It’s time for a book roundup! Each book is good for all types of readers and listeners. Not only that, they are nice companions to each other with their softer toned stories, illustrations and less traditional “action” stories. This mixture of books is one of the reasons why I love books. You never know what delightful treat you will find. The first and last titles are more traditional picture books, while the middle one has a chapter format and is part of a series. All three titles were read via an online reader.
The Midnight Mitzvah is due early October 2024 and I am excited to share it with friends! Ruth Horowitz along with illustrator Jenny Meilihove created a lovely story of showing how to give, but also how to receive. The ideas of charity and other values of the Hebrew faith come alive. Delightful illustrations, in a sweet manner, support the story. They are colorful, but are not “flying off the page” colorful, but earthy and solid, but also whimsical. The additional information at the end brings in history and the backstory to this folktale. 
Bo Keeps the Beat: The Piano Pedal Problem started off as another book where the younger sibling wants to be like the older one, but turns into a piece of representation as well. Author Andrew Bambridge shows a child with achondroplasia. This means Bo’s body has not grown the same way as others and he’s too short to reach the pedals. However, with a clever piano teacher, Bo finds a way to live his dream. Alejandra Barajas’s illustrations are bold, but simple. They focus the story and support simultaneously. Due early August 2024.
At first, A Bold Pumpkin Plan didn’t “grab me.” Hedgehog wants to build a house and chooses a pumpkin. I assumed it would show that pumpkins are not great for houses, so tried and true was the way. However, it turns into a story about how a timid character can make friends, share times with them, but also appreciate their alone time. Katy Hudson wraps their story in earthy, classically feeling imagery that is colorfully detailed, but not overwhelming. Read both text and art to get the whole picture. Due early August 2024.
