Cathy Camper

It’s easy to forget when choosing picture books that country borders are just lines on a map, and sometimes the ideal title for U.S. collections is Canadian! Fill out the shelves with these recently published gems.

The U.S. immigration experience has generally focused on assimilation toward whiteness, via colorism, speech, dress, lifestyle, work, aspirations, and the immigrant education process itself. These books give a more nuanced look at the immigration experience and teach the true history of race in the United States.

Not since Ezra Jack Keats in Snowy Day and Karen Gundersheimer in Happy Winter has snow been so lovingly depicted, in a counting game for children in all seasons.

A jumble of creative ambition, the compelling visuals and scattershot storytelling will appeal to those not distracted by the roller-coaster plotting and jagged, more-is-more approach. Purchase where the first installment is popular.

Gr 4–8—Camper introduces readers to Lupe Impala, Flapjack Octopus, and Elirio Malaria, three friends who love working with cars and dream of having their own garage shop...