kindness

Varenka

Sophie Rosen , , , ,

Watts, Bernadette. Varenka. New York: North South, 2022.
What is a miracle? What happens when we pray?
Varenka, a widow, lives deep in a forest, far from other people. But war is coming and she must decide: should she flee? She thinks. If she leaves, who will take care of the animals and feed the birds in winter? Who will take care of the people wandering through the woods? She decides to remain. People seeking shelter do arrive and soldiers with guns arrive. And a miracle occurs. Or is it a coincidence? An answer to prayer or pure good luck? Readers will have to decide for themselves after reading this beautiful picture book by an accomplished British author and illustrator. Highly recommended for all ages.

P.S. Readers who appreciate books by Brian Wildsmith, might like to know that this author studied under him for a time. You may enjoy comparing the styles of artwork.

More books about faith

More books to prompt philosophical conversations

More winter stories

More stories set in Russia

Shelter

Sophie Rosen , , , ,

Claire, Céline. Shelter. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2017.
A winter storm is on the way and all the animals are preparing. Gathering wood. Gathering food. Snuggling safely inside their homes. All except two strangers, who are wandering in the snow, seeking shelter. Who will help them? And how do they return that kindness? This beautifully written story – illustrated by Qin Leng – is warmly recommended for readers 5 to 11 years old.

P.S. For readers who like making connections to other stories, how is this picture book like the fable of the lion and the mouse?

More fables

More stories of winter

 

Song of the Old City

Sophie Rosen , ,

Pelliciolli, Anna. Song of the Old City. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2020.
A delightful story set in Istanbul, Turkey. A young girl ventures out into the old city, meeting merchants, making friends, and passing along all the kindnesses shown to her. Cheerful full-page pictures filled with joyous movement illustrate this wonderful picture book highly recommended for readers 6 to 12 years old.

More stories set in countries around the world

More stories told from the second person point of view

What Grew in Larry’s Garden

Sophie Rosen , ,

Alary, Laura. What Grew in Larry’s Garden. Toronto: Kids Can Press, 2020.
Gardens bring friendship and understanding. They build goodwill in a world often filled with fear and loneliness. This quietly gentle picture book illustrated by Kass Reich is based on the true story of a Toronto schoolteacher who showed his students how to grow tomato plants and share them with others. “We can figure this out,” he says over and over again to his young neighbour Grace when problems arise. Highly recommended for gardeners of all ages.

More stories of gardens 

More stories about our natural world

More stories of friendship

Picture book memoirs

The Invisible Bear

Sophie Rosen , , ,

Metzger, Cécile. The Invisible Bear. Toronto: Tundra, 2020.
Alone. Unseen. Invisible. A quiet solitary existence. Until Madame Odette moves next door and brings colour and sound and friendship into Bear’s life. This softly illustrated picture book – originally published in French – will speak to readers of all ages, especially during this time of Covid-19. 

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