The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on September 29, 2020
ISBN: 0358329604
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

A stranger arrives in town, and he’s carrying a suitcase. Everyone asks him what’s in the suitcase, and he tells them of grand things that couldn’t possibly fit inside one suitcase. Do they trust his word or do they attempt to break into his suitcase while he naps? They decide on the latter, and find the stranger was grossly exaggerating the contents of his suitcase. What the friends decide to do for the stranger before he wakes will warm your hearts and restore faith in humanity.

When first reading this book, I was shocked the animals decided to break into the suitcase. What comes of it, however, touches on friendship, compassion, and how we treat others in need. This is a wonderful book for sharing empathy and teaching kids that there is always room for kindness. The illustrations are simple and colorful. The animals are depicted in a cartoonish way that will resonate with younger readers. The text alternates colors to match the color of the individual speaking. Recommended for readers 3 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME