Chooch Helped
By: Andrea L. Rogers
Illustrated by: Rebecca Lee Kunz
Medal Winner
Reviewed by: Christine Kallner
The universal meets the particular in the 2025 Caldecott medalist, Chooch Helped. The baby of the family, a toddler of two, is forever wanting to “help” in ways that are often less than helpful if looked at logically. But the adults in his family are patient with him and let him help, knowing that is how young children learn. Chooch’s older sister Sissy is frustrated with all the things he “gets away with.” Tempers flare between the siblings when Chooch tries to “help” his sister make a clay pot. The parents ironically add to the chaotic scene: "“My parents yelled, “Shouting is no help”" – but, admit it, we have all been there! This is followed by a touching scene of reconciliation between the siblings first, and then of the parents and children together. Apologies are made and what has been broken between them is mended. The mother explains to Sissy that she was just like Chooch when she was younger and tells her she is one of his most important teachers, which she hadn’t realized before. Sissy takes this newfound responsibility very seriously and offers to teach Chooch how to make a clay pot. On this second try, she is patient with him like all the other adults have been and their relationship is restored.
A similar story could have been told by anyone the world over, but since the author and illustrator are of the Cherokee Nation, it is told through that lens. Cherokee words are used throughout the story (with a very helpful guide to correct pronunciation) and the art is infused with Cherokee culture and symbols. Do not miss the author and illustrator notes at the end of the book! There is also a glossary and instructions for making your own clay pinch pot. This story is beautifully and artistically told, a worthy addition to the Caldecott family of books.
Home in a Lunch Box
By: Cherry Mo
Honor
Reviewed by: Sarah Kim
The illustrations in this book are stunning and captivate the range of emotions Jun feels as she navigates her new school after moving to America from Hong Kong. She only knows a few words of English that she's written on the palm of her hand and you feel her confusion and frustration. When she opens her lunchbox each day the illustrations come alive in full color and motion as she experiences a respite from the exhaustion of trying to fit in and feels back at home. The story itself is simple and has been better told in other picture books, but the illustrations shine and make the book worth reading.
My Daddy is a Cowboy
By: Stephanie Seales
Illustrated by: C.G. Esperanza
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
In the early hours before dawn, a young girl and her father greet their horses and ride together through the waking city streets. As they trot along, Daddy tells cowboy stories filled with fun and community, friendship, discovery, and pride.
Seeing her city from a new vantage point and feeling seen in a new way, the child discovers that she too is a cowboy—strong and confident in who she is.
From the publisher
Noodles on a Bicycle
By: Kyo Maclear
Illustrated by: Gracey Zhang
Honor
Reviewed by: Sarah Kim
When you open the book the first thing you see is a photo from 1937 of a restaurant deliveryman on his bicycle in Tokyo holding a huge stack of trays and bowls on his shoulder. It's startling and impressive and grabs your attention. Then the story begins, told through the eyes of children watching and imitating these deliverymen, and then enjoying the noodle soup that is delivered. The personal connection at the end of the story is a delightful surprise and makes these restaurant acrobats seem more human. The illustrations are simple but full of motion and expression. I loved the book and its peek into one small aspect of Japanese history and culture.
Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains
By: Anita Yasuda
Illustrated by: Yuko Shimizu
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
Junko Tabei dreamed of a life climbing mountains. But men refused to climb with her. Sponsors told her to stay home. And gloves were not made to fit her hands. Junko, eager and unstoppable, wouldn't let these obstacles get in her way.
Instead, she planned an expedition to summit Mount Everest with an all-women team. Battling icy peaks, deep crevasses, and even an avalanche, Junko refused to give up. She climbed step by step . . . up, up, ever up!
After summiting the world's tallest peak, Junko took on a new challenge: protecting the wild spaces she loved for future generations.
This gorgeously illustrated celebration of a trailblazing climber who shattered gender stereotypes invites us to dare to reach our dreams—no matter how big.
From the publisher
