In Orichuia’s lighthearted picture book for young children, a little girl named Nina relies on the generosity of her neighbors to help bake her mother’s birthday cake. As Nina and her father are preparing to whip up the celebratory dessert, they realize their cupboards are bare. “Don’t worry, Papa,” Nina says. “We can ask Zia Maria for the ingredients.” She happily sets off down the road with her lovable pet turtle, bopping from house to house to acquire what she needs. On the way home, Nina trips and spills her supplies—but her kindly neighbors are ready with a birthday surprise for Nina’s mom.

This endearing tale elevates the benefits of growing up in a safe, supportive village. Borrowing a cup of sugar from a neighbor to prepare a treat is an antiquated notion in the age of Amazon and no-contact delivery, but here the simple concept of knocking on someone’s door and asking them for help occurs naturally to Nina. This will give kids and adults the chance to discuss the sometimes tricky question of how to ask for assistance when they need it, as well as how to identify adults they can trust. Nina’s solo adventure around the neighborhood also promotes independence in childhood, which is something many kids today experience less than previous generations.

Appearing in muted hues of mustard yellow, rusty red, and light blue, Carla Dipasquale’s illustrations feel inviting and charmingly vintage. Wearing galoshes with her straw-colored hair in braids, Nina is shown splashing through puddles with her turtle perched on her head, waving to shop owners as she passes. Nina’s neighbors, too, seem plucked from another era, with the characters wearing dresses or trousers and preferring playing cards or reading the paper to staring idly at televisions or smartphones. This sweetly old-school story calls up the best kind of nostalgia and celebrates the power of kindness.

Takeaway: A little girl relies on the generosity of neighbors to help bake her mother’s birthday cake.

Comparable Titles: Nyasha M. Chikowore’s Giraffe Asks for Help, Temi Díaz ‘s It’s Okay to Ask.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A