The Seasons of Little Tree by Dr. Nahal Delpassand

Happy Sunday! Today's read sprouts and blooms in nature, and should hold all sorts of wisdom about growing and changing with life. At least, that's what I'm getting from the blurb. I enjoyed the cheerful and natural cover with the gentle hint of seasons in the background.

Is this a read to snuggle up with? Let's find out!

THE SEASONS OF LITTLE TREE

by Dr. Nahal Delpassand

Illustrated by Aram Amini

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

The Seasons of Little Tree is a story about growth, change, and the quiet strength that lives within us all. Through the shifting seasons, Little Tree learns that her roots are strong even though her branches are bent. She learns that true belonging comes from within. With gentle prose and timeless imagery, this story invites readers of all ages to honor their own seasons of becoming.

PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

And here she is...

Dr. Nahal Delpassand is a licensed psychologist, writer, and speaker whose work explores what it means to live authentically, resiliently, and with self-compassion in an increasingly complex world. Based in Austin, Texas, and licensed to provide telehealth across 40 states as a PSYPACT provider, she has spent nearly a decade guiding individuals through the intersections of identity, emotional health, and personal growth. Her clinical expertise and public voice have positioned her as a trusted commentator on mental health, modern relationships, and the psychology of resilience.
Dr. Delpassand’s practice centers on helping clients deepen their self-awareness, navigate life transitions, and find meaning in adversity. Living with cerebral palsy, experiencing divorce, and navigating her own IVF journey have profoundly shaped her understanding of resilience and emotional healing. These experiences allow her to sit with others’ pain from a place of deep empathy and lived truth, knowing firsthand that strength often coexists with vulnerability. She has extensive expertise in working with individuals managing chronic illness, disability, and the psychological impact of infertility. She also works with individuals and couples navigating fertility challenges and the emotional complexity of IVF treatment, helping them build resilience and connection through each stage of the process. Her clinical approach and lived experience combine empathy with evidence-based practice, focusing on sustainable change that helps people pause, reflect, and reconnect.
Drawing from her multicultural upbringing as the daughter of Iranian immigrants, Dr. Delpassand’s perspective is shaped by themes of belonging, humility, and perseverance. Her parents’ journey – leaving their home country after the Iranian Revolution to rebuild their lives in the United States – instilled in her the values that now define her work: courage in transition, dignity in the face of challenge, and pride in her identity. These values form the foundation of her signature philosophy, Rooted in Self, an integrative framework that encourages individuals to ground themselves in their values, emotions, and truth rather than external expectations.
As a writer and speaker, Dr. Delpassand extends her message beyond the therapy room through commentary and workshops that explore subjects such as modern dating and self-worth, multicultural identity, fertility and womanhood, sustainable self-care, and leadership through empathy. A sought-after writer and speaker Dr. Delpassand has collaborated with the Austin Business Journal, Soho House Austin, Tribeza, and the Young Women's Alliance of Austin to lead conversations around modern dating and self-worth, multicultural identity, fertility and womanhood, sustainable self-care, and leadership through empathy, drawing from her clinical expertise and lived experiences..
Her debut children’s book, The Seasons of Little Tree (May 2026), expands her philosophy to a new generation through the story of a small tree learning to embrace change and belonging. Dr. Delpassand offers a universal message about resilience and self-acceptance, one that mirrors the lessons she teaches adults every day. 
Throughout her work, Dr. Delpassand’s message remains the same: healing begins when we root ourselves in who we truly are.

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Squirrel and Duck's Autumn Adventure by Harriet Stone

SQUIRREL AND DUCK'S AUTUMN ADVENTURE

by Harriet Stone

Illustrated by Moonlie Fong Whittaker

words & pictures

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING JULY 28th!!!

Discover the magic of autumn with Squirrel and Duck's Autumn Adventure, a heartwarming picture book which blends storytelling, learning, and creative play. 

In a gentle tale set among crunchy amber leaves, Willow the duck and her friend Kit the squirrel explore the excitement and beauty that autumn brings. As the animals play along the riverbank, young readers are introduced to autumn wildlife, nature's rhythms, and the quiet joys of friendship and kindness. After the story, there is more to learn and explore with animal fact files, seasonal eco-crafts, and a fun activity—perfect for little nature-lovers. 

Part of a charmingly illustrated four-book series, Squirrel and Duck's Autumn Adventure encourages children's creativity and nurtures their curiosity about the natural world. 

Join these two animal friends and celebrate the wonder of autumn!

GOODREADS  

MY TIDBITS

And here they are...

Harriet Stone is a London-based author and editor with a passion for creating funny and inspiring titles for children. She studied linguistics at Lancaster University before pursuing a career in the publishing industry further south in the UK. In her spare time she enjoys playing cricket and attempting home-made halloumi.

Moonlie is a self-taught artist of Chinese and Malaysian heritage, who currently lives in London. She was born in the Netherlands and grew up on the Belgian seashore, but is still loud and proud about her Chinese Malaysian roots. As a children’s illustrator, Moonlie loves inventing quirky characters and stories all the time. She mostly works in watercolor and ink to create illustrations with a lot of color, texture, and expressive lines. 
Moonlie is a big foodie and a chocolate snob for Belgian chocolate. She especially loves Chinese Malaysian cultural food. Apart from illustrating and food, she is a part of Imperial College Race Equality Charter Group and Imperial As One (BAME staff network and advisory group).

Operation: True Love Vol. 1 by Kkokkalee

What's summer without a little young adult romance? Today's read heads in that direction...I think. Honestly, I'm not sure what to think of this one. The cover is hitting me with mixed vibes. Edgy. I'm not sure if that is a hero to root for or someone to avoid. But that's what we'll figure out when we open this one up, right?

It's a graphic novel and the first in the series. So, let's see what it holds.

OPERATION: TRUE LOVE VOL. 1

by Kkokkalee

WEBTOON Unscrolled

YA Romance   /   Manga

288 pages

COMING JULY 23rd!!!

Perfect for fans of romantic dramas with hints of the supernatural, this binge-worthy graphic novel follows high schooler Su-ae as her life takes a turn for the unexpected after she discovers a sentient flip phone in her locker.

Phones are perfect for sending messages, snapping photos, and most importantly, talking to your friends. One thing Su-ae didn’t account for, however, was that her phone would be able to talk back.

Su-ae discovers that Jellypop, a flip phone stored in her locker, is sentient—and Jellypop has a lot to say about Su-ae’s love life. High school romances are never easy, and Su-ae’s relationship with her nonchalant boyfriend seems to be going nowhere.

Lacking the charisma of her step-sister Ra-im is one thing, but seeing the growing sparks between her and Minu just adds salt to injury. It’s up to Jellypop to help Su-ae navigate the peaks and pits of teenage love, and finally get the high school love story she deserves!

This volume collects episodes 1 to 10 of the sensational WEBTOON comic with over 260 million reads, Operation: True Love.

GOODREADS      /     WEBTOONS

MY TIDBITS

Love is a difficult game in high school, and these pages reveal how uncertain it can really become.

Su-ae is completely in love with her boyfriend. He's hot, and everyone knows they're a couple...and yet, he seems distant. A bit too distant. When a flip phone mysteriously turns up in her locker, she's sure it's his. But it keeps popping up messages directed at her, and whoever it is always knows exactly what's going on. While trying to figure out who's behind the phone, Su-ae accidentally runs into her boyfriend kissing her step-sister in a classroom. That should be insta-break-up, but still, something isn't quite right. 

High school romance can be messy when mixed with growing up, and these pages let that fly. Even the first pages bring along a sense of chaos as Su-ae introduces herself and sets the foundation surrounding her life with her step-sister and her boyfriend. It took a bit to settle into Su-ae and what was happening. While that seemed a little irritating, at first, it actually slides right into the atmosphere and situation. Su-ae is confused, but then, her entire relationship realm is unsettled. The mysterious phone adds mixed vibes as well. On one hand, the person texting her seems to want to open her eyes, and yet, there's an underlying frustration as they know everything and stay hidden. 

Fans of high school drama with hints of toxic twists will enjoy this one...and I say toxic in the very light sense because this romance doesn't hit that direction very hard. There isn't any true bullying or outright wickedness. Rather, Su-ae has a lot of self-discovery to do. 

The graphics let the emotions come across clearly and break-up the usual rowed run to give emphasis to Su-ae's situation. The mysterious side also comes across well as the other characters' visual emotions tend to stay unreadable or unexpected at certain moments. This makes Su-ae's uncertainty understandable and lets readers know that even the other characters have more going on then they are admitting.

If you're looking for a sweet romance, this isn't it. This is about a girl, who is beginning a journey of discovering herself and the workings of relationships...which is a very messy journey in and of itself. Plus, there is a lot happening under the surface than this first volume reveals...or at least, I hope that's the case. These pages seem to lay the stage for much more to come and do a nice job at building the tension. I am curious to see where this goes next and hope the rich of layers, which could make this really shine, begin to peel back in the next volume. 

The Fantastic Floating Mr. Finnegan by Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger

Today's read hits from the international kidlit realm and is from a Swiss author and illustrator, whose works have already been well-received. This latest tale hits the shelves this Fall in both German and English (and maybe, some other languages?). I found the cover adorable and definitely want to see why this Mr. Finnegan is floating in the sky. 

Let's find out, shall we?

THE FANTASTIC FLOATING MR. FINNEGAN

by Rebecca Gugger &

Simon Röthlisberger

Translated by Tammi Reichel

NorthSouth

Picture Book

48 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING SEPTEMBER 22nd!!!

From the celebrated creators of A Chest Full of Words comes an uplifting modern fable about a boy who challenges convention–and takes to the sky.

When Finnegan was born, he could float–fantastic! He gleefully floats his way through childhood, until questions and concerns from friends and neighbors eventually weigh him down. Then one day, a little girl floats by him and inspires Mr. Finnegan to find out if he can still reach the clouds.

A magical and heartwarming tale of overcoming boundaries set by others–and those we set ourselves, from the brilliant duo who brought us A Chest Full of Words.

GOODREADS    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Highs and lows accompany a floating dream, which some call a miracle and other call a problem.

Finnegan was born with the ability to float. Just over the floor or swirling between the clouds, his feet never touched the ground. While he loved the freedom to soar through the air, others around him expressed more and more concern the older he grew. Worries about him hitting an airplane or accidentally being blown away by the end mounted until it was decided that he needed to be weighed down on the ground. But weight carries a power deeper than first appears.

Taking a dream so many kids have (and even a few adults), this tale immediately invites listeners in. Finnegan's joy for floating radiates freedom and joy, while adding a dose of fun fantasy. Just as emotions hit high, criticism brings everything low...a bit like the plot itself.  It's a little bittersweet but the humor and ending twist to draw a huge smile. So, there's a lot on the emotional end. All along, the illustrations add in humor. Even when the plot grows heavier, the details in the scene add subtle lightness. It creates a meaningful read while letting imagination play its magic, too.

This makes a lovely read aloud and can be picked up by readers, who are sure of their words. The text keeps a little distance as it tells the tale, while the illustrations invite the magic in. It fits well especially with the mid and upper range of the intended age group. 

And here they are...

Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger were both born in Switzerland and live together in Thun, close to the forests, the mountains, and the fresh air.

Rebecca is a freelance illustrator and graphic artist, studied at the HKB (Bern University of the Arts), and likes to have her head in the clouds. Simon is a trained graphic artist, is currently working as an art director, and likes sailing.

Tammi Reichel earned two degrees in theology and then moved to Germany for a decade, where she became an editor for an international publisher. She has translated a wide range of books, from art and architecture to cookbooks to young adult novels, including My Family for the War, which received the 2013 Batchelder Award. After raising her family in Virginia, she recently relocated to western Montana, where mountains and forests and waters provide perspective and inspiration.

Counting Creatures and Their Features by Dee Leone

Today's read is a Little Golden Book!!!! I remember loving these books as a kid, and I'm so happy that their number keeps growing. Thanks to the huge amount of kidlit being released every month, Golden Books have drifted a bit out of my focus. So, I'm glad I can change that today. 

This read just sounds like fun. I'm expecting counting, fantasy silliness, and all sorts of ridiculousness. In other words, it should be more than just a little enjoyable. So, let's see if learning to count is fun with this bunch!

COUNTING CREATURES AND THEIR FEATURES

by Dee Leone

Illustrated by Kelly Kennedy

Golden Books

Picture Book

24 pages

ages 2 to 5

COMING JULY 14th!!!

Count your way through a world of quirky, silly creatures, from goblins to witches, in this original Little Golden Book filled with rhythmic, read-aloud fun!

Get ready to meet little goblins with knobby knees, growling monsters with spiky hair, fire-breathing dragons with shiny scales, and so much more! With rhyming text, adorable illustrations packed with items to find and count, plus a surprising ending, this is truly a book that makes storytime fun for the kids being read to and the adults doing the reading!

GOODREADS     /     PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

Counting and numbers come across with quirky, creature style and lure in listeners to practice their skills on every page.

All sorts of creatures are ready to appear and show off their own, silly ways. Be it mummies surrounded by flies, weird monsters with shoelaces knotted in crazy ways, or skeletons and their constant clinking-clinking-clinking, there's never a boring moment. Each scene carries a tad bit of spooky beginnings, but the creatures are so quirky that it fades into giggles quickly. Add the surprise monster at the end...the biggest and scariest of all...and it's a read which is sure to get the word 'again'.

While this is a counting book, numbers are nowhere to be found. Instead, listeners are asked to count odd things like patches, toes, newts, and more. There are three objects to be discovered and counted on each page. This counting task is smoothly glided in with the sillier lines, which introduce each creature and their special quirks. The rhyming is very well done to create a seamless read. This also allows the fun and humor to take control and draw listeners/readers in.

Of course, this is a perfect book for the Halloween season, but it also slides in for counting fun all year around. Especially monster fans are going to enjoy the parade of characters and their antics. It's a lovely way to practice those counting skills and promises tons of smiles along the way.

And here she is...

Dee Leone has written several reproducible books for the educational market, covering themes such as science, language arts, and holidays. In addition, many of her stories, poems, plays, and activity puzzles have appeared in children’s magazines. Dee taught at the elementary level in several states and was also a gifted program aide. She is married and has two daughters. The author enjoys writing fiction, non-fiction, and silly verse. Her interests include amateur photography, traveling, and scrapbooking. Her cooking expertise, however, only extends about as far as that of her zany little bee characters, Bizz and Buzz.