Two picture books to add to your libraries this fall are below. Each is different, but equally unique and fun.
November 2024 will find us with a published book titled Mali Under the Night Sky: A Lao Story of Home. Youme Ly Nguyen (or Youme) is the author and illustrator of this read via an online reader copy picture book. The story of a young girl fleeing her homeland because of war is not a new one, but the way Youme has spun their tale, we find a fresh turn to a familiar story. The artwork is sweet, busy and colorful. We follow the character of Mali as she and her family leave the only home they have ever known. We see how the traditions of her people give her comfort when she is facing the unknown and we see how the memories of better times hold her and the other refugees when things are at their seemingly darkest. It is not an easy read, or even a truly happy one, but it is hopeful and relatable to current events.
On a happier note, there is Some Kids by Fifi Abu (who is both the author and illustrator). Due mid-September you can add this (also read via an online reader copy) to the collection of Some Moms and Some Dads both by Abu as well. Also you can add it to the title The Pointy Pony: A Body-Positive Unicorn Tale, and in March of 2025, Mama Wears a Hijab. With Some Kids we just see a variety of children and all the wonderful things they do and are. Some have siblings, some do not. Some live with grandparents and some live in small families. Others are happy and some are grumpy. The illustrations are simple, colorful and bold. They give the setting and have fun. The patterns are wild and the formation of them quirky. Great for the younger reader who is a starting reader or still needs help reading.
