Anzu and the Art of Friendship by Moni Ritchie Hadley, illustrated by Nathalia Takeyama. Albert Whitman & Company, 2023. 9780807561355
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Format: Paperback
Genre: Adventure
What did you like about the book? Anzu, a young Japanese girl, has moved into a racially mixed community and is apprehensive about her new school. Her classmates are learning about origami, but struggling. Anzu knows about origami and tries to help her new classmates, but they are resistant. But as Ojiisan reminds her “new skills take patience and practice. You will need to be patient with your classmates too.” And sure enough, the classmates begin to watch her folding and ask for help. The facial expressions in the illustrations are also really great for kids to decipher the emotions the children are feeling. There is also a brief glossary at the end, which is helpful.
Anything you didn’t like about it? Not a thing
To whom would you recommend this book? Children ages 3-8, especially if they have anxiety about trying something new or making new friends
Who should buy this book? Elementary school, public libraries, and day-cares
Where would you shelve it? jfiction
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Vicky Tandy, Athol Public Library, Athol, MA
Date of review: December 15, 2022
Youth Services Book Review 
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