This bouncy read-aloud follows a little letter who rolls out of the alphabet line and goes on a grand adventure to find her truest self. The story behind the story is an adventure in its own right –
Rhea Sarason, an artist based in Albuquerque, was feeling stuck and at a crossroads in her career when she received a writing prompt from her therapist that would change her life. With just a ream of copy paper, a blue pen, and some old markers, she wrote the story of Little o. On a whim, she shared o’s story on TikTok, and to her total surprise, it took off (the video has nearly 4 MILLION views to date). The comments section was abuzz with people relating to Little o and begging for the story to become a book – et voilà! Perfect for fans of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, this whimsical, watercolored fable about self-discovery (and combatting comparison and people-pleasing along the way) is a perfect gift for graduates and anyone going through a big life change. Rhea hopes you will discover the “O” within yOu, and maybe even feel the courage to venture beyond your own line.
While division dominates headlines, A Song of Her Own (Rain Chaser: Book One) [Iftin Ink; November 2025] by Saida Bulhan counters that narrative to build empathy by centering dignity, belonging, and the universal desire to be seen.
The first English-language children’s chapter book set in nomadic Somalia, the novel follows seven-year-old Kiin, who is eager to prove she’s ready to shepherd her family’s animals on her own. She already helps care for her younger siblings and assists Hooyo in building their huts. Her older siblings were trusted with herding at her age, so why not her?
Through Kiin’s journey, Bulhan centers what connects us: the universal longing to be seen, trusted, and valued. Somali proverbs and cultural wisdom weave through the narrative, grounding readers in nomadic life while underscoring themes of dignity, belonging, and human connection. Rather than positioning Somali culture as “other,” A Song of Her Own invites young readers into a world that feels both specific and familiar: where family dynamics, sibling rivalry, self-doubt, and creative ambition transcend geography.
“It’s particularly timely for young people, especially Somali American children and other children whose stories are underrepresented in children’s literature, who are processing the negative rhetoric they’re witnessing about their communities,” Bulhan said. “I want all readers to walk away affirmed in their own humanity and inspired by the vast potential for creativity and wholeness within us all, with deep appreciation for Somali culture and people.”
ISBN: 978-1969922015
Reading age: 6-10 years
About the Author
Saida J. Bulhan was born and raised in a nomadic region of Somalia. She learned to read after immigrating to the United States as a teenager, an experience that sparked her lifelong passion for storytelling. She writes for children and adults but her first love is children’s fiction. A Song of Her Own is her first chapter book. Visit Saida at saidajbulhan.com.
GO BANANAS! (out 3/24/26): This infectiously silly read-aloud picture book brings a classic chant to bouncy, rhythmic life with a cast of very a-peeling yellow fruit friends!
This one is so much fun to read and kids will love it!
Ages 0 to 3
9781423668046
H is for Hiking
Greg Paproki
Learn with your toddler from A to Z all about hiking adventures and the outdoor world.
A fun collection of illustrations for young readers featuring things that toddlers might see on a hiking adventure or time spent outdoors in nature. Little ones will get a kick out spotting animal tracks, seeing eggs in a bird’s nest, scrambling over rocks, and finding animals and plants on the trail. They will also learn about what to wear and bring for excursions such as boots, sunglasses, water bottles, and snacks. Another delightful BabyLit alphabet board book featuring Greg Paprocki’s classically retro mid-century art style that’s proven to be a hit with both young children and adults.
WISDOM OF THE WOODS by Rachel Piercey, illustrated by Freya Hartas
From Newdigate Prize-winning poet Rachel Piercey comes a collection of autumnal artistry. Gather round and open up the Bear’s family possession for generations. A collection of 40 poems to fill the world with the magic of Brown Bear Wood. From the building of the butterfly’s cocoon to the songs sung through ancient tree roots, there is no shortage of natural wonders to behold.
OUR CITIES DEPEND ON US written and illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov
From acclaimed illustrator and architect Victoria Tentler-Krylov comes a hopeful and informative look at climate change. This book both examines the efforts that urban life has undertaken to reduce emissions, promote green-living and works to inform the reader on what the effects and terminology of climate change truly mean. A guiding hand meant to empower and uplift, not to frighten in the face of an issue of this scale.
ODD BUGS by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Gareth Lucas
Celebrate the strange with us. From Dr. Laura Gehl comes a collection of all of nature’s most bizarre insectile creatures. A board book meant to foster a curiosity for the natural world in babies and toddlers by introducing them to the unusual bugs they can’t help but love. Penned in rhyming verse alongside gorgeous illustrations, it’s a unique and stunning collection that parents will love both for their children and themselves.
TINY GARDEN by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Jax Chow
Love for the little among the large, Tiny Garden is a book about slowing down and celebrating the world around you as it is. The newest book from accomplished children’s author Deborah Underwood, this book is sure to warm the hearts of audiences everywhere. “Underwood’s sweet story valorizes “little things” and the true gardener’s intoxication with the earth.
WOODLORE by Kevin Parr and illustrated by Anja Sušanj
Escape into the forests and witness nature’s beauties. Experience the seasons as you never have before. Woodlore takes readers on a journey through a year in the woods, letting time unfold with the equinoxes, the first seedlings, birdsongs, harvests, and solstices. Illustrated by accomplished artist Anja Sušanj, Woodlore is as beautiful within and without.
BUZZ by Richard A. Jones and illustrated by Sara Boccaccini Meadows (On Sale: April 7)
A cataloging of fifteen of the world’s most breathtaking bugs, beetles, butterflies, and bees! Renowned entomologist Richard Jones makes his debut into the world of children’s books with Buzz: A Family Guide to Bugs and Bees and How to Spot Them. Beautiful and interactive, this book will set every child’s mind on fire as they try to spot stick insects, behold the beauties of the monarch butterfly, and get a close-up view of the emperor dragonfly!
Happy Spring time reading!
Self Disclosure: I received copies of the above books to feature. Images were also provided.
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