Picture Books

Title: The Birds of Christmas

Author: Olivia Armstrong

Illustrator: Mira Miroslavova

Publisher/Year: Eerdmans BYR/2025

Format: Hardcover

Seasons Greetings! Christmas is almost here, and I have the perfect picture book to celebrate the joyous season. The Birds of Christmas, written by Olivia Armstrong, with charming graphite pencil and digital illustrations by Mira Miroslavova, is a beautiful Nativity story based on a European folktale that tells how the robin came to have a red breast.

As Raven flies home late one night, a bright star suddenly appears in the sky above Bethlehem. A heavenly voice urges Raven to go and tell the other birds that a special child has been born, the Prince of Peace. He darts away to proclaim the good news to Wren, Nightingale, and Rooster. Then Rooster crows with all his might, calling all the other birds, who come swooping from all directions towards the brilliant star, which rests above a modest stable. Every bird brings a gift for the newborn, such as the pillow Stork made from her own feathers. But one little bird, Robin, has nothing to offer, until a gust of wind, a dwindling fire, and a shivering baby provide her with the perfect opportunity to give (and receive) the gift of compassion.

The Birds of Christmas is both energetic and delightful. The action-filled text moves the story along at an enjoyable pace, while the detailed illustrations invite young readers to pause for just a moment before turning the page. Overall, it’s a sweet book, sure to be a holiday favorite.

Merry Christmas, everyone! And may 2026 bring peace and prosperity to you and your families.

Ornithologists estimate there are between 10,000 to 20,000 different species of birds in the world with new species being discovered almost every year.

Title: Late Today

Author: Jungyoon Huh

Illustrator: Myungae Lee

Publisher/Year: Eerdmans BYR/2025 (Wisdom House/2022)

Format: Hardcover, eBook

October 16th is Global Cat Day, a day that acknowledges that all cats, including stray and feral cats, deserve to be treated humanely. To celebrate the occasion, I’m reviewing a picture book about a little stray kitten.

With starred reviews from both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly, Late Today by Jungyoon Huh is already drawing attention. It was originally published in South Korea but has been republished this year here in the US by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

In Late Today, a terrified and confused kitten dashes between honking cars and trucks and buses, determined to make it to safety. Though lots of people see the kitten, everyone’s in a rush, and no one stops to help, until…a boy and his mother, fearful for the little cat’s safety, finally does.

Deceptively simple text is accompanied by dynamic art by Myungae Lee, whose colored pencil and oil pastel illustrations depict people of all ages, bumper-to-bumper traffic across a multi-laned bridge, a cityscape background, and a tiny lost kitten on a gray, rainy morning. Shocks of vivid color are scattered between dark skies, black tires, and lines of blue-hued pouring rain.

A heartbreaking story, filled with danger, becomes a heartwarming story by the end, much to the relief, no doubt, of any reader, young or old. It’s a not-so-subtle reminder to slow down, to consider what’s truly important, and to find compassion in our hearts for others, including animals.

Depending on which cat association you check with, there are between 40 and 75 domesticated cat breeds in the world. The Cat Fanciers Association recognizes just over 40 breeds, while the International Cat Association recognizes over 70 breeds.