail.

Renata Galindo’s charming illustrations combine realistic depictions of the forest with whimsical touches that sweep the family and readers up into the wonder of nature and its waiting surprises. Children will find joy in Galindo’s images of the family together—marveling over the wildlife they see, child and parent walking hand-in-hand, Nico nudging Emilia so she doesn’t miss seeing a hawk, a relaxing lunch break, and reliving the excitement of the day back home.

Joyous and uplifting, Forest en Familia/El bosque en familia is the perfect book to introduce visits to public lands; local parks, trails and playgrounds; and even to spark nature discovery hunts in your own backyard. The close-knit family dynamics also makes this a warm and homey read for any story time occasion. The book is a must for all library collections, especially to accompany circulating nature backpacks or other such materials, and would be a favorite on home bookshelves as well.

Ages 4 – 8

Yosemite Conservancy, 2026 | ISBN 978-1951179397

About the Author

Cynthia Harmony is a bilingual children’s author and educational psychologist, originally from Mexico City. Her titles include Mi Ciudad Sings and Mi Ciudad Canta, Our World: Mexico, and the Charlotte Huck Honor-winner, A Flicker of Hope and Un Aleteo de Esperanza, which was selected as one of the best children’s books of the year by Kirkus and the American Library Association. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, with her family. Visit her at cynthiaharmony.com.

About the Illustrator

Renata Galindo is an art director, illustrator, writer. She is the author of three children’s books: The Cherry Thief, My New Mom and Me, and A Casa en Tres Idiomas, which have been translated into more than ten languages. Renata’s illustrations have been featured in exhibitions in Mexico, the U.S., and Italy, and she has created concept art, storyboard art, and layout design for animation, film, and television. She lives in Mexico City. Visit her at renatagalindo.com.

Take a Walk in the Park Day Activity

Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt

While you’re out walking, look for the wildlife and other things in nature on this Scavenger Hunt or use the page without pictures to create your own list!

Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt with Pictures | Nature Walk Scavenger Hunt without Pictures

You can purchase Forest en Familia / El Bosque en Familia from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

March 23 – National Gardening, Nature, and Ecology Books Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Established by The Children’s Book Council in the early 2000s, Gardening, Nature, and Ecology Books Month invites everyone to explore gardening and the wonders of the natural world through reading about these topics through books of all kinds. With their combination of compelling storytelling and beautiful illustrations, picture books are especially adept at revealing the beauty of the environment, the intricate connections of ecology, and the rewards of gardening. This month-long holiday encourages people to not only read about the environment but to get involved in the type of stewardship that will help create a greener and more sustainable world. Today’s book offers a beautiful example!

Thank you to Greystone Books and Deborah Sloan for sending me a copy of this book for review!

Aya Has Never Seen a Bear

Written by Gerelchimeg Blackcrane | Illustrated by Jiu’er | Translated by Paul Qiao | Adapted by Helen Mixter

As readers enter the story they get a bird’s-eye view of Aya and her grandma and grandpa’s camp. Aya and her family are Oroqen, an ethnic group of hunters who live in the forests and mountains of Greater and Lesser Khingan, in northern China. Grandma is tending the fire outside their curonko, the tent where Aya still sleeps, while their dogs wait patiently and their horses graze nearby. Grandpa has just returned with breakfast and plans for the day.

At last, Aya will have a chance to view bears in the woods. She has seen many other animals, but never a bear. Aya rides her horse slowly and quietly through the autumn woods as Grandpa has taught her. Aya spies various animals, and deeper in the woods the shadow of an eagle owl sends the two riders hurrying on to the wetlands. When Aya and her grandpa come to the river valley, they hide behind bushes on the riverbank, remaining completely still as they watch for bears in the pine woods on the other side. There they see an abandoned mattress surrounded by garbage. When a mother bear and three cubs come into sight, Aya holds her breath, knowing “in the northern forest, bears are unbeatable. They are pure power.” The bears frolic and snooze on the mattress. Finally, Grandpa whistles, and they scurry away.

Grandpa and Aya then burn the mattress and other trash to dissuade the bears from interacting with humans “This is how the Oroqen share the forest with bears. Respect them, be in awe of them, and keep away from them.” When the fire is completely out, they head home, picking berries along the way. Winter, with its deep blanket of snow, will come soon enough. Then Aya will dream about the bears while they hibernate until spring.

Back matter provides more information about the Oroqen and their traditions.

Gerelchimeg Blackcrane’s story, beautifully translated by Paul Qiao, flows with the gentle rhythms of a mountain stream, carrying readers along on Aya’s and her grandfather’s trip to view bears in the wild. Through their actions, Aya and her grandpa demonstrate how humans can live in harmony with nature, respecting its autonomy while also enjoying and using its gifts—guiding principles of ecology. Lovely passages of lyrical description dazzle, drawing readers into the lives not only of Aya’s family but of the plants and animals of the forest and the patterns of the changing season.

Jiu’er’s rich illustrations, rendered in mineral pigments, glow with the woodland hues of autumn. Panoramic views of the mountains and river valley are breathtaking, and each page offers a plethora of details that will delight children. They may be especially interested in Grandpa’s hat that helps him and Aya remain camouflaged. Readers will be awed by the image of the eagle owl and the nearly two-page spread of the bears napping together.

A wondrous, quietly affecting story of family and peaceful coexistence with nature, Aya Has Never Seen a Bear is highly recommended for all library collections and would make an eloquent addition to home bookshelves for tranquil bedtime or story time reading.

Ages 4 – 8

Greystone Kids, 2026 | ISBN 978-1778403064

Gerelchimeg Blackcrane is an award-winning Chinese Mongolian writer of natural literature and a breeder and trainer of native Chinese mastiffs. He has published many novels, including Black Flame, Ghost Dog, Black Dog Haranohai, Wolverine River, Blood Colt, Smoke from Wolf Valley, and Six Seasons of Reindeer. He has collaborated with Jiu’er on picture books, including The Moose of Ewenki, another story of a traditional people of Inner Mongolia, also published by Aldana Libros. His works have been translated into more than ten languages and sold internationally, exported abroad, with a wide readership of children and adults. He currently lives in the Hulunbuir grassland in Inner Mongolia.

Jiu’er is an award-winning sculptor and picture book writer and the first female Chinese artist to be featured in the Honor List of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). She lives in Beijing, China, along with her Mongolian hunting dog, whose name is Huhe.

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