Expanding Horizons — NEW PICTURE BOOKS — reviewed by Stella

Here are three new picture books that help children address change, their worries, or fears. These are books that wil resonate with young children and help them feel brave, reassured, and capable. Each can open a door to a conversation about difficult situations or the emotions we have when things are different.

In Rebecca Stead’s Anything a young child moves to a new aprtment with her father. Things are just not right! They are not the same as ‘home’. This is subtle and charming book about a new place. The cake isn’t right, the rooms smell of paint, the closet is too small to hide in, the bathtub isn’t big and blue. Daddy lets the child have three wishes; they can wish for anything! A rainbow on the bedroom wall, pizza for dinner, but a wish for home needs a good resolution, and Daddy comes up with the best journey. The illustrator Gracey Zhang’s signature style of ballpoint-pen drawing and gouache create detail and fluidity. Some pages are spare, while others have wonderful bursts of colour reflecting the ups and downs of the child’s emotions. The predominantly line-drawing style captures the uncertainity of the new apartment and the surrounding neighbourhood, while the colourful bursts reflect the chld’s imagination — her ‘anythings’ and as we move to the last few pages, the adjustment to Aprtment 3B. The colours settle into the landscape, juts as the child settles and breakfast is served. Her new favourite kind.

Another book about home — not about moving but about what is missing. A cat. In My Friend May , written and illustrated by Julie Flett, we meet a child whose everyday companion has disappeared. Margaux and May have been the best of friends and have grown up together. She is understandably distraught that her pet is missing and, no matter where they look, how many times they call, May is nowhere to be found. And not only that, but her favourite auntie Nitôsis is moving to the city. Margaux helps her pack the last of her belongings into boxes. The next day, no May, and Margaux is worried. What if she is hurt, alone or hungry? In a city far away Nitôsis, is tired and hungry after her long journey. As she settles down, unpacked boxes around her, to have some soup, she hears a faint meow. This quiet, gentle story about familial relationships hits all the rights notes. Flett is a Cree-Métis author, and the book has a bonus glossary of Cree words and cultural information about friendships.

For children who have experienced trauma, frightening situations, or violence, whether directly or as a bystander, being able to find ways to express this fear and feel safe are important. In a world where violence is a daily occurance, it’s vital we have books that do not shy away from the hard issues. I Will Not Be Scared is beautifully and clearly written by Jean-François Sénéchal and sweetly illustrated by Simone Rea. It is a picture books about freedom, war, fear, and courage. A young bunny can’t get to sleep. Something has happened at school to make him feel scared, and unsure of his safety in this new home. Mama gently waits until he is ready to talk about it. With much reassurance, and encourgement, Bunny feels able to express himself, and unpick some of the deeper emotions that underpin his fear. And in freeing himself of these feelings, be able to find the conviction to be brave. A tender story which will not only reassuire, but gives us hope for a better world.