{"title":"Picture Books on Hard Topics","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"popo-the-xolo","title":"Popo the Xolo","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/paloma-lopez\"\u003ePaloma Lopez\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/abraham-matias\"\u003eAbraham Matias\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe can always remember her.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNana is surrounded by family and takes joy in her many grandchildren. She's also tired and feels pain. Soon she begins her transition from life into death, accompanied by her beloved Xolo dog, Popo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTogether they go on Nana’s journey, and by the end of the story, Nana's family celebrates the many years of love they shared with her. A grandchild takes on caring for Popo in Nana's memory. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimultaneously published in English and Spanish, \u003cem\u003ePopo the Xolo\u003c\/em\u003e helps kids understand how loved ones live on in our memories. An unforgettable picture book that's grounded in the importance of the 9 levels of Mictlān and the role Xolo dogs play in Indigenous cultural understandings of present-day Mexico.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e\"Gently magnificent.\" —\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e\". . .triumphant. . .\" —\u003ci\u003eBooklist\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e\". . .luminous. . .\" —\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e, starred review\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ten-beautiful-things\"\u003eTen Beautiful Things\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/squawk-of-spanish\"\u003eSquawk of Spanish\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg class=\"cvr-border-gray\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/popo-the-xolo-spread.jpg?v=1731092503\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/popo-the-xolo-cover.jpg?v=1731092502\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/popo-the-xolo-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1731092508\" class=\"product-btn\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/hard-topics-discussion-guide-fnl.pdf?v=1776263282\"\u003eDownload the Hard Topics Discussion Guide \u0026amp; Activities\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaloma Lopez, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaloma Angelina Lopez is a mother, student, and creative living in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She is a dual citizen of the United States and Mexico. Her maternal grandmother’s family comes from Jalisco and Guanajuato and her father’s family is from Zacatecas and Sinaloa. Paloma married into a Cherokee family that is heavily involved in language and culture, and she works as a full-time Cherokee language learner. She hopes to become an educator and author in the Cherokee language. This is her debut children’s book. She hopes to publish more children’s literature inspired by her culture and upbringing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/paloma-lopez\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Paloma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbraham Matias, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbraham Matias is an illustrator, designer, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. He spent his childhood in Mexico making his own toys and miniature sets and drawing stories. Abraham works with paper-cut puppets staged and photographed inside a toy theater to create 3D, handcrafted, dreamlike scenes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/abraham-matias\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Abraham.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA Charlotte Huck Recommended Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA Chicago Public Library Best Picture Book of 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA \u003ci\u003ePublisher's Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e Best Book of 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA \u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews Best Book\u003c\/i\u003e of 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n   \u003cli\u003eA Pura Belpré Award winner for Illustration\u003c\/li\u003e\n   \u003cli\u003eA 2025 CALIBA Golden Poppy Mirrors \u0026amp; Windows Award winner\u003c\/li\u003e\n     \u003cli\u003eA Pedro and Daniel Intersectionality Book Awards Longlist Book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews,\u003c\/i\u003e starred review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn abuela crosses from life to death with the help of her loyal pooch.\u003cbr\u003ePopo, a Xoloitzcuintle (a Mexican hairless dog with great significance in many Indigenous cultures), spends his evenings sitting on Nana’s lap as she watches her novelas, soothing her aches with his tiny, warm body. Nana spends her days cooking, cleaning the floors, and tending to her familia. One night, Nana sits on her comfy chair for the last time; accompanied by Popo, she soon steps into the Aztec underworld, Mictlān, where the dead must journey across nine levels to reach eternal rest. Rich in otherworldly blends of purples, pinks, and sun-kissed hues, Matias’ striking paper-cut artwork depicts Nana’s passing in a series of stunning double-page spreads, softening the heavy subject matter. Lopez’s gentle text pulls at the heartstrings in subtle streaks, punctuated by the phrase “Keep going. ¡VÁMONOS!,” accompanying Popo’s barks of encouragement to his beloved owner. Nana wades through a river, climbs hills, glides across an obsidian path, battles snowy winds, evades arrow-throwing monkeys, and more as she recalls memories both good and bad. Her journey ends back at her casita, where her familia holds on to their shared remembrances. Nana now moves on (“Her aches have disappeared”), and Popo remains with her familia. Lopez deftly lands on a bittersweet note, a message of love that transcends life and death.\u003cbr\u003eGently magnificent. (information on the nine levels of Mictlān and on the Xoloitzcuintle, a note on loss, glossary)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist,\u003c\/i\u003e starred review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith her debut picture book, Lopez embraces Mexican culture and shares a touching story about celebrating those we love who have passed on. Nana loves her casita, her family, and her xoloitzcuintle dog, Popo. Popo keeps her company, and when he sits on her lap, his body’s warmth helps her aching bones. One day, sitting in her armchair, Nana passes into the mythical land of Mictlān. In Indigenous Mexican culture, the dead travel through the nine levels of Mictlān to reach a place of rest. Accompanied by Popo, Nana starts the long walk, encountering a river, steep climbs, snow, and mischievous monkeys, among other things. Encouraged by Popo to “Keep going. ¡Vámonos!”, Nana notices that her physical ailments are slowly disappearing. Finally reunited with her beloved husband, Nana sends Popo back to her family in the living world. Matias’ captivating illustrations, executed in cut paper and digital media, illuminate the story with rich jewel-toned colors and texture. Details such as Nana’s and Popo’s bony reflections in water offer interesting visual cues, while Spanish words throughout the text add cultural authenticity and warmth. This is a triumphant, moving reflection on death that pays meaningful homage to Indigenous Mexican culture. An author’s note about Mictlān, xoloitzcuintle dogs, and grief and a Spanish glossary conclude. Also available in a Spanish edition, \u003ci\u003ePopo el Xolo\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/star-fade.gif?4673889858015672850\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly,\u003c\/i\u003e starred review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn accompanied journey ends in rest and remembrance in Lopez’s arresting debut, which, in English and Spanish, blends Indigenous Mexican myth with a story of loss. Popo, Nana’s tiny Xoloitzcuintle, “is the best apapachador, always looking for cuddles,” which the two share during evenings in front of the TV. Sitting in her chair, “Popo keeps Nana warm and helps heal her aches.” Nana is surrounded by the love of family, but after a long day, it’s Popo’s bark that awakens her as she finds herself standing in a river, tired and lost. The two next pass through strange landscapes, Nana reliving memories (“her favorite novelas, the smell of her pan dulce and cafecito”) as Popo urges her along toward a home that is “different somehow.” Matias’s jewel-toned cut-paper and wash-style digital illustrations leap off the page with a vivid light-and-shadow dimensionality suggestive of puppetry, making for a luminous tale of comfort. Back matter discusses the Nine Levels of Mictlān and more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNana loves her family and her beloved dog, Popo. In the evenings, Popo keeps Nana warm as she settles down to watch her favorite telenovelas. This evening, Nana is tired and falls asleep. She wakes and finds herself crossing a river, Popo leading the way. Nana is tired and it is difficult as she and Popo continue their journey, passing through mountains, stone paths, snow, and more, but with each step Nana begins to feel stronger. Popo barks encouragement, tugging at Nana’s skirt. When Nana and Popo arrive home, she no longer feels pain, and Nana feels the love of her family, and the love they have for Popo. This lovely picture book shares a family's love for their beloved nana, and her journey as she passes away, traveling through the levels of Mictlān with her important guide, a xoloitzcuintle dog. Text and illustrations show the obstacles Nana faces, with vibrant, luminous colors bringing to life this otherworldy place, and paper cut-out art making the ¬characters seems so much closer to readers. The text in both the English and Spanish ¬versions shows character dialogue in speech bubbles, with page text describing Nana’s activities, her love for her family, and the levels of Mictlān. A touching depiction of this important belief in the afterlife, as well as a reminder of the good it does to keep loved ones alive through ¬memory. ¬VERDICT This picture book focusing on the passing of a loved one and their journey through Mictlān is an excellent addition to children’s picture book collections, and a solid choice to discuss loss and to share on Day of the Dead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this heartfelt story about death, grief, and legacy grounded in Indigenous Mexican culture, Nana and her beloved dog, Popo, are nearly inseparable. Whether Nana is cooking frijoles, sweeping the floors, or enjoying her evening telenovelas, Popo is by her side. As a xolo (pronounced SHOH-loh) dog, he is Nana's protector and companion, especially essential roles one night when Nana begins an arduous journey, which the reader understands as her transition to the afterlife. With repeated refrains of “Vamonos!” Popo guides Nana through a fierce snowstorm, across slick obsidian paths, and through forests filled with monkeys slinging sharp arrows. Eventually, the pair reaches Nana’s home once more, ending the journey, signifying the cyclical nature of life and death. Though Nana’s family mourns her loss, her memory brings them comfort, and now that Nana no longer needs Popo to warm her lap, her children and grandchildren care for him. Lopez’s evocative text, which incorporates occasional Spanish, is the perfect match for Matias’s illustrations, mixed media scenes featuring yarn and cut paper, which provide a sense of depth and perspective. The contrast of darkness and light mirrors the narrative. When Nana returns home at her journey’s end, her peaceful figure fills the page, enveloping the family in a warm glow. Backmatter includes a pronunciation guide, information about the xolo dog breed and their role in Indigenous Mexican cultures, as well as a guide to the nine levels of Mictlan, which one must pass through to reach the afterlife. Though death is a serious subject, this thoughtful picture book portrays the process as natural rather than fearful, making this a valuable text for bibliotherapy, as a conversation-starter with a child who has recently experienced a loss, or in an elementary classroom unit on how different cultures perceive death and the afterlife. Highly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-457-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-458-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 40\u003cbr\u003e10 x 8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: August 19, 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"English Hardcover","offer_id":47340198822125,"sku":"44577","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spanish Hardcover","offer_id":47340253774061,"sku":"44584","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/popo-the-xolo-cover.jpg?v=1736951927"},{"product_id":"popo-el-xolo","title":"Popo el Xolo","description":"\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/paloma-lopez\"\u003ePaloma Lopez\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/abraham-matias\"\u003eAbraham Matias\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWe can always remember her.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e¡Edición en español! Un libro ilustrado emocionalmente conmovedor y visualmente estimulante sobre la vida, la muerte y la celebración de aquellos a quienes amamos. Ideal para los niños con preguntas importantes, que están lidiando con el duelo y experimentando una pérdida.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNana está rodeada de su familia y disfruta de la compañía de sus muchos nietos. También está cansada y siente dolor. Pronto ella comienza su transición de la vida a la muerte, acompañada por su querido perro Xolo, Popo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuntos emprenden el viaje de Nana y, al final de la historia, la familia de Nana celebra los muchos años de amor que compartieron con ella. Y ahora, un nieto cuidará de Popo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003ePopo el Xolo\u003c\/i\u003e está disponible en ediciones en inglés y español.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNana is surrounded by family and takes joy in her many grandchildren. She's also tired and feels pain. Soon she begins her transition from life into death, accompanied by her beloved Xolo dog, Popo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTogether they go on Nana’s journey, and by the end of the story, Nana's family celebrates the many years of love they shared with her. A grandchild takes on caring for Popo in Nana's memory. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSimultaneously published in Spanish and English, \u003cem\u003ePopo el Xolo \u003c\/em\u003ehelps kids understand how loved ones live on in our memories. An unforgettable picture book that's grounded in the importance of the 9 levels of Mictlān and the role Xolo dogs play in Indigenous cultural understandings of present-day Mexico.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ten-beautiful-things\"\u003eTen Beautiful Things\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/squawk-of-spanish\"\u003eSquawk of Spanish\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/popo-el-xolo-spread.jpg?v=1731419587\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/popo-el-xolo-cover.jpg?v=1731419587\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/popo-el-xolo-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1731419586\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/hard-topics-discussion-guide-fnl.pdf?v=1776263282\"\u003eDownload the Hard Topics Discussion Guide \u0026amp; Activities\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaloma Lopez, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePaloma Angelina Lopez is a mother, student, and creative living in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She is a dual citizen of the United States and Mexico. Her maternal grandmother’s family comes from Jalisco and Guanajuato and her father’s family is from Zacatecas and Sinaloa. Paloma married into a Cherokee family that is heavily involved in language and culture, and she works as a full-time Cherokee language learner. She hopes to become an educator and author in the Cherokee language. This is her debut children’s book. She hopes to publish more children’s literature inspired by her culture and upbringing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/paloma-lopez\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Paloma.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbraham Matias, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbraham Matias is an illustrator, designer, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. He spent his childhood in Mexico making his own toys and miniature sets and drawing stories. Abraham works with paper-cut puppets staged and photographed inside a toy theater to create 3D, handcrafted, dreamlike scenes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/abraham-matias\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Abraham.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChicago Public Library Los mejores libros en español de 2025 selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eA Pura Belpré Award winner for Illustration\u003c\/li\u003e\n        \u003cli\u003eA 2026-27 Tejas Star Reading List selection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-458-4\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-457-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 40\u003cbr\u003e10 x 8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: August 19, 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Spanish Hardcover","offer_id":47340268257517,"sku":"44584","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"English Hardcover","offer_id":47340268224749,"sku":"44577","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/popo-el-xolo-cover.jpg?v=1736951927"},{"product_id":"the-cloud-that-stuck","title":"The Cloud That Stuck","description":"\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/karen-krossing\"\u003eKaren Krossing\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/dorothy-leung\"\u003eDorothy Leung\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGo away, cloud!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhoosh! On a blustery day, the wind blows a cloud over Tansy’s head, blocking the sun. She yells at the cloud and tries to outrace it on her bike. Her best friend, dad, and teacher try to help get rid of it, but the cloud won't budge. Then it rains on Tansy, and she forgets what sunshine feels like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaving a cloud overhead feels like the worst possible thing in the world. Until Tansy gets rain boots and an umbrella. She plays in the puddles with her friends and even plants a garden and waters it with her handy, always present cloud! As Tansy finds ways to live with her cloud, she learns that flowers need rain, and so do rainbows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA timely picture book about mental health, resilience, and change. Inspired by the author’s experiences with mental health, this book is for anyone who has faced challenges beyond their control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"This wonderful picture book can help readers turn their 'clouds' into gardens and rainbows by accepting the help of others and by choosing positive reactions.\" \u003cbr\u003e\n—Lesley Roessing, literacy specialist and author of \u003ci\u003eTalking Texts\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"For anyone who's ever tried to outrun their emotions, \u003ci\u003eThe Cloud That Stuck\u003c\/i\u003e models how to embrace all that you are and all that you're feeling—playfully and beautifully.\"\u003cbr\u003e\n—Liz Garton Scanlon, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Family Tree\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/beansprout\"\u003eBeansprout\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/grumble-boats\"\u003eGrumble Boats\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/the-cloud-that-stuck-spread.jpg?v=1753300531\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/the-cloud-that-stuck-cover.jpg?v=1753300530\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/the-cloud-that-stuck-cover-hires.tiff.zip?v=1754420958\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/hard-topics-discussion-guide-fnl.pdf?v=1776263282\"\u003eDownload the Hard Topics Discussion Guide \u0026amp; Activities\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKaren Krossing, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKaren Krossing wrote comics and poetry as a kid and dreamed of becoming a published writer. Today she is the author of many books for young readers, including picture books \u003ci\u003eSour Cakes\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eOne Tiny Bubble\u003c\/i\u003e and novels \u003ci\u003eMonster vs. Boy, Bog\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eCut the Lights\u003c\/i\u003e. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and regularly teaches writing workshops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/karen-krossing\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Karen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDorothy Leung, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDorothy Leung is the illustrator of several books for children, including \u003ci\u003eThe Keeper of Star\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eThe Never-ending Sweater\u003c\/i\u003e. She lives and works in Toronto. www.doroleung.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/dorothy-leung\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Dorothy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eA young girl is troubled by an annoyingly persistent cloud.\u003cbr\u003e\nOne blustery day, the wind blows a cloud over Tansy’s head, and it can’t be dislodged, despite her family and friends’ best efforts. The cloud grows so big that it begins to rain, drenching Tansy. Her father gives her a raincoat and umbrella, her teacher points a fan in her direction, and best friend Rue joins her under the umbrella to play in the puddles—all of which helps “a little,” Tansy allows. Realizing that gardens like rain, Tansy proposes planting one; soon, she’s walking her cloud around every day to water the seeds. New flowers sprout, and the returning wind blows a hole in the cloud, just the right size for a sunbeam to peek through. In an author’s note, Krossing explains that her story is intended for anyone grappling with “challenges beyond their control” and adds that she drew inspiration from her own experiences with mental illness. Readers will be heartened that though Tansy’s support network does all that they can to help her cope, ultimately, she makes her own bright spot, largely through self-acceptance. Krossing imparts valuable messages to youngsters struggling with their own issues and to those that love them. Leung’s illustrations have a textured coarseness, making effective use of perspective and relying on slightly over-the-top visuals. Tansy is brown-skinned; other characters vary in skin tone.\u003cbr\u003e\nA heartwarming and convincing tale for kids seeking to ride out life’s rainclouds. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003eThe wind blows a cloud right over Tansy’s head. Stuck there, it blocks the sun. Tansy tries to get rid of the cloud. She asks the wind to blow it away again; she bikes fast; she asks her dad to pull it. The stubborn cloud remains. At school, even her teacher notices, and her friend Rue asks her why she has a pet cloud. Tansy insists the cloud is a pest. The cloud gets bigger and darker, and it starts to rain. Tansy becomes so distraught that she announces she hates clouds. She even begins to forget what sunshine feels like. Offering their help in ways they can, Tansy’s dad gives her an umbrella, a raincoat, and rainboots, and her teacher points a fan in her direction. These tools help Tansy cope and feel a bit of sunshine. On the playground, Rue joins Tansy under her umbrella, and they realize that the cloud could be put to good use watering a garden! When the flowers bloom, Tansy figures her cloud isn’t such a pest. When the wind comes back, it doesn’t blow the cloud completely away or stop the rain completely, but it does blow a hole in it—a hole just enough for a sunbeam, which brings a rainbow too. The final page has an author’s note discussing how some problems cannot be solved, including the challenges of mental illness, but that there are ways to lighten the darkness. While an important message and well-intended, the inclusion of this closing page as written is likely to be too heavy for the book’s intended audience; however, it may give caregivers a starting point for discussing the book’s core message together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-572-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e8 x 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: April 14, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":48505178161389,"sku":"45727","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/the-cloud-that-stuck-cover.jpg?v=1753300530"},{"product_id":"something-sweet","title":"Something Sweet","description":"\n\u003ch1\u003eSomething Sweet\u003c\/h1\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eA Sitting Shiva Story\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/leslea-newman\"\u003eLesléa Newman\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/sarita-rich\"\u003eSarita Rich\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eSometimes the best thing you can do is listen.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLizzie is determined to cheer up her friend who is mourning the loss of his grandfather. But when Lizzie and her mother arrive at his house for a shiva call, Joshua isn’t in the mood for their usual puzzles or magic tricks. He misses his grandfather.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs Lizzie participates in the Jewish customs of mourning for the first time, she begins to understand a new side of friendship. Maybe all Joshua needs right now is someone to listen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eSomething Sweet\u003c\/i\u003e balances themes of processing grief, experiencing another culture, and learning how to be a good friend—and does so with tender care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.goodriverreview.com\/post\/finding-the-right-approach-the-aha-moment-for-a-picture-book\" target=\"new\"\u003eRead\u003c\/a\u003e the story behind the story in this blog post written by Lesléa Newman on \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.goodriverreview.com\/post\/finding-the-right-approach-the-aha-moment-for-a-picture-book\" target=\"new\"\u003eGood River Review\u003c\/a\u003e from Spalding University.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/welcoming-elijah\"\u003eWelcoming Elijah\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/popo-the-xolo\"\u003ePopo the Xolo\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/something-sweet-spread.jpg?v=1754671078\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/something-sweet-cover.jpg?v=1754671077\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/something-sweet-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1754671078\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/hard-topics-discussion-guide-fnl.pdf?v=1776263282\"\u003eDownload the Hard Topics Discussion Guide \u0026amp; Activities\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLesléa Newman, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLesléa Newman has written more than 70 books and anthologies, including \u003ci\u003eWelcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail\u003c\/i\u003e, winner of the Sydney Taylor Book Award and the National Jewish Book Award. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she now resides in Massachusetts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/leslea-newman\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Lesléa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSarita Rich, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSarita Rich is the illustrator of \u003ci\u003eHavdalah Sky: A Poem for the End of Shabbat; Daddy, Me, and the Magic Hour;\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eHypnosis Harry\u003c\/i\u003e. She is from northern Alaska and currently lives in Hawaii. www.saritarich.com\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/sarita-rich\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Sarita.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLoss, comfort, and rituals of remembrance intertwine in Newman and Rich’s relational introduction to the Jewish tradition of sitting shiva. Warmly rendered digital and watercolor compositions anchor the reader as young Lizzie and Mom visit the home of a friend, Joshua, who has lost his grandfather. Lizzie’s first shiva offers a natural framework for introducing Jewish mourning customs: “My mom and dad covered all the mirrors so we can think about Grandpa instead of ourselves,” Joshua notes. But the narrative also deals in universal themes—the title refers not only to the baked goods that Lizzie takes to the house but also to Joshua’s memories of his beloved, funny grandfather, and to the loving-kindness of showing up for others in times of grief. Compassionate and accessible, this story assures readers that solace can be found even in sorrow. A contextualizing author’s note concludes. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 5–8.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA child helps a friend grapple with the loss of a relative.\u003cbr\u003e\nLizzie’s mother is making brownies to take to Joshua’s house; Joshua’s grandfather has just died, and, as Mom explains, he and his family are sitting shiva, the Jewish period of mourning. At Joshua’s home, people explain various customs to Lizzie, like ritual handwashing and covering mirrors. Though informative, these moments sometimes feel a bit clunky, clearly intended to educate readers unfamiliar with shiva rather than advance the narrative. Rabbi Sarah arrives to lead prayers and hold space for the family to share stories about Joshua’s grandpa. The family’s dog, Queenie, provides moments of levity, keeping the serious topic from becoming overwhelming and demonstrating that it’s OK to laugh even amid grief. After, Lizzie sits with Joshua while he cries and recalls his grandfather telling him to nosh on something sweet every day, because life shouldn’t be bitter. Joshua decides to eat two brownies—one for himself, and one for his grandpa—representing the sweetness that exists even in times of sorrow. Newman handles the complexity of loss with care and authenticity in an age-appropriate way. Rich’s muted, expressive watercolors are well suited to the gently solemn tone of the story. Lizzie and Mom are brown-skinned, while Joshua and his family are lighter-skinned; their community is diverse.\u003cbr\u003e\nA sensitive introduction to grief and to Jewish mourning rituals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-571-0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 5–8\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e11 x 8\u003csup\u003e1\u003c\/sup\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\/\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csub\u003e2\u003c\/sub\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: March 24, 2026 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":48514317844717,"sku":"45710","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/something-sweet-cover.jpg?v=1754671077"},{"product_id":"a-light-for-lucinda","title":"A Light for Lucinda","description":"\u003ch6\u003eComing June 9, 2026. Pre-order today!\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eA Light for Lucinda\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Story from the Cuban Revolution\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/olga-herrera\"\u003eOlga Herrera\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eWe'll create our own light.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen military violence erupts in the streets outside Lucinda's home, the family joins together, pushing furniture against doors, filling cracks with wet napkins, and lighting candles when met with darkness. Amidst the blasts and cries, Lucinda's heart taps against her chest. Mamá's spoon taps against her sizzling pan. How can she cook when so much is happening outside?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eA Light for Lucinda\u003c\/i\u003e honors the human instinct to provide order and stability during times of upheaval with poignant, uplifting storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/im-new-here\"\u003eI'm New Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/counting-kindness\"\u003eCounting Kindness\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eWatch the Trailer\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yiWHBNOjCW0\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - LOOK INSIDE - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-spread.jpg?v=1764096655\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-shape=\"round\" defer async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764096652\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1764096690\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/hard-topics-discussion-guide-fnl.pdf?v=1776263282\"\u003eDownload the Hard Topics Discussion Guide \u0026amp; Activities\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOlga Herrera, author-illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOlga Herrera is a Cuban and Ecuadorian author-illustrator who earned her BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design. She cofounded Illo Chat, a podcast for illustrators, and is an active, long-time member of the SCBWI. She was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up in Ecuador. She now lives in Maryland with her husband, two children, and many pets. Her debut picture book, \u003ci\u003eThe Unwelcome Surprise\u003c\/i\u003e, was published by Feiwel \u0026amp; Friends\/Macmillan in 2023.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/olga-herrera\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Olga.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA young girl shelters in place with her family during the Cuban Revolution (1953-1959).\u003cbr\u003eLucinda lives in Santa Clara, where escalating military activity fills her neighborhood with fear. As tanks rumble past and gunfire echoes in the distance, her family and neighbors remain indoors with the shutters closed tight. Inside, her tía offers quiet reassurance, echoed by the steady pressure cooker shushing on the stove. Lucinda’s mamá responds to the tension by preparing a meal for family and neighbors seeking refuge. The familiar aromas gradually replace the scent of smoke drifting in from outside. When Lucinda wonders how Mamá can cook at a time like this, her mother explains that although they cannot control what is happening beyond their walls, they can each work to create safety and comfort within them. Later, when the lights go out, Abuela gently reminds the family that they can make their own light through care for one another. Soft pastel illustrations and expressive faces emphasize the tenderness shared among neighbors. The story closes with the community stepping outside to tidy their street, carrying forward a sense of hope. Lucinda’s journey affirms that fear is natural in uncertain times and that even small acts of care can steady a community.\u003cbr\u003eA poignant tale in which love and shared purpose become a family’s brightest light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-759-2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-819-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 40\u003cbr\u003e8 x 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: June 9, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"English Hardcover","offer_id":49093411832045,"sku":"47592","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spanish Hardcover","offer_id":49093431951597,"sku":"48193","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/a-light-for-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545"},{"product_id":"una-luz-para-lucinda","title":"Una luz para Lucinda","description":"\u003ch6\u003eComing June 9, 2026. Pre-order today!\u003c\/h6\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eUna luz para Lucinda\u003c\/h1\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eUna historia de la Revolución cubana\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/olga-herrera\"\u003eOlga Herrera\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eCrearemos nuestra propia luz.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCuando la violencia militar brota en las calles del barrio de Lucinda, su familia se une para empujar muebles contra las puertas, rellenar grietas con servilletas húmedas y encender velas durante la noche. En medio de explosiones y gritos, el corazón de Lucinda golpea fuertemente en su pecho. Al mismo tiempo, la cuchara de Mamá golpetea en la sartén caliente. ¿Cómo puede ser capaz de cocinar con todo lo que está ocurriendo allá afuera?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eUna luz para Lucinda\u003c\/i\u003e hace honor al instinto humano de proveer orden y estabilidad en tiempos de caos y conflicto, presentando una historia conmovedora e inspiradora.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen military violence erupts in the streets outside Lucinda's home, the family joins together, pushing furniture against doors, filling cracks with wet napkins, and lighting candles when met with darkness. Amidst the blasts and cries, Lucinda's heart taps against her chest. Mamá's spoon taps against her sizzling pan. How can she cook when so much is happening outside?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eA Light for Lucinda\u003c\/i\u003e honors the human instinct to provide order and stability during times of upheaval with poignant, uplifting storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/im-new-here\"\u003eI'm New Here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/counting-kindness\"\u003eCounting Kindness\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e [TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eWatch the Trailer\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yiWHBNOjCW0\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - LOOK INSIDE - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/luz-para-lucinda-spread.jpg?v=1764096656\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/luz-para-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764096653\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/luz-para-lucinda-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1764096674\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/hard-topics-discussion-guide-fnl.pdf?v=1776263282\"\u003eDownload the Hard Topics Discussion Guide \u0026amp; Activities\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOlga Herrera, author-illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOlga Herrera es una autora e ilustradora cubano-ecuatoriana. Obtuvo una licenciatura en Bellas Artes en Ringling College of Art and Design. Es cofundadora de Illo Chat, un podcast para ilustradores, y desde hace muchos años es miembro activo de SCBWI (Sociedad de Escritores e Ilustradores de Libros Infantiles, por sus siglas en inglés). Nació en Miami, Florida, y se crio en Ecuador. Vive en Maryland con su esposo, sus dos hijos y muchas mascotas. Su libro ilustrado debut, \u003ci\u003eThe Unwelcome Surprise\u003c\/i\u003e, fue publicado por Feiwel \u0026amp; Friends\/Macmillan en 2023.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/olga-herrera\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Olga.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-759-2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-819-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 40\u003cbr\u003e8 x 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: June 9, 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n[\/TABS]","brand":"Charlesbridge","offers":[{"title":"Spanish Hardcover","offer_id":49093446631661,"sku":"48193","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"English Hardcover","offer_id":49093446598893,"sku":"47592","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/luz-para-lucinda-cover.jpg?v=1764688545"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.charlesbridge.com\/collections\/picture-books-on-hard-topics\/browse-by-subject_health-beauty.oembed","provider":"Charlesbridge","version":"1.0","type":"link"}