Culture is an interesting subject to read about. I have recently read several titles that give us a little insight into some cultures that might be different from ours, but also show how things are universal, too. Worldly books are perfect additions to anyone’s library.
In the Western Wall, lives a Sparrow. The story slowly builds to the end where the idea of hope has unfolded in a special way. Mary Tebo’s story is clever and sweet, but also has a bit of an edge making it powerful, too. E. B. Lewis adds the perfect addition with their floating, soft, pastel colored images. The illustrations are colorful, but not overly so. The details are detailed but not overly so. It is a nice balance that gives it a dreamy and solid format. It is currently available, but I read via an online reader copy. I plan on finding a finished copy as I want to see how large the book (as it is a picture book) is. This will make the ages for which it is best more solid in my mind. It feels as if it is a bit poetic and abstract at the same time.
A little girl travels to another country to visit her grandmother. She is nervous about going as from the start she knows things are different, she won’t be home and therefore in her comfort zone. But she has the consolation that her favorite doll will be with her. Except, they learn that her doll was left behind, but quickly she learns that adventures are meant to be a bit scary and even a bit familiar, too, when you share with loved ones. Home Away From Home by Nazneen Akbari and illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh perhaps is one of my favorite “easier” stories so far this year (even though it is due in February 2026, I had the opportunity to read via an online reader). The entire package is happy, bouncy and a little off-beat with being realistic but not a “solid real” but more childlike in format. The culture arrives on the page without coming out and forcing it, but we the readers learn as our narrator learns about them.
Ramadan is a subject we know a little bit about. But Upside-Down Iftar by Maysa Odeh and illustrator Nadine Issa shows us a piece of the bigger picture with a particular food that will be served after the fast is broken. We also have a bit about family and its dynamic. We get some sweet, not cartoon but elements of cartoon imagery for the illustrations. Things are bold and positive, but also have an earthy tone that makes things homey. While I was able to read a reader copy of this, y’all will have to wait until it is published in January 2026. In the meantime you can read the top story or go to your favorite independent bookstore to pre order a copy of books two and three.