Big new titles perfect for the littles.
Rising by Sidura Ludwig (author) and Sophia Vincent Guy (illustrator) (Candlewick). “I rise with Ima in the early morning,” explains the young narrator. “She places her special bowl on the kitchen counter. Yeast bubbles in the warm water. My hot chocolate and her tea sit beside it, steam from both our cups rising.” The child and mother will spend all day making the delicious bread. Finally, after much measuring, mixing, rising, braiding, more rising, and waiting, the golden challah is ready, and Shabbat dinner can begin!
Oddbird’s Chosen Family by Derek Desierto (Feiwel & Friends). “It was a beautiful day. Oddbird was on his way to visit his friend Jerry. He was greeted by Jerry’s mom, Anita. ‘Oh, you must be Oddbird!” she chirped. ‘I’ve heard so much about you.’” Oddbird thinks Jerry’s family is pretty great — and he starts to wish he had one of his own. But with no mother, father, or siblings, he’s alone in the world. Or is he? Shouldn’t all the people, er, birds who love us — including our dear friends — count as family, too?
Found by Sam Usher (Templar Books). The little boy and his grandfather head to the beach for an afternoon of sandcastle-building, shell-hunting, and ice cream. But, wait! What’s that? “Granddad! It’s a baby seal — and it’s all tangled up! We have to help it!” Will they get the pup unstuck and sail it safely back to its parents? Of course — but not before their seafaring skills are put to the test by a sudden storm that pops up!
