Kenzie's Little Tree is one of our amazing March giveaways.

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I love reading—and writing—big-hearted stories for little readers. By big-hearted, I mean books that evoke strong emotions, feature important themes, inspire readers, and elicit thoughts and discussions.

Real life for children and families includes the entire range of human emotions, and I am captivated by stories, like the ones I’ve shared below, that showcase the beauty of this messy reality.  

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The Bird Feeder, by Andrew Larsen and Dorothy Leung

A child enjoys bird-watching and drawing with their grandma after she gets sick and moves in with them, then despairs over filling the bird feeder when Grandma leaves for the hospice. Visiting Grandma in her new home is scary until the protagonist notices that the building “smells like pancakes.” The child eagerly hangs Grandma’s beloved bird feeder outside her hospice window, and the pair delight in special moments together. When Grandma passes away, there is grief over the loss, and also joy that abounds from fond memories and a shared passion. “Grandma loved birds. I love birds, too.” The text, along with the beautiful, muted illustrations, will inspire children to think about their own memories of loved ones.

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I Talk Like a River, by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith

A boy wakes, overcome by words that he cannot say, on this “bad speech day.” He quietly hides at the back of the class, his fear and dread palpable as the teacher asks him a question. After school, the boy’s father drives him to the river where all is peaceful but for those remaining big feelings from school. When Dad tells his son that he talks like a river, the boy internalizes this comparison. Talking at school the following day, the boy’s speech is rough, stuttering, proud, and calm, just like a river. The dark colours in the illustrations deepen the emotions of fear, sadness, and worry. This book will resonate with children who feel lonely, afraid, or disconnected from their peers.  

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The Sour Cherry Tree, by Naseem Hrab and Nahid Kazemi

A young girl recalls her time with Baba Bozorg after his passing. Her love and affection for her grandfather is evident in the text and art as she remembers specific details, like the mints he kept in his pockets, and his passion for hot Ceylon tea and fig cookies. The words and playful illustrations about shared games of hide and seek evoke a feeling of joy even as the protagonist deals with sadness and grief. This book can be used as a resource for families as they navigate the loss of a loved one.

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Barnaby Unboxed!, by The Fan Brothers

Barnaby worries about whether he’s the most perfect of the ‘Perfect Pets’ in the store, and if he’ll find a family. After a girl brings him home, Barnaby adores his new life until the child loses interest, and Barnaby, deeply hurt, runs off. Unable to find his way back, he meets friends, visits new places, and experiences the natural world. This journey is a roller coaster of emotions including fear, loneliness, togetherness, surprise, and calm. The art, which is sometimes playful and bright and at other times serious and quiet, reflects and deepens the emotions. Barnaby Unboxed! will lead to discussions about love, belonging, authenticity, and home for many readers.

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Birdsong, by Julie Flett

Birdsong begins as Katherena leaves her friends and family behind to move to the country with her mother, an event that evokes sadness and loneliness. Feeling blue, Katherena gives up drawing, until her kind neighbour inspires her to resume her artwork. Over the course of the story, Birdsong moves readers through the calm of the natural world, the joy of creating and spending time with others, and the grief of supporting a sick friend. This book is an excellent choice for children who are navigating change or loss.

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The Weedflower, by Elizabeth Davaze and Marianne Ferrer

Sam and the other children marvel at the dandelion that has sprouted “…impossibly, between the schoolyard’s cement and rubber turf.” They lavish the flower with water, attention, and protection, and are awe-struck when it transforms into a “dreamy fluffball.” The adults do not share the children’s love for the weedflower, and despite much crying, protesting, and wishing, the flower is pulled from the earth. Luckily for Sam, dandelions have a way of growing back. This book, with its delightfully whimsical illustrations, will inspire thoughts about big topics like nature, care, beauty, and collaboration.

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Rodney was a Tortoise, by Nan Forler and Yong Ling Kang

Bernadette’s pet tortoise Rodney has always been a source of fondness and joy as they play dress-up, munch on snacks, and read books. But as the seasons pass, slow, old Rodney becomes even slower until he eventually stops. Bernadette is stunned when she loses her companion…and when the kids at school carry on with life as usual. There is much grief and loneliness as Bernadette continues without her beloved pet, until she experiences the caring of a classmate and feels the hopefulness of a new friendship. The illustrations which are at times bright and cheerful and at other points display Bernadette's downcast expressions, deepen the feelings of both joy and sadness for readers. Children will relate to the feelings that come with losing a beloved pet.  

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Learn more about Kenzie's Little Tree:

After Kenzie and her family plant a fragile, little tree one summer day, she promises to keep it safe. When autumn blows in strong winds and a flare-up of Mom’s chronic illness, Kenzie’s worries pile up like fallen leaves. Wintertime is full of family adventures until Mom heads to the hospital, and a swirling storm leaves Kenzie fearing for her little tree. Come spring, Kenzie discovers her little tree covered in bright pink blossoms—bold and strong—just like Mom and just like her. The detailed and expressive illustrations along with the story’s lyrical and sensory language come together to deliver a big-hearted story that opens the door to conversations about dynamic disability, worry, resilience, change, and family fun.