Connected Threads
The CBC selects a theme to spotlight in each months’ Hot Off the Press list, helping parents, teachers, librarians, booksellers, and children’s book enthusiasts discover standout new titles from our member publishers.
The invisible threads that connect us to one another and to our own unfolding journeys come alive in these books from our November Hot Off the Press list. These tales show how a single narrative can spark connection from heart to heart, reminding us that every voice carries the power to reach beyond itself and deepen our understanding across distances and differences. As characters navigate self-discovery, we see how personal growth ripples outward, strengthening community, fostering joy, and inviting each of us to walk alongside one another with thoughtfulness and care.
Heart String, by Brooke Boynton-Hughes (Chronicle Books) — Family / Community, Social Emotional Learning, Kindness / Generosity, ages 0-3.
Now available as a board book featuring an irresistibly tactile embossed string, this beautiful and heartwarming story reminds us that we’re all connected.
There’s a heart string binding us all together! Through backyards and neighborhoods, over mountains, and across oceans, this colorful heart string ties us all together. Out of sight yet undeniable, it joins our hearts so that we are never truly alone. Follow the thread of this reassuring story to see how, even in a world as vast as ours, there is always a bond that connects us to the ones we love—and to the world we share.
Hello! I’m a Story, by Peter Van Dyck; illustrated by Yule Hermans (Clavis) — Imagination / Play, Family / Community, Friendships, Kindness / Generosity, ages 7-12.
An imaginative book about human connection in a digital age. For anyone who cherishes the art of storytelling, ages 7 years and up.
In a city where everyone seems lost in their own digital bubbles, Omar finds something extraordinary: living stories, fluttering like whispers in the wind. As he listens, others do, too. Soon something incredible happens–the parks and streets transform into vibrant hubs of laughter, imagination, and togetherness.
This multi-layered story celebrates the magic of storytelling while exploring important themes like diversity and migration. With its blend of playfulness and deeper meaning, this book serves as a powerful conversation starter about human connections, making it a valuable resource for libraries, classrooms and families alike.
Lisa’s Journey, written & illustrated by Effie Lada (Clavis) — Imagination / Play, Fantasy, Mental / Physical Health, Family / Community, ages 7-12.
A beautifully illustrated picture book full of imagination. For little and big dreamers ages 5 years and up.
Each day as she wanders through the city, Lisa notices people staring at their phones. She hears silence rather than voices, and she wishes she could do something about it. Lisa takes a bus to the countryside where there are millions of shining stars–where the birds are singing their melodies. She crosses snowy lands, and arrives at the edge of the world. There stands the forgotten fantasy factory. Can it help bring light to people of her city?A true masterpiece, with stunning illustrations by Effie Lada that speak for themselves. Lisa’s Journey explores a society where social connections are fading, and everyday tasks push dreams aside. This story encourages children to continue dreaming, to be creative, and most of all, to connect with others.
Lucky Dog Comes Home, by John Spray; illustrated by Scot Ritchie (Pajama Press) — History, Family / Community, Animals, Careers / Hobbies, ages 4-6.
The story of one man, and a few dogs, who have the power to bring joy back to a grieving community.
George has returned home from WWII, which has devastated the world. Though he swore he would never wear a uniform again, George becomes a mailman. Then, something unexpected and miraculous happens—dogs begin following him on his daily paper route. This parade of dogs brings joy and life back to a community still recovering from loss.
The author, John Spray, was inspired to write this story based on his own family’s experience during and after WWII.
For more great book suggestions, be sure to check out the full November Hot Off the Press list!
List compiled by CBC’s resident children’s book aficionado, Brooke Pisarsky. Check out other Hot Off the Press Spotlight booklists on our blog.
