September 30 – National Friendship Month

About the Holiday

Do you have friends you haven’t seen or talked to in a while? Is there a new person in your office or a new classmate at school who could use a friend to show them the ropes or eat lunch with? If so, this month’s holiday gives you the opportunity to reach out, say hello, and learn a bit about The holiday was instituted by the Oddfellows (shortened from The Grand United Order of Oddfellows Friendly Society (GUOOFS)), an international fraternity that dates back to 1730s England, with the hope of encouraging people to make friends. Friendship Month is a super time to show kindness to those friends you know and those you don’t—yet!

Thank you to Salaam Reads for sharing a digital copy of this book with me for review!

Our Favorite Day of the Week

Written by Ashley Franklin | Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell

It’s Monday morning and Musa has just tied his shoes by himself for the first time. He’s excited to share the news with Zohra, his classmate and next door neighbor. Up until now, she was the only one in their class who could tie her shoes. But when they meet on the sidewalk, Musa can tell Zohra is distracted. She’s already thinking about tomorrow. Tuesday is her favorite day of the week because she always gets to wave at the sanitation workers, Mr. Joey and Mr. Brown, who call her a “‘superstar recycling sorter,'” but tonight she and her family are leaving on a trip.

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Rahele Jomepour Bell. Text copyright © 2026 by Ashley Franklin. Published by Salaam Reads copyright © 2026.

Musa is empathetic. He says, “‘I’d feel sad if I missed my favorite day too.'” His favorite day is Wednesday, when his father takes him and his brother to swim class. After the lesson is over, “‘they always had the best of times splashing together.'” As Musa and Zohra continue through the neighborhood, they meet more of their classmates, who are excited to share stories about their favorite days. Zadie can’t wait for Grandma Day on Thursday. Every Thursday her grandmother picked her up from school and they did crafts—sewing, movie making, art projects—together all afternoon. In her room, everywhere she looked “‘she was reminded of all the fun they had had.'”

Mo wished every day could be Friday because “‘Shabbat dinner was the best of all dinners—of all meals, even!'” He recounts going to synagogue with his family, lighting candles, and having challah—”‘the best of all breads!'” “Everyone could see why Friday was Mo’s favorite.” When Zadie prompts Luna to tell them about her favorite day, she reveals that she looks forward to Saturday when she goes to the Chinese cultural center to learn Mandarin and about her culture. She offers to teach her classmates Chinese words at recess.

When the group arrives at school, they meet up with Moisés. The kids share their conversation, and Moisés offers that Sunday is his favorite day because after going to church, he goes to the park with his family and watches them play fútbol against other families. He can’t wait until he’s old enough to play soccer too. Soon, it’s time to enter the classroom and sit on the rug for circle time. Ms. Gupta starts off with the day of the week and a surprising admission that Monday is her favorite day of the week because she feels happy to see all her students again—a feeling that means she’s “‘doing something [she] loves with the people [she cares] about.'”

Back matter includes an interesting discussion on which day is considered the first day of the week around the world and information on which Roman or Norse god the days are named for.

Ashley Franklin’s charming story captures the sweet and serious cadence of conversations with and between young children. Her endearing cast of characters, each with their own distinct personality, shows pride and enthusiasm for family activities that make a certain day of the week their favorite. Franklin’s inclusion of the repeated refrain revealing that “everyone could see why” a particular day is a favorite for each friend, builds camaraderie among children and an awareness of their community. Readers will eagerly look forward to hearing each child’s story and sharing which day of the week is their favorite and why.

Rahele Jomepour Bell’s warm-toned illustrations immediately invite readers into this enchanting group of friends. Her delightful depictions of each child’s favorite activity immerse kids in the sights, sounds, and feelings generated in each place through realistic details that can inspire conversations at home or in the classroom.

Ages 4 – 8

Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-1665935678

About the Author

Ashley Franklin is the author of Not Quite Snow White; “Creative Fixes” from the anthology Once Upon an Eid; “Situationally Broke” from the anthology What We Didn’t Expect; Better Together, Cinderella; The Masjid Kamal Loves; and more. Ashley received her master’s degree in English literature from the University of Delaware. She is an adjunct college instructor and proud mom. Ashley currently resides in Arkansas with her family. Visit her at ashleyfranklinwrites.com.

About the Illustrator

Rahele Jomepour Bell is an illustrator of several picture books, including Our Favorite Day of the Year by A. E. Ali on the Salaam Reads list. Rahele came to the United States from Iran in 2011 and pursued her dream of studying art at Iowa State University where she received her MFA in integrated visual arts. She believes all people share a common home in planet Earth, but may differ in their skin color, way of life, and their thinking. She loves these differences and believes this is what makes the world a beautiful place to live. Visit her at RaheleStudio.com.

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September 17 – Constitution Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Constitution Day commemorates the official signing of the United States constitution in 1787 by the delegates of the Constitutional Convention, whose purpose was to forge an agreement between the states which would allow a central government the power to enforce its decisions and allow the new country to stand as an international force, while maintaining a reasonable level of independence within the separate states. This document has formed the basis for the development and running of the United States ever since while periodically being amended to reflect changes over time.

Thank you to Harry N. Abrams for sending me this book for review!

We the People Is All the People

Written by Howard W. Reeves | Illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh

Howard W. Reeves opens his and Duncan Tonatiuh’s patriotic tribute with the Preamble to the United States Constitution, inviting readers to contemplate the meaning of this groundbreaking paragraph, and especially its evocative first line—”We the people of the United States.” Reeves and Tonatiuh then encourage children and adults to really look around their town or city, their state, and the country as a whole with a fresh appreciation that “‘We the people’ is all the people.”

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Duncan Tonatiuh. Text copyright © 2026 by Howard W. Reeves. Published by Harry N. Abrams copyright © 2026.

Reeves offers straightforward and thought-provoking prompts urging readers to consider who these people embraced by the Constitution actually are. He begins close by with “people next door,” then branches out to people “down the street, and across the country.” He takes readers to various living situations—houses, apartments, and shelters—and to a variety of places of worship.

He reminds us that the Preamble’s timeline is open-ended, welcoming “people who were here, who arrived later, who still come today.” Reeves then asks readers to ponder the universal experiences of belief, doubt, struggle, and achievement as they apply to the people around them at work, school, the store, passing on the street. He also initiates an appreciation for the diversity of those you cheer for on favorite teams, those who help you achieve your goals; those who teach; and those who help you eat, stay healthy, and remain safe at home and in the world.

In closing, Reeves reminds us with moving clarity that everything this country is built on, has achieved, and continues to achieve is accomplished by us: “people who look different ways, love different ways, and communicate different ways.” We are “children and adults. Family, friends, and strangers. We the people is ALL the people.” Author’s and Artist’s Notes follow the text.

Howard W. Reeves’ lyrically cadenced story gives adults and children a heartfelt opening for discussions on so many topics concerning the United States from historical events—both proud and heartbreaking—to current concerns about our future. Reeves prompts readers to think deeply to view and understand our country’s vast population from various perspectives and with the same consideration they give themselves.

Matching Duncan Tonatiuh’s instantly recognizable artwork with Howard W. Reeves’ text was a stroke of inspiration as his textured, collage-style illustrations immerse readers in landscapes as quiet as pristine mountain terrain and as bustling as a gleaming city. Tonatiuh’s eloquent images make reflective connections across pages, as exemplified by a woman whose hair fans out as a backdrop to rural, suburban, and city life and a woman whose hijab provides a pathway for worshipers attending a church, a mosque, and a synagogue.

In a particularly affecting spread, an indigenous woman stands with arms and braids outspread to support original settlers, enslaved people, and immigrants who built the transcontinental railroad, as well as farm workers and those building new technology now and in our future. Each page shows the diversity and the commonality of our country’s vibrant population, allowing readers to see themselves and their community in the fabric that is America.

We the People Is All the People is a standout must for all library and classroom collections. The book will also inspire compelling and profound discussions for families and homeschoolers.

Ages 4 – 8

Harry N. Abrams, 2026 | ISBN 978-1419776496

About the Author

Howard W. Reeves is an editor of many award-winning picture books and novels for children and adults. His work often focuses on American history, and he is passionate about editing books that celebrate diversity, equality, and inclusion. He was one of the founding instructors for the School of Visual Arts MFA Design Program. Reeves lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

About the Illustrator

Duncan Tonatiuh is a Mexican American award-winning author and illustrator known for children’s books that explore history, identity, and social justice. Born in Mexico City and raised in San Miguel de Allende, he later studied at Parsons School of Design and Eugene Lang College in New York City. Tonatiuh’s books have received numerous honors, including the Pura Belpré Medal, the Robert F. Sibert Award, and multiple New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book selections. Visit him at duncantonatiuh.com.

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Picture Book Review

August 27 – National Just Because Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Doesn’t today’s holiday sound relaxing? A whole day devoted to doing things “just because.” As the school year starts up again and the less structured days of summer fade, it’s fun to contemplate what you can do just because you feel like it, because it makes you happy, or because it’s something nice you want to do for someone else. With no expectations, no directions, and no nagging deadlines, today’s holiday lets you be the captain of your own actions and fate! So get out there and do that thing! You might surprise yourself and others—just like the little girl in today’s book!

Thank you to Abrams Books for Young Readers for sending me a copy of this book for review!

A Very Good Parade

By Eleanor Davis

When Gabby, with her cape, crown, Tudor ruff-esque tutu, and exclamation-point topknot, waved her spatula and declared “It’s time for a parade!” she was initially met with reluctance. Miguel told her he didn’t “know how to do anything,” including playing the tuba sitting next to him. Gabby reassured him that the “horn is so good, you don’t even have to play it.” If that was the case, Miguel was ready to sign up and blew a weak breath—“pffsssfffssssss”—into the mouthpiece.

They continued down the block, Gabby inviting everyone to join the parade with “whatever you’ve got.” Hugo has lots of questions about who and what will be in the parade before demonstrating his talent for singing “Stayin’ Alive.” All Anthony has are his auntie’s oversized cowboy boots, but Gabby says to wear them and come along. Across the street they meet up with two girls who don’t want to miss snack time, so Gabby hands them three tubes of string cheese and wants to know what they’ll do in the parade.

As Gabby leads her growing parade to the park, she picks up drummers, acrobats, even a wild animal who all fulfill Hugo’s list, while deftly dispatching two bullies with a definitive “No, you aren’t” when they say they’re going to join the parade. When Gabby finally yells, “STOP! Now we will all perform!” the street erupts with roars and crash-bangs and singing and clomping and “pffsssfffssssss” from Miguel’s tuba. The parade ends with an unexpected flourish that makes the watching crowd go “wild” and Gabby’s pronouncement, “Now it is time for dinner!” that sends everyone home. Back at Gramma’s, Gabby proclaims her parade “‘was the best parade in the history of the whole entire universe.’ And it was. Gabby said so.”

When Eleanor Davis’s spunky and aptly named Gabby announces herself and her intentions to lead a parade on the first page, readers will find their lips curling into a smile that only becomes wider and never fades as the story progresses to its pitch-perfect ending. Focused and self-assured, Gabby marches out into the street where she spreads compliments, confidence, and acceptance (except for one very welcome rebuke of bullies) in her wake. Hilarious touches in the dialogue and illustrations will prompt laughs and a heartwarming embrace for this close neighborhood. Kids are sure to be charmed and inspired by the variety of talents this parade presents.

Davis’s warm, matte color palette is striking and fresh, highlighting the children while they also blend in as an integral part of the community. Her illustrations are fully realized with city scenes and humorous details, and readers will love to linger over all of the action as the kids make their way to the park. A Special Note about the book’s jacket and cover: the flip side of the jacket folds out to a full-length image of the parade performance, while the cover shows the neighborhood in quiet repose.

A Very Good Parade is a joyful celebration of childhood, individual personalities, and community that will be a favorite for “read it again!” story times. The book is a must for all public and school libraries as well as home bookshelves. If you are looking for a gift, A Very Good Parade will be much appreciated and loved.

Ages 4 – 8

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-1419785733

About the Author

Eleanor Davis is an award-winning cartoonist making books for children and adults. Her recent graphic novel The Hard Tomorrow won the LA Times Book Prize for Best Graphic novel, and her early reader Stinky was celebrated with a Geisel Honor, among many other accolades. She is the illustrator of Traci N. Todd’s Make a Pretty Sound. A Very Good Parade is Eleanor’s author-illustrator picture book debut. She lives in Athens, Georgia, with her husband, fellow cartoonist Drew Weing, and their noisy and righteous child. Visit her at doing-fine.com.

National Just Because Day Activity

It’s Instrumental! Game

Play this fun game to gather all the instruments you need to create a music group or a parade! The first person to collect all 6 instrument cards is the winner!

Supplies

Printable Paper Cube Template
Printable Musical Instruments Cards—print one page for each player
Scissors
Tape

Directions

Print the Paper Cube Template, cut it out and assemble the cube die.
Print the Musical Instruments cards, cut out cards, and separate the instruments into piles
Players take turns rolling the die cube to collect musical instrument cards
The first player to collect all 6 instrument cards is the winner

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Picture Book Review

July 2 – National Pickle Month

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

July is made for picnics and picnics are made for pickles! If your sandwich or hot dog is just not the same without the tang of pickles or you love nothing more than biting into a crunchy gherkin, dill, or other variety, then this holiday is for you! Instituted in 1949 with encouragement by the Pickle Packers, this observance celebrates the popularity of pickles. An eye-popping 5,200,000 pounds of pickles are eaten in the US every year! Pickles have a storied history, going back thousands of years to 2030 BC, when pickling was used as a preservative. Even Cleopatra and Julius Caesar lauded the beauty and strengthening properties of pickles! So, if you relish pickles by themselves or incorporated into your favorite dish—enjoy!

Thanks to Tundra Books for sending me this book for review!

The Wise Pickle

Written by Sarah Howden | Illustrated by Sabina Hahn

One day, a pickle appeared “on the side of the road, against the wall of a dry cleaners” and, speaking into the ether, took stock. “‘I am a pickle on the side of the road. . . I have lived a lot of life.'” Hearing this, animals began to gather and seek answers from the pickle’s seemingly vast store of knowledge. A rat propped the pickle upon a pillow, and from there it made pronouncements, both philosophical and mystical. When a mouse offered the pickle a crumb, the pickle said, “‘I’m here to feed others, not to eat.'”

Illustration copyright © 2026 by Sabina Hahn. Text copyright © 2026 by Sarah Howden. Courtesy of Tundra Books.

Over hours and days, this gherkin guru’s followers hung on its every word, even as their mentor shriveled in the hot sun. Their questions ranged from the proverbial “‘Why are we here?'” to the more pointed “‘How did you get here?'” The pickle was generous with its answers, revealing that it “‘used to live underwater . . . in a salty brine like the sea, but with more garlic,'” and sharing its inauspicious, yet shocking, past and its last wishes.

As the pickle’s prospects grew bleak, the animals accommodated its final desire and gathered to say goodbye. But this extraordinary pickle’s mission is not finished. In fact, its influence may just be taking off.

Smart, funny, and steeped in the tart and tangy pleasures of absurdism, Sarah Howden’s ingenious story will keep kids and adults laughing at its melding of droll humor, parody, and endearing characters. Her deft touch with straightforward storytelling amplifies her beguiling descriptions and laugh-out-loud dialogue, leaving readers happily enlightened. Howden’s enigmatic hero is one readers will never forget.

From the moment the pickle bounces onto the scene, Sabina Hahn’s deadpan graphite pencil and watercolor illustrations hilariously trace the pickle’s elevation from sidewalk curiosity to enthroned guru. The pickle’s wide, staring eyes express subtle emotions as the animals gather, their paws clasped in reverence as they lean in to learn his story and absorb his wisdom. Infused with sincerity, Hahn’s simply composed images are as charming as they are farcical, a perfect match for Sarah Howden’s story.

The Wise Pickle is a hilarious, contemplative story that all ages will eat up and request again and again. It is a must for any library or home collection and would make a delectable gift for any child.

Ages 4 – 8

Tundra Books, 2026 | ISBN 978-1774886984

Sarah Howden is the author of several books for children, including Cone Cat, Cone Dog and The Tunnel. Her poems have been published in Grain and Jones Av., and stories in Chirp and Chickadee magazines. Sarah is also an editor at Orca Book Publishers, where she enjoys helping other writers sculpt their stories. She works out writing conundrums on walks around her neighborhood or by distracting herself with snacks (she won’t say no to a crunchy pickle). Having grown up in the Niagara Region, she now lives in Toronto with her husband, daughter, and two mischievous cats. Follow her on Instagram.

Illustrator, animator and sculptor Sabina Hahn has been a voracious reader and an unstoppable doodler her whole life, which has led her into the world of children’s books. She loves stories, tall tales and most importantly, pickles. Sabina grew up in Riga, Latvia, and now lives in New York. Visit her at sabinahahn.com.

National Pickle Month Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-pickle-maze

Pack a Peck of Pickles Puzzle

The pickle jar has toppled over! Can you pick up the pickles in the maze to pack them in the jar again?

Pack a Peck of Pickles Puzzle | Pack a Peck of Pickles Puzzle Solution

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Picture Book Review

April 8 – National All Is Ours Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

National All is Ours Day is a joy-filled holiday that encourages us to pause, look around, and really think about the beauty and abundance in our lives and the world around us. Our family and friends, neighbors, teachers, and colleagues—and who can forget our pets?—add so much richness to every day. Exploring your immediate surroundings or taking a trip to new locales and taking pleasure in the beauty you see can open up new perspectives and gratitude for the gifts we all share in common. Today, celebrate our interconnectedness with others, extend kindness, and embrace the idea that the best experiences in life are shared.

Thank you to Ten Speed Young Readers for sending me a copy of this book to me for review!

Others: A Story for All of Us

Written by Kobi Yamada | Illustrated by Charles Santoso

Kobi Yamada’s story starts simply enough. Two boys on one side of a hedge are having a discussion about the people on the other side of the hedge. One boy wonders what “the other people” are thinking about. The second boy is confused and asks, “Are there different kinds of people? How are they different?” His friend thinks it’s obvious: the way they look, talk, everything. The second boy then begins asking some pointed questions about exactly how they are different. “Do they have heads and bodies?” Of course. Do they have wings or tails or maybe “sticky tentacles” or even wheels? The boy thinks these attributes would be helpful, but “No” the first boy answers, the people “are humans.”

Once that’s established, Yamada’s story takes a deeper dive into the internal lives of these “other people.” The second boy is trying to wrap his head around the issue and inquires if the other people “have hearts and brains.” “Yes, of course,” comes the quick answer. Now the manner of the boy’s questions take a subtle change. He wonders if his friend thinks that these people “think and feel,” get lonely, scared, or hurt feelings. He confesses that he, himself, experiences these emotions. Does his friend think they love their family and do things together? His friend takes time to answer. He says he’s never really considered such things before, but imagines they do. Still, they are from “over there” and “not from here.”

The boys begin to debate the meaning of “here” and “there” as the one with all the questions climbs the hedge and drops into the yard on the other side, where’s he’s offered a glass of lemonade. The two get closer and closer to their respective sides of the hedge—one here, one there; or is it one there, one here? They climb, and when they meet at the top, they agree that wherever they are, they feel like they are “here.”

Turning the page, the boys are unseen, but somewhere within a panoramic view of a city, the ocean, and mountains in the distance. Turn the page again and the image pans out even further, their conversation about there and here, them and us loosed from their mooring to become universal.

Others: A Story for All of Us is a perfect pairing of Kobi Yamada’s powerful text and Charles Santoso’s perceptive and layered illustrations. As the story opens, Santoso sets the scene with nuanced imagery: The hedge spans both pages, but is leafless on the facing end, showing the trunk and branches that give it structure—a reminder of family trees and the tree of mankind. On one side are the two boys—one in a striped shirt, the less open-minded child wearing a green shirt and dark pants that mirror the hedge. Rising from the other side is a blue and green cloud dotted with amorphous bodies that loosely create Earth’s continents.

Yamada then channels the literal-mindedness of children to challenge the idea of otherness. Santoso’s accompanying illustrations will bring giggles but also deep thinking. As the rest of the story plays out, Yamada engages readers’ hearts through the boy’s thought-provoking prompts that poignantly reveal the commonalities that connect us all while Santoso reinforces this message with vignettes of families, friends, children, neighbors and pets all playing, talking, celebrating, and relaxing together.

Others: A Story for All of Us is a book with a light touch but a lasting impact to show us the way forward to a meeting of minds and hearts through understanding, kindness, and acceptance. Others is a must for all library and home collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Ten Speed Young Readers, 2026 | ISBN 978-0593839676

About the Author

Kobi Yamada is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of What Do You Do with an Idea?, Finding Muchness, Because I Had a Teacher, and many other bestselling, award-winning books. In addition to being the creator of inspiring books and products, he is also the president of Compendium. He lives with his family in the Pacific Northwest. Follow him on Instagram.

About the Illustrator

Charles Santoso is the creator of Happy Hippo and has illustrated many books, including Finding Muchness by Kobi Yamada and the New York Times bestseller Odder. He lives in Singapore. Visit him at charlessantoso.com.

You can purchase Others: A Story for All of Us from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

November 13 – World Kindness Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

World Kindness Day began with a conference in 1997 in which organizations from across the globe met in Japan for the purpose of uplifting and recognizing kindness on a global scale. From this meeting they created a “Declaration of Kindness” and, later, a nonprofit called the World Kindness Movement was formed to support and honor community-scale kindness initiatives. Kindness on any scale, on any day, is important to celebrate. Today’s story shows the impact that one kind gesture can have.

Thank you to Eerdmans Books for Young Readers for sending me a copy of this book for review! All opinions are my own.

Late Today

Written by Jungyoon Huh | Illustrated by Myungae Lee | Translated by Aerin Park

It’s 8:15 A.M.—rush hour in Seoul—and traffic is backed up bumper-to-bumper. No one wants to be late. Amidst the gridlock “a kitten, barely two weeks old, was crossing the bridge.” She darted back and forth, in front of wheels, over wheels, underneath cars and trucks.

Everyone saw her. Some worried about her, some wondered how she’d gotten there, some just looked away. “It was the kind of thing where no one can point a finger and call ‘coward,’ even when someone ignores what’s happening and just passes by.”

But one woman in one car lost sight of the kitten and pulled over, screeching to a halt. Through the earsplitting honks and the sudden downpour, the woman and her child tried to hear the kitten’s cry. Then—there!—they heard it. The woman hurried from her car, cradled the shaking kitten in her hands, and brought it into the car with her. On the bridge everyone sighed with relief. They would all be late, but that was okay. “Today was a good day to be late.”

In Jungyoon Huh’s simply stated, yet powerfully thought-provoking story—translated from Korean by Aerin Park—she places readers in the middle of a traffic jam and invites each of us to reflect on what we would do in the circumstances. We all want to be the person who would decide to rescue the kitten, but are we? Taking time to stop during our day or putting ourselves in an uncomfortable or dangerous spot to lend a hand to an animal, another person, or a group can seem daunting or even ineffective. But Lee reminds us that even the smallest kindness or action is noticed by those around us, does make an impact on breaking paralyzing gridlock of action or thought, and can uplift us all and clear the way forward.

Myungae Lee’s colored pencil and oil pastel illustrations grip readers from the first page, where not even an inch separates the cars hemmed in on the bridge. You can feel the urgency of the commuters as your eye flits from Lee’s soft neutral hues to the neon yellows of headlights, concrete barriers, and a bus. Turning the page, a smudge of a kitten, alone amidst the gray of exhaust and cloud, rivets your eye. With every page turn, your perspective alters as you dart among the wheels with the kitten and are introduced to various onlookers. When the kitten disappears from sight (although eagle-eyed kids may spy him) and the woman pulls over to listen, Lee imbues two full-page spreads with maximum emotion and suspense until the cat is seen and rescued and the commuters exhale a communal sigh of relief.

Late Today is an absorbing story and conversation starter that’s sure to stir your heart. It will become a much-loved addition to home bookshelves and is a must for library collections.

Ages 4 – 8

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-0802856494

About the Author

Jungyoon Huh studied child development and education in college and graduate school, and she now works as a picture book author, animation director, and university professor in South Korea. Her books have been selected for the White Ravens catalog and for the BRAW Amazing Bookshelf. Late Today is her English-language debut.

About the Illustrator

Myungae Lee is a South Korean picture book author and illustrator who has twice been selected as illustrator of the year at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair. Her work has received honors including the Nami Concours Green Island Award, the BIB Golden Plaque Award, and the BIB Golden Apple Award. In 2020, Lee was shortlisted for the AOI World Illustration Awards. Late Today is her English-language debut. Lee lives near the Seogang Bridge in Seoul, South Korea, and she often meets stray cats while walking to her studio. Follow Lee on Instagram @myungaelee.

About the Translator

Aerin Park is a Korean and English translator whose projects include the Korean-to-English translations of Okchundang Candy and The Legend of Tiger and Tail-Flower (both Levine Querido). She has also translated Korean source materials for Paula Yoo’s Rising from the Ashes (Norton) and served as an interpreter and cultural consultant for theatrical productions. Park lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she enjoys reading Korean history with her children. Visit her website at aerinpark.com.

World Kindness Day Activity

Wandering Kitty Maze

Can you help this kitten find his way back home in this Wandering Kitty Maze?

You can purchase Late Today from these booksellers

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Picture Book Review

November 6 – Children’s Book Week

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Children’s Book Week is the longest-running national literacy program in the United States, going back to 1913, when Franklin K. Matthiews, the librarian of the Boy Scouts of America, proposed the holiday. The date of the celebration has bounced around a bit, from November to May and then quickly becoming a twice-a-year event in November and May in 2018. Organized by Every Child a Reader, Children Book Week’s theme for 2025 is “An Ocean of Stories.” This theme celebrates the “vast, collective ocean populated by the stories we read, share, and tell.” To learn more about this literary holiday, visit Every Child a Reader to find out more about the week and discover lots of resources, including bookmarks and activities to download.

Thank you to Beach Lane Books and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy of this book for review!

The Elevator on 74th Street

Written by Laura Gehl | Illustrated by Yas Imamura

Ellie the elevator loved all of the tenants in her building and treated each person with special care, for instance she played “her music louder for Mrs. Sanchez who was deaf in one ear,” and held the doors open extra long for Mr. Chen who used a cane. She did, however, have a “soft spot for Thea,” whose first day home from the hospital as a baby was Ellie’s first day in the building.

Ellie had watched Thea grow up, so when her best friend had to move away, Ellie wanted to make her feel better. She tried playing her favorite song over and over and “lit up her buttons to form a T.” While these kind gestures helped, Thea was still sad. Then one day a new family moved in with a girl Thea’s age named Claire. Ellie hoped they would connect, but it never happened.

When Thea found Claire’s favorite hat in the lobby, Ellie took her to the right floor to return it. That started them talking. In only a few weeks, they were practicing dance moves together, wearing the same outfit, telling jokes, and sharing good news and bad. Ellie was excited to see their burgeoning friendship, even if they didn’t notice her part in it.

But they did. In fact, Thea and Claire decided to throw a party for Ellie. They decorated her interior and her doorway, and the tenants gathered in the lobby to listen to music, dance, and celebrate. Ellie couldn’t help but love her job even more.

Laura Gehl’s delightful story is made all the more enchanting for its unique setting and sweet, caring main character. Gehl captures the vibe of a diverse apartment-building community as Ellie notices the needs of each tenant and loves everyone who steps inside her doors. Her special bond with Thea will charm readers as they watch her find a new friend and celebrate Ellie’s part in it. Children who live in apartment-style buildings or condos will love the representation here, and those who just love elevators (what child doesn’t love pushing the buttons?) will also find much to enjoy in Gehl’s book.

Yas Imamura populates her art deco apartment building with a pleasing array of personalities and ages. Kids will have fun catching sight of various tenants multiple times throughout the story and watching Thea and Claire’s friendship blossom from not noticing each other to besties. The star of the show, though, is Ellie, and she’s a dear with her sprightly blue edifice, filigree button cover, expressive eyes, and row of floor numbers that curve into a smile when she’s especially happy. Readers may even enjoy making up stories for all of the building’s tenants!

An adorable book about kindness and making friends amongst the flair of city living, The Elevator on 74th Street should be going up on your picture book shelves!

Ages 4 – 8

Beach Lane Books, 2025 | ISBN 978-1665905077

About the Author

Laura Gehl is the author of One Big Pair of Underwear, Cat Has a Plan, Goat Wants to Eat, Pig Makes Art, Dog Can Hide, Cat Sees Snow, Frog Can Hop, Snow Is…, You’re the Sprinkles on My Ice Cream, You’re the Pumpkin in My Pie, and The Elevator on 74th Street. She lives with her husband and their four kids in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Visit her online at LauraGehl.com.

About the Illustrator

Yas Imamura is an Asian American illustrator living in Portland, Oregon. Her works include collaborations with Anthropologie and Sanrio, as well as her growing list of children’s books such as Can You Imagine? by Lisa Tolin and The Elevator on 74th Street by Laura Gehl. Her preferred materials are gouache and watercolor and she often finds herself drawn to projects that are playful, mysterious, and a little offbeat.

Children’s Book Week Activity

Children’s Book Week Coloring Page

Download and print this An Ocean of Stories coloring page of the official 2025 Children’s Book Week poster by author Julie Flett. You can find more coloring pages as well as bookmarks to print from Every Child a Reader here.

You can purchase The Elevator on 74th Street from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

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