Virtual Book Tour Ripples

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ripples

Written and Illustrated by Katie Yamasaki

Ages: 6–10 | 40 Pages

Publisher: Norton Young Readers (2026) | ISBN: 978-1324053941

Publisher's Book Summary: A young girl and her Aunty set sail on their river raft, basking in each other's company and in the beauty of the world around them. Along the way, they pass friends and families caring for one another—sharing food, tending wounds, celebrating birthdays, and telling stories—who ultimately join them in cleaning litter and trash from the river. A moving picture book about compassion, community, and caring for our shared world.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookshop.org

MY REVIEW 

I first encountered the work of muralist and picture book creator Katie Yamasaki in Place Hand Here and Mural Island. Her latest book celebrates family, friendship, and community.

Ayla and her Aunty Koko are going on a rafting trip down the river. As they paddle along they see beavers, otters, geese, and other creatures that live near the water. They also pass by other rafters and groups out picnicking, celebrating birthdays, and enjoying nature. Onomatopoeic terms such as “drip,” “plop,” and “fwap” pull readers into the scene. There are descriptions of the scent: “Wet earth smells like mud pies from Mother Earth’s bakery.” The contrast between the “cool water on the back of my neck” that is splashed by Aunty’s paddle and the warmth as “My toes toast in the sun,” evokes the pleasure of a warm day on a cool river.

Everything is not idyllic, however. They “tend to the river” and pick up a piece of floating trash when they come across it. But when they reach the lake, “We paddle and scoop…Over and Over. It is a lot for two people.” Just when Ayla feels discouraged, her “friends are here to help.” The illustration on the back cover reinforces the feeling of community from the story - each of the kids is reaching a paddle from their raft over to the next one to keep them all connected.

This is a great story to remind us that we all need to care for the spaces we share and respect nature rather than taking it for granted. As the weather warms and more people head outside to enjoy spring and summer activities, perhaps we can all find ways to help just like Ayla and her friends.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katie Yamasaki works primarily as a muralist and picture book creator. She has painted more than eighty murals around the world, exploring local stories of identity and social justice. Her picture books include Mural Island, Place Hand Here, Shapes, Lines, and Light, Dad Bakes, and Everything Naomi Loved. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her family.

To learn more, visit www.katieyamasaki.com.

https://www.instagram.com/katieyamasaki

TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off for Ripples

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 @pieladybooks Instagram Post about Ripples

Thursday, April 23, 2026 The Starlit Path Instagram Reel about Ripples

Friday, April 24, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Ripples

Monday, April 27, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Ripples

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Ripples

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 @thechildrensbookreview Instagram Reel about Ripples

Thursday, April 30, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Ripples

Friday, May 1, 2026 Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk Book Review of Ripples

Monday, May 4, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Ripples

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Froggy Read Teach Instagram Post about Ripples

Thursday, May 7, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Katie Yamasaki

Friday, May 8, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about Ripples

Monday, May 11, 2026 My Reading Getaway Book Review of Ripples

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 Cover Lover Book Review Book Review of Ripples

Thursday, May 14, 2026 Mrs Makes Reading Fun Book Review of Ripples

Monday, May 18, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Ripples

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 Jena Benton Author Interview with Katie Yamasaki

Thursday, May 21, 2026 One More Exclamation Book Review of Ripples

 

This post is sponsored by Norton Young Readers. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views. 

Virtual Book Tour Yes! No. Maybe?

ABOUT THE BOOK

Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Written by Barbara A. Berger, PCC

Illustrated by Brent Pettit

Ages: 8+ | 86 Pages

Publisher: Live Your Genuine (2026) | ISBN: Hardcover: 979-8993098531 | Paperback: 979-8993098524

Publisher's Book Summary: Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything explores a deeper meaning behind the words we use every day. With a thread of faith woven throughout, Barbara A. Berger, PCC reframes Yes as foundation, No as protection of our inherent worth, and Maybe as the place where curiosity, growth, and expansion begin.

MY REVIEW

Everyone has days when they feel in tune with the universe, and then days when it seems that nothing goes right. This beautifully illustrated book with rhyming text explains the power behind three simple words - yes, no, and maybe.

The book begins with the Source, a lustrous ball of light against a blue-black expanse. The Source is alone, but asks, “If there is only one of Me, would you be the other?” Gradually the Source is joined by other lights and the pages grow brighter as colors swirl against the backdrop and human silhouettes filled with ribbons of color appear. Each one has its own light in the center, a bright ball of energy, filled with the power of Yes. The section on No shows a single human figure with a tiny pinpoint of light in a black silhouette. But the Source points out that we can say No to the cruel things that others say and use it as a way to defend ourselves. No doesn’t have to be a negative in our lives. And Maybe can lead us back to Yes by allowing us to take chances and wonder about what might happen if we give things a try.

The color and sense of energy and movement within the illustrations perfectly matches the mood created by the storytelling. This is a wonderful and supportive book to share with a loved one who is having a difficult time seeing their own promise and light. 

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4m99k3p  

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9798993098524

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara A. Berger, PCC, is a career and executive coach and founder of Career Wellness Partners and Live Your Genuine Coaching. Her work helps people find their foundation, protect their inherent worth, and step into the expansion that begins with a "Maybe." She lives in South Carolina with her husband and is the proud mom of two grown sons.

Discover more about the book at www.yesnomaybebook.com.

Visit the author's coaching website at liveyourgenuine.com.

https://www.instagram.com/barbara_a_berger_author/

https://www.facebook.com/LiveYourGenuine

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraberger/

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, April 13, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off for Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Thursday, April 16, 2026 The Starlit Path Instagram Reel about Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Friday, April 17, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Monday, April 20, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Barbara A. Berger, PCC

Thursday, April 23, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Friday, April 24, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Monday, April 27, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post about Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Thursday, April 30, 2026 Life Skills 2 Learn Book Review of Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Friday, May 1, 2026 @mysteryLFL Instagram Post about Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Monday, May 4, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Un Viaje en Libro Author Interview with Barbara A. Berger, PCC

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 One More Exclamation Book Review of Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

Thursday, May 7, 2026 @FroggyReadTeach Instagram Post about Yes! No. Maybe? Three Little Words That Change Everything

This post is sponsored by Barbara A. Berger, PCC. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views. 

Virtual Book Tour Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hope Rode: The Promise of the Packhorse Librarians

Written by Lauren H. Kerstein

Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander

Ages: 4+ | 48 Pages

Publisher: Union Square Kids (2025) | ISBN-13: 978-1454948483

Publisher's Book Summary: An empowering ode to the brave librarians from Kentucky.
Following the Great Depression, literacy rates in the country had dwindled, and education and opportunities were harder to come by, especially in areas like rural Appalachia. But still, there was a dream: a vision of a nation in which reading was accessible to all—even those in the most remote places.

The Packhorse Library project of the 1930s and 1940s called upon Kentucky women to make that vision a reality and rise to the difficult and demanding job of delivering books on horseback. The Packhorse librarians were brave, steadfast, and resilient. For years, the women endured rough terrain, harsh conditions, and exhaustion. And with each book delivered and reading lesson taught, the librarians ushered in a new era for Kentuckians.

With uplifting prose by Lauren H. Kerstein and lush, hand-painted art from Becca Stadtlander, Hope Rode tells the true story of the strength, courage, and conviction of the Packhorse librarians.

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PURCHASE LINK

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hope-rode-lauren-h-kerstein/1146850702

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9781454948483

MY REVIEW

Since 2019 when The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek hit the shelves, there has been a growing interest in the Packhorse Library Project. This picture book introduction to that program of the 1930s and 1940s is the perfect mix of evocative descriptions and beautiful illustrations.

Hope Rode brings readers into the Kentucky countryside with the “stalwart and strong” women who rode over 100 miles a week in all sorts of weather to bring books and reading instruction to those living in remote Appalachian communities. Kerstein’s phrases, emphasized by bold print, catch the eye and thrill the heart. “New dreams DAWNED. Big ideas FORMED. Seeds rooted and GREW.” Stadtlander’s paintings capture scenes of book donations, suspicious farmers and their dogs, or kids in a one-room schoolhouse gathered to hear the librarian read them a new story. 

Classrooms doing a unit on books and libraries can add this title to their text sets, as well as those who are studying WPA programs and the Great Depression. In a time when so many librarians and library programs are under assault from the forces of censorship, stories of historical heroes like these women who were “fierce and faithful” gives courage to those still fighting to “deliver the gift of reading to their neighbors.” 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lauren H. Kerstein is an award-winning author, psychotherapist, creative coach, screenwriter, and NYT-bestselling ghostwriter. She is the author of the Rosie the Dragon and Charlie picture book series, Home for A While, Remembering Sundays with Grandpa, and Hope Rode. Lauren writes books in her field and just released a book about emotion regulation. Her board books with Creative Publishing Services are due out this Spring. Lauren is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek, a judge with Rate Your Story, and is a long-time member of 12×12 and SCBWI. Her writing goals are simple. Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts.

For more information, visit Lauren at www.LaurenKerstein.net.

https://www.instagram.com/laurenkerstein/

https://bsky.app/profile/laurenkerstein.bsky.social

https://www.tiktok.com/@laurenkerstein

https://www.youtube.com/@laurenkerstein2491

https://x.com/LaurenKerstein

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ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Becca Stadtlander is an illustrator and fine artist, inspired by the beauty of everyday objects, the comforts of home, and the lush colors and landscapes of far-off places. She attended the Maryland Institute College of Art and currently lives and works in her hometown of Covington, Kentucky. Her work is featured in children’s and adult books, editorial publications, stationery, home decor products, and book covers.

Becca also teaches Painting/Drawing in the summer for the Governor’s School for the Arts in Kentucky.

Represented by Bright Group International.

For more information, visit www.beccastadtlander.com.

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TOUR SCHEDULE

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Book Review of Hope Rode

Thursday, April 2, 2026 Kidlit Love Podcast Instagram Reel about Hope Rode

Thursday, April 2, 2026 The Starlit Path Instagram Reel about Hope Rode

Friday, April 3, 2026 The Fairview Review Book Review of Hope Rode

Monday, April 6, 2026 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Hope Rode

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Hope Rode

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 The Children’s Book Review Instagram Reel about Hope Rode

Thursday, April 9, 2026 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review of Hope Rode

Friday, April 10, 2026 @bored_military_wife Instagram Post about Hope Rode

Monday, April 13, 2026 Glass of Wine, Glass of Milk Book Review of Hope Rode

Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Hope Rode

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 @nissa_the.bookworm Instagram Post about Hope Rode

Thursday, April 16, 2026 One More Exclamation Book Review of Hope Rode

Friday, April 17, 2026 Beth Anderson’s Blog Guest Post about Hope Rode

Monday, April 20, 2026 Froggy Read Teach Instagram Post about Hope Rode

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Sybrina’s Book Blog Guest Post about Hope Rode

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Un Viaje en Libro Book Review of Hope Rode

Thursday, April 23, 2026 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Lauren H. Kerstein

Friday, April 24, 2026 Writer with Wanderlust Book Review of Hope Rode

Monday, April 27, 2026 Life Skills 2 Learn Book Review of Hope Rode

Tuesday, April 28, 2026 @meghenslittlelibrary Instagram Post about Hope Rode

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 A Blue Box Full of Books Instagram Post about Hope Rode

GIVEAWAY - Enter for a chance to win one of five signed hardcover copies of Hope Rode by Lauren H. Kerstein. One lucky grand prize winner will also receive a signed copy, a swag pack, and a $30 gift card to their favorite indie bookstore. Giveaway ends April 30, 2026, at 11:30 PM Mountain Time. 

This post is sponsored by Lauren H. Kerstein. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.