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WHERE DO STORIES LIVE?

Name: WHERE DO STORIES LIVE?
Author: Meenal Patel
ISBN: 9798217003198

by Meenal Patel ; illustrated by Meenal Patel ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 5, 2026

Sure to spur wonder and contemplation—and to inspire young writers.

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The gift of a journal prompts a youngster to ponder the origins of stories.

Accompanied by a younger sibling, Avni packs the notebook and walks a wooded path to visit their Masi (Hindi for aunt). Avni wonders where stories live. What tales lie in a river’s bend, a butterfly’s wings, or the rings of an ancient tree? At Masi’s home, the children draw, create family trees, reminisce over old photos, and cook a family recipe. Avni reflects that stories spring from a need “to create and a wish to share, / the observed, / the imagined, / the remembered, / the unseen, the unknown.” Masi answers Avni’s questions on the walk back home. “What stories live in a journal?” “What stories live in a dance?” “What stories live in us together?” That night, Avni falls asleep content in the knowledge that stories also live in books and our dreams. The introspective tone of Avni’s questions is reflected in the treasures the child encounters in nature. Leaves, butterflies, roots—all are a repository of stories. Patel’s use of soft colors reverberates with a sense of peace and a deep-rooted connection to nature, to family, and to moments of togetherness. The family is brown-skinned and cued as Indian.

Sure to spur wonder and contemplation—and to inspire young writers. (Picture book. 4-8)

Pub Date: May 5, 2026

ISBN: 9798217003198

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Kokila

Review Posted Online: Feb. 16, 2026

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2026

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY

- BOOK REVIEW
IN THIS FAMILY
by Shelly Anand ; illustrated by Meenal Patel

- BOOK REVIEW
PRIYA DREAMS OF MARIGOLDS & MASALA
by Meenal Patel ; illustrated by Meenal Patel

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THERE'S A ROCK CONCERT IN MY BEDROOM

by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 29, 2022

Nice enough but not worth repeat reads.

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Emma deals with jitters before playing the guitar in the school talent show.

Pop musician Kevin Jonas and his wife, Danielle, put performance at the center of their picture-book debut. When Emma is intimidated by her very talented friends, the encouragement of her younger sister, Bella, and the support of her family help her to shine her own light. The story is straightforward and the moral familiar: Draw strength from your family and within to overcome your fears. Employing the performance-anxiety trope that’s been written many times over, the book plods along predictably—there’s nothing really new or surprising here. Dawson’s full-color digital illustrations center a White-presenting family along with Emma’s three friends of color: Jamila has tanned skin and wears a hijab; Wendy has dark brown skin and Afro puffs; and Luis has medium brown skin. Emma’s expressive eyes and face are the real draw of the artwork—from worry to embarrassment to joy, it’s clear what she’s feeling. A standout double-page spread depicts Emma’s talent show performance, with a rainbow swirl of music erupting from an amp and Emma rocking a glam outfit and electric guitar. Overall, the book reads pretty plainly, buoyed largely by the artwork. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Nice enough but not worth repeat reads. (Picture book. 4-6)

Pub Date: March 29, 2022

ISBN: 978-0-593-35207-6

Page Count: 40

Publisher: Razorbill/Penguin

Review Posted Online: Feb. 8, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2022

Categories:

CHILDREN'S FAMILY | CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

- BOOK REVIEW
THERE'S A BEACH IN MY BEDROOM
by Kevin Jonas & Danielle Jonas ; illustrated by Courtney Dawson

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I GOT YOU

by Derrick Barnes ; illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 15, 2025

Brotherly love and Black joy abound in this brilliantly told tribute to the ties that bind.

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When Mom and Dad bring baby Rasheed home for the first time, it’s love at first sight for big brother Anthony.

As the boys grow, Anthony teaches his little sibling how to build a tower with blocks (and how to knock it down with a loud “WHOP!!!”), how to ride a bike, and even how to fly (through a well-timed leap from the swings). When thunder and lightning wake them both one night, Anthony assuages Rasheed’s fears with the book’s titular refrain: “I got you.” But one day Anthony goes for a bike ride with his friends, leaving Rasheed alone and hurt. That night, Anthony explains that while he may spend time with his peers, his bond with Rasheed is unbreakable. And as the book comes to a close, with Mom and Dad introducing the boys to their new little sibling, Anthony leaves Rasheed with perhaps the greatest lesson of all: how to be a supportive big brother himself. Narrated by Rasheed, Barnes’ text is elegant in its simplicity, loving yet never saccharine, and always emotionally honest. Using varied perspectives, Knight-Justice’s richly hued, collagelike digital illustrations combine a patchwork of textures and patterns, immersing readers in this affectionate Black family’s world. Greens and blues dominate the pages, bringing to life an idyllic suburban setting.

Brotherly love and Black joy abound in this brilliantly told tribute to the ties that bind. (Picture book. 4-8)