One Sweet Song by Jyoti Rajan Gopal and Sonia Sánchez, Walker, £12.99
A single flute note gradually leads a whole neighbourhood to join in, playing traditional or improvised instruments until their song softly dwindles back to silence. Inspired by musicians who serenaded their neighbours during lockdowns, this meditative picture book, with its swirling, colourful illustrations, is an ode to the power of togetherness.
Quiet by Tom Percival and Richard Jones, Simon & Schuster, £12.99
A little bird is too timid and quiet to make herself heard – until her home’s survival is at stake. Jones’s illustrations vividly bring out the layered textures of woodland and wildlife, with the bird a striking splash of red in this touching story of shyness and courage.
Animal Crackers by Ruby Wright, Rocket Bird, £12.99
Maisie really wants a pet, but her mother says no. When the animals from pictures on her kitchen tins and packets come to life, though, Maisie discovers how much work – and poo scooping – pet ownership involves. An eye-catching, engaging picture-book debut.
I’ll See You in Ijebu by Bunmi Emenanjo, illustrated by Diana Ejaita, Barefoot, £7.99
Eight-year-old Olu is Catholic, but her extended family are Muslim. In this enticing, immersive picture book for readers of 4 or 5+, she travels from Lagos to visit her grandparents for Eid al-Adha. Her richly evoked experience, from sweltering cars and puff-puff hawkers to making pepper soup, will resonate with anyone whose family involves more than one heritage or tradition.
