Staff Picks

The Tray of Togetherness
Written and Illustrated by Flo Leung

Recommended by Joanna Boone from Main Library

For many, the New Year welcomes new opportunities. In The Tray of Togetherness, the Lunar New Year is the main character’s favorite time to celebrate with friends and family. Her favorite tradition is filling and sharing an eight-section candy box with symbolic treats. Every treat has a special meaning and is chosen to represent great things for the future, such as peanuts for long life and candied coconuts for strong family ties

This book illustrates how the treats are selected and shared with family, friends, and neighbors. It also illustrates ways in which families can show kindness towards members of their community.  The phrase, “Some for me, and you, and you!” is repeated throughout the book to remind readers of the joy the New Year brings.

Written and illustrated by Flo Leung, a Toronto-based chef and artist, Leung writes about how this Lunar New Year tradition was one of her favorite childhood traditions, and how happy she is to share it with her new, young family and with readers. Since writing The Tray of Togetherness, she has also published another children’s book called The Blue Bowl. (Ages 3 – 7)

Someone Just Like You
Written by Helen Docherty, Illustrated by David Roberts

Recommended by Dan Jones from Naranja Branch Library

The New Year is a perfect time to think about the kind of person we want to be. Someone Just Like You encourages young readers to approach others with empathy and generosity. In simple rhyming text, author Helen Docherty points out that somewhere in the world is someone who might look different from you, or speak a different language, but who also shares similar joys, fears, and needs.

The book challenges readers with questions, such as “If someone just like you was in a difficult situation, would you help them?” “Would you offer them friendship, and share what you had with them?” or “Would you help them feel at home in a new place?” In the process, Docherty helps readers of all ages discover the joy and wonder of empathy and caring for others. Throughout the book there is a focus on welcoming others, especially those who have had to leave their homes behind. David Roberts’ illustrations beautifully reinforce the central message of the book, celebrating solidarity and showing the fun to be had in making new connections across cultures and heritages.

Helen Docherty is a Welsh educator and author of books for children. Her other books include The Snatchabook, Make It All Go Away, and All the Things We Carry.

David Roberts is a British illustrator of children’s books, he frequently collaborates with author Andrea Beaty of Ada Twist, Scientist, Aaron Slater, Illustrator, and the Questioneers series of chapter books. Roberts’ illustrations in the 2006 book Mouse Noses on Toast by Daren King won the Nestle Children’s Book Prize Gold Award. (Ages 4 – 8)

Race to Kindness
Written by Orion Jean, Illustrated by Darshika Varma

Recommended by Rita Mayer from Miami Springs Branch Library

Race to Kindness by Orion Jean gets readers of all ages ready, set, and going on a journey to practice kindness in their everyday lives. The book serves as a warm invitation to act with goodwill and care toward others, showing how both small gestures and larger efforts can lead to meaningful change. Jean — who was just 13 years old when his book was published and was named Time’s Kid of the Year in 2021— presents his message through the acronym K.I.N.D., which acts as a clear and accessible blueprint for putting kindness into action.

Readers will delight in the brief, simply rhymed verses while feeling inspired by the practical suggestions woven throughout. Each letter of K.I.N.D. highlights a key theme: keeping an eye out for opportunities to help others; practicing inclusivity and hospitality by inviting those who may feel marginalized or alone; recognizing that even the smallest acts of kindness matter and can create a powerful ripple effect; and taking action now — without waiting — to be a beacon of compassion and service.

Darshika Varma’s vivid and charming illustrations further enhance the message, depicting children offering helping hands in ways that will motivate young readers to share their own light. The suggested acts of kindness range from simple gestures, such as saying “hi” with a smile, inviting a shy classmate to play, or complimenting a teacher, to larger efforts like organizing a lemonade charity drive, distributing food boxes, or participating in a community trash pickup.

Race to Kindness inspires without preaching, empowering children to see that they truly can make a difference — one kind act at a time.

Orion Jean, 15, is a motivational speaker and kindness activist who uses his “Be K.I.N.D” message in his addresses to audiences around the world. He has organized various charity efforts, including donating half a million books to children, providing more than 100,00 meals to people with food insecurity, and collecting more than 600 toys for a children’s hospital. In addition to being named Time’s Kid of the Year in 2021, Jean is also a Top 10 Youth Volunteers of 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Award winner and recipient of the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes in 2022.

Mumbai-based Darshika Varma found her way to illustrating children’s books after a career in digital marketing. She holds a BFA in applied arts. Her previous work can be seen in books written by Chitra Soundar, including Holi Hai! and The Turtle and the Geese. (Ages 4 – 8)

Heartfelt
Written by Elaine Vickers, Illustrated by Samantha Cotterill

Recommended by Rose Spector from Coral Reef Branch Library

Heartfelt is a gentle and moving reminder that love isn’t just something we feel—it’s something we share. This beautifully illustrated story follows a young girl who spreads handmade paper hearts throughout her neighborhood, discovering how small acts of kindness can ripple outward in powerful ways. As she engages all five senses in her journey, she learns that even when the hearts are gone, the love they inspired continues to grow through acts of care and service. 

With its simple, meaningful text and expressive artwork, Heartfelt is a wonderful choice for families looking to spark conversations about empathy, generosity, and community. It may even inspire readers of all ages to create and share a little love of their own. 

Elaine Vickers is the author of the middle-grade novels Like Magic and Paper Chains, both receiving rave reviews and translated into four languages. She is also the author of the young adult novel Fadeaway and picture book Thankful. Vickers is also a college chemistry professor. She lives with her family in Utah. 

Samantha Cotterill is an award-winning picture book author and illustrator of many books for children, including Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems along with self-authored titles No More Bows, The Beach is Loud, Nope. Never. Not For Me!, and Little Senses: It Was Supposed to Be Sunny. Cotterill  lives and works in Upstate New York.  (Ages 4 – 8)

Kindness Counts 1 2 3
Written by R.A. Strong, Illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan

Recommended by Ana Barreto from Edison Center Branch Library

“What if we could bring kindness with us wherever we go?” Kindness Counts 1 2 3 turns that question into a joyful, hands‑on experience for young readers. This charming picture book introduces children to everyday acts of kindness through a playful counting journey. From sharing cookies and toys to helping a friend on the playground, caring for pets, donating to others, and staying connected with loved ones, each page shows that kindness is simple, fun, and always within reach.

Written by R. A. Strong—an editor and writer dedicated to nurturing empathy and positive social behavior—the story makes kindness feel natural and doable for even the youngest readers. Strong is best known for writing works with a focus on early childhood development and social‑emotional learning. Kindness Counts 1 2 3 remains the author’s most celebrated and widely recognized book.

The story is beautifully paired with illustrations by Ekaterina Trukhan, a beloved author and artist whose books have been published across the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, South Korea, China, and the Czech Republic. Known for titles such as Little Fox and the Missing Moon, When Winter Comes, and When Autumn Comes, Trukhan brings her signature warmth to every page. Her soft colors, expressive characters, and gentle visual storytelling create an inviting world where kindness shines in every scene.

Unlike traditional counting books that rely on rhymes or repetition, Kindness Counts 1 2 3 offers something more: a heartwarming message about the power of small, everyday actions. It reminds readers that making a difference doesn’t require grand gestures—just a willingness to share, help, and care. This is a book that not only teaches numbers but also encourages children to brighten the world, one kind act at a time.  (Ages 2 – 5)