Board Books

VARMA, Darshika. Diwali: Love and Light. illus. by Darshika Varma. 22p. (Our Neighborhood). little bee. Aug. 2025. Board $9.99. ISBN 9781499817799.
Toddler-PreS–Following a young girl and her brother from day to night, this board book provides a jubilant glimpse into a family’s preparations for a major Hindu holiday. Varma depicts their day in rhyme, with straightforward verses atop bursts of cheerful color as the children enjoy fried goods, assist their parents in decorating their home, and spend time with beloved elders. At the day’s end, the family heads to the temple for dancing, fireworks, and an elaborate feast with their community. The story also includes a Sikh child and parent, both adorned in traditional headwear, participating in the Diwali festivities at the temple. Adults looking for books for young children that fully explain Diwali and the traditions should look elsewhere. VERDICT A vibrant board book to read to little ones during the holiday.–Alexandra Quay

Picture Books

NAVA, Eva Wong. The Moon Rabbit. illus. by Jason Chuang. 40p. Candlewick. Aug. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781536238914.
Gr 2-5–A young girl’s desire to hear a story, despite already having heard it “a hundred times,” frames this book’s retelling of the story of Chang’e the Moon Goddess, a well-known figure in Chinese mythology. Readers are immersed into the world of Chang’e and her husband, Houyi, during a time when the “earth was as hot as an erupting volcano.” The beauty of Chang’e and her curiosity were matched only by the depth of love Houyi had for her. As the tale unfolds, an ever-present rabbit moves through the world with Chang’e, and the explanation behind the traditions of the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the moon is its biggest and brightest, are brought to life. This beautiful book melds a clearly written tale with intricate digital illustrations that mimic traditional Chinese paintings, scrolls, and stamp art. It would make a great entry point into mythology units, and a terrific read-aloud. VERDICT A beautiful, necessary addition to collections.–Danielle Schwessinger

Peppa Pig and the Wedding Day. 32p. (Peppa Pig). Candlewick. Jun. 2025. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9781536241952.
Toddler-PreS–A charming story that captures the excitement and chaos of planning a wedding through the eyes of Peppa Pig. When Mr. Bull and Mrs. Cow decide to get married, they ask Peppa to be a bridesmaid. Peppa, unfamiliar with weddings, is thrilled to be part of the special day. Mummy Pig explains that a wedding is a big party to celebrate two people who love each other, and they discuss the cake, the dress, and the rings. With the wedding set for the next day, everyone rushes to plan and organize the event. As preparations unfold, things get a bit messy—holes are cut in the dress, making it look like cheese, and someone accidentally sits on the cake. Despite these mishaps, the arrival of Mrs. Cow in a helicopter and the love between Mr. Bull and Mrs. Cow ensure that everything turns out perfectly. The digital art is in the familiar style of Peppa Pig illustrations, with big, bright images that dominate each page. Short sentences and minimal text make it ideal for young fans of Peppa Pig, particularly those just learning to read. VERDICT A heartwarming story about love, friendship, and the joy of celebrating special moments.–Haley Amendt

RAFI, Sana. Mustafa’s Mithai. illus. by Nabi H. Ali. 32p. Viking. Jun. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593526125.
K-Gr 2–Mustafa hankers for mithai, the catchall South Asian term for sweets reserved for special occasions. With no mithai-worthy celebrations on the horizon, Mustafa proposes to “celebrate a regular day” so he can get his sugary fix. With Ammi’s approval, Mustafa invites four friends for a playdate called “Mithai with Mustafa.” When Mustafa discovers that his friends have never tried mithai before, he matches his friends with a treat perfectly suited to each of them—for example, Beau gets a jalebi, which is his favorite color, orange. Through this exercise, readers learn about the qualities of a range of mithai, from syrupy to fluffy. Digital illustrations accurately convey the enticing diversity of color and shape represented by Mustafa’s box of mithai, as well as the joy they bring those partaking in the sweet delights. As a helpful addendum, an author’s note describes the origin of mithai in South Asia and the important role they play in celebrations. VERDICT This is recommended, especially for collections focused on global food traditions.– Nora Clancy

ROUSS, Sylvia A. Sammy Spider’s Big Book of Jewish Holidays. illus. by Katherine Janus Kahn. 24p. (Sammy Spider). Lerner/Kar-Ben. Aug. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781728492919.
Gr 2-4–A vibrant and educational journey through Jewish traditions. A curious little spider named Sammy observes a family celebrating significant holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, and Passover. The narrative, featuring dialogue between Sammy and his mother, Mrs. Spider, is structured with full paragraphs and long sentences. Sammy’s inquisitive nature leads him to ask questions about various Jewish traditions, to which Mrs. Spider provides clear and informative explanations. This dynamic makes the book an excellent resource for school-aged children with strong reading skills, or as a classroom aid when learning about Jewish culture. Illustrations reminiscent of Eric Carle’s mosaic designs are filled with bright colors that dominate each page, making the book visually engaging for young readers. The book also includes side notes that offer definitions and explanations for each tradition, enhancing the educational value. VERDICT An informative read that introduces young readers to the richness of Jewish traditions and celebrations.–Haley Amendt

YIM, Natasha. Luna and the Case of the Missing Mooncakes. illus. by Violet Kim. 32p. Charlesbridge. (Storytelling Math). Aug. 2025. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781623544669.
K-Gr 3–Young cousins come together for detective work to solve a puzzling mystery during a holiday gathering celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. Just as the cousins begin playing their favorite game, they notice a mooncake is missing from the box that Mina brought. Luna, with tan skin and brown hair, dons oversized detective-like clothing to tackle an investigation into the pilfered pastry. Luna and Mina insightfully eliminate possible suspects and search for proof through clues that are cleverly placed into the story’s framework through the illustrations. As the plot unfolds, readers also become detectives, and the probability of discovering the yummy holiday food staple and after-dinner dessert is crucial to recovering the treat. Imagination along with a well-crafted scenario create a palpable mystery that is quite palatable, as readers crave the suspense from page to page while attempting to link clues to solve the mystery. Luna’s diverse family includes grown-ups, siblings, and cousins with various hair colors and skin tones. Combining witty plot development and humor raveled with clues embedded inside the illustrations, this story encourages young mystery lovers to learn to develop assessments, make informed decisions, and collaborate with others. VERDICT This joyful whodunit encourages critical and analytical thinking, as well as problem-solving skills and awareness using a recognizable extended family structural setting.–Kimberly Filmore