Noah and his wagon

Paloma is lonely and glum after her best friend moves away. While on a walk around the block, the child offers a friendly smile and says hola to a boy pulling a little red wagon. Noah invites Paloma's dog, Bucket, to join his cat, Mitzvah, for a ride. Paloma's babysitter's remark, "Dogs and cats don't mix," is proven false when the pets quickly curl up next to each other. Realistic conversations flow naturally between the children as they become acquainted, swap stories, and answer each other's questions. Paloma notices Noah's genuine gestures of thoughtfulness and the meaningful connections he makes with people of all ages in their neighborhood. Full of movement and activity, Jacobs' detailed illustrations show many scenes of amiable hospitality, from Noah's helping hand as he loads bags of groceries into his wagon to an impromptu picnic in the park with new friends. As she follows Noah's convivial lead, Paloma's social circle happily expands. A warmhearted picture book about building community one act of kindness at a time.

How will Paloma cope when her best friend, Emily Rose, moves away? Mamá goes to work and leaves Paloma in the care of boring babysitter Jasmine. But a walk with Paloma's dog, Bucket, will soon change everything. Jasmine, Paloma, and Bucket spot a boy pulling a wagon with a sleeping cat. Paloma greets him in Spanish. The boy introduces the cat as Mitzvah and asks if the dog wants a ride, and Bucket jumps right into the wagon and curls up next to the cat. The boy, Noah, tells Paloma that his cat is named for the Hebrew word for commandment and about his headgear, a kippah. Paloma tells him how her dog was named for the bucket in which he was found. As they join forces, it becomes clear that Noah, a newcomer, has already befriended several people in the neighborhood and extended kindness to them. Though Paloma still thinks of Emily Rose, now she's not alone; she has Noah and more new friends. Ruff's simple, endearing tale is filled with relatable characters, brought to life in Jacobs' brightly hued, detailed, highly energetic art. Friendship and tender acceptance surround Paloma, who is Latine with dark skin and curly, dark hair; Noah, light-skinned, brown-haired, and cued as Orthodox Jewish; Jasmine, who has tan skin and a brown ponytail; and a neighborhood of diverse people. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A message about the importance of community, gently imparted with love. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.