(2) K-3 Illustrated by Lisa Anchin. Nate, who loves Hanukkah because “it’s always the same,” is sad about celebrating in a new apartment and without his menorah, which was lost in the family’s move. Visiting a Judaica store to replace it leads Nate and his dads to search for the store owner’s missing cat, Kugel. By getting to know the neighborhood, and eventually locating the cat, Nate starts to feel more ­comfortable with change -- and creatively solves his menorah problem. Warmhearted and precise watercolor and pencil illustrations show a loving biracial family helping to address relatable, kid-sized feelings. Appended with an author’s note and “Nate’s Save-the-Day Latke Recipe.”

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2025

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lisa Anchin. Driven by a desire to "make the world a better place," Salk helped to develop the first flu vaccine before tackling--and conquering--the polio virus. Similarities to recent events are evident in how the well-paced text and inclusive illustrations portray public response to the 1950s polio epidemic: the fear, isolation, and uncertainty. The process of vaccine development also sounds familiar: studying the disease and its variants, testing the vaccine, and promoting its efficacy. An author's note discusses Marshall's personal connection to her topic. (A timeline would have helped clarify some biographical information.)

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn