(3) K-3 Illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg. Evie's newest neighbors have just arrived from another country, "in such a rush." At her parents' encouragement, Evie introduces herself to young Bimi while her family helps his family move in. Their neighbor, Mrs. Monroe, casts judgmental looks out her window--Mrs. Monroe immigrated, too, Evie's parents reveal, so why can't she be more sympathetic? Stylized, collage-like illustrations pair images of Evie and Bimi in everyday scenes--like dining with their families, waving from bedroom windows, and sharing treasured toys. When Evie's family brings over spare furniture, a diverse chain of welcoming neighbors follows suit; the resulting impromptu dinner party is enough to crack Mrs. Monroe's shell. This warm slice-of-life story is a gentle lesson in empathy.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg. Jules's fluid narrative and Nayberg's evocative textured paintings recount the fictionalized story of an illiterate shepherd encouraged midlife to begin studying by his devoted, loving wife. How his slow and steady progress ("I can learn--just like water cuts through stone--a little bit each day") allowed him to succeed in becoming a great learned man, scholar, and renowned rabbi is inspiring and well crafted.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg. In a Polish village, an old man known as the Wren and a girl called the Sparrow defy "the Tyrant's guards" (in Nazi uniforms), who have come to destroy the village's musical instruments. Years later, a boy finds the Wren's hidden hurdy-gurdy and keeps the old man's legacy alive. Rich-hued, angular illustrations echo the lyrical text's themes of hope, despair, and remembrance.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz