(2) K-3 Illustrated by Lauren Soloy. Maud Lewis (1903–1970) was a Nova Scotian folk artist who lived with rheumatoid arthritis. Despite physical and economic challenges, she never let her passion for art fade away. As a child, when her hands become too bent and stiff to play the piano, she starts painting. When her parents die and her brother sells the house, Maud finds a job as fish peddler Everett Lewis's live-in housekeeper (and eventually marries him, though this isn't mentioned in the book). There's not much money for paint, but Maud makes the best of what she has, adding "touches of colour" to Everett's "dull little house," painting birds and butterflies on the doors and flowers on the windows. Eventually she is able to sell her beautiful paintings and gain recognition for her creations. Stinson celebrates not only Lewis's artistic achievements but also her resilient spirit in the face of poverty and hardship. Soloy's illustrations capture the essence of Lewis's unique artistic style with a cheery palette that reflects the text's upbeat tone. A touching and uplifting tribute, this book emphasizes the importance of finding beauty in the everyday and persevering through life's challenges.

Reviewer: Weileen Wang | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2023

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Marie Lafrance. Life in Munich is difficult for Anneliese's family in the months after World War II. Food shortages, streets strewn with rubble, and no library access compound grief over Papa's death for refusing to "follow orders." But when Anneliese and her little brother happen upon a "great hall" filled with children's books and a lady who reads them aloud, both children find happiness in the midst of trauma. Five pages at the end introduce Jella Lepman and her international children's book exhibit that traveled Germany after the war. The digitally colored graphite illustrations are equally adept at conveying the deprivation of post-war Germany and the power of stories to unlock hope.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Dušan Petričić. Child violinist Joshua prepares to participate in a music competition. Nervous on the big day, he makes a mistake mid-song but then says something that an adult wouldn't dare: "I'd really like to start over." The (semi-)triumphant story, based on a true event in the life of virtuoso Joshua Bell, comes with a visible musical accompaniment of sorts: notes resemble swirling ribbons of color.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Qin Leng. In this heartwarming story of intergenerational best friends, neighbors Harry (age "four and three-quarters") and Walter (age "ninety-two and a half") enjoy playing together and learning from each other year-round. Harry is lonely after his family moves to a new neighborhood, but an unexpected surprise awaits him. Alongside the concise narration and dialogue, the simple yet detailed illustrations contain soft colors and exuberant movements.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Dušan Petričić. When Dylan hears someone playing the violin in a subway station, he wants to linger; his mother hurries him along. At home, when the radio broadcasts the violinist's music, Dylan finally gets his mom to listen. Inspired by violinist Joshua Bell's performance at a Washington, D.C., subway station (Bell supplies a postscript), the story and swirling art verge on breathtaking.

Reviewer: Nell Beram