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A Book of Maps for You
CCBC Review:
“I made a book of maps.” This book’s narrator has created a thoughtful guidebook of hand-drawn maps of their town, street, school, public library, local park, and more addressed to an unidentified “you.” Included on each map are the sort of helpful details known only to one who has lived, played, shopped, and attended school in these places for some time. On the map of the school, the narrator notes that “the cafeteria serves the best lunch on Fridays,” while the map of the park provides a tip about the swings (“the middle one flies highest”). The narrator introduces certain notable people by name, such as librarian Mr. Mercado, who “never hushes or shushes;” Mr. Ramjit, who lives on Little Farm; and Mrs. Chang, who runs an art-supply store. The last few maps are of “our house,” and they include instructions: “Put your bed under the skylight for the best view of the stars.” In an unexpected twist, it becomes clear to whom the book is addressed. On the final two-page spread, a child is looking at the maps, which have been left on the front porch; inside the house are moving boxes waiting to be unpacked. “The maps are for you… so you’ll find your way in your new home.” Packed with colorful, detailed, visually engaging maps of various types and perspectives (among the less traditional are a maze and a pirate map), a book that at first seems simply fun becomes a bittersweet narrative of departure and arrival. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Maxwell Eaton III
CCBC Age Recommendation: 4-7
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Community
Maps and Geography
Moving
Publisher:
Neal Porter Books
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780823455706
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Heuer