Karhu Bimille

My daughter couldn't stop asking questions about why the neighbors were unkind, and this book gave us such a gentle way to talk about it. The story of Bimi and Evie's friendship feels real, and it's helped her see our own diverse street in a new light.

The illustrations really capture the warmth of the neighborhood, and the way it handles the kids' mixed reactions feels honest without being heavy-handed. My daughter asked to read it three nights in a row, and each time we found a new little detail in the background to talk about.

The refugee storyline hit close to home for us, but the way it's told through Bimi and Evie's eyes makes it gentle enough for my 4-year-old to follow along. We've read it three nights in a row, and each time she points out something new in the diverse neighborhood illustrations.