Welcome to part 24 in a series of non-fiction book reviews, originally based on the idea that the books I request tell you everything you need to know about me. I have, after so many chapters of this series, realised that all these posts say about me is that 24, this was just a place to put these reviews, but now I can see how broad my non-fiction reading is, and how many interesting, good (and sometimes not-so-good) books and topics I've had a chance to explore. Despite being CFBC sometimes I like to take a look at children's books and what's out there - today we have meditative cats, Black hair and premature babies.
What George Thinks When He Sits Still by Caroline Bell
Have you ever wondered what a cat is thinking?
In this tender, beautifully illustrated picture book, readers follow George—a dreamy, thoughtful cat—as he rests in sunbeams, watches the world pass by, and reflects on quiet moments. The story begins from an outside perspective, then gently shifts into George’s own voice—inviting children and grown-ups alike to slow down and listen more closely… to cats, to stillness, and maybe even to themselves.
What George Thinks When He Sits Still is a calming, poetic experience for cat lovers, gentle-hearted children, teachers, and anyone who finds magic in quiet moments.
This is beautifully written and illustrated, although the story does wander around a little. It's deliberately very calm and calming, with on-trend colours and charming pictures. I, an an adult found it both calming and charming. I'm not sure I would give this to a child, but I'm definitly thinking about giving a copy to my best friend, who refuses to meditate, because this book is so calming and is a secret gateway to meditation and calm.
Waiting for Max: A NICU Story by Emily Rosen
This heartwarming and imagination-filled picture book helps families navigate the NICU and all the feelings that come with it, from the perspective of one big sister who just wants to bring her new brother home.
Louise can’t wait to meet her new little brother, Max! But he was born earlier than expected and has to stay in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until he’s strong enough to come home. Waiting is hard. Really hard. So big sister Louise uses her BIG imagination to come up with her own creative plans to get Max home.
I remember, during 2020 and lockdowns, watching my friend Laura's baby - born at 22 weeks, go through a long, long time in the NICU. This children's book is more fun that that! It explains, in a way that a child can understand, why a baby (in this case Max) is in the NICU. It's not scary, this book is told in a really comforting, but not condescending way. It really captures that impatience of waiting, waiting, waiting. The illustrations are beautiful and the whole effect is wholesome and fun. Definitely a book I would give to the older sibling of a baby in the NICU, or just a fun read for any young child expecting a sibling.
Black Hair Can: The Roots of Our Roots by Sylvia Rodriguez
A boldly illustrated nonfiction picture book about the historical roots of Black hair by a Black and Latine debut author-illustrator, perfect for 4-8-year-olds.
Black hair is the crown for the African diaspora worldwide and a strong symbol of identity and beauty in a variety of communities. It's a source of pride and expression, and from the times of kings and queens has demonstrated a person's life's journey.
Yet as enslaved people, Black people had their hair taken from them as a way to remove their humanity. As African Americans struggled through history, their hair became a major source of resiliency and a way to take back their power.
Let's start by noting that I am Australian and of European descent, so please take my opinion lightly. Most of the book is a list of things "BLACK HAIR CAN", with each page being a (beautifully drawn) illustration and some brief text. It may get a bit repetitive, although young children do love a repetition. Then there is a page about a Dove beauty campaign, and a couple of very small print pages giving history of hair in different parts of Africa.
This book would need reading and discussing carefully with a child. Unlike many picture books it's not just cute and with a hidden message, it's overt and political. It's also a very attractive book, addressing an important topic, and could be a good introduction to these topics. It covers such a broad range, from status, to politics, slavery and individualism. I wouldn't buy this as a gift, but i would consider buying it for my own children if we were African American.
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