I Have Three Cats . . .
This is a heartwarming story about self-denial during the process of adopting a stray cat. If, like me, you’ve gone through this process yourself. The cats, which I should note are named Big, Middle, and Little — along with the unnamed stray — are cute and cuddly as we all know cats can be. Even when they are NOT our cat. The text is cleverly written, well paced, and emotionally engaging, and the illustrations are lovely throughout. Also: cats.

Have You Seen My Acorn?
Did you know that there are, in fact, about 600 million squirrels in America? And, did you also know that a single squirrel can cache between 3,000-10,000 seeds and nuts a year? Further, that while estimates in peer-reviewed studies vary, they may forget to retrieve about half of their hidden nuts and seeds? That means something around a trillion nuts and seeds may be planted by squirrels each year. That’s a lot, and the forests covering the countryside owe a lot to the hard work of those forgetful squirrels. But what does it mean to each squirrel? “Where is that nut buried,” they must wonder. But what if the squirrel is rash and impatient, with tragically poor listening skills? This is the predicament of our hero. This comical tale features a fun, frustrating, and funny story as he asks around (and/or charges various animals with various criminal actions) about his lost acorn, where a tree is growing, when he knows full well that he buried it right there. Kids of all ages will love this delightful tale. The clever storyline and very fine and fitting illustrations likely make this book an instant classic.

Worm Makes a Sandwich
This is another delightful book about little critters with big feelings about things that grow. Here a little worm, along with various kibbitzing critters, comment and complain about the growing process and how healthy soil is created with garbage, compost, and dozens of tiny creatures all doing their part. The book is beautiful, unique, and hilarious, with the combined impact of illustrations, asides, and storyline of the lowly worm’s anxieties about being able to fulfill their sandwich-making promise. I am always happy to (re)read this book to my delighted children, who have a new interest in composting and gardening, not to mention ripe tomato sandwiches.

Bear in a Bathrobe
Some people — sometimes entire generations — seem to have a perfectionist streak, at least part of the time. It sometimes seems to limit their abilities to go out and about, make friends, and learn about new and healthy experiences. Instead, too often, they lean into the experiences they already know and love. There’s nothing wrong with cherishing the past, but what of the future? What of the now? I wish all of us had access to this encouraging book, when we were young, where a bear knows that he loves to be indoors with his favorite bathrobe, reading and relaxing. Which is great (don’t we all?)! Yet, are we perhaps missing out on some fun little adventures along the way? When this bear’s friends invite him to join them out ice skating, it seems like a big step. But once the bear let’s the friends know about his anxiety, everyone is eager to help make the ice skating experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. Soon, it’s more than enjoyable, it’s super fun! I think many of us, young and old, could learn more than a few things from this funny, engaging, and encouraging book.

George & Lenny Are Always Together
Over the years, I’ve head people sometimes claim that the best way to help their relationships is to be apart from them. That’s always seemed a bit confusing. I don’t want to overstate things, but to me, being apart some of the time sometimes seemed a little too close to practicing to be apart for a long time. Maybe, forever? In any case, it seemed to me like communication (verbal and nonverbal) isn’t just PART of the relationship, it IS the relationship. Our ability to commune and communicate with someone is what it means to have a relationship in the first place. I realize we all need time to focus and get things done, but… still. This book seems to share a similar observation. These two close friends are always together, and wonder if it would be better to be alone. And, they find, it’s not bad! Yet, the best way to be alone is to be alone together. Now, that’s something my family and I can relate with. The simple, clear writing and nostalgic illustrations are more sophisticated than they may at first appear. As you can see, they’ve certainly evoked some philosophical musings on the nature of companionship and relationships for me!

When I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings
Another lovely children’s picture book involving animals taking on larger topics is this, where various forest animals face difficulties and joys, and share those feelings with their creator. The book encourages children, young and old, to consider what we share in our prayers, and how we can find reassurance, guidance, and comfort in prayer. It’s a remarkably spiritual children’s book, without becoming preachy or denominational. When I was a child, I was often taught to pray, but less often taught why I should pray, and what I might pray about. I wish I’d had this warm book to read, reread, study the gorgeous pages of this book, where animal tears and raindrops mix, moonbeams and moon bugs shine, and prayer’s purposes are explained with clarity and tenderness.

Hope in a Jar
“What was the point of dreaming if everything could be lost?” This metaphorical tale offers insights and ideas about how to reconcile our childhood hopes, our daily realities, and our daydreams of future opportunities. The beautiful motifs — keeping our hopes in jars — lead to both beautiful imagery and poetic insights. Like the precious jars these bunny friends gather, this book is a treasure, and a must-buy for any library where children, of any age, dream, hope, create, grow, and let go.