Big new titles perfect for the littles.
Sankofa: A Culinary Story of Resilience and Belonging by Eric Adjepong (author) and Lala Watkins (illustrator) (Penguin Workshop). “The last class bell rang, and Mrs. Boone watched as all the children packed their bags with smiles on their faces, ready to go home to their families. But she noticed there was one boy who wasn’t smiling: Kofi. ‘And don’t forget,’ Mrs. Boone said to the children, ‘Monday is our annual potluck lunch! So bring a dish that best represents your family’s culture.” Oh, no! Kofi’s family is from Ghana, and his culture is so different from his classmates’! Will he learn what’s magical about it before the big day? Of course!
Eleven Words for Love: A Journey Through Arabic Expressions of Love by Randa Abdel-Fattah (author) and Maxine Beneba Clarke (illustrator) (Candlewick). Why limit yourself to one simple word when there are so many rich, wonderful ways to express adoration? For instance, “There’s love that aches with cherished memories of loved ones gone too soon” — (al-Haneen) — “And love that hits you smack-bang in the face, the kind that makes you swoon” (al-Shaghaf). How beautiful it would be if we humans could spend half as much time focusing on love as we do on hate.
Spread Your Wings by Emma Dodd (Templar Books). “As we cuddle here together, gazing at the sky, I know that soon the day will come when you’ll spread your wings and fly…The world may seem a scary place when you’re far from home. But anywhere you go, my love, you’ll never be alone.” It’s every baby’s task to grow and soar, but as the mother cockatoo assures her beloved chick, there will always be a safe, cozy nest to return to!
