Book Club - June/July 2026
A Story About Autism, Big
Feelings, and Learning to Cope
Written by Alisha Simpson-Watt
Illustrated by Urwa Maqsood
Meet Mattie—a bright, imaginative girl who sometimes feels the world a little differently. Because Mattie has autism, loud sounds, changes in routine, or missing her favorite breakfast can make her day feel overwhelming. After a tough day filled with big feelings, Mattie isn’t sure how to cope, and she needs a little extra support to find her calm again.
“It’s Okay, Mattie” gently shows children what autism can feel like while teaching empathy, understanding, and healthy coping skills. With relatable moments and supportive guidance, this story helps kids learn that big feelings are normal, and they have the tools to manage them.
Complete with caregiver tips and discussion prompts, this uplifting book reminds every child that they deserve to be seen, understood, and valued just as they are. Ages 4–8.
Deep in a quiet garden, tucked within a carefully built log pile, lives a small mouse named George. His world is cozy, safe, and familiar—but George can’t help wondering what lies beyond it. One day, guided by curiosity and courage, he sets off on an adventure into the wide and wondrous world.
As George journeys farther from home than he ever has before, he encounters new places, unfamiliar sights, and unexpected friends. Along the way, he learns that the world is full of both beauty and uncertainty—and that even the smallest creature can be brave when it matters most. But when George finds himself far from everything he knows, he begins to wonder: how will he ever find his way back?
Told with warmth, simplicity, and heart, George the Mouse in a Log Pile House is a gentle story about exploration, resilience, and the meaning of home. It reminds young readers that it’s okay to venture out, to be curious, and even to feel a little lost-because sometimes the journey itself helps us discover where we truly belong. Ages 3–7.
From Michelle Rial, the writer of viral favorite “Am I Overthinking This?” comes a quirky and delightful picture book exploring multiple early-learning concepts through simple graphic charts and graphs.
Little charts for big hearts! Through boldly illustrated timelines, pie charts, bar graphs, and Venn diagrams, young readers will learn about colors, opposites, shapes, feelings, and much more in this unconventional STEM picture book with the sweetest ending ever.
Michelle Rial’s colorful, graphic style and infectious rhyming text make this a real off-the-charts read-aloud. Ages 2–5.