Magical New Kids' Books!
I picked up Momo Sees the Sea for our bedtime reading recently, and it has quickly become a household favorite. As a parent, I love how it balances a simple, rhythmic reading level with a genuinely imaginative story that doesn't feel repetitive. My kids were immediately captivated by the vibrant illustrations as we followed Momo’s journey into the ocean to find his lost ball. The "hide-and-seek" element of searching for a mysterious sea creature kept them engaged on every page, and they especially loved the whimsical touches, like the school of fish actually sitting at desks in a classroom.
What makes this book special is how it honors the legacy of Dr. Seuss while bringing a fresh, modern perspective to the Beginner Books collection. The setting is inspired by the author’s childhood in India, which gave us a natural way to talk about different parts of the world while enjoying the fantasy of the underwater world. It’s the perfect length for a quick evening read—short enough to keep my youngest’s attention, but detailed enough that my older child wanted to linger on the artwork. It’s a sweet, colorful adventure that feels like a classic in the making, and it has definitely earned a permanent spot on our "read it again" shelf.
We just finished reading Nunu and the Sea by Isabella Kung, and it was such a moving experience for both me and the kids. This book is nearly wordless, which I found surprisingly helpful for a bedtime read because it forced us to slow down and really look at the illustrations together. It tells the story of Nunu, a young girl who feels overwhelmed by "big feelings" and finds an escape through her imagination and origami. My kids were fascinated by the way her room transforms into a vast ocean, and we spent a lot of time talking about the different origami animals she folds—like the crane that helps her navigate the waves—and how they represent her journey back to a place of calm.
What I appreciated most as a parent was the "emotional intelligence" aspect of the story. It doesn’t shy away from how scary or heavy emotions can feel, but it shows Nunu literally "mending" what is broken and finding her way home. The shift in the color palette—moving from darker, stormy tones to a bright, hopeful sunrise—really resonated with my five-year-old, who pointed out that Nunu looked "happy-tired" at the end. It’s a beautiful, gentle tool for teaching kids that while feelings can be as big as the sea, they eventually recede. It’s definitely a book we’ll keep on hand for those days when life feels a little "too much."
Reading My Abuela is a Bruja with my kids was such a magical experience, both literally and figuratively. From the very first page, they were entranced by the vibrant, glowing illustrations and the "secret" that Abuela might actually be a witch. We loved following along as the granddaughter looks for clues—the black cat, the bubbling pots, and the mysterious chants—while I loved how the story weaves in Puerto Rican culture and Spanish phrases so naturally. It sparked a great conversation with my kids about how our own grandmothers have their own "magic" in the way they cook or take care of us, making the supernatural elements of the story feel grounded and sweet rather than scary.
What really touched me was the underlying theme of honoring our ancestors and the traditions passed down through generations. My kids were leaning in close to see the "ofrenda" and the beautiful way the art depicts the spirits of the past as gentle, golden guides. It’s a perfect bedtime story because it balances the excitement of a "witchy" mystery with a deeply cozy, loving ending that reinforces the bond between a grandmother and her grandchild. This book has definitely earned a permanent spot on our shelf as a celebration of heritage, family, and the little bit of magic that exists in everyday life.
Leo’s Lobo was such a fun, high-energy read for my kids, especially because it combines the excitement of getting a first pet with a fantastical, magical twist. The story follows Leo, who can’t find the right connection at a regular animal shelter until he stumbles upon a hidden market for alebrijes—brightly colored, mythical Mexican folk-art creatures. My kids were completely obsessed with Lobo, Leo's new "wolf-dog" with neon wings, and they spent the whole time giggling at the "magical" chaos he causes, like flying away during bath time or leaving behind smelly, rainbow-colored messes.
What I really appreciated as a parent was the gentle lesson about responsibility and the importance of asking for help. Leo quickly realizes that even a magical pet is a lot of work, and he has to lean on his family to figure out how to care for Lobo properly. The illustrations are incredibly vibrant and packed with details inspired by Mexican culture, which made the book feel like a celebration of heritage as much as a story about a boy and his dog. It’s a great pick for any child who loves animals or dreams of having a "not-so-ordinary" best friend, and the author’s note at the end about the history of alebrijes was a perfect way to wrap up our storytime.