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.