Published by Penguin Random House on May 12, 2026
ISBN: 9780593806296
Pages: 40
Genres: Emotions & Feelings
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Friendship, patience, and change are central themes that weave through Nice Work, a picture book written by Nicholas Day and illustrated by Hala Tahboub. A family decides to plant a peach tree, which starts off looking only like a stick. The child decides to plant more sticks with a friend, Maya, to see if they grow into trees as well. With care and patience, the real tree grows and eventually bears fruit, but sadly, Maya moves away. An older woman moves into Maya’s house and new connections are made. The child shows through a letter to Maya that he learns about patience, care, and how to cope with change. This is a philosophical, gently paced story with some diverse characters. All of this is conveyed with the straightforward tone of a kid who just tells it like it is, which brings light humor to this meaningful book. The illustrations seem straightforward at first, but the use of light and shadow conveys the complexities of friendship and loss, anticipation and waiting, constancy and change. Early Elementary readers will enjoy this book, and it could also be a good read aloud for K-5th graders.
Reviewed by Antona Briley, Librarian, Dora Small School, South Portland