MISHKA

Mo is a stuffed bear who lives in an airport gift shop. One day, a man and a woman purchase him. Together they go on a plane ride, and Mo is eventually presented to Yuri, a little boy who calls him Mishka. The man and woman—Mama and Papa—are thrilled to meet Yuri, but soon they leave, promising to return. Mishka stays with Yuri, and together they eat, listen to music, sleep in a room with many other children and wait. Finally, Mama and Papa come back, and after a trip to an embassy, they are all back on a plane, on their way to a new home. When Yuri calls Mo “Mishka,” Mama and Papa realize that “Mishka” means bear, and Mo sees that along with a new family, he has a new name. Soft pastel illustrations blend nicely with the straightforward text to provide a tale of love and reassurance that explains the adoption process with finesse. A percentage of all proceeds go to organizations that help children throughout the world. (Picture book. 5-7)