Lia Anshar's Honest Pages

  "What makes a day special? What I mean is, what makes a special day special?"  Once Upon an Eid is a heartwarming anthology that brings together fifteen Muslim authors to celebrate one of the most joyful days of the year: Eid. Through short stories and lovely spot illustrations, this collection captures the many emotions and traditions surrounding this special holiday.  Eid may be a short, single-syllable word, but for Muslims, it carries so much meaning. It might remind you of waking up to the sound of frying samosas in the kitchen, the sweet comfort of bean pie, or the excitement of wearing a brand-new outfit for Eid prayer. For others, it’s about gift-giving, family gatherings, or long-awaited reunions. Whatever the tradition, the feeling that ties it all together is simple and powerful: joy.  This anthology beautifully showcases the diverse ways in which Eid celebrations can be observed. Religious holidays often require preparation, and every family has its own...

  "Maybe not all guys were like the immature high school boys who had no respect for the girls they pursued and barely remembered them a year later. And maybe the right person could help you live the life you want... maybe?"  You Only Live Twice by Autumn Allen follows Zakiyyah, a high school senior who wastes no time planning her future. Barely one week into senior year, she’s already mapping out how to skip the rest of high school and head straight to college. Zakiyyah has always been focused, independent, and driven.  But as she dives deeper into her carefully crafted plans, a new thought enters her mind: what if she had someone to share her journey with?  To everyone’s surprise, Zakiyyah decides she wants to get married. Enter Musa. With marriage as their shared intention, they begin getting to know each other. Things seem promising until tragedy strikes Boston. In a moment filled with stress and heightened emotions, Zakiyyah and Musa experience their first major...

  "Leap into the future! The Cosmos family lives in Banneker City, a spaceport on Earth in the year 2100."  The Solarball Slip-Up by Bryan Patrick Avery follows Charlie Cosmos, a curious and relatable young boy on an important mission: delivering his father’s smart key that was accidentally left at home. Simple enough, right?  Well… not quite.  On the way, Charlie and his friends decide to test out a brand-new solarball. As you can imagine, things don’t go exactly as planned. In the excitement, Charlie loses track of his dad’s device. What follows is a fun and slightly chaotic adventure filled with futuristic gadgets, friendship, and a lesson about responsibility. Will Charlie find the smart key in time, or will his solarball slip-up land him in serious trouble? Young readers will have to turn the pages to find out!  For ages 6–8, this early chapter book is such a refreshing read. I especially loved that it’s science fiction, something we don’t see nearly enoug...

  "Inshallah you have faith that won't waver or bend."  If you’re looking for a sweet, heart-melting picture book, Like the Moon Loves the Sky by Hena Khan is such a lovely pick.  This book may be short, but the feeling it leaves behind is so warm and comforting. It’s more than just a picture book with adorable illustrations. It feels like a reminder, a hope, and a quiet prayer wrapped into a story, especially for Muslim families.  The whole book centers around the phrase InshaAllah, which means “if God wills it.” It’s something many of us Muslims say every day when we talk about our plans and dreams. In this book, though, InshaAllah becomes something extra special, it’s a loving dua from parents to their child.  Each page starts with “InshaAllah…” followed by a heartfelt wish. We see a baby welcomed into a loving family, and as the pages turn, the child slowly grows up. From tiny newborn moments to little milestones, the child changes, but the loving wishes st...

  "But we keep praying. Perhaps the same prayer,    or sowing the same seeds, or marveling at..."  In a world that often feels loud, divided, and heavy, Sometimes We Pray by Mary Wagley Copp arrives as something quiet and gentle.  This 40-page picture book simply shows us something beautifully human: people pray. And we pray in many different ways. Some pray to a higher being, a God. Some pray to feel connected to something bigger than themselves. Some pray alone in silence. Others pray together in community. Some bow and prostrate. Some sing. Some chant. Some look up at the sky.  What I found especially meaningful is that the book includes Muslims in it. A mosque is mentioned. A family makes du’a before a meal. Hijabs are visible. Salah is shown. As a Muslim reader, that representation matters.  Now, I know some might feel uncomfortable seeing their way of prayer visually placed alongside other forms of prayer. But for me, in this particular moment, ...

  "She's a monarch now," her mom said. "When we got here, she was just a caterpillar who was finding her footing."  Make Way For Monarchs by Carolyn Armstrong follows two gifted twin sisters Sierra and Sydney. On a family trip to South America to witness the monarch butterflies’ winter migration, the story blends environmental education, adventure, and sibling dynamics against the backdrop of a breathtaking high-elevation habitat.  As the twins explore this unique ecosystem, they uncover a troubling reality: “bad guys” are cutting down trees and threatening the monarchs’ fragile winter home. What begins as an educational hike quickly turns into a race against time.  Sydney, who possesses an animal-speak ability, calls on unexpected allies, including the butterflies themselves, a trio of horses, and an adorable little dog to gather help. Sierra, on the other hand, relies on her scientific thinking and problem-solving skills to brainstorm practical solutions. Tog...

"Oh, my dear Lucinda, I can't control what is going on out there," Mamá said, "but Papá can help a neighbor, Tía Antonia can sooth a troubled tummy, Abuelo can reinforce the doors, and I I can cook." A Light for Lucinda by Olga Herrera is a tender and timely picture book that gently explores what it feels like to be a child witnessing political conflict just outside her window. Through Lucinda’s eyes, readers experience the contrast between fear and comfort, chaos and calm, uncertainty and love.  Told from a child’s perspective, the writing and illustrations beautifully capture how young hearts process overwhelming events. While danger lingers outside, the inside of Lucinda’s home remains warm and steady. In the midst of anxiety, she finds healing in simple yet powerful moments, her mother cooking in the kitchen and the reassuring presence of family members taking care of one another.  What I love most about this book is how it handles a serious topic with sens...

  "Kindness is like my mom," Said the boy. "She's always with me and always there for me!" If you’re looking for a heartwarming children’s book that gently teaches empathy, compassion, and kindness, The Book of Kindness by Egor Klopenko is a wonderful choice.  This beautifully crafted picture book features eight short stories, each centered around themes of kindness, generosity, understanding, and empathy. The purpose of the book is clear and meaningful: to nurture compassion from a young age and help children discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from caring for others. Through simple yet impactful storytelling, the book shows how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world around us.  One of the good points of this book is its accessibility. The stories are easy to understand, thoughtfully written, and never overly complicated for young readers. Each story flows smoothly, making it ideal for independent reading, bedtime stories, or...

  Piglettes by Clémentine Beauvais is a bold, funny, and surprisingly heartwarming young adult novel that tackles online bullying and beauty standards with courage and wit.  The story begins with a social media poll at school that labels three girls, Mireille, Astrid, and Hakima, as the “three ugliest girls” in their year. At first, they're kind of sad about it but not for long. Instead of hiding in shame, the girls decide to take control of their own story. Climbing onto their bikes, they set off on a summer road trip to Paris, to the President’s summer garden party. What follows is an unforgettable bike road trip across the country filled with unexpected friendships, media attention, and moments of both vulnerability and empowerment.  One of the good aspects of this novel is its simple, easy-to-follow plot. The story moves forward clearly and steadily, making it highly accessible for young readers while still being entertaining for adults. The clarity of the narrative ...

   "Knowledge begins with the naming of things. We call a tree a tree and a horse a horse. We've all come to agree upon the same name for the same things, and that is a marvelous accomplishment in itself." The Book of Sprout by Karen Norheim is a heartwarming children’s story about imagination, courage, and discovering your own path.  The story follows a young boy named Sprout who receives a beautifully handcrafted, leather-bound book from his parents. Expecting a grand story inside, he is shocked to discover that the pages are completely blank. Instead of giving him a finished tale, his parents gently encourage him to fill the book with his own adventures. And so, Sprout sets off on a journey, not just across places, but into his own creativity and bravery.  What makes this story especially charming is its gentle, storybook feel. There is a warmth to Sprout’s adventure that makes it both comforting and inspiring. His journey unfolds with imagination and heart, carr...

  The Found Echoes of Singing Trees (Audiobook) by Kaby is an enjoyable children’s sci-fi adventure that blends mystery, environmental awareness, and heartwarming collaboration into one engaging story. The story introduces us to Louey, an orange cat, and his companions Chloe and Bassy as they embark on a journey to discover why the echoes of the ancient Forest are disappearing and how to restore the music to keep Marsimble alive.  In the story, readers are given a thoughtful explanation of the planet’s setting and why animals and plants coexist there, which adds an intriguing layer of world-building. While the mystery at the center of the plot is gentle and age-appropriate, it keeps young listeners curious and invested. The adventure is both entertaining and educational, weaving learning naturally into the narrative.  What stands out most is how it highlights the importance of plants and animals and the way they function together within an ecosystem. Through Louey and his...

  Uncommonly Curious, Eternally Autistic by Rasha Hamid is a heartfelt and accessible picture book that celebrates the beauty of being autistic and neurodivergent. Written in clear, child-friendly language, this book offers young readers an affirming and positive perspective on autism, while gently acknowledging some of the challenges that may come with it.  From the book, we can see that autism doesn't look just one way. Autism can take many different forms, and you can't always tell whether someone is autistic just by looking at them. This message is conveyed in a simple yet powerful way, helping children understand that every individual experiences the world in a unique way. While the story focuses primarily on the strengths and uniqueness of autistic individuals, such as curiosity, creativity, and deep interests, it also briefly touches on realities like anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and frustration. These moments are handled with care and balance, making the book both hon...

Talking to children about death and loss is never easy. Many adults struggle to find the right words, the right tone, and the right moment. When We Don’t Have All the Answers: Eagle’s Wisdom by Denny Tranel attempts to gently open that conversation through a symbolic journey rooted in nature.  This picture book follows three boys and their uncle as they hike up a high cliff to see an eagle’s nest. What begins as a simple outdoor adventure gradually unfolds into something much deeper. As they observe the eagle and its behaviour, the journey becomes a space for reflection, particularly about losing someone they love and the difficult emotions that come with it.  One of the strongest aspects of this book is its message. The story addresses loss and grief in a soft, non-threatening way. Instead of presenting the topic directly and bluntly, the author uses the eagle as an example. This approach can feel comforting. The message suggests that even when we do not have all the answers ...

We Are the Future: Proud, Kind, United by C.M. Harris is a picture book that gently introduces young readers to diversity within a school environment. Through simple storytelling and warm illustrations, the book emphasizes essential values such as kindness, tolerance, and respect for differences; messages that are especially important to instill at an early age.  The story itself is straightforward and easy to follow, making it well suited for children around the ages of 4 to 6. The language is simple, and the illustrations clearly support the narrative, helping young readers understand both what is happening in the story and the message behind it. Nothing feels overwhelming or confusing, which is exactly what a picture book for this age group should aim for.  I’ve come across some reviews criticizing this book for lacking realism or being too “flowery.” However, I believe this perspective overlooks the developmental needs of its intended audience. Most readers of this book a...

The Very Eager Evergreen by Stef Wade is a tender, heartwarming picture book about purpose, self-worth, and learning to see the quiet good we bring into the world, even when we feel invisible.  The story follows Doug, a fir tree who is feeling deeply blue. Despite standing tall and doing what trees naturally do, Doug can’t help but feel that his life lacks purpose. He looks around and wonders whether he truly matters. His sadness feels very real and relatable, especially for young readers who may be experiencing similar feelings of doubt or not feeling “enough.”  Doug’s perspective begins to shift when his friend, Robin, tells him about another tree named Queenie who lives far away at the beach. Queenie is similar to Doug in many ways, and soon the two trees become pen pals. Through their letters, Doug and Queenie share stories about their lives, their surroundings, and the creatures that depend on them. This simple exchange becomes something much deeper; a gentle mirror that...

  One story, two points of view, and three generations. Ride by Bao Phi is a beautifully simple yet meaningful picture book about learning how to ride a bike. Yes, a bike! But as you follow the stories, it becomes clear that it is about much more than that.  From the children's perspective, Ride is a story of courage and self-belief. It captures the fear, excitement, and determination that come with trying something new. Through this viewpoint, young readers are gently reminded to trust themselves, take a leap of faith, and keep going even when things feel scary or uncertain.  From the parents' perspective, the story takes on a different emotional layer. It speaks about patience, restraint, and the act of letting go. Watching a child struggle, knowing when to step in and when to step back, is an experience many parents will find deeply relatable.  One of the most unique aspects of Ride is its dual-language format, presented in both English and Vietnamese. The two ...

  Reading Ada Holloway’s Had Enough by Randi Smith felt like opening a close friend’s diary and being trusted with her most honest thoughts. From the very first pages, Ada’s voice is raw, relatable, and deeply personal. She is a teenager trying to survive the everyday pressures of life: academic stress, expectations from parents, and the anxiety of not knowing what direction her future should take. These struggles are familiar, and that familiarity is exactly what makes Ada’s story so engaging and comforting at the same time. What truly sets this book apart is how Randi Smith skillfully connects these ordinary teenage challenges to much bigger, more complex issues. Ada’s senior thesis, which centers around a banned biography, becomes the heart of the story and a powerful catalyst for change. What begins as a school requirement slowly evolves into something much deeper, a bold questioning of censorship, power, and who gets to decide which stories are allowed to be remembered. The wa...

Molly Tells the World by Krista Weltner is a touching children’s story that explores dyslexia, self-acceptance, and the quiet fears many children carry with them. Our main character is Molly, a kind and intelligent young girl who has dyslexia but is terrified of letting her friends know. Like many children her age, Molly just wants to be normal, to fit in, to be liked, and to avoid standing out for the “wrong” reasons.  Molly’s fear is relatable. Children with learning differences often feel pressured to hide their struggles, worried that others might see them as less capable, strange, or even unlikable. This emotional reality is portrayed with great sensitivity in the story. Molly is not shown as weak or incapable, in fact, she is good at school, friendly, and smart. Yet behind that confident exterior, she carries anxiety and self-doubt about her dyslexia, which makes her character feel very real.  Everything begins to shift when a new presence enters Molly’s life, Leeann. T...