Vision, value, and visits

The True Ugly Duckling

Sandra Nickel
Levine Querido, 32 pages

Hans Christian Andersen was awkward, isolated, and decidedly different as a child—much like the ugly duckling from his beloved fairy tale. Author Sandra Nickel shares the journey that led Andersen to pen his famed fairy tales, and she captures the heartache of Andersen’s social challenges, which may have stemmed from Marfan syndrome and autism. Calvin Nicholls’ unique illustrations feature low-relief, cut-paper sculptures that honor Andersen’s talent for creating elaborate paper cuttings while he regaled audiences with his stories. Throughout the book, Andersen’s face is mostly obscured, but on the final page his face reflects joy that, after years of isolation, he is now a swan who has found his calling and place in the world. Ages 4–8 —K.C.

The Visit

Núria Figueras
Eerdmans, 56 pages

A surprise visitor knocks on the door soon after Mother Fox leaves, and curious Little Fox decides to open up. Silence walks in—tall, huge, and ominous. Then Little Fox discovers Silence likes blackberries and dancing without music. Little Fox twirls across the floor with Silence until, worn out, she snuggles into Silence and says, “You know, I’m really glad you came to visit today.” This wholesome story, whimsically illustrated by Anna Font, offers many teachable moments about embracing silence in a world that never hushes. For instance, Little Fox learns that hearing her thoughts is easier when Silence is present, which serves as a good reminder of how much easier it can be to hear God’s voice when the noisy world fades away. Ages 3–7 —J.L.

The Amazing Brain Club

Lindsey Goff Viducich
Zonderkidz, 32 pages

The message woven throughout The Amazing Brain Club reminds children that every brain is amazing, unique, and purposefully designed by God, no matter how it is wired. Viducich’s lively text uses apt similes and metaphors to describe brain function, traits, and challenges. Children will see themselves in Cyndi Wojciechowski’s whimsical illustrations as the text reassures them that God made everyone unique and “each of us has a purpose and a role to play in God’s story.” Although it is intended to encourage neurodivergent children, the book can serve to show all children that “every zip, zap, zoom, sparkle, and shimmer of my excitement, energy, and creativity are things we need in the world and in the body of Christ.” Ages 4–8 —J.L.

Jesus and the Outsiders

Connor Shram & Jared Neusch
Tyndale Kids, 32 pages

Whether children are dealing with clique mentalities, experiencing loneliness, or being ignored, Jesus and the Outsiders provides wise guidance from the Master Teacher for children of any age. With engaging kid humor, authors Connor Shram and Jared Neusch offer straightforward talk about the feeling of being excluded or not wanting to include people who are different. Drawing on stories about Zacchaeus, the Samaritan woman at the well, and the thief on the cross, the authors demonstrate Jesus’ compassion and His response to those who don’t fit in: He invites them to the party! Illustrator Daniel Duncan interprets the conflicts and the party with imaginative and appealing pictures, supporting the book’s strong message that “there are no outsiders in Jesus’ new world.” Ages 4–8 —N.O.